Alabama fumbles landing elite playmaker after coaching change put Kalen DeBoer in pole position

Georgia was the first team to offer Walton, and that was nearly his destination. “When Dell McGee was at Georgia, I was so sure I was going to Georgia,” Walton said. However, McGee left, and Alabama became the top school. 

“When he left and coach Crawford came in, it wasn’t the same. It was a little stagnant with Georgia, so that is when I really started to open my recruitment more and look at the different options. Alabama became the top school for me next. I went to Alabama multiple times, I loved coach Gillespie and it went back and forth between Alabama and Georgia for a while. I was still listening to other schools though.”

A late visit to Notre Dame in January ended up being the difference. Walton connected with coach McCullough on that visit, and even though he bolted for the NFL, Notre Dame just became special for him. 

“I spent so much time with coach McCollough on that visit. We got close. Meeting with him, hearing his plan, learning about Notre Dame and the vibe made Notre Dame different for me. It was just a good different for me on that first visit.”

It's certainly a loss for the Tide, who are still in on several great talents at running back. However, Alabama had the chance to win this one, and it stings to see the Irish land him.