Jalyn Armour-Davis was a busy man last week.
He helped Alabama’s recruiting class land three more prospects in two days. He made a key play for St. Paul’s Episcopal in its 5A state championship game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Then he took his official visit.
The 6-foot-1, 180-pound corner was the only member of the secondary in Alabama’s 2018 class before the Super Seven started. Then four-star corner Nadab Joseph committed, followed by four-star junior college corner Saivion Smith.
“Before they committed, I was doing a little recruiting,” Armour-Davis said on Thursday. “I don’t think we’re done either. Very happy with the class we are putting together. I think it’s going to be a special class.”
Armour-Davis is the No. 2 player from Alabama and the No. 15 corner in the country, according to 247Sports. He closed out his high school career with a 17-14 win over Briarwood at Bryant-Denny Stadium to cap a 14-0 season. He committed to Alabama this summer. It won’t be long before he’s back at Bryant-Denny, though he’ll be wearing crimson next time.
“It was special,” Armour-Davis said. “Before this week, I told myself not to make the game bigger than it is. It’s another high school game, even though it was my last one. It’s a special venue … I overlooked the fact of the next level, and looked more of the fact that I’ve been playing with these guys since the fifth grade. That was the most important part for me.”
He had a quiet start in the game as a wide receiver as Briarwood tried to limit his touches. He had two catches for minus-one yard when he caught a 56-yard pass on fourth and 14. That play set up the game-winning touchdown for the Saints. As a defensive back, Briarwood only threw at Armour-Davis three times. He allowed one short completion.
“He’s obviously got a lot of talent,” St. Paul’s Episcopal coach Steve Mask said. “Good players really make plays at the right time.”
The Saints also won state championships in 2014 and 2015, Armour-Davis’ freshman and sophomore seasons.
He’ll be moving on to Alabama next. Thanks in part to his efforts, he’ll have some more company.
“It’s just better to be as a group,” Armour-Davis said. “A lot of guys take it as ‘I want to come in and play early.’ It’s about the team, especially as a defensive back, you can’t cover both sides of the field. It’s always great to have guys you trust as much as you trust yourself.”
