Chadarius Townsend, a 2017 four-star athlete from Tanner (Ala.) High School, has committed to Alabama, his father told BamaOnline. Townsend becomes the fifth commit in the class for the Crimson Tide.



Townsend was offered by Alabama in June and actually committed on June 3 after an impressive camp performance. His primary recruiter is defensive backs coach Mel Tucker.

Townsend's father, Dale Townsend, spoke with BamaOnline about his son's commitment.

"It was an exciting time when Coach (Nick) Saban brought him in," Dale Townsend said. "He explained to him the offer and his goal for the prospects that come through there and it was really exciting.

"(Chadarius) had a verbal commitment on June 3, but he wanted to have the opportunity to visit other colleges to see what they had to offer as well."

Townsend talked more about Saban's reaction when Townsend told him he wanted to commit.

"(Saban) is pretty laid back and he just kind of explained what that meant for him to commit to a program like Alabama," Dale Townsend said. "He told him basically that when you commit to Alabama you commit to a program that's not only going to develop him as a football player but develop him to a better person. He wants him to get his education and make him to where he's going to excel outside of football. That was Coach Saban's goal, give him the opportunity to become a man."

Townsend, a speedy athlete, has the ability to play both sides of the ball.

"With his speed and his upside he has the opportunity to play offense or defense," Dale Townsend said. "Right now they said it's really up to him where he ultimately plays. They said he's a player that has many options."

Townsend's father went on to talk about what made his son decide on the Tide.

"Alabama ... the list goes on and on," Dale Townsend said. "They welcome you. They actually showed him interest and love and whenever you show love you get love in return, and that's basically what it was. If you show Chadarius that type of love, he gives it back. It's really indescribable how Alabama welcomes you. The academic programs, I like the fact they are on top of the students, the facilities. Everything about Alabama, there's nothing wrong. The only thing since June 3 that we have noticed is wrong with Alabama was a screen that was flickering yesterday in the weight room. Everything else is right.

"He has a great relationship with Coach Tucker, Coach Saban, Coach Lane Kiffin, they're all with open arms and make you feel at home. They don't seem scripted, it's not an act, it's real."

Townsend is undecided as to if he'll continue to take visits.

"He's committed and he's a kid of his word," Dale Townsend said. "It's one of those things where I as a parent would feel crazy to not continue to observe what's going on around you. I'd like for him to have experiences in life, rather than cutting it short."

Townsend, a 6-foot, 180-pound prospect, is rated the No. 20 athlete and the No. 193 overall player in the country per the 247Sports Composite. At this time of his commitment he was trending to Alabama at 100 percent.

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