Da’Shawn Hand commits to Alabama Crimson Tide

Woodbridge senior defensive end Da’Shawn Hand has committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Hand’s decision came down to the Tide, Florida Gators or Michigan Wolverines. The commitment was broadcast live on the NBC Sports Network in cooperation with Yahoo Sports.

The 6-foot-4, 254-pound defensive end is rated among the top overall prospects in the country and is a unanimous five-star prospect according to the major recruiting services. According to 247Sports.com’s composite rankings, Hand is the nation’s No. 1 strong-side defensive end and the fourth-ranked overall recruit.

It’s been a wild and memorable week for Hand, who was presented his honorary game jersey for the 2014 Under Armour All-America High School Game on Wednesday:

Entering the 2013 season, many believed Michigan was the front runner for Hand’s services, and most believed it will come down to Bama or Michigan. Given the vast difference of both program’s success this year and since Nick Saban came to Alabama, anytime he beats a Big 10 school for an elite recruit shouldn’t come as any surprise at all.

Here is a brief excerpt of his ESPN Scouting Report:

"Has the natural tools to be disruptive off the edge as a pass rusher, but there is still room for development in this area. Shows good up-field burst and looks to take a tight path quickly attacking the outside shoulder, active with weapons but must continue to improve the use of his hands and incorporate moves. Not truly a pure speed edge rusher with a more adequate ability to shave the edge, but he does demonstrate impressive speed-to-power, an aspect of his game he needs to better utilize. Displays the ability to see and counter well inside."