Alabama nabs in-state 3-star safety, flips 2nd commit in as many days

Alabama football has flipped another commit. On Wednesday, it received an in-state recruiting win with Central-Phenix City’s Rydarrius ‘Red’ Morgan.

Morgan, a three-star safety, had been tied to Florida State since July 4. But UA coaches, among them Kevin Steele, Eric Wolford and Travaris Robinson pulled Morgan away from Mike Norvell and FSU, slowing down one recruiting wave while continuing to build one for the Crimson Tide.

Morgan made 50 tackles for the Red Devils last fall. With four pass breakups, two interceptions and a sack, Morgan helped Central-Phenix City reach the AHSAA Class 7A semifinals. In 2022, Morgan was on the 13-win state champion runner-ups.

He joins his Red Devils teammate and three-star defensive lineman Isaia Faga in the Tide’s class of 2024. Alabama now has 17 commits and six from within the Yellowhammer state. Last week, the Tide lost a five-star Foley wide reciever Perry Thompson to Hugh Freeze and Auburn.

Alabama offered Morgan after an unofficial visit on March 4. He was in Tallahassee, Fla., six days later and was part of FSU’s fifth-ranked recruiting class according to 247Sports. The Seminoles made a splash with Georgia five-star KJ Bolden on Friday, however, the top-rated safety in the country.

Alabama has now flipped three prospects in the last four days, starting with two-sport athlete Amari Jefferson from Tennessee on Aug. 5. On Tuesday, the Tide pulled California four-star safety Peyton Woodyard from Georgia. Alabama now has four safeties in the class with Morgan.

The Tide overtook FSU in the 247Sports Composite team rankings. It’s now ranked fourth overall behind Georgia, Ohio State and Florida.

Morgan is listed as the No. 54 safety in the country and the 29th-best prospect in Alabama.

Where does Alabama stand with in-state recruits after losing 5-stars to Auburn?

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