The Alabama Crimson Tide have a long history of great defensive backs. As one of college football’s premier secondaries, the Tide have a claim for “DBU”. They’ve produced nearly 40 NFL draft picks, with 10 in the first round, since 1965.
With Alabama projected to lose its entire secondary to the NFL, defensive back is a pressing need for Nick Saban in the 2018 recruiting cycle. On Wednesday, December 6, the Tide landed one of their main targets in top junior college cornerback Saivion Smith.
Tide Add Saivion Smith
Smith, a former 5-star prospect at IMG Academy, originally signed with LSU in 2016. He appeared in 10 games as a freshman, recording four tackles and two pass deflections for the Tigers.
The St. Petersburg, Florida native was expected to be a significant contributor for LSU this fall, but elected to transfer in May for personal reasons.
In 2017, Smith played at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He finished with 31 tackles, two interceptions, six pass deflections, a forced fumble, and two touchdowns in his lone junior college season.
The Tide beat out Auburn, Mississippi State, and South Carolina among others for his signature.
“I just committed to Alabama. This was a no brainer for me,” said Smith to 247Sports. “I’ve been leaning there the whole time. I wanna compete for a national championship and win. I know that Alabama does that as well as anyone and I just want to be around great players and coaches.”
The 6-foot-1, 175 pound, 4-star prospect is ranked as the #1 junior college cornerback and #2 overall junior college player in the country by 247Sports. With his previous SEC experience, the Tide are expecting him to make an immediate impact in 2018 as they’re losing both of their starting cornerbacks after this season.
Smith becomes Alabama’s 10th 4-star recruit in the class and their fourth at cornerback.
With the conclusion of the fall semester, Smith began practicing with the Tide on Saturday, December 16. He’ll have three years of eligibility remaining.
Saivion Smith is another coup for Alabama’s recruiting juggernaut. It’s only a matter of time before Nick Saban turns him into the Tide’s next star defensive back.
The #Alabama Crimson Tide received a HUGE commitment from the nation's top JUCO DB Saivion Smith (@Saivion_1k) this afternoon & he is legit. Check out some of his highlights with @MGCCCathletics pic.twitter.com/NalAYfJxIr
— Mo Carter (@MoCarterFOX54) December 6, 2017
