Bama Emerges as Favorites for 2027 5-Star OL After Recent Visit

This past weekend, Kalen DeBoer and his staff developed meaningful relationships with prospects from the 2027 class. Many of these prospects left Tuscaloosa feeling very positive about Alabama after the Tide's 20-9 victory over LSU. One prospect, in particular, is rated as the No. 3 interior offensive lineman in the 2027 class.

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Following his third visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend, class of 2027 interior offensive lineman Albert Simien left Alabama’s campus very high on the Crimson Tide, with Rivals’ National Recruiting Analyst Sam Spiegelman reporting that the Crimson Tide is emerging as a serious contenders for the five-star offensive lineman with Simien telling Spiegelman that “They have really dialed things up with my recruitment.”

Simien is a 6-foot-4 280 280-pound junior from Sam Houston High School in Lake Charles, Louisiana, who is one of the nation's most sought-after prospects, with Simien being ranked as the No.3 interior offensive lineman, No.4 player from the state of Louisiana, and No.27th overall prospect in the 2027 class according to 247 Sports’ composite rankings.

Simien’s last trip to the Capstone before his most recent visit was back on June 21st, where he joined alongside three other 2027 prospects, with one of those being Nash Johnson, the 6-foot-1 175 175-pound three-star cornerback commit for the Tide, who committed to the program on October 4th.

Alabama was one of the first schools to recruit Simien, extending an offer to the talented lineman on March 7th during his initial visit to Tuscaloosa. This early interest has paid off for the Tide, as the No. 3 interior lineman in the 2027 class has returned for two additional visits since March. Following his most recent visit, he suggested that Alabama is currently one of the favorites to secure his commitment.

Simien would be a massive pickup for the Tide’s 2027 class, which currently has four commits. According to Rivals’ Charles Power’s scouting report on Simien, he would provide dominant run blocking for the Tide, which is something that this year’s offensive line has struggled with at times.

Power’s full scouting report on Simien states, “Dominant interior offensive line prospect whose combination of length, functional mobility, and balance makes him one of the top linemen in the 2027 cycle. Measured just under 6-foot-3 and around 270 pounds prior to his junior season with plus length, including 34-inch arms. Lines up at left tackle for his high school, where he consistently controls the line of scrimmage. Dominant run blocker who manipulates defenders with his length, strength, and coordination. Moves easily to the second level and maintains leverage to seal running lanes. Has outstanding lower body flexibility as a mover. Equally effective in pass protection with controlled feet and strong balance in his set. Rarely off-platform and plays with a calm, steady demeanor. Shows up as a better athlete on the field than he tests in combine settings. Does not overwhelm from a stature standpoint and is slightly shorter than ideal for a top interior prospect, but compensates with technique, consistency, and competitive toughness. Well-rounded game, positional versatility, and dominant film make him one of the safest offensive line prospects in the 2027 cycle.”

Currently, the Crimson Tide appears to be in an excellent position to recruit the Louisiana native, as Alabama is considered the clear favorite. The only other team that has hosted Simien for as many visits as Alabama is Nebraska, which has also welcomed the five-star lineman three times. His most recent visit to Lincoln took place on September 6th.

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