Four-star tight end Jaleel Skinner, the top tight end and No. 74 overall player in the Class of 2022, announced his commitment to Alabama on Friday afternoon live on CBS Sports HQ. Skinner, who was celebrating his 18th birthday, chose the Crimson Tide over a group of finalists that included Texas, Florida State, Clemson and Florida.
"The deciding factor for me -- me and my family we thought real hard -- we loved the coaches, we loved Nick Saban and his family. They always pushed me to be the best ... just getting to talk to him about life was great" Skinner said before adding. "It was a very close decision ... nobody's cut off yet."
The 6-foot-5, 210-pounder from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, is the 10th-best player in the state of Florida, according to 247Sports Composite rankings.
Andrew Ivins of 247Sports provided this scouting report on Skinner:
"A legit 6-foot-5 with a slender build. Wingspan stretches well over 80 inches," Ivins wrote. "One of the more unique skill players in the class of 2022 given his lengthy frame. Has spent the majority of prep career split out wide as a jumbo wide receiver. Viewed by most college staffs, however, as a flex tight end at the next level. Extraordinary catch radius. Uses long stride to work his way down the field. Takes advantage of soft coverage on a consistent basis. Isn't the most physical of prospects, but is relatively competitive after the catch.
"Track background helped foster some straight-line speed. Entry-level blocker at this stage in his development, which is almost expected for someone on the leaner side. Will obviously need to bulk up as he was under 225 pounds the spring before senior season. Also needs to get better at attacking the ball in the air and could get more fluid with his movement patterns. In no way a polished product, but has an extremely high ceiling given physical stature. Should eventually contribute for a Top 25 program and make an impact in the passing game once body matures. NFL upside."
Skinner transferred to IMG from Greer High School in South Carolina. He made official visits to Florida, Alabama, Texas, Miami and Florida State since the recruiting dead period ended on June 1. He is the 16th player to commit to coach Nick Saban's program during the current recruiting cycle.
