Jumbo Package: Kalen DeBoer lands two weekend commitments

Alabama football’s recruiting weekend got off to a hot start on Saturday, when the Crimson Tide landed a punter commitment. Alex Asparuhov, who Kohl’s Professional Camps rates as a five-star at the position, announced he’ll be joining UA in the class of 2025.

Asparuhov is also rated as a 4.5-star kicker by the organization. He’s currently the No. 3-ranked punter in the 2025 class.

“Asparuhov might might be the most fundamentally sound punter in the 2025 class,” Kohl’s wrote in its assessment of the new Tide pledge. “…He is way ahead of his age as a punter.”

Simmons has seen his stock rise after a body transformation of dropping 35-pounds during the off-season. Alabama extended an offer during the spring evaluation period (4/24) after an initial in-person evaluation. Simmons noted the UA, led by area recruiter/defensive line coach Freddie Roach, was in contact “3-4 times” each week since the first meeting.

“The biggest thing is to win,” Simmons told BOL after committing to Alabama. “Looking at Coach DeBoer’s winning record, he’s like 104-12. So, he knows how to win. I feel like Alabama is in good hands with Coach DeBoer. Great hands.”

May that punter be the least utilized in college football history.

Tom Luginbill has Keelon Russell rated as his best dual threat QB in the class.

Strengths: Russell is possibly the highest upside player of any of the top 25 quarterbacks in the 2025 class regardless of category. Everything he does is smooth, consistent and effortless. The ball flicks off his hand. He can play both from under center and out of the shotgun and has been highly productive at one of the highest levels of high school football in the country. He checks the measurable standard boxes yet still has the upside to mature and physically advance.

Areas of improvement: Consistency. He can have “wow” moments and then disappear for a few reps. You can see he has the skills, but he needs to show it on an every-snap basis.