Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide flip a key playmaker from an elite Big Ten coach on eve of recruiting dead period

The Alabama Crimson Tide worked hard to land two commitments on Sunday evening before the closing bell hit for the summer dead period of recruiting. One of head coach Kalen DeBoer's top priorities was landing a big-time running back, and he succeeded.

The challenge was unique, though, as four-star back Javari Barnett had already committed to Illinois. Brett Bielema made one of the strongest cases in the country to Barnett, as being a featured back in his offense almost guarantees a huge collegiate career. 

Instead, Barnett wants to come to Tuscaloosa and earn his way into a star role and compete for championships. He opted for Alabama over UCF, Penn State, and USF, too.

A big reason beyond the environment? Running backs coach Robert Gillespie, who Barnett said, “My mom loves him,” per BOL.

“It’s the relationship. We’ve been talking for a while,” Barnett said. “He had the chance to come down and meet my mom. He spoke to my mom, and he’s so in tune with my family."

The Tide are still big-game hunting at the position, though.