4-Star Wideout Jalen Hale signs with the Tide
Jalen Hale, a consensus 4-star wideout, has officially signed his letter of intent to join the Alabama football program. Hale committed to the Tide back in September.
The Longview, TX native is one of five pass catchers to sign with the Tide this recruiting cycle, joining top JUCO recruit Malik Benson, tight end Ty Lockwood, Jalen Hamilton, and Cole Adams.
Hale was a three-sport athlete during his time at Longview, playing football, basketball, and track and field. As a junior, he ran a 22.63 200 and posted a 22-5 in the long jump, skills that should easily translate to college football. Hale was also the first freshman to play varsity football at Longview in 15 years.
247's Gabe Brooks describes Hale as a "simultaneously high-floor wideout with promising developmental potential.", comparing the Texas native to Erik Ezukanma, current Miami Dolphin and former Texas Tech Red Raider. Brooks also notes that Hale plays above listed size in 50/50 ball situations and after the catch, has the ability to take the top off the defense, and great timing and concentration which can help play bailout for the quarterback.
Brooks did also write that Hale will need to add to his 6-foot-1 185 pound frame, stating "Good frame but a bit narrow through the core, so will need to add mass."
Jalen Hale senior season stats and film reel:
After a year where Alabama was unable to find a clear-cut WR1, Hale will likely come into the program behind wideouts Kobe Prentice, Isiah Bond, Ja'Corey Brooks, and potentially others, but his presence in Tuscaloosa may be able to help spark competition in the rest of the receiver room. Hale is another hopeful in the long lineage of dominant Alabama receivers.