

After originally planning to release a top five today, 5-star defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher opted for a “Lucky 7,” which is cut down from 12 back in 2017.

The teams making the cut include Alabama, Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss, Oregon, Texas and Texas A&M.

The Crimson Tide missed Sopsher’s original top schools list last fall, but has gotten itself back into contention in the months since.

“Every time I go up there to Bama, it’s a fun place to be,” Sopsher told BamaOnLine earlier in the spring. “Coach (Nick) Saban, he’s a great guy to be around. They have tremendous coaching staff and they show it. They have great hospitality every time you come up. Really, the hospitality and seeing the players and coaches and how well they got along.”

Alabama has found success in the Amite, La. region in recent recruiting cycles. In the 2016 class, the Tide landed Shyheim Carter out of Kentwood as well as held a commitment from Joshua Perry who ultimately went to Memphis. In the 2017 cycle, the Tide signed 247Sports 5-star receiver Devonta Smith from Amite.

The Tide already boasts a strong defensive line class — headlined by elite defensive end Antonio Alfano — but remains on the hunt to get stronger.

Alabama last hosted Sopsher for A-Day. He is expected to return to campus this fall for an official visit prior to making a final decision on National Signing Day in February.

“I see a championship-winning team,” Sopsher said of what makes Alabama different. “I’m not trying to say anything bad about anybody else, but that’s just Alabama. They always go out and win championships. Really just the hard work and dedication that they put in. When you go up there there’s no playing around. It’s all about football.”

What will ultimately set one of the seven apart from the others?

“My key factors are going to be academics, coaching, and life after football,” Sopsher said.

The 247Sports Crystal Ball heavily favors LSU at this juncture with the Tide also represented among the predictions.

Another interesting factor in Sopsher’s recruitment is his brother Rodney’s recruitment. The former 2017 recruit is expected to play at Ellsworth Community College in Iowa this upcoming season and is in talks with several programs, including Alabama and LSU. The brother’s have stated in the past that they hope to play with one another at the next level. Could an offer to Rodney potentially seal the deal for one program with Ishmael? That remains to be seen.

At 6-foot-3.5, 334 pounds, Sopsher is rated the No. 1 defensive tackle and the No. 6 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite Rankings.

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