CJ Craig-James is already feeling the pull of Alabama, and the four-star safety from Parker in Birmingham isn’t shy about why.
One of the top players in the state of Alabama in the 2028 recruiting cycle, Craig-James has piled up 45 offers from across the country. Even with that kind of attention, the Crimson Tide have carved out a clear early edge.
A big part of that comes from home. Craig-James said his dad has been feeding him stories about Alabama teams from the past, including one moment that stuck with him.
“I know about the ‘92 Championship when the ‘Deuce got loose’ because my dad always says that phrase.”
He has already spent time in Tuscaloosa several times, and those visits have only strengthened the Tide’s position. Craig-James pointed to the setting, the facilities and the feel of the place when he talks about Alabama.
“I love the campus and the facilities," Craig-James said. "It gives that at-home feeling.
I love the tradition. When you step into Bryant-Denny Stadium, you instantly feel greatness.
It makes you feel like a winner.”
Alabama’s relationship-building has mattered just as much as the setting. Defensive backs coach Mo Linguist has been a major factor, and Craig-James said the connection started long before the offer arrived.
“My relationship with Coach Mo started way before I even had a Bama offer; he believed in me back then. That’s what makes it special.”
That bond has stayed active. Since the contact period opened a few weeks ago, Linguist, Jason Jones or Freddie Roach have been reaching out to Craig-James on almost a daily basis.
Craig-James plans to announce a top 12 soon. Along with Alabama, he is also high on Miami, Notre Dame, Texas, Georgia, Clemson, Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt.
He is all but confirmed to be back in Tuscaloosa for the Florida State game in the fall.
Alabama’s push in the state has taken on added importance after concerns about not landing a top ten player in Alabama in the 2027 class. The Crimson Tide have responded by going after the 2028 group hard, and the class looks stronger.
Craig-James is one of several in-state targets drawing heavy attention from Alabama. Another four-star on the Tide’s radar is CT Foster from IMG Academy, who also recently spoke with Alabama on SI.
Alabama is also heavily pursuing Nehemiah McCary, the state’s second-ranked player per Rivals rankings. The four-star linebacker could become one of Alabama’s biggest in-state defensive recruiting wins if he chooses the Crimson Tide.
The Tide are also after Kingston Preyear, another 2028 Alabama product. Preyear has already cut his list to Alabama, Florida and Vanderbilt, and he is set to announce his commitment on July 10. If Alabama lands him, he would become the second quarterback in the program’s 2028 class.
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