Why one four-star WR committed to Alabama

If there was to be any falloff on the recruiting trail between Nick Saban and new Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, it hasn't yet been seen on the 2025 recruiting trail.

Case in point? DeBoer just landed another top 2025 recruit, and this one is four-star wide receiver Derick Smith from Selma, Alabama. Smith cited Alabama's new head coach as the reason he committed to the Crimson Tide.

“Alabama is Alabama, and it has that standard,” Smith told On3 regarding his commitment. “They will always go by that standard, no matter what. The program is going to stay on top under coach DeBoer. He knows how to win, he has a good staff and the players are going to play hard for him.”

It's worth noting Saban did plenty of work to establish that kind of reputation with top recruits — seven championships at Alabama and one with LSU will do that — but it is key to see that high-level recruits believe DeBoer can carry on Saban's legacy.

And why not? Washington is historically not a powerhouse and DeBoer took the Huskies to the College Football Playoff National Championship last season. He's also regarded as a strong recruiter.

To that point, Smith is now the highest-ranked recruit in a small but growing 2025 Alabama recruiting class — which is ranked 13th in the nation, per 247Sports.

247Sports ranked Smith as the No. 6 wideout in the country.