On Wednesday, the Alabama Crimson Tide defeated Oregon in the football recruiting process to land Justin Hill, a top prospect.
In recent weeks, the Oregon Ducks have been among, if not the nation’s hottest team in terms of recruiting prospects.
The Ducks have signed four outstanding recruits in the last three days alone, including two five-star prospects in cornerback Dorian Brew and running back Jordan Davison, who were both heavily sought after by Ohio State, the new Big Ten rival.
It was believed that the Ducks and Buckeyes will compete on Wednesday in Winton Woods (Cincinnati, OH) for yet another elite recruit. But EDGE When Justin Hill chose to verbally pledge to Alabama instead, it stunned a lot of people.
In a surprising choice, Hill chose Alabama over the Buckeyes, USC, Oregon, and elsewhere. It was widely expected that Hill would choose Ohio State in order to realize a lifelong ambition.
“I won’t lie, Ohio State is my dream school,” Hill said on On3.
Hill was considered a strong Ohio State lean going into his decision; the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine gave the Buckeyes a 94.4-percent chance to sign the four-star prospect. Hill is ranked as the No. 48 player in the nation, the No. 6 edge rusher, and the No. 4 player in Ohio by the On3 Industry Ranking.
Following four consecutive official trips, Hill made his decision. On May 31, he left for Columbus, and on June 7, he went to USC; on June 14, he went to Alabama; and on June 21, he went to Oregon.
However, it appears that the trip to Tuscaloosa proved to be too much for the other candidates to handle.
Hill recorded 36 tackles, 16 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, two forced fumbles, and 42 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, and one interception in his sophomore season, according to 247Sports.
