Chris Black, a 5'10 and 170 pound wide receiver prospect out of Jacksonville, has committed to Alabama . Per the Florida Times-Union:
"My decision wasn’t based on one or two things," Black said. "I have a great relationship with the coaches at both Florida State and Alabama. I prayed about it and in my heart felt more comfortable at Alabama."
As a junior, Black caught 12 touchdowns and gained 940 yards. He’ll have an early opportunity to play at Alabama, as the Crimson Tide enters this season with a few key senior contributors.
"That most definitely played a big role," Black said. "They told me there’s room for me to come in and immediately help solidify their receiving unit. I did my research throughout this process and analyzed each situation. That’s why I’m so comfortable with this decision."
For months now the race for Black's services have been a two-team battle between Alabama and Florida State, with most thinking 'Bama held a narrow edge. The recent commitment of Hueytown's Jameis Winston to FSU put more than a few on nerve regarding Black, but for the most part this one comes as no major surprise.
With Black heading to Tuscaloosa, 'Bama adds another talented player into the 2012 recruiting class. He had offers from effectively every major program in the country, and clearly he has the raw talent necessary to be a contributor at this level. Moreover, given our concerns at wide receiver and the impending departures of both Marquise Maze and Darius Hanks, Black could be a contributor early in his career at UA. The downside to Black, though, is that he's basically another small speedster who will not do anything to address the lack of size in the wide receiver corps.
Black becomes the 15th commitment of the 2012 recruiting class.
Addendum: Obligatory YouTube highlights: