Alabama has lost a five-star commitment from the class of 2025. Jamie Ffrench, a wide receiver from Jacksonville, Fla., announced he’s changed his mind about his verbal pledge this past summer.
He is the latest player who’s decided that Tuscaloosa may not be the best part of their future after a whirlwind week. Nick Saban retired on Wednesday and Kalen DeBoer, formerly of Washington, was introduced on Saturday.
Ffrench, who plays at Mandarin High, is ranked as the No. 11 player nationally in the class of 2024 and the No. 3 wideout, per 247Sports composite. Alabama notably lost Saraland five-star Ryan Williams, who reclassified into this cycle, earlier in the wee.
“What I just took from the staff that’s still there at ‘Bama who didn’t leave, they told me nobody is not going to want Jaime Ffrench when they walk through the door. So just wait it out and see what’s next. Then, If I’m not feeling their vibe. That’s when I’ll react to that,” Ffrench told Zach Blostein of 247Sports on Sunday afternoon.
Ffrench’s primary recruiter, UA tight ends coach Joe Cox, wasn’t on the initial report of coaches from Saban’s staff that DeBoer would retain in his first season. Among familiar names sticking around are defensive line coach Freddie Roach and running backs coach Robert Gillespie.
DeBoer said his initial priority is filling out staff to recruit those already in the building and keep them away from the transfer portal. Twenty UA players have entered the portal since the season ended on Jan. 1 to Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
Multiple players have opted for Florida State and Mike Norvell, who appeared to be a candidate in addition to DeBoer. Ffrench also told 247Sports that FSU is among the biggest contenders for his recruitment, which is likely to extend into the spring.
UA’s class is currently ranked sixth overall and contains three top-100 prospects. The class is headlined by Enterprise edge rusher Zion Grady.
