Kenneth Simon II, a four-star linebacker from Tennessee, flipped his commitment from Alabama to Tennessee on Saturday. According to 247Sports, he’s the 144th best recruit in the Class of 2027. Simon is considered the ninth-best linebacker in the class and the sixth-best overall player in the state of Tennessee.
Fans were quick to react to the news of his flipping, with several lamenting the state of Alabama football recruitment.
“We are so washed,” wrote one fan.
“Bama lockered again. Recruiting is so much harder when everyone can pay players huh,” explained another.
“Bama isn’t a blue blood like Tennessee smart kid,” said one fan, perhaps ironically.
Alabama fans also joked that this was going to be a tough time for Tennessee fans, who were, until recently, trashing Kenneth Simon.
“What is Tennessee fans going to do now? For the past couple of weeks they were trashing Simon,” joked one Bama fan.
Others thought this was a bad choice for the prospect, as Tennessee doesn’t have the best track record in modern times.
“Flipping to a team that hasnt been to an sec championship in 30 years is certainly a choice,” pointed out someone else.
Others thought it was obvious Simon was looking for a larger paycheck.
“Pretty obvious what happened here. Committed to Alabama to try & force a bigger payout from Tennessee. I guess it worked. I applaud Bama for refusing to get into hostile bidding wars,” ventured one individual as an explanation.
Some fans are just tired of the whole NIL era dynamics.
“If you aren’t actually committed. Then don’t commit. Just unbelievable,” said one.
Why did Kenneth Simon II leave Alabama?
Speaking with On3 shortly after announcing his decision to flip, Kenneth Simon II explained that his connection to his home state was one of the main reasons why he flipped.
“I mean, I just hung out with my friends from like back home and guys I’ve known growing up,” Simon said.
He also said he knows tight end Malik Howard and running back David Gabriel Georges, who have already committed to the Vols.
He also explained that there’s no negative reason as to why he left Alabama, saying that the Crimson Tide have a great coaching staff and that the school always treated him and his family well.
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