New Alabama wide receivers coach Derrick Nix isn’t wasting any time making his presence felt in Tuscaloosa. Since officially joining the Crimson Tide staff earlier this month, Nix has been on a tear - extending offers, revisiting key targets, and getting face time with recruits both on campus and in their hometowns. For a program navigating a new era, Nix is making it clear he plans to keep Alabama’s recruiting machine humming.
One of his early priorities? Osani Gayles, the No. 10 wide receiver in the class out of Bradenton, Florida.
The 5-foot-11, 185-pound playmaker made his way to Tuscaloosa over the weekend for what flew under the radar as an unofficial visit - his first time back on campus since Alabama's rivalry showdown with Tennessee back in October. And while it wasn’t an official trip, it was impactful.
Gayles came away impressed, and he’s not done with the Tide just yet. He confirmed that he’s already lining up a return in the spring and is eyeing an official visit this summer. That’s a big win for Nix and Alabama, especially considering the level of competition that surrounds a top-10 receiver in a deep class.
Closer to home, there’s another name Tide fans should keep tabs on: Carter Davis out of Gulf Shores. The 5-foot-11, 170-pound in-state standout was a key target under former wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard, who’s now the head coach at Oregon State. But Nix has picked up right where Shephard left off - and then some.
Nix recently made the trip down to South Alabama to meet with Davis in person. And during that visit, Alabama re-extended its offer, signaling that Davis remains firmly on the Tide’s radar. For a player who’s already drawn significant interest and built strong ties with the program, that kind of continuity in communication matters.
It’s still early in Nix’s tenure, but the message is already clear: Alabama’s not easing into the post-Saban era - they’re attacking it. And with Nix hitting the trail hard, the foundation for the next wave of Crimson Tide wideouts is already being laid.