Four-star 2023 offensive tackle Wilkin Formby out of Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is deciding to stay close to home and committing to the University of Alabama.

He made the decision at a ceremony on Monday evening in NHS's gymnasium, choosing between Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss and Tennessee in front of family and friends. The Tuscaloosa native also held notable offers from Auburn, Georgia, Michigan, Penn State, USC and several others.

Considering multiple recruiting sites predicted him to go elsewhere, his commitment to Alabama was somewhat unexpected, even for a recruit that grew up in the same city as the college football powerhouse.

"It came down to development," Formby said. "Alabama is a school that has proven to develop guys, especially offensive lineman for multiple years now and I think that it's a good fit."

Formby also cited his bond with the coaching staff at Alabama for his decision, saying he's had a "great relationship" with Tide offensive line coach Eric Wolford for "over a year now."

Wolford was brought on the staff in January of 2022, around the same time the four-star received an offer from his childhood-favorite Crimson Tide.

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"I would say he had a lot to do with it because that's who I'm gonna be with, day in and day out," Formby said.

"His drills are some of the best I've ever seen – I've gotten the pleasure to have been coached by him before too at camps and stuff like that. He's a great coach. He's a really tough coach, which is what you want. To be one of the best, that's what you need."

The rising senior stands at 6-foot-7, 295-pounds and is listed as the No. 10 recruit in the country at his position, according to 247Sports. He's the fifth of the 2023 class, and the first offensive lineman, to officially commit to the Crimson Tide.

For more from J.R. and all of the talented staff at Tide 100.9, make sure to check out our content at tide1009.com and on the Tide 100.9 app.

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