Alabama replaces three-star RB Jace Clarizio from Michigan State

Alabama wasted no time adding another running back in the class of 2025. The Crimson Tide lost longtime player Anthony Rogers on Nov. 17, but have once again secured a second running back in its strong 2025 class and secured a commitment from three-star Jace Clarizio.

Clarizio transferred his long-standing promise from Michigan State to Alabama. The Tide poached him from the Spartans’ backcourt while Clarizio plays for East Lansing High School in Michigan. He is considered the seventh-best player in the state and the No. 39 prospect in 2025.

The Tide worked quickly and pursued Clarizio hard after he received an offer on November 16th. Alabama quickly planned a successful official visit for Clarizio during the Mercer game and received his formal commitment just a few weeks later.

Alabama offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic was a key player in the Tide and won the race for Clarizio’s services. Kaplilovic has a good relationship with the rising running back, dating back to Kaplilovic’s time at Michigan State. He served as the Spartans’ offensive line coach from 2020 to 2023. Clarizio also forms a close bond with Alabama’s running backs coach Robert Gillespie.

The Tide now has two running back commitments in 2025 as Clarizio joins four-star Akylin Dear. The No. 4 player from Mississippi State has been committed since August and is expected to sign during the early signing period.

Alabama is now up to 22 commitments in 2025 and is in the top five as Early Signing Day approaches. The Tide is gearing up for a big recruiting weekend with Auburn in town on Saturday, which should provide an opportunity to unveil some remaining 2025 targets and further solidify its commitments.

As for Clarizio, he should add some quality at running back in 2025 and be a strong, developing piece for the future of the Tide offense. He is a powerful runner with a build similar to the Tide’s current running backs, standing 6-foot-4 and weighing 190 pounds. He runs well between tackles and uses good footwork to avoid getting stuck in the mud, while also relying on his body to bounce off defenders.