Is Alabama or Auburn Best Fit for 4-Star OT Chidi Valentine-Okeke?

One of the most intriguing prospects in the 2015 class is 4-star offensive lineman Chidi Valentine-Okeke.

According to Ryan Bartow of 247Sports (subscription required), Alabama and Auburn are now tied at the top for his services.

“Both recruiting me so hard,” Valentine-Okeke told Bartow. “Both really want me. It’s 50-50.”

The 6’6”, 305-pounder—who was originally a member of the 2016 class until he was reclassified earlier this year—was previously thought be to favoring Georgia.

The door opened for the Tide and the Tigers when former Bulldogs offensive coordinator Mike Bobo left for the head coaching job at Colorado State and took offensive line coach Will Friend with him.

Which of the heated in-state rivals presents the best fit for the nation’s No. 12-ranked offensive tackle prospect?

Alabama

The resume of Alabama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal has gotten Valentine-Okeke's attention.

“He’s a nice coach,” he told Bartow. “I learned a lot from him at summer camp. He does a great job of putting guys in the first round.”

As noted by Tim Watts of BamaOnline (subscription required), from a measurable standpoint, Valentine-Okeke is a physical freak who would fit in well at a place such as Alabama.

A critical part of Nick Saban’s top-rated recruiting class is the group of five offensive linemen he and his staff have been able to land commitments from.

However, the only one who is listed as a tackle is recent 3-star pledge Matt Womack.

Adding another athletic tackle with a tremendous upside would round out the Tide’s offensive line class.

The Tide are also losing three seniors off this year’s line unit, including right tackle Austin Shepherd.

While they have recruited the offensive line position well, Valentine-Okeke could work his way into the rotation early in his career if he makes a smooth transition to the next level.

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Auburn

Gus Malzahn will have to replace a pair of starters along the interior of his offensive line in 2015.

However, left tackle Shon Coleman and right tackle Avery Young will be entering their junior year next fall. Malzahn and his staff will still need to look ahead to finding the eventual replacements at those spots moving forward.

Similarly to Alabama, three of the Tigers' four offensive linemen who are committed in the 2015 class are slated to play either guard or center during their college careers.

Adding a talent such as Valentine-Okeke would give them a chance to groom him and prepare him to take over one of the tackle spots as early as 2016.

His impressive frame and athleticism would be a great fit for an offensive line unit that puts a premium on being one of the most well-conditioned outfits in the country.

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Best Fit

In terms of physical talent, Valentine-Okeke is a player who would fit in at nearly every school in the country.

Both Alabama and Auburn have produced their share of standout offensive linemen in recent years, so each school presents him with a chance to reach his full potential.

However, it’s the Tigers that get the slight nod because of the their scheme and a chance to see the field a bit quicker on the Plains.

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.

Follow @SanjayKirpalani