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The good news is Alabama's Class of 2017 has more space to add another blue-ship recruit. The bad news it is because the nation's #2 kicker has decided to decommit to stay closer to home.
3-star kicker Brandon Ruiz has decommitted from Alabama, per his Twitter account.
Please Respect My Decision to Re-Open My Recruiting Process. pic.twitter.com/mP0LiK8pcR
— Brandon Ruiz (@BrandonRRuiz) January 16, 2017
(I know I don't need to say this but tell your less couth friends to not bother the guy.)
The Arizona native had originally committed to the Crimson Tide last summer after earning an offer at Bama's specialist camp. Ruiz participated in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl connecting on a 26 yard field goal but missing from 37. He also converted two extra point attempts.
Alabama may have to turn to rising senior Andy Pappanastos who was 6-of-6 on PAT attempts with a 33 yard field goal in one attempt this season. He also kicked off twice for 58 and 56 yards.
It is unlikely that the Crimson Tide will offer any other kickers a scholarship at this point, unless they can flip a top prospect. Offering preferred walk-on status to a prospect is more likely.