For the second year in a row, Alabama lost one of the earlier commitments in a recruiting cycle. Martavious Collins, a four-star from Rome (Ga.) High, announced he was reopening his recruitment on Monday.

“I would like to thank the whole Alabama staff for what they have done for me since my commitment,” Collins released via social media. “I truly appreciate everyone on the staff for believing in my talents. I am very grateful for the time and energy invested in me. Much love to the Alabama family and best wishes to all. After thoughts and prayers, I am going to focus on doing what’s best for my future and my family.”

Collins, an athlete ranked 174th nationally and No. 19 at his position on the 247Sports Composite, was primarily recruited by Tide assistants Eric Wolford and Joe Cox. The 6-foot-3 Collins committed on July 20, becoming the second member of Nick Saban’s 2024 class.

His departure isn’t unsurprising as multiple blue-chip recruits in Collins’ class have already committed and changed their minds. (Elliot Washington II, a Tide legacy, chose Alabama but settled at Penn State last year.) Alabama signed tight end Ty Lockwood in the December signing period along with transfer portal acquisition CJ Dippre (Maryland).

After initially forecasting a future at Tuscaloosa, Collins was part of a 12-win Wolves team in the fall as a pass-catching target. A track and field athlete, Collins has been recruited as a collegiate tight end. He holds 18 offers, including a fresh one from Hugh Freeze on Auburn on Dec. 22. He’s visited the Plains and Tuscaloosa since his summer commitment.

The Tide’s other four pledges rank fifth on the 247Sports Composite team list. Alabama currently has three players in the top 100 — California five-star quarterback Julian Sayin, Clay-Chalkville cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe and Foley wide reciever Perry Thompson — and Mobile Christian four-star edge rusher Sterling Dixon.

Alabama is coming off a historic 2023 class with nine five-stars, regaining the top spot over Texas A&M.

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Nick Alvarez is a reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @nick_a_alvarez or email him at [email protected]