Insider Sees Alabama Leading Race for Five-Star DB Hayden Stepp

For a high schooler, Hayden Stepp knows what he wants.

When the five star defensive back graciously gave us an opportunity to chat, there were two key points that he was anxious to learn about before his visit to the University of Alabama.

Fitting in the scheme, and filling out his body.

The scheme side of things wasn’t hard to figure out. Given Stepp’s versatility, fitting into Alabama’s defensive coordinator, Kane Wommack’s system wasn’t going to be difficult.

What may have been difficult was keeping up with the Joneses.

There’s no denying the talent, but even though Stepp stands 6-foot-3, gaining some muscle mass is surely on the to-do list.

As is the case for many high school players.

Which is why he was highly curious about learning more about what Alabama’s strength and conditioning team brought to the table when he visited campus on May 29.

“I’m most excited to speak with the strength coaches because they play such an important role in helping athletes develop and succeed,” he told us. “I’m looking forward to learning how they prepare players physically and how they can help me be ready to compete during my freshman season.”

Well, after his visit, Alabama appears to have strengthened its position

That is, according to Steve Wiltfong, Rivals’ VP of National Recruiting.

“I'm leaning toward Alabama for the Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman cornerback with Oregon and California two others that can't be ignored and Georgia rounding out the top four,” Wiltfong said in his “Calling My Shot” series. “Stepp has had great trips to Tuscaloosa including his official visit two weekends ago.”

However, the pursuit for the talented DB hasn’t stopped from Bama’s rivals.

The University of Georgia is making a strong push for Stepp, as he prepares for a visit on June 19.

What makes this so intriguing is that both Alabama and Georgia have yet to secure a commitment from a defensive back in the 2027 class.

The battle for recruits has consistently been a slugfest between the two SEC powerhouses, as Alabama won the recruiting battle for the class’s top quarterback, Elijah Haven.

If the Tide manage to land Stepp, it’s another massive victory and yet another notch in Kalen DeBoer’s belt.

The jury may be out on what Stepp is thinking, but Wiltfong is usually well informed. Bama currently holds the lead, but anything can happen on the recruiting trail.

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