Four-star defensive end LaBryan Ray picks Alabama

MADISON – Alabama landed its top in-state target, one it had to have.

LaBryan Ray, the state’s No. 1-rated player, helped ease some concern over the Crimson Tide’s defensive line recruiting class when he chose Alabama over Tennessee and Florida on Wednesday at a commitment ceremony at James Clemens High School.

"I told the coaching staff on Monday," Ray said.

Alabama loses Jonathan Allen and Dalvin Tomlinson from its defensive line and Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams, both outside linebackers but viewed more as hybrid players able to play with their hands down as a sort of defensive linemen in the Crimson Tide’s scheme.

So stocking up on talented defensive linemen was a priority in this recruiting class. In other words, Ray was a must-get for UA.

"Alabama was the best fit," he said. "They had a need for my position."

Ray joins a defensive line class that previously included junior college transfer Isaiah Buggs and Louisiana defense tackle Phidarian Mathis, who committed to UA head coach Nick Saban and staff Tuesday.

Alabama made Ray one of its main priorities over the recruiting process and it won out over other schools because of that focus and its success on the field.

The Tuscaloosa News named Ray its top player in Alabama in its initial Alabama’s Most Wanted state rankings for the 2017 class. His play his senior season for the Jets solidified his status and earned him a national ranking. Ray is ranked the No. 2 strongside defensive end and No. 45 overall player nationally by Rivals.com.

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