Alabama Crimson Tide looking to separate itself among premier college football programs in the race for a 4-star defender

Alabama is believed to be in the lead when it comes to the pursuit of highly touted safety Tavares Harrington, with competition from the Nebraska Cornhuskers, Georgia Bulldogs, and Michigan Wolverines as Harringtons' process narrows.

“Coach (Tony) Jones as well as Coach Moe (Linguist), they are great secondary coaches who do a great job producing players to the pros,” Harrington told rivals. “And just the relationships I have with them. I’ve been their twice and it’s just been amazing to be there.”

Harrington is a do-it all defesnive back, having played safety, nickel and corner for the No. 1 high school football program in the state of Illinois, Mount Carmel. The positional versatility alongside his length at a listed height of 6-3 are major selling points for the Crimson Tide.

Harrington has a leaner frame that could use some added weight but he is listed at 180 pounds as a high school junior, and he should have no problem getting to work in Alabama's strength and conditioning program.

Alabama already signed the No. 1 safety in the 2026 class via Jireh Edwards from St. Francis Academy in Baltimore. Adding to that room with Harrington in 2027 would be huge. We know that Alabama may not be willing to shell out big money in the portal, but look no further than the 4th ranked recruting class in 2025 and the 6th-ranked class in 2026 as evidence that Kalen DeBoer and his staff can recruit at a high level.