His relationship to the UAB coaching staff played a role in the commitment by Oak Mountain High defensive end Emmanuel Waller. However, it was not the only reason for the decision.
“In my heart, I am committed,” Waller said. “I love UAB. I was committed because I had relationships with the previous coaches, but I loved the school and would love to go there.”
Waller is one of 10 recruits that publicly committed to Bryant Vincent and the outgoing UAB staff. Four of the commits – offensive linemen teammates Leon Bell and Wallace Unamba of Kilgore College in Texas, Vigor High defensive end Michael Towner and Orange Beach defensive back Christopher Pearson – have already publicly decommitted on social media.
“It’s not an option, anymore, but I’d like to see where the coaches end up,” said Bell, a 6-foot-8, offensive tackle. “I really committed to a coach, Darin Hinshaw. As of right now, I will not be attending UAB. [But] I would like to talk to the new coaches to see if I have a chance.”
Bell added that the situation “was crazy because I really like UAB. That kind of messed up my recruitment.”
Waller’s recruitment is much different. The 6-foot-4, 240-pounder was originally committed to BYU, before switching to UAB in August. He said BYU has come back strong and other schools are also recruiting him.
“They’re trying to use that he’s a first-year head coach and all the stuff,” Waller said. “But, I don’t have any doubts that I want to go there.”
Waller said he had a short phone conversation with Dilfer and will take an official visit to the school this weekend. He said that if things go well this weekend he will “lock up” his commitment. He also said he expects others to commit this weekend.
Christopher Bracy, a defensive back from St. Pauls in Mobile, is another UAB commitment who will be in town this weekend on an official visit.
For Dilfer and the staff he’s brought on board already, it’s been a busy time, working the phones and traveling to see recruits. This is the first weekend of official visitors for the new staff.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email steve.irvine@1819news.com.
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