Alabama’s highest-rated signee says he’s up 17 pounds since enrolling in Tuscaloosa

Many elite high school prospects believe they have accomplished something just by earning lofty recruiting rankings and signing with an elite college program. Those aren’t the type of players Nick Saban wants at Alabama and it appears he can rest easy knowing his highest-ranked signee in 2019 doesn’t fit that mold.

New Jersey native and true freshman defensive lineman Antonio Alfano enrolled early at Alabama after signing with the Crimson Tide following a standout prep career. While he’s only been on campus for about a month’s time, the nation’s No. 1 defensive end prospect says he’s already bulked up since his recent arrival.

During Alabama’s National Signing Day video special, Alfano was asked about his favorite thing about Alabama since his arrival. The five-star recruits answer? The facility, which is open all hours for treatment and workouts. Sounds like the perfect Nick Saban player.

“The 247 access to the facility has been pretty cool. Coming in and being able to workout at like 2 in the morning if you want to,” Alfano said. “The hot tubs, the cool tub, grabbing a protein shake quick on your way out. I’ve been here for like a month and I’ve already gained 17 pounds. Since I’ve been here, just working out and eating and all that stuff.”

One of the biggest benefits for recruits to enrolling early is to get a jump start and being able to participate in spring practice leading up to their first fall on campus. It’s clear Alfano is taking full advantage of his opportunity this winter in Tuscaloosa and looks to be in peak physical condition by the time spring football rolls around at Alabama.

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