Alabama Flips Keith Holcombe 11 Days After He Committed to Mississippi State

When Alabama gets going on the recruiting trail, it's hard to keep Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide from rolling. Just ask Mississippi State.

On Tuesday, Dan Mullen and his staff lost the commitment of 4-star outside linebacker Keith Holcombe, who had committed to Mississippi State 11 days earlier.

Where did he flip? Alabama, of course.

And the Tide keep on rolling...

In a text message, Holcombe explained his decision to Wesley Sinor of AL.com:

"

Since I've grown up here in Tuscaloosa and my dad played at Alabama for Coach Bryant, my ultimate goal has always been to play for the Crimson Tide. When that opportunity presented itself, it was one I couldn't refuse. To put on the same uniform my dad did is something I can't even put into words.

"

Holcombe goes to Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., as if Alabama needed another advantage with a top recruit.

This is a flip that was almost destined to happen.

On one hand, this just demonstrates the fickle nature of commitments in college football recruiting. On the other, it's a testament to Alabama's effectiveness on the recruiting trail.

The Tide now have 17 commitments and boast the No. 1 recruiting class. Holcombe is the No. 16 player from the state of Alabama and the No. 33 outside linebacker nationally.

Mississippi State's class now features 13 commitments and is No. 38.

There's no doubt that Saban has Crimson Tide recruiting rolling on all cylinders. They may not finish with the No. 1 class, but then again, one would be foolish to pick against them.

All recruiting rankings are from 247Sports.