Overview
- Newkirk announced on Sunday that he committed to the University of Alabama and has officially closed his recruitment.
- The decision came after an official visit to Tuscaloosa that sped up a planned July 1 announcement because the visit gave him the final confirmation he wanted.
- He picked Alabama over major programs including Ohio State, LSU, and Michigan and credited a close bond with running backs coach Robert Gillespie and confidence in head coach Kalen DeBoer’s program.
- A four-star from Gainesville, Georgia, Newkirk rushed for 1,496 yards and 19 touchdowns as a junior and is rated among the top running back prospects by recruiting services.
- As Alabama’s first running back commit for the 2027 class, his pledge strengthens a thin backfield group and could boost the Tide’s recruiting momentum for the summer signing period.