352 days after backing off his commitment to Alabama, 5-star running back Trey Sanders has rejoined the class and signed with the Crimson Tide on Wednesday.

The nation’s No. 1 running back, a longtime Bama pledge prior to reopening his recruitment last January, chose Alabama over Georgia, Florida and Texas, among others.

“They’re a different breed, man,” Sanders said of Alabama earlier this fall. “Najee is Najee, but like Jerry Jeudy and everybody that went there who were 5-stars, (Alabama) turned them into monsters. Instead of them falling off in college, they took their talent and ran with it.”

The Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy product had been trending heavily to Alabama since the summer, but made it interesting for fans down the stretch. After taking an official visit to Athens two weeks prior to the Early Signing Period, the Tide’s momentum in Sanders’ recruitment seemed to subside a bit. And it wasn’t just the Bulldogs with positive buzz, both the Gators and Longhorns seemed to have some level of optimism as well.

Sanders’ primary recruiter was former offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, however, having been recruited heavily by Alabama since the spring of 2016, the 5-star back had many longstanding relationships in Tuscaloosa, including former longtime Nick Saban assistant Burton Burns, who now serves in an off-the-field role.

Several coaches worked to pick up any slack that may have come from Locksley’s departure, including Josh Gattis, Brent Key, Joe Pannunzio, Tosh Lupoi and of course Nick Saban.

Sanders is the second running back currently in Bama’s class, joining 4-star ball carrier Keilan Robinson who currently plans to sign in February.

At 6-feet, 214 pounds, Sanders is rated the No. 1 running back and the No. 5 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Here’s 247Sports’ evaluation of the Port St. Joe, Fla. native:

A sturdy running back with powerful legs and a body capable of handling pounding the position takes on every carry. One of the most college ready bodies at the running back position in the 2019 class. Able to deftly make defenders miss in the hole and turn short gains into big runs. Nimble feet, impressive jump cuts, and vision to go with the strength to break tackles and push the pile. Comfortable as a pass catcher, making him a well rounded weapon out of the backfield. Concerned he is already physically maxed out prospect with limited upside to what he is currently. An impact player at high-end Power 5 level and future NFL draft pick, with early round upside.

The 5-star back plans to enroll early after playing in the All-American Bowl in San Antonio next month.

Stay tuned to BamaOnLine for more details on this breaking story.