Cedrick Simmons, a dynamic playmaker out of Selma, Alabama, stunned onlookers this week when he reversed his verbal commitment from Auburn to the University of Alabama, the program he grew up cheering for.
During his junior campaign he amassed 106 receptions for 2,192 yards and 20 touchdowns, while also contributing 34 tackles and seven interceptions on defense, underscoring his two‑way talent.
The performance earned him an invitation to Nike’s prestigious The Opening Finals, where the nation’s top high school prospects showcase their abilities before a national audience.
Ranked as the No. 588 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class and the No. 24 player in the state, Simmons’ decision reflects a broader surge in Alabama’s ability to attract elite in‑state talent.
A Strategic Win for the Crimson Tide
Alabama’s coaching staff, led by head coach Kalen DeBoer, view the flip as more than a statistical boost; it signals a renewed confidence in the program’s ability to compete for top local prospects against traditional SEC rivals.