Bama DB commit talks commitment status after SEC visit

Since committing to Bama on July 1, Tampa (Fla.) cornerback Jameer Grimsley has been all in with the Tide. He’s made the nine-hour drive to Tuscaloosa four times (three game day visits), while also watching the team take on USF in his hometown on Sept. 16.

The Florida Gators have continued their pursuit of Grimsley, and hosted him for a visit this past Saturday. An official visit to UF was also scheduled for Dec. 8-10. On Monday, however, it was reported that their lead recruiter in that pursuit — secondary coach Corey Raymond — was let go by the program.

“That’s something I’m definitely going to have to talk about,” Grimsley told BamaOnLine of his reaction to the news. “I’m going to talk with my parents about that… I don’t know. We’ll see about the OV.”

Talking about his commitment status with Bama upon hearing the news, Grimsley had the following to say to BOL.

“It’s very solid. Hearing this new information… it’s pretty solid with Bama,” Grimsley said of his commitment status. “It’s been strong from the beginning. [Coach Raymond] was one of the reasons I was even entertaining Florida, so to speak. That will play a pretty big role in that decision.”

As BOL noted on Saturday night, Grimsley told reporters right after his Florida visit that he’s solid with his commitment. The top-100 recruit outlined the main reasons why he continues to feel comfortable with the decision he made.

“Just because they figure out ways to get it done,” Grimsley said of why he’s locked in with Alabama. “They fight through adversity. I want to be a part of something big, something special. I think I can be developed into a great corner, a higher draft pick in the future.”

Looking ahead, Grimsley says he knows that Bama will be conducting an in-home visit with him, but he’s unsure if one will be done with Florida. He plans on signing on Dec. 20, taking part in bowl prep with the Tide, and maybe participating in the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 3.

The No. 15 CB in the 2024 On300 cannot wait to officially arrive in Tuscaloosa.

“I’m very excited,” Grimsley said. “It’s time to start working. I think the sooner I get there, the more prepared I’ll be when it is time to step on the field, whether it’s freshman year or later down the line. I’m not going in there thinking about waiting.”

Grimsley reacts to Bama’s Iron Bowl victory, looks ahead to SEC Championship

The Iron Bowl took place right before Florida’s game versus Florida State, which resulted in a 15-24 loss for UF.

As such, Grimsley did not get to watch the full contest, but shared his thoughts on Bama’s improbable 27-24 win led by Jalen Milroe.

“I didn’t get to watch it, but I heard that they were losing and then they had that play with Milroe on fourth-and-31, which was insane,” Grimsley said. “They somehow always find a way to get the job done, whereas Florida hasn’t been able to find a way to get it done.”

Alabama DB commit Jameer Grimsley. (Joseph Hastings/BamaOnLine)

Grimsley is unlikely to make it up to Atlanta for the SEC Championship this upcoming Saturday. He envisions his future team coming out on top over Georgia, and shared some of his personal keys to the game for the Tide.

“I think they need to establish the run,” Grimsley said. “Use Milroe in designed runs and get him moving out of the pocket. The defense has been balling, so I really can’t complain about the defense. Just keep doing what they’re doing. I think they’re more battle-tested and they already had that one loss, so they’re not coming in scared or timid. They’ve already dealt with adversity in one of the first games of the season.

“I just feel like they’ve had the tougher schedule and they’re more battle-prepared than Georgia. They’ve been through tougher opponents, and have found ways to succeed time after time.”

Nick Saban, Travaris Robinson receive praise from Grimsley

Jameer Grimsley spoke with head coach Nick Saban a week after his Nov. 4 visit for the LSU game. Saban told him to stay healthy as Grimsley was coming back to his team in the playoffs after missing the regular season with a foot injury. He also spoke with Grimsley about how much Alabama wants and needs him.

The 6-foot-2, 185-pounder is ready to receive coaching from Saban and further his development at the next level.

“I’m very excited,” Grimsley said. “I feel like I haven’t even begun to touch the ceiling for me. I feel like I have a lot to learn, and I feel like this is just the beginning. I’m a little bit newer to the DB position. I feel like there’s still a lot for me to learn and a lot of things I can do to become better. Think having that type of coach guide me along the way will be a blessing. I think that they can bring the best out of me.”

Grimsley also recently caught up with defensive backs coach Travaris Robinson this past weekend.

“I just talked with him on Sunday after the game. We keep in contact,” Grimsley said of Robinson. “The relationship is strong. He doesn’t seem distant or anything. Just ready to go up there, work, and compete. Our relationship is still good.”

On his visits, Grimsley chops it up with the likes of Jahlil Hurley, Jihaad Campbell, Keon Keeley, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Terrion Arnold.

The defensive backs he hears from always speak highly of both Robinson and Saban.

“They just said he’s a real good coach and they’ve learned a lot from him, including Coach Saban,” Grimsley said. “They said it’s a great combo for them. Especially Terrion — he said he’s learned a lot. They were able to help him become a better corner. He’s still working on it. Even at this point, he’s still learning.”

Grimsley also likes that true freshmen like Caleb Downs and Kadyn Proctor have made significant contributions this season.

“That’s just proof that if you can play, you’ll play,” Grimsley said. “I don’t really listen to people when they say you’re not going to play as a freshman if you go to Bama… there are numerous cases of true freshmen playing at Bama. And, I’m not a quarterback, so it’s a little bit different.

“If you can play, they’re not going to stop you from playing. Even if there’s a senior ahead of you, if you’re better, they’ll play you.”

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