The four-star from Gainesville, Georgia, was an in-state product that Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs had been chasing along with other SEC and Big Ten rivals. However, 2027 running back prospect Nigel Newkirk chose to commit to the program with the No.33 recruiting class for 2027.

“Nigel Newkirk grew up a Georgia football fan, watching Todd Gurley,” wrote Alabama football beat writer for Tuscaloosa News, Colin Gay, on June 10. “Now he's a member of Alabama's 2027 recruiting class bringing countless Jahmyr Gibbs comparisons.” 

Alabama Crimson Tide’s latest 2027 commitments hurt the Bulldogs a little more. On May 31, Kalen DeBoer’s Crimson Tide landed the commitment of their first running back of the 2027 class with Nigel Newkirk. 

In an interview with Tuscaloosa News, Newkirk’s mother, Menyuna Cooper, shared how, as a four-year-old, he was a huge Bulldogs fan. So much so that he refused to take off his Georgia jersey. 

However, back in March, he did not list Georgia as one of the top six schools in his recruiting race that featured Alabama, LSU Tigers, USC Trojans, Miami Hurricanes, Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes. 

Then what made Newkirk not join the program he grew up looking up to? 

After Alabama extended an offer to Newkirk in August, running backs coach Robert Gillespie made the program’s approach clear, telling him, “we’re a relationship school.” He then followed up with constant communication, texting him so often that Newkirk joked it was “more than some of my family members.”

In a way, as Cooper shared, the running back felt “wanted” by Alabama. 

He was a priority target for Alabama, one they went all-in on. DeBoer’s program sent four assistant coaches by helicopter for a final pitch that started with a landing right on the football field outside Gainesville’s facility.

What Newkirk Brings to Alabama Crimson Tide

It's been two years since Alabama lost their former running back, Jahmyr Gibbs, to the NFL in 2023. However, with Newkirk’s commitment, they are seeing some hope in the running back position. 

Standing tall at 5-foot-11 and weighing 195 pounds, he is already picking up comparisons with Gibbs. 

Newkirk embraces the comparison to Gibbs and views him as a player he studies and tries to model his game after. The Gainesville High School product praised Gibbs’ quickness and explosiveness and the way he attacks openings without hesitation or getting tracked down once he breaks through.

That same profile is what Gainesville running backs coach Mike Malone sees in Newkirk as well. He is a back with strong vision, versatility, and elusiveness who can create separation and quickly accelerate into open space once a lane develops.

As a junior, Newkirk totaled 1,496 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns, averaging more than eight yards per touch, according to 247Sports.

Share your thoughts on Alabama's recruiting win.

Read more at Michigan Football Community.

Written by

Soheli Tarafdar

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar