Prediction: Alabama Crimson Tide poised to land elite 2024 defensive prospect

SBLive Sports Director of Recruiting Andrew Nemec makes a prediction in favor of Alabama

This week, class of 2024 Mobile Christian School (Alabama) star Sterling Dixon, the nation's No. 61 overall prospect and No. 6 linebacker, set a commitment date for December 1.

The 6-foot-3, 210-pound 'backer didn't name finalists, but Alabama, Auburn and LSU are three programs widely considered to be the main contenders.

So, where is he headed?

Prediction: Sterling Dixon to Alabama Crimson Tide

Heading into this weekend's visit to Alabama, Auburn was widely believed to be the favorite.

For example, On3 gives Auburn a 66.3 percent chance of landing Dixon - with LSU second at 29.5 percent. 247Sports has just one early prediction in place and it is for Auburn. 

However, Dixon admitted his trip to Tuscaloosa could potentially be a game-changer.

>>> Sterling Dixon, nation's No. 6 linebacker, sets commitment date, discusses top schools

After the trip, he stopped short of saying whether or not it was the decider in his recruitment, but he had effusive praise for Alabama and his visit.

"Honestly, I loved it," Dixon said. "The coaches showed me why they are the best program in the nation. It stood out to me a lot because they treated me right, treated my family right and treated me like a priority." 

Dixon also mentioned proximity to home as a factor in his recruitment.

Then, there's this: he set a commitment date immediately following a stellar trip to Tuscaloosa. 

So, while this feels like it's shaping up to be an Alabama-Auburn battle, it would seem the Crimson Tide's final impression made have sealed the deal in their favor.

Alabama has three early commitments in its 2024 recruiting class - Clay-Chalkville (Alabama)  borderline five-star cornerback Jaylen Mbakwe, Rome (Georgia) four-star athlete Martavious Collins and Foley (Alabama) four-star wide receiver Perry Thompson. 

Junior season highlights