Hale Hentges to Alabama: Crimson Tide Land 4-Star TE Prospect

Four-star tight end Hale Hentges has signed with Alabama. He announced his decision on Twitter Sunday evening:

And the rich get richer. According to David Morrison of the Columbia Daily Tribune, the Crimson Tide have secured the commitment of 14 players in the Rivals 250:

Bleacher Report national college football recruiting writer Tyler Donohue called Hentges a "big addition" for head coach Nick Saban:

After adding the blue-chip tight end, Alabama strengthened its grip atop 247Sports' class of 2015 rankings, creating an even bigger gap between itself and No. 2 Penn State. Scout.com's Derek Young could only applaud the Tide's ability to sign players from across the entire country:

According to 247Sports' composite rankings, Hentges is the second-best tight end in the class of 2015 and ranks 102nd overall. He's also No. 2 in the state of Missouri.

Hentges is a tremendous pass-catcher. Listed at 6'6" on 247Sports, he uses his big frame to leap up above opposing defensive backs and snatch the ball out of the air. Simply by virtue of his height, Hentges will be a handful for defensive backs and linebackers to handle.

While Hentges isn't cut from the Vernon Davis or Eric Ebron mold of tight ends, he has enough speed to cause matchup problems for linebackers, and he's strong enough to break a couple of tackles and earn an extra few yards.

Unlike Ebron or Jimmy Graham, Hentges can also hold his own in the run game. He's a very good blocker, offering some more versatility to the Tide offense.

Hentges probably won't set the world on fire early on in Tuscaloosa, but over time, he should blossom into one of the best tight ends in the country.