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Alabama signee, top 100-ranked player explains flip from Buckeyes to Crimson Tide
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Nearly two weeks ago, it the Early Signing Period took place.
Big-time recruits finally got to sign with the schools they wanted to play for, and of course, some drama ensued. Top 100-ranked guys flipped their choices at the last minute.
One of those was Jordan Battle, a 4-star safety who ranks as the No. 77 player overall and No. 6 safety in his class according to 247Sports. Battle was committed to Ohio State since June 2018, but during the Early Signing Period, he elected to switch to Alabama.
Why?
He answered at the Under Armour All-Star Game check-in:
“The big decision between those two schools was the coaching change, of course,” Battle said.
It was as simple as that. And, Alabama took advantage of that knowledge once Urban Meyer — on Dec. 4 — decided to announce his retirement date for after the Rose Bowl. That same day of Meyer’s announcement, Alabama coach Nick Saban visited Battle at his home in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Saban knew that with Meyer out of the picture, he could swoop in. He did just that and got Battle to commit to the Crimson Tide.
Call it what you want, but Saban got the guy he wanted at the end of the day. And, love it or hate it, that’s what makes Saban what he is.
Kevin covers Big Ten football for Saturday Tradition.