Alabama football picks up 19th commitment for 2013 class

Alabama’s 2013 recruiting class continues to add new faces. The Crimson Tide picked up its 19th commitment of the 2013 recruiting class on Friday when strongside defensive end DeMarcus Walker committed to play football for the Tide. The 6-foot-4, 276-pounder expressed his intent to commit to the Tide on national television on Friday evening.

Walker, who is widely regarded as one of the nation’s best defensive ends, chose the Crimson Tide over offers from Tennessee, Auburn, Florida, USC and Arkansas. The product from Sandalwood High School in Jacksonville, Fla., is ranked by most scouting services as a four-star prospect and one of the top three defensive ends in the 2013 class.

One of the primary factors that played into Walker’s decision to commit to play for the Crimson Tide came down to his ability to work towards his ultimate goal of making to the National Football League.

Walker is a phenomenal defensive end, but when he enrolls at Alabama he will most likely stand up and become a linebacker. He has already established himself as an excellent pass rusher on the edge while in high school, and his experience playing with his hand down should help him transition to a role that will require him to play standing up on some occasions and with his hand on the ground when it is necessary.