Tai Phillips Commits to Alabama

**Tai Phillips**, a 3-star running back from Irmo High School (Columbia, SC), has committed to the **Alabama Crimson Tide**, the program announced. Phillips chose Alabama over a finalist group that included Florida State, Ohio State, and Stanford. The 5-foot-11, 195-pound senior announced his decision on June 8, 2026, with the news first reported by Hayes Fawcett of Rivals. He later made an official visit to Tuscaloosa on June 12 to solidify his pledge, and has since shut down his recruitment entirely. ## A Fast-Rising Back with Track Speed Phillips transferred to Irmo ahead of his senior season after a standout career at Cape Fear High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina. A multi-sport athlete, he brings elite track speed to the gridiron — having posted a **10.86-second 100m** and **22.04-second 200m** — making him one of the most explosive playmakers in the Southeast. His on-field production backs up the speed. Across his Cape Fear career, Phillips racked up **2,678 rushing yards and 34 touchdowns**, including a dominant 2024 sophomore campaign of **919 yards and 12 scores on just 116 carries (7.9 YPC)** in only seven games. ## Why Alabama Recruited by Alabama running backs coach **Todd Goebbel**, Phillips becomes a key addition to the Crimson Tide's 2027 class. He held offers from a national slate of programs — including Alabama, Ohio State, Florida State, Stanford, and North Carolina — before locking in with the Tide. Known by the nickname "Boom," Phillips projects as a home-run threat out of the backfield with the vision and burst to thrive in Alabama's offense. His commitment gives the Crimson Tide a dynamic playmaker and continues their strong recruiting presence in the Palmetto State. *Source: 247Sports, Rivals, ESPN, Fayetteville Observer*