OL Grant Hill Commits to Alabama

As mentioned earlier in the quick fanshot, Alabama picked up its second verbal commitment in as many days, with the latest addition to the 2013 recruiting class coming from Grant Hill, an offensive line prospect out of Huntsville. Money quote comes from Greg Ostendorf, who first broke the news, in the free excerpt to a premium article on ESPN:

"That’s where I belong," Hill said. "I can see myself going to Alabama. I feel like they will develop me better than any other school as both a person and a football player. I feel like the coaches are the best fit for me."

Hill visited Tuscaloosa on Saturday for Alabama’s junior day over the weekend where he spent the majority of the day with UA offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.

In terms of a recruiting get, Hill isn't exactly the second coming of a Cyrus Kouandjio or an Andre Smith, but he is a highly-touted player in his own right and one who figures to be heavily recruited. Most of the self-proclaimed recruiting experts have him in their top 250 national players -- i.e. four-star prospect -- and the general consensus is that he is one of the top ten in-state players in the 2012 class. Both Alabama and Auburn offered him very early in the recruiting process, and as a general matter Hill could have his choice of most major programs.

Like nearly all offensive linemen signed by Nick Saban at Alabama, Hill is a versatile prospect who could play either outside or inside at the next level. Playing right tackle at Huntsville High, Hill has been a dominant force as a drive blocker in an often run-heavy offensive attack, and many feel that with that background he could easily project as a guard in Tuscaloosa. Perhaps so, but having said that, though, with a 6'5 frame he more than has the length necessary to play outside if he can master the footwork and the initial quickness off the snap. Ultimately playing as a center is probably unlikely, but Hill could legitimately end up at any of the four positions on the line.

Hill joins fellow in-state product Bradley Bozeman to give Alabama two offensive line commitments in the 2013 recruiting class. Alabama only took three offensive linemen in the 2012 class -- one of which is a potential academic casualty and another of which could just as easily end up on the defensive line -- but figures to add several new signees to the mix in this class. Exactly how many signees is still up for debate, but with two already in the class Alabama will likely add at least two more before all is said and done this time next February. Adding Hill now provides a bit more certainty moving forward as the coaching staff attempts to finish out this offensive line class.

Additionally, Hill is the high school teammate of 2013 linebacker prospect Cameron Toney, who currently claims a verbal offer from Alabama. Should 'Bama ultimately choose to take the commitment of Toney, having a current teammate headed to the Capstone should only help 'Bama add him to the fold as well.

Hill becomes the ninth commitment of the 2013 recruiting class, and he is expected to qualify academically.