Alabama Lands Top Georgia 2017 DE Aaron Sterling on Christmas Day

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

Christmas was a wonderful day for the Alabama coaching staff and for Stephenson High School defensive end Aaron Sterling when the Class of 2017 talent verbally committed to the Crimson Tide.

Recruiting rankings seem off for Sterling only rated a 3-star prospect despite a junior season filled with 80 tackles, 40 tackles for a loss, and 24 sacks. The Jaguars went 9-2 in 2015 and recruiting interest started to take off for the 6’1”, 270 pound, recruit with offers from South Carolina, North Carolina, Cal, and Alabama. The Tide has unofficially hosted Sterling several times leading to an easier recruiting track with the talented big man.

Sterling is among nine commits Alabama already has a verbal pledge from for the 2017 class. The class is loaded with talent line quarterback Jake Fromm, defensive back Xavier McKinney, and offensive linemen Netori Johnson and Alex Leatherwood. Alabama already has a crowded backfield for 2017 with 5-star Najee Harris and 4-stars Brian Robinson and Cam Akers.

Alabama is landing a versatile athlete in Sterling. Depending on if he grows any bigger, Sterling is capable of playing multiple positions along the defensive front including linebacker.

Alabama Crimson Tide 2017 Verbal Commit List

QB Jake Fromm, 6’3”, 200 lbs, Houston County HS, Warner Robins, GA

RB Cam Akers, 5’11”, 209 lbs, Clinton HS, Clinton, MS

RB Najee Harris, 6’1.5”, 210 lbs, Antioch Senior, Antioch, CA

RB Brian Robinson, 6’1”, 215 lbs, Hillcrest HS, Tuscaloosa, AL

OL Netori Johnson, 6’4”, 325 lbs, Cedar Grove HS, Ellenwood, GA

OL Alex Leatherwood, 6’5”, 298 lbs, Washington HS, Pensacola, FL

DE Aaron Sterling, 6’1”, 270 lbs, Stephenson HS, Stone Mountain, GA

SS Xavier McKinney, 6’1”, 185 lbs, Roswell HS, Roswell, GA

ATH Chadarius Townsend, 6’0”, 180 lbs, Tanner HS, Tanner, AL

 

Photo credit: neighbornewspaper.com; No. 5 Aaron Sterling.