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A Look at Alabama's Success Landing Top In-State Talents

During his 15 full recruiting classes at Alabama, Nick Saban has signed the top recruit in the state 12 times.

Nick Saban’s recruiting prowess knows no bounds. Since taking over the Crimson Tide, the head coach has established his program as a national brand, plucking top prospects from every corner of the country.

All four of Alabama’s Heisman winners — Mark Ingram (Flint, Mich), Derrick Henry (Yulee, Fla.), DeVonta Smith (Amite, La.) and Bryce Young (Pasadena, Calif.) — hail from out of state. Former stars such as Minkah Fitzpatrick (Old Bridge, N.J.), Ross Pierschbacher (Cedar Falls, Iowa), Najee Harris (Antioch, Calif.) and Tua Tagovailoa (Ewa Beach, Hawai'i) are a few further examples of the Crimson Tide’s recruiting reach.

Still, Saban’s coast-to-coast dominance hasn’t come at the cost of protecting his program’s in-state presence. During his 15 full recruiting classes at Alabama, Saban has signed the top recruit in the state 12 times. The lone exceptions to the list are wide receivers George Pickens (Georgia, 2019) and Justyn Ross (Clemson, 2018) as well as quarterback Jameis Winston (Florida State, 2012).

As BamaCentral highlighted last week, Alabama is in a position to take advantage of a stellar in-state class this cycle, thanks in part to the current turmoil at Auburn. The Crimson Tide is firmly in the mix for all five of the Yellowhammer State’s five-star talents in defensive linemen James Smith and Peter Woods as well as defensive backs Tony Mitchell, AJ Harris and Jahlil Hurley.

As Saban looks to continue his in-state reign, here’s a look at all 12 of the top players he signed from the state of Alabama. 

Thompson linebacker Jeremiah Alexander (7) sheds a block by Central offensive lineman Richazaire Francisque (55) as he closes on a ball carrier during the 7A state championship game in Birmingham Wednesday, Dec. 1, 2021.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) celebrates as he leaves the field after defeating the Auburn Tigers at Jordan-Hare Stadium. Alabama defeated Auburn in four overtimes.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Demouy Kennedy (37) and Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Brylan Lanier (21) wrap up Southern Miss Golden Eagles wide receiver Da'quan Bailey-Brown (2) at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Missouri Tigers quarterback Shawn Robinson (3) looses his helmet as he is sacked by Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman LaBryan Ray (18) during the second half at Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Ben Davis (1) against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2021 College Football Playoff National Championship Game.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Daron Payne (94) against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium.
Alabama defensive back Marlon Humphrey (26) celebrates a successful onside kick in the College Football Playoff Championship Game on Monday January 11, 2016 at University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Az.
Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reuben Foster (10) during warm-ups before the 2016 CFP Semifinal against the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Alabama defeated Washington 24-7.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Marvin Shinn (80) is tackled by LSU Tigers cornerback Jalen Mills (28) during the fourth quarter at Tiger Stadium. Alabama defeated LSU, 21-17.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dee Milliner (28) tackles Auburn Tigers wide receiver Quan Bray (4) at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The Tide defeated the Tigers 42-14.
Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick (21) reacts during the second half of the 2012 BCS National Championship game against the LSU Tigers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Julio Jones (8) runs past Texas Longhorns cornerback Aaron Williams (4) during the first quarter of the 2010 BCS national championship game at the Rose Bowl.