For Keith Holcombe (Tuscaloosa, Ala./Hillcrest), it had always been a dream to play for the University of Alabama. He grew up just minutes from campus. His father played for legendary head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant back in his day. He has been a Crimson Tide fan his whole life.
On Wednesday, that dream turned into a reality when the four-star linebacker flipped his commitment from Mississippi State to Alabama.
“It had always been my dream to play football in the SEC,” Holcombe said. “Since I’ve grown up here in Tuscaloosa and my dad played at Alabama for Coach [Paul] Bryant, my ultimate goal has always been to play for the Crimson Tide.
“When that opportunity presented itself, it was one I couldn’t refuse. To put on the same uniform my dad did is something I can’t even put into words.”
Holcombe saw his recruitment take off this spring. After camping twice at Alabama this summer and not receiving an offer, he decided to go ahead and commit to Mississippi State two weeks ago. The Alabama coaches had a change of heart, offering the local prospect this week.
Holcombe had an affinity for Mississippi State, but it wasn’t meant to be.
“I appreciate the opportunity Mississippi State offered me, and they really did a great job in the recruiting process,” he said in a statement. “I want to thank Coach [Geoff] Collins, Coach [Dan] Mullen and the staff for all they did to make me and my family feel welcome. I made some really good friends and met some great people.”
Holcombe becomes the 17th commitment for Alabama in 2014 and joins fellow outside linebacker Christian Miller (Columbia, S.C./Spring Valley), who committed to the Tide last week.
