Alabama lands big-time OL over Washington, SMU

It sounds as if Alabama brought a mix of everything for Utu. First of all, he likes the scheme DeBoer and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb run.

"Football-wise, the offensive scheme fits my style of play — a lot of counter, screens, and inside/outside zone," Utu told Chad Simmons of On3. "Coach Grubb is an amazing coach and an even better person. He made me comfortable while learning new techniques and terminology. I know what I’m stepping into and how well they’ll prepare me for the next phase of my football career."

Utu is more than just a football player, though. He sounds like he's as invested in his studies as he is in football.

"Academically, it blew the roof off for me," he said of Alabama. "I want to major in anthropology and minor in theology — or the other way around. I was able to hear from all five academic advisors yesterday, and just seeing how much they pour into these men was phenomenal. Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean you can’t do it. Keep going, keep striving — and you’ll get there someday, somehow."

Everything came up Crimson Tide for Utu, though Washington and SMU were heavily in the running as well.

Now, he joins an Alabama 2026 class that's just starting to be built but is looking pretty good in the early going. DeBoer has six 2026 commitments. It's a class that's highlighted by five-star cornerback Jorden Edmonds, who is the consensus No. 1 cornerback in the nation.

Utu is a big-time addition to that group.