ESPN: Auburn lead first to secure the signing of 4 star.

CARROLLTON, Ga. – There are a handful of Alabama prep football recruits that each of Auburn and Alabama covets within the 2025 class.

The Tigers are off to a magnificent start to their recruiting class, including five of the eight verbal commitments being from inside the Alabama state borders. Bama and newly hired head coach Kalen DeBoer have just two verbal commitments but are beginning to adjust to the recruiting landscape down South.

One prospect both schools covet and already sent assistant coaches by his high school in January would be Alvin Henderson from Elba (Ala.) High School.

“Bama and Auburn, they (both) already told me that I’m the #1 running back in the state and one of the top running back in the country. You’re also at our back door. You can go out and look at other schools but you know where home is.”

As for Henderson’s interest in Alabama, here’s what he said.

“I’m from Alabama so of course I’m going to be looking into Bama. I want to see what they have to offer for me when I go back up there and see how coach (Kalen) DeBoer plans to use me (in his offense).”

Bama’s staff is starting to get in a groove with recruiting Henderson but it’s still early with DeBoer and his staff.

As for Auburn, the Tigers are a trending team for Henderson’s services. He’s been to the Plains several times. So, what’s the pitch to the elite running back recruit from the Auburn staff?

“Come home. That’s it.”

Adding on to that very direct recruiting approach, Henderson is a staff priority for Auburn.

“All of them.” That’s his answer for which AU coach is recruiting him the hardest. He did not want to venture a guess on the number of times he’s visited the Plains either.

“I lost count.”

All of the recruiting attention comes for a reason. Henderson plays for a 1A program but one that packs a punch.

According to Max Preps, Henderson went for 61 rushing scores this past season and set a state record. He still wants more. After the Under Armour All-America Camp in Atlanta, his desires for the 2024 season became public.

“I’m aiming for like 75 (touchdowns) next year,” Henderson said bluntly.

He’s now 5-foot-10 and 191 pounds and wants to reach 200 by next season. As Henderson gains more strength, the opportunities to break more long runs and score more touchdowns will also increase.

Auburn and Alabama would each love to see him stay inside the Yellowhammer State and start scoring touchdowns for their respective programs in 2025.