Olaus Alinen, No. 1 European football prospect, commits to Alabama Crimson Tide

Originally from Finland, Olaus Alinen is the top prospect in the state of Connecticut

Coming from Finland in January 2021, mammoth offensive lineman Olaus Alinen was already an intriguing prospect before ever playing a down in America.

The 6-foot-7, 315-pound son of Klaus Alinen, who played in NFL Europe and spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, showed plenty of promise.

But perhaps even Alinen was surprised by the end result to his heavily-contested recruitment.

On Friday morning, the Under Armour All-American announced his commitment to Alabama over fellow finalists Georgia, Miami, Ohio State and Oregon:

I am commited to the University of Alabama!!#RollTide 🐘🐘@Hayesfawcett3 pic.twitter.com/ZAYj9KKgYI

— Olaus Alinen (@alinen_olaus) July 22, 2022

Alinen visited all five schools during a hectic June official visit schedule, but the Crimson Tide began to emerge as his clear-cut favorite this month. 

The four-star prospect, out of The Loomis Chaffee School (Windsor, Connecticut), is rated the nation's No. 118 overall prospect and No. 17 offensive tackle, but is viewed as a player who could skyrocket with collegiate development.

Here's what 247Sports had to say about Alinen as a prospect:

"Massive frame with slight plus length and position versatility as a right or left tackle. Bends well and has fluidity and flexibility throughout frame. Moved from Finland to United States for junior season. Father played in NFL Europe and was in several NFL camps. Combines impressive strength and athleticism. Is forceful with initial punch and is physical. Plays aggressively and remains engaged on blocks. Tough for defenders to disengage. Sinks hips and uncoils well when engaging defender. Is consistent with hand placement and is quick to place inside on defenders. Shows foot speed and is technically sound with steps when pulling. Has body control to block at second level in space. Is quick to scrape and get to linebackers. Solid in pass pro because of his length and ability to move laterally but has to work on kick step. Is able to mirror but sometimes reaches rather than staying patient in base. Has to make sure he keeps size in check. Multi-year starter at high-level college program. Mid round NFL draft potential with ability to improve stock with continued development." 

Alinen is the third offensive line pledge in Nick Saban's class, joining a pair of coveted in-state prospects in mammoth offensive tackle Wilkin Formby (Northridge HS) interior offensive lineman RyQueze McElderry (Anniston HS).

Alabama's 2023 recruiting class consists of 14 pledges and jumped from No. 11 nationally to No. 8, leapfrogging Miami, Oklahoma and LSU in the process - three of the nation's hottest recruiters this summer. 

Junior season highlights