Manchester (Ga.) Five-Star Plus+ defensive lineman Justus Terry backed off of his commitment to USC earlier this week, re-opening a recruitment that has already seen some twists and turns.
Upon his announcement on Wednesday, Alabama immediately cemented itself as a contender for the No. 7 overall prospect in the nation, as On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons reported that Terry would be taking an official visit to Tuscaloosa this weekend.
The 6-foot-4.5, 275-pounder is on campus, highlighting what’s become another big recruiting weekend for Kalen DeBoer and Co.
Upon Terry’s decommitment from USC, Simmons noted that the Tide were originally in play for his pledge when he was previously committed to Georgia. Bama has a chance to make a major move in-person this weekend.
“When Terry was committed to Georgia, Alabama was considered the biggest competition. He likes Freddie Roach and that program,” Simmons said. “It’s not too far from home, so this will be a big weekend for the Tide.”
It’s Georgia that’s back to trending for Terry’s commitment, according to the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine. The Bulldogs have already had him on campus for an official visit, and according to Simmons, are once more in the driver’s seat.
“He was committed to Georgia once, he’s a Georgia boy, Georgia offered him before high school, he has those relationships. Now that this is back open, it starts with the Bulldogs and they have to be viewed as the team to beat,” Simmons said.
Alabama looking to continue elite month on the recruiting trail
Seven commits have joined the fold for the Tide in June, propelling the class up to No. 3 in the nation, per the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Rankings. With Terry back on the board, he immediately jumps to the top of the wishlist for all programs involved.
Of the seven commits for DeBoer and his staff this month, four are top-100 prospects in either the On3 Industry Ranking or the 2025 On300.
Duncanville (Texas) four-star quarterback Keelon Russell — a top-60 prospect and top-10 QB this cycle — flipped from SMU on June 4, giving Bama the impressive signal-caller it’s been looking for. Four days later, Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei four-star cornerback Chuck McDonald joined the class. He’s the No. 9 corner in the nation and a top-10 player in California.
Doylestown (Pa.) Central Bucks East four-star interior offensive lineman Michael Carroll and Carmel (Calif.) four-star offensive tackle Jackson Lloyd are both major outliers for On3. Each check in inside the top 30 overall in the On300, providing a major boost on the interior for Chris Kapilovic.
Back in March, Bama landed its top two commits this cycle so far. Selma (Ala.) Southside four-star athlete Derick Smith pledged on March 11 and was followed by Eastman (Ga.) Dodge County four-star ATH Darrell Johnson just over a week later. Both are top-50 recruits overall.
Justus Terry Scouting Summary
On3’s scouting and rankings team writes this of Terry as a prospect:
“Tremendous frame and build for an interior defensive line prospect. Stands in at 6-foot-5, 275 pounds with excellent weight distribution throughout his frame. Wins with first step and lateral quickness, has rare get off and leverage for a player of his stature. Quality bend and ability to change direction, comfortable in space. Uses his length to initiate contact consistently and sheds blockers with ease. Able to anchor and two-gap if asked to in run support. Will need to continue to fill out and gain functional play strength at the next level. Should be able to carry an extra 20-30 pounds on his frame. High upside prospect who will be in consideration for a first round selection in the NFL Draft.”
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