Four-star wide receiver Justyn Ross chose Clemson over Alabama and Auburn at an announcement Wednesday at Central High School in Phenix City.
The top-ranked prospect in the state had been recruited heavily by both the Crimson Tide and Auburn. Ross visited Alabama on Jan. 19 and then received a visit from Nick Saban, offensive coordinator Mike Locksley and wide receivers coach Josh Gattis on Jan. 25, the day before he visited Auburn.
Ross has not visited Clemson since Nov. 18, but that did not deter him from picking the out-of-state school. Ross is the state’s first top-rated recruit to leave Alabama since Jameis Winston, according to ESPN2’s broadcast on signing day.
The 6-foot-4, 201-pound Ross is the No. 7 wide receiver in the country and the No. 45 overall recruit on the 247Sports Composite ratings. Alabama does not have any signees at the wide receiver position in the 2018 recruiting cycle.
Alabama is targeting four-star recruits Jaylen Waddle and Jacob Copeland at the wide receiver position. Copeland will decide at 1 p.m. and Waddle will pick at 3:30.
Even with Calvin Ridley headed to the NFL draft and Robert Foster graduating, Alabama returns Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs and the hero in the National Championship game, Devonta Smith at the position.
