Linebacker Lands in Tide’s Den
Alabama secured its first 2027 linebacker commitment when four-star Kenneth Simon II, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound standout from Brentwood High School, chose the Crimson Tide over Georgia, Tennessee and Ole Miss. His father, Kevin Simon—an ex-Redskins linebacker and two-time All-SEC performer at Tennessee—adds family lore to the commitment. Simon, nationally ranked No. 133 and seventh among linebackers, visited Tuscaloosa thrice and will return May 29. He joins six earlier picks, including QB Elijah Haven and Trent Seaborn, tight ends Colt Lumpris and Oakley Keegan, and defensive linemen AJ Pauley and Stevan Thornton III, bolstering Alabama’s recruiting momentum ahead of its 2026 season opener.
Alabama fans, rejoice: we’ve snagged another linebacker! Because nothing says “defensive juggernaut” like stacking high school stars who dutifully pledge their loyalty after being dazzled by campus tours and free food. Meanwhile, Dad’s NFL highlights and cringe-worthy family photos from 2006 make perfect recruiting collateral. It’s only a matter of time before we sign the concession stand vendor and the team mascot for next year’s class. Roll Tide or roll call?
From Playdates to Playbooks: A DB’s Alabama Bond
Three-star defensive back MJ Burnett from Walton High in Georgia is weighing his official visits to Alabama, Georgia Tech and Georgia, but his childhood bond with Alabama safeties coach Ha Ha Clinton-Dix may tip the scales. Son of former NFL safety Morgan Burnett, MJ cites his long-standing rapport with Clinton-Dix—who was teammates with his dad in Green Bay—as the main draw. After a spring visit to Tuscaloosa, Burnett praised the on-field communication and chemistry he witnessed, feeling he’d thrive in a “chatty” safety room. He’ll return June 5–7 before finalizing his decision.
Who knew playdates with future NFL coaches could earn you a scholarship? Forget 40-yard dashes—Alabama’s secret recruiting weapon is Instagram archives of adorable toddler selfies. If MJ Burnett chooses the Tide, expect a celebratory press release featuring his baby-photo crib notes and an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at board games with Coach Ha Ha. Because nothing says “elite program” like trading X’s and O’s for teddy bears and tag.
Softball’s Seeding Showdown: Tide’s Title Quest
Alabama softball earned the No. 1 overall seed and will host the Tuscaloosa Regional at Rhoads Stadium, with an opportunity to host a super regional if it advances. National polls placed the Crimson Tide at No. 2 in the USA Softball Poll and No. 3 in the NFCA Coaches Poll following an SEC tournament final loss to Texas. Alabama opens against USC Upstate, with Belmont and Southeastern Louisiana rounding out the regional. The team’s path to the NCAA title hinges on continued dominance over ranked opponents.
Ah, the gaudy world of seedings! Alabama’s softball squad is now both the best and second-best team in the country, depending on which poll you trust. It’s like being crowned prom queen and runner-up simultaneously—double the accolades, double the confusion. Don’t worry, though: as long as the Tide smacks a few homers, no one will care which pollsters woke up on the wrong side of the bracket paper. Swing away, ladies.
Gaither’s Hype Train: Sack Talk & Unexpected Shortcomings
On “The Joe Gaither Show on BamaCentral,” hosts Theo Fernandez and guests dissect Alabama’s addition of Class of 2027 linebacker Kenneth Simon II and analyze NBA Combine measurements for Labaron Philon and Amari Allen—whose height came in three inches shy of expectations. The segment forecasts how these factors affect professional and collegiate outlooks before previewing upcoming discussions on Alabama football and the NCAA Softball Regional round with Hunter De Siver and Katie Windham.
Tune in for thrilling revelations like “he’s shorter than we thought” and “they signed another linebacker—shocker!” It’s must-listen radio for anyone who’s ever wondered how many times you can say “Crimson Tide” before it loses all meaning. Expect riveting takes on arm angles, shoe laces and the exact color of Coach DeBoer’s tie. Who needs touchdowns when you’ve got podcast paddles?
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