The Gators needed a Hand but could not get one.
Da’Shawn Hand, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2014 according to Rivals.com, committed to Alabama over Florida and Michigan on Thursday afternoon at a ceremony at his high school, Woodbridge (Va.) Senior High.
The addition of Hand, a 6-foot-4, 260-pound defensive end, gives Alabama the No. 1 2014 recruiting class in the nation with two five-star prospects and 15 four-stars.
“They have a winning tradition,” Hand said. “They don't lie to you. I know when I go in, I won't be No. 1 on the depth chart."
The announcement came on Hand’s 18th birthday. He said he received about 300 text messages and 50 missed calls Thursday morning.
Hand, an aspiring civil engineering major, visited Florida on Nov. 9 during the team’s 34-17 loss to Vanderbilt and came away impressed with the school's hurricane simulator.
But ultimately, the honesty and proven success of Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide coaching staff won over Hand the most.
And, of course, Alabama’s earthquake simulator.
Follow Landon Watnick on Twitter @LandonWatnick.
Da’Shawn Hand, the No. 1 recruit in the Class of 2014 according to Rivals.com, celebrates after committing to Alabama over Florida and Michigan on Thursday afternoon at a ceremony at Woodbridge (Va.) Senior High.
