In a stunning turn of events in college football recruiting, twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have decommitted from Florida State University and committed to the University of Alabama. This decision has sent shockwaves through the recruiting landscape, as the Desir twins were previously considered cornerstones of FSU’s 2025 class.
The Desir Twins: A Dynamic Duo
Hailing from Norland High School in Miami, Florida, the Desir brothers have been standout performers on the field. Darryll, standing at 6’5” and weighing 245 pounds, is known for his explosive speed and ability to disrupt the quarterback. Mandrell, slightly taller at 6’6” and 250 pounds, complements his brother with a relentless motor and exceptional run-stopping abilities. Together, they formed a formidable defensive line duo that led Norland to the state championship game in the previous season.
The Flip: From FSU to Alabama
The Desir twins initially committed to Florida State, choosing the Seminoles over offers from various programs, including Cincinnati, Colorado, Georgia Tech, and Texas A&M. However, after a series of visits and discussions, they decided to flip their commitment to Alabama. The Crimson Tide’s reputation for developing elite defensive talent and their consistent success on the national stage played a significant role in their decision.
Why Alabama?
Several factors influenced the Desir twins’ decision to join Alabama:
- Defensive Line Development: Alabama’s track record of producing top-tier defensive linemen who transition to the NFL is unparalleled. The opportunity to learn from esteemed coaches and follow in the footsteps of players like Will Anderson Jr. and Jonathan Allen was a compelling factor.
- Coaching Staff: The Desir twins expressed confidence in Alabama’s coaching staff, particularly the defensive line coaches, who have a history of developing players to their full potential.
- Program Prestige: Alabama’s consistent success in the SEC and on the national stage provided the Desir twins with the platform they desired to showcase their talents.
- NIL Opportunities: While not publicly discussed, the robust Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) opportunities at Alabama may have also played a role in their decision.
Impact on the Recruiting Landscape
The commitment of the Desir twins to Alabama is a significant coup for the Crimson Tide’s 2025 recruiting class. Their decision has reverberated across the college football world, with programs like Penn State, Nebraska, and others expressing disappointment at missing out on such high-caliber talent.
For Florida State, the loss of the Desir twins is a setback, but the Seminoles remain focused on securing other top-tier recruits to strengthen their defensive line. The recruiting battle for the 2025 class is far from over, and the Desir twins’ flip has added another layer of intrigue to an already competitive landscape.
Conclusion
The commitment of Darryll and Mandrell Desir to Alabama marks a pivotal moment in the 2025 recruiting cycle. Their decision underscores the ever-changing dynamics of college football recruiting and highlights the importance of program prestige, coaching staff, and development opportunities in attracting top talent. As the Desir twins prepare to join the Crimson Tide, all eyes will be on Tuscaloosa to see how they impact Alabama’s defensive line in the coming seasons.
