Korren Kirven to Alabama: Crimson Tide Land 4-Star DT Prospect

Highly-touted defensive tackle prospect Korren Kirven has signed a letter of intent with Alabama according to tweets by Nathan Warters of the Richmond Times-Dispatch. 

According to Warters, about 500 people attended the announcement at Brookville High School. Kirven put on a Crimson Tide cap and uttered the teams signature catchphrase, "Roll Tide," which got him some cheers from the crowd.

The Lynchburg, Virginia player is Rivals' No. 16 ranked defensive tackle in the nation. They have him checking in at a very solid 6'4" and 272 lbs. and running a 5.16 40. 

ESPNU ranks him as the No. 100 overall prospect in its top 150 ranking. They have him ranked as the eighth best defensive tackle in the nation. 

Here is a sample of the scouting report on ESPN by one of their analysts.

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Kirven can be an active and tough player in the trenches. He could rework his build some and still add some more good bulk with time in a college weight program, but overall has good size for the position. He gets in attacking stance and can be an explosive kid, but he does need to work to be more consistent in his get-off. He displays the ability to fire out low and play with leverage.

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Kirven had narrowed his college choices down to Alabama, Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Maryland prior to announcing his commitment to the Tide, according to Warters.

Kirven had apparently not yet decided on which school he would attend by late Monday night, but on Wednesday he spurned the hometown Virginia Tech Hokies in favor of Alabama.

If Kirven can add a little bulk without losing his explosion, he will be an elite run stuffing tackle that can rush the passer. 

He will also need to add some upper body strength and learn to use his hands better, but those are the kinds of gains you expect a college kid to make with a solid conditioning program and coaching.

The fit would seem to be ideal from Alabama's point of view as it continues to stockpile defensive talent. Over the past several seasons under head coach Nick Saban, the Tide have signed and groomed many of the best defensive linemen in college football.

Alabama should be a great environment for Kirven to learn and grow in. As far as making an immediate impact goes, Kirven likely won't be in that type of position as a freshman. Because of his elite talent level I don't think he will be redshirted, but there is a considerable amount of talent on Alabama's defensive line.

Expect Kirven to be more of a situational player in his first year in Tuscaloosa, Ala., but all signs point to him becoming much more than that in time.