Alabama baseball added a big commitment from 2021 LHP Brandon Clarke on Sunday as the Ashburn (Va.) Independence standout chose the Crimson Tide over Tennessee, Kentucky, N.C. State, Duke, East Carolina, and others.

“We went down there and went around campus and were able to see every aspect of it,” Clarke told BOL. “It was just beautiful. I loved every part of it. Just the scenery, obviously the facilities are really awesome, coaches are unbelievable, I love Coach Bo, Coach Jackson, Coach Reida, they’ve done a great job of talking to me and being able to build a relationship with them. Those are the big reasons why I chose Alabama.”

A rising junior, the 6-foot-4, 195-pound junior gave insight into his decision timeline, and why he chose to get his commitment out of the way.

“We actually finished our last visit this past Wednesday, I went to Tennessee,” he said. “I was trying to make a decision sooner rather than later. With the options that I had, I was able to see basically every single school that had given me an offer. I was like, ok I’ve seen every school I’ve wanted to, let me pick the one I like best, the coaches that fit me the best, and obviously be able to compete in the best conference in college baseball and hopefully compete for a national championship in a few years.”

Clarke has ties to Bohannon though one of his current coaches. It was that, plus other factors that have left the biggest impression on the rising prospect.

“So really the huge thing … actually, my pitching coach here in Virginia played for Coach Bohannon at Kentucky and really set me up with him and was able to just build a great relationship with him. Honestly, when I’m picking out a school, the most important part is the coaches. I’ve found that I love each and every one of the coaches at Alabama. Coach Jackson is a great pitching coach and Coach Bohannon is also a great head coach as well. The campus was second to none when I went there. It was really awesome to be able to get on there and just enjoy my time with them.”