All-American defensive lineman Byron Young signed on the dotted line with the Crimson Tide on Wednesday morning, putting the stamp on a highly-contested recruitment that saw programs like Florida, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss try and change the Alabama commitment’s mind.

Those efforts came up short as Nick Saban and staff held onto their longtime pledge from Laurel (Miss.) West Jones.

So what should Alabama fan expect from the 6-foot-2.5, 290-pounder when he makes the move to the Capstone this fall?

West Jones head coach Scott Pierson can’t say enough good things about the standout defender he’s had the chance to coach for the past three years.

“He understands the game so much better now,” Pierson told BamaOnLine. “Just the maturity as far as strength and the ability to understand what teams are trying to do to him schematically-wise and the ability to dominate the line of scrimmage … he’s a special player. If he wasn’t, the University of Alabama wouldn’t be offering him a scholarship.”

Young helped anchor a Mustangs defensive line this past season, racking up 126 tackles, 30 tackles for a loss, 17.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries for touchdowns and a forced fumble, helping West Jones to the Class 5A state championship game. At the All-American Bowl in San Antonio last month, the future Tide defensive lineman flashed his ability going up against the nation’s best and standing out among a loaded defensive line grouping.

There’s absolutely no question the ability is there for Young on the field. But what separates the 4-star prospect from many others in the same boat is the way he carries himself.

“He’s a ‘yes sir, no sir’ guy … great mom and dad … whatever program gets him, he’s going to be a special player for them,” Pierson said. “He wants to get better. He’s not going to settle for where he is. He understands he’s got a long way to go to be able to play at the next level. And he’s not scared to work and make himself better.

“The good ones don’t need to get motivated by anyone but themselves. He’s that guy. He’s a fast-learner, he’s highly intelligent, and then he’s coachable. You tell him what you want and he’s going to do it. And that’s why I think he’s going to be good.”

Young is the fifth signee on the defensive line for the Crimson Tide joining Antonio Alfano, Justin Eboigbe, DJ Dale and Braylen Ingraham.

The Magnolia State native is rated the No. 8 defensive tackle and the No. 77 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Tide inside linebackers coach Pete Golding is credited with recruiting the 4-star defensive lineman.

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