Four-star safety Xavier McKinney has recommitted to Alabama over Clemson during an announcement at the Under Armour All-America Game. The commitment comes as a major surprise as all signs pointed to Clemson, including the 247Sports Crystal Ball which read 100 percent to the Tigers.

The one-time Bama commit backed off his pledge last July, and looked to be Clemson’s to lose at the time. After a surge this fall, Alabama retook the driver’s seat for the Top100 prospect from Roswell (Ga.) heading into Sunday's decision.

McKinney’s primary recruiter is Derrick Ansley, who didn’t let up on the Georgia product after he decommitted. In fact, the four-star safety said he’s heard more from the Tide after he decommitted.

"The last coach I spoke to was Coach Ansley at Alabama," McKinney told 247Sports' Kipp Adams earlier this week. "He just let me know they want me and need me at Alabama. What stands out about Alabama is they win and they produce NFL players."

The 6-foot-1, 192-pounder is the fourth defensive back in the Tide’ 2017 class, and the 26th commitment overall, maintaining Alabama’s grip on the nation’s No. 1-ranked class, per the 247Sports Team Rankings.

McKinney is rated the No. 8 safety and the No. 70 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite.

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