Reed Ramsier is one of the more intriguing offensive line prospects in the 2027 class, and Alabama is firmly in the mix for his commitment. The four-star interior lineman out of Orlando’s First Academy has been on the radar of several powerhouse programs, but the Crimson Tide have made a strong impression-and it’s not just about the facilities or the game-day atmosphere. This one’s about connection, consistency, and culture.
Ramsier, listed at 6-foot-4 and 290 pounds, made a visit to Tuscaloosa last fall for the LSU game, and that trip clearly left its mark. Between the electric atmosphere at Bryant-Denny Stadium and the face time with Alabama’s coaching staff, the Tide made a strong case. Offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, in particular, has been a major factor in Alabama’s pursuit of Ramsier.
Kapilovic recently made the trip down to Florida to check in on Ramsier at First Academy. It wasn’t just a routine stop-it was a chance to strengthen a relationship that already has solid roots.
“It was an overall great meeting,” Ramsier said. “It was great to catch up with Coach Kapilovic. I hadn’t seen him since my game day visit in early November.”
The conversation wasn’t just about football-it was about development, fit, and the bigger picture. Ramsier said Kapilovic spoke about how he works with his players, where he sees Ramsier potentially fitting into the line, and what kind of impact he hopes to make on his athletes’ lives.
“He sticks out as a great coach that loves his job and changing his players’ lives,” Ramsier added.
That kind of authenticity matters to recruits, and Ramsier made it clear that Alabama’s staff has been consistent with their message and approach. He pointed back to that LSU game visit as a turning point-when he not only got to see the Tide in action but also got a real sense of the program’s identity.
“There were a lot of other top-tier linemen in my class that were there,” Ramsier said. “And for all of us being there, Coach Kapilovic and even Coach DeBoer made me feel welcome, made me feel at home, and made me feel like I was wanted and appreciated.”
One of the more telling moments came before kickoff, when Ramsier got to sit down with head coach Kalen DeBoer and talk shop. They didn’t just go through the recruiting pitch-they talked football.
Game plan. Strategy.
Philosophy. That kind of access and insight resonated.
“Just being able to sit down with Coach DeBoer before the game and pick his brain a little bit-it was awesome,” Ramsier said.
He also appreciated the consistency from the staff. He noted that the same coaches who were welcoming and energetic during summer camps were the same guys he saw on the sidelines coaching their players in the fall. That kind of continuity doesn’t go unnoticed.
“Whether they’re coaching you or coaching their own players, it’s the same person,” Ramsier said.
And it wasn’t just the coaches who made an impression. Ramsier mentioned catching up with Marshall Pritchett, a current Alabama player who he knew from his time at Rabun Gap (Ga.). That personal connection, along with the welcoming attitude from the rest of the team, stood out.
“The players were welcoming to recruits who might one day be trying to take their jobs,” Ramsier said. “I think that says something about the culture there and the people there.”
Looking ahead, Ramsier plans to be back in Tuscaloosa this spring for at least one practice. An official visit is also on the horizon, and it sounds like Alabama will be a key player throughout the process.
“I will be up for a spring visit and going to plan my official visit while I’m up there most likely,” he said.
So where does Alabama stand as the recruiting calendar starts to heat up?
“I would still say Alabama is one of my top schools,” Ramsier confirmed.
That said, the Crimson Tide aren’t the only ones in the mix. Texas, Auburn, Miami, Florida, and Georgia are all involved, and Ramsier has multiple visits planned over the coming months. He’s looking to make a decision sometime in late spring or early summer, but he’s leaving the door open to take a few more official visits if needed.
His approach is measured and mature-he wants to see spring practices, get a sense of how coaches operate when the cameras aren’t rolling, and figure out where he truly fits.
“That’s really what’s going to matter because that’s the realest the coach will be, is at spring practice,” Ramsier said. “There’s no BS, you know what I mean.”
According to the 247Sports Player Rankings, Ramsier is the No. 15 interior offensive lineman in the 2027 class, No. 244 overall, and the No. 26 prospect in the state of Florida. With his recruitment heating up, and visits on deck, this is one to watch closely-especially with Alabama sitting in a strong position heading into a pivotal stretch.