Following the retirement of former head coach Nick Saban, another highly regarded prospect committed to Alabama.
Edge rusher Zion Grady has announced his decommitment from the Crimson Tide, according to Hayes Fawcett of On3.com. Grady is a five-star prospect who, according to 247Sports’ aggregate, is the best edge rusher in the nation.
Grady is the sixth player in the 2025 class to decommit from Alabama after Nick Saban’s retirement, joining defensive end Javion Hilson, offensive linemen Dontrell Glover and Mason Short, wide receiver Jaime Ffrench, and defensive lineman Antonio Coleman. This information is based on reporting by ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren. Additionally, on the day of Saban’s retirement, 2024 5-star receiver Ryan Williams announced his decommitment from the club.
Kalen DeBoer, the recently hired head coach of the Crimson Tide, now has just two pledges remaining in the 2025 class. This summer, Alabama has also lost 24 scholarship players via the transfer portal.
Grady, a 6’4″, 225-pound edge from Troy, Alabama’s Charles Henderson High School, had committed to Alabama back in November. Among other teams, he picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Florida State, and Georgia.
Grady, according to director of scouting Andrew Ivins of 247Sports, is “an uber-productive pass rusher that wins primarily with speed and finesse” and “should be viewed as a potential impact player on Saturdays with NFL upside if he can keep progressing.”
“Has operated primarily out of a two-point stance since he was a freshman in one of Alabama’s higher classifications and found plenty of success, totaling 34 sacks through 30 varsity games,” Ivins said of Grady. With his lightning-fast initial step and flexible upper body, he often stuns opposing tackles. possesses a few go-to moves, but adding more to his menu will only increase his threat level. Has a good flashing range and will pause when being pursued.”
Grady is going to be one of the most sought-after prospects in the upcoming months now that he has reopened his recruitment.
