4-Star Edge Rusher KJ Ford Names Alabama in Top Schools
In a busy week for the Crimson Tide with spring practice in full swing, Kalen DeBoer and his staff have still found time to remain active on the recruiting trail.
According to Hayes Fawcett of On3, 4-Star edge rusher KJ Ford has officially released his list of top-12 schools, including the Crimson Tide among Oklahoma, Texas A&M, LSU, Penn State, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Missouri, USC, Georgia, Auburn and Florida.
Hailing from Duncanville, Texas, the same hometown as Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, Ford is ranked by 247Sports’ composite ranking as the No. 13 edge rusher in the nation and the No. 15 player in the Longhorn State.
In two seasons of varsity football with the Duncanville Panthers, the talented defender has compiled 110 total tackles, 30.0 TFL’s and 9.5 sacks. He has a bulky, 6-foot-3, 245 lb. frame which he uses to easily dominate offensive linemen at the point of attack.
Ford is a relentless, high motor pass rusher that frequently finds himself in the backfield using a combination of both speed and strength.
He is currently set to make an official visit to Tuscaloosa on May 30th, but also has trips lined up to Oklahoma, Auburn and USC as well.
The Crimson Tide holds three commitments for the 2026 class as of now and is ranked by 247Sports as the No. 38 recruiting class in the nation.
2026 Football Commits
- CB Zyan Gibson, 5-foot-11, 177lbs. – Gadsden, Alabama (Committed 12/24/2024)
- EDGE Jamarion Matthews, 6-foot-2, 240 lbs. – Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 02/21/2025)
- OL Chris Booker, 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. – Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 02/20/2025)
Upcoming Campus Visits
- EDGE KJ Ford – May 30
- OL Ekene Ogboko – June 7
- TE Mack Sutter – June 20-22
- RB Derek Cooper – June 6-8
- DL Nolan Wilson – May 30
- EDGE Zavion Griffin-Haynes – Visit confirmed, date TBD
- EDGE Trenton Henderson – June 6-8
- LB Kaden Henderson – April 12
- RB Jonaz Walton – May 30, April 4
- CB Brandon Arrington – June 13
- EDGE Khamari Brooks – June 6
Ryan Williams called this Alabama player his ‘super hero’
Fellow receiver Ryan Williams had a front-row seat to Jalen Hale’s recovery during the 2024 season.
Hale, who sustained a significant knee injury during the spring in 2024, has managed to heal up and fight his way back onto the field. Hale began practicing in some capacity late in the 2024 season, Williams’ first with Alabama football. And now, Hale’s full speed ahead preparing for 2025.
“Jalen Hale is my super hero, in case y’all was wondering,” Williams said. “I’m so proud of him. All of our guys have been working hard, but for him to come back like he did, he just doesn’t’ know, I’m just extremely proud of him. I’m just excited for what the future holds.”
Hale, a native of Longview, Texas, is entering his redshirt sophomore season with the Crimson Tide. He played in 13 games during his freshman season as he caught five passes for 148 yards and one touchdown.
Alabama will continue spring practices through Saturday, April 12, when the Crimson Tide will hold A-Day.
