Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders and Miami Hurricanes head coach Mario Cristobal are but two suitors for Vodney Cleveland, a defensive lineman prospect from Alabama. Cleveland is a 6’3″ mammoth who weighs 305 pounds and is touted as a four-star player in the 2026 recruiting class.
Deion Sanders, Mario Cristobal In Recruiting Battle Over the Four-Star Prospect
247Sports has him ranked as the No. 44 overall prospect and the third-best defensive lineman in his class. During his sophomore and junior seasons, Cleveland recorded 69 total tackles—45 of which were solo. He also put up 8.5 tackles for a loss and 5.5 sacks over 22 games.
Cleveland, a Birmingham-area player, is also being recruited by the hometown Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama defensive line coach Freddie Roach initially recruited Cleveland back in June of 2024.
In total, Cleveland has made six unofficial visits to Alabama, all of which have occurred since Alabama hired head coach Kalen DeBoer.
The defensive lineman has received 29 offers from schools, with the Florida Gators wooing him over three weeks with two visits. Florida head coach Billy Napier pulled all the stops to garner Cleveland’s interest.
As for the Hurricanes, Cristobal sent defensive line coach Jason Taylor straight to Birmingham to visit Cleveland. Taylor has serious NFL credentials, including a Defensive Player of the Year Award, six Pro Bowl appearances, and three first-team selections.
Sanders and his staff at Colorado countered this move by Miami by sending Director of Player Personnel Corey Phillips, who has successfully recruited players like OL Jordan Seaton. The fact that Coach Prime himself is also involved could sway Cleveland.
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Cleveland’s alma mater, Parker High School in Birmingham, Ala., defeated Saraland High School in the 6A State Championship last season. He was ranked as the No. 7 player in Alabama and the No. 7 defensive lineman in the country.
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