DeMarcus Walker to Alabama: Crimson Tide Land Coveted 4-Star DL

Promising defensive end prospect DeMarcus Walker has announced his decision to attend the University of Alabama in 2013, according to The Florida Times-Union.

The coveted 4-star recruit out of Jacksonville, Florida, was being pursued by a handful of the country's top programs and had scholarship offers from multiple schools, including Auburn, Tennessee and Clemson, according to Rivals.com.

Ultimately, though, Walker's decision came down to two finalists (per al.com): Alabama and Florida.

Walker gives the Crimson Tide an elite defensive lineman and ensures that their defense will remain dominant for years to come.

Walker, at 6'3" and 275 pounds, has the potential to excel in a 3-4 defensive scheme playing anywhere on the defensive line with his size, incredible speed and agility off the ball. 

Walker's body is already developed perfectly for the college game—strong and lean—and will only improve with more time in the gym and on the field. 

Although he won't be on campus for another year, Walker's commitment surely boosts the program's reputation and will make future recruiting that much easier.

Having a dominant defense is key to winning games in the rough-and-tumble SEC. The conference features some of the nation's top defensive units and routinely produces some of best defensive NFL draft prospects.

With Walker on board, Alabama will boast one of the most feared defensive fronts in all of college football starting in 2013.

Follow Bleacher Report Featured Columnist Patrick Clarke on Twitter.