Javion Cohen’s only tweet is one announcing his commitment to the University of Alabama, but that doesn’t tell his full recruiting story.
UA received a commitment from the four-star offensive lineman from Central High School in Phenix City, all of 30 miles from Auburn’s campus, after Cohen originally committed to Auburn in the summer. The particulars of Cohen’s recruiting flip should make the Iron Bowls he plays in more interesting than normal.
Cohen announced his intent to choose between Auburn and Alabama on Dec. 18, the first day of the early signing period. Shortly thereafter, multiple reports from Auburn stated the Tigers coaching staff pulled the scholarship offer from Cohen. Cohen refuted those reports, once sharing what appeared to be a text message conversation between Cohen and Auburn coach Gus Malzahn about decommitting days before the reported scholarship rescinding.
Cohen told the Opelika-Auburn News, “They were upset and sent reports saying my offer was pulled. I have no respect for that university at all, and I’m sure the feeling is mutual.”
The fallout leaves UA expecting a signature from Cohen on Wednesday, leaving Alabama the 24th commitment in its 2020 class, the third on the offensive line. Cohen is the highest rated offensive line prospect in the state of Alabama, all ratings from the 247 Sports Composite.
Reach Brett Hudson at 205-722-0196 or bhudson@tuscaloosanews.com or via Twitter, @Brett_Hudson
