Alabama beats out several schools to land in-state 4-star playmaker

MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives the fans a thumbs up after the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA - JANUARY 11: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide gives the fans a thumbs up after the College Football Playoff National Championship football game against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Hard Rock Stadium on January 11, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. The Alabama Crimson Tide defeated the Ohio State Buckeyes 52-24. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Massive recruiting news has arrived for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide, as a 4-star athlete has committed to the program. 

This July 4 has turned out to be even more special for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. The program of course is no stranger to land big-time recruits, but things are even more special when a local product chooses to stay home.

That’s what Alabama was able to do on Sunday, with 4-star in-state product Antonio Kite announcing his pledge. Kite, who is listed as an athlete on 247Sports since he could play either on offense or defense at the next level, picked up 16 offers throughout his process.

Antonio Kite just gave Nick Saban and Alabama the news they were hoping for

This indeed is a strong get for Saban, as Kite chose the Tide over Florida State, Tennessee, South Carolina and several other programs. Kite had previously taken official visits to South Carolina and Tennessee, while he’s also scheduled to visit Florida State in September.

Now, it looks like that trip won’t be happening, as he’s locked in with Alabama. For the Tide, the team is now up to nine verbal pledges for the 2022 class, which is of course highlighted by 5-star quarterback Ty Simpson and 5-star running back Emmanuel Henderson.

Alabama currently holds the No. 13 class in the country and No. 4 class for the SEC. It’s obviously still early in the recruiting season. Alabama figures to be near the top of the rankings when things are wrapped up next winter. For now, Saban and Co. will keep working overtime on the trail to keep landing the standout players. Kite’s verbal could give the staff plenty of momentum heading into the heart of the summer.

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