Alabama Adds In-State Prospect to Growing Group of Weekend Visitors

The Crimson Tide is seemingly turning to its own backyard to find talent in the 2027 recruiting class.

2027 defensive back Junior James (5) lines up in front of a wideout from Hewitt-Trussville (Trussville, AL) | Credit @TuupoJunior on X

Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama coaching staff have been hard at work this week lining up visitors for the Crimson Tide's massive home matchup with Tennessee on October 18.

On Thursday, another talented prospect joined the fold as 2027 defensive back Junior James from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama took to social media to share the news of his upcoming trip to Tuscaloosa.

Excited to be in Tuscaloosa this weekend! #RollTide @CoachJasonJones @CoachSanders14 @CoachKev6k @RecruitWarriors @JHaglerDBZ @raisingchamps_ @CoachTyroneKing @Smitherman_Era @ALLGASTRNG @TomLoy247 @ChadSimmons_ @samspiegs @BrettGreenberg_ @AL7AFootball pic.twitter.com/HpdMYvjHNP

— Junior James (Juni) (@TuupoJunior) October 16, 2025

James is the third player in as many days to announce that he will be in town for the third Saturday in October, joining fellow 2027 prospects Kaden Henderson and Jaiden Bryant. Though he is currently unranked as a prospect, James is a physically impressive defender with the versatility to play multiple positions across the defensive backfield.

He stands at 6-foot-3, 192 lbs. and holds offers from Toledo and Georgia State, but has already been to Tuscaloosa once this fall for a visit, making the short trip from Alabaster for the Tide's week two game against ULM.

Grateful for the University of Alabama recruiting visit and opportunity to chat with @CoachKev6k @coachmarkf @JHaglerDBZ pic.twitter.com/RxuV5yALBX

— Junior James (Juni) (@TuupoJunior) September 11, 2025

In seven appearances this season for Thompson, James has racked up an impressive 31 tackles, 2.0 TFL's and two pass deflections. He's also helped his team to not only a 6-2 overall record, but a has been a key piece of a defense that is allowing less than 10 points per game.

The Crimson Tide currently holds four commitments in the 2027 class, and is ranked as the No. 7 team in the nation, according to 247Sports' composite ranking. While there is still a lot of time until the current crop of juniors make their final decisions, it seems as if DeBoer and the staff already have a firm grip on the recruiting trail.

2027 Alabama Football Commits

1. ATH Alexander Ward, 6-foot-1, 170 lbs. - Marietta, Georgia (Committed 11/26/2024)
2. EDGE Jabarrius Garror, 6-foot-2, 200 lbs. - Mobile, Alabama (Committed 07/31/2024)
3. IOL Jatori Williams, 6-foot-5, 320 lbs. - Phenix City, Alabama (Committed 09/29/2025)
4. DB Nash Johnson III, 6-foot-1, 170 lbs. - Powder Springs, Georgia (Committed 10/04/2025)

2026 Alabama Football Commits

1. CB Zyan Gibson, 5-foot-11, 177 lbs. - Gadsden, Alabama (Committed 12/24/2024)
2. CB Jorden Edmonds, 6-foot-2, 175 lbs. - Marietta, Georgia (Committed 03/26/2025)
3. EDGE Jamarion Matthews, 6-foot-2, 240 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 02/21/2025)
4. EDGE Kamhariyan Johnson, 6-foot-4, 260 lbs. - Muscle Shoals, Alabama (Committed 04/12/2025)
5. OL Chris Booker, 6-foot-4, 285 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 02/20/2025)
6. OL Sam Utu, 6-foot-4, 320 lbs. - Orange, California (Committed 06/09/2025)
7. QB Jett Thomalla, 6-foot-3, 205 lbs. - Omaha, Nebraska (Committed 06/17/2025)
8. DL JJ Finch, 6-foot-3, 260 lbs. - Indianapolis, Indiana (Committed 06/22/2025)
9. RB Javari Barnett, 5-foot-11, 205 lbs. - Tampa Bay, Florida (Committed 06/23/2025)
10. S Rihyael Kelley, 6-foot-3, 180 lbs. - Cincinnati, Ohio (Committed 06/23/2025)
11. SN Eli Deutsch, 6-foot-2, 225 lbs. - Franklin, Wisconsin (Committed 06/24/2025)
12. RB Ezavier Crowell, 5-foot-10, 210 lbs. - Jackson, Alabama (Committed 06/26/2025)
13. TE Mack Sutter, 6-foot-5, 230 lbs. - Dunlap, Illinois (Committed 06/26/2025)
14. LB Zay Hall, 6-foot-2, 222 lbs. - Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Committed 06/27/2025)
15. LB Xavier Griffin, 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. - Gainesville, Georgia (Committed 06/29/2025)
16. WR Owen Cabell, 6-foot-2, 201 lbs. - Nashville, Tennessee (Committed 06/30/2025)
17. WR Brian Williams, Jr., 6-foot-4, 185 lbs. - Lake Mary, Florida (Committed 07/01/2025)
18. WR Cederian Morgan, 6-foot-4, 220 lbs - Alexander City, Alabama (Committed 07/02/2025)
19. DL Nolan Wilson, 6-foot-4, 250 lbs. - Picayune, Mississippi (Committed 07/04/2025)
20. S Jireh Edwards, 6-foot-2, 210 lbs. - Baltimore, Maryland (Committed 07/05/2025)
21. QB Tayden Kaawa, 6-foot-5, 235 lbs. - Orem, Utah (Committed 07/22/2025)
22. OT Bear Fretwell, 6-foot-6, 295 lbs. - Brooklet, Georgia (Committed 07/25/25)
23. OT Jared Doughty, 6-foot-5, 300 lbs. - Atlanta, Georgia (Committed 10/05/2025)