By Dave Miller, National Football Post
Reuben Foster, the consensus top overall linebacker in the Class of 2013, has decommitted from Alabama.
Making matters worse for the Crimson Tide is the fact that Foster has committed to Iron Bowl rival Auburn.
Foster confirmed what had been rumored for months, as the Auburn High School (Auburn, AL) star defender announced at a news conference Thursday that he had decommitted from the Crimson Tide after recently declaring that he was "100 percent committed" to the Tuscaloosa school. Foster recorded 144 tackles and 14 sacks in 2011.
Of course, the drama involving the 6-2, 242-pounder isn't over, as he will continue to hear from the top programs in the country in preparation for National Signing Day in February. Georgia is still considered a viable destination despite the flip to Auburn because he originally played at Troup County High School in LaGrange, Ga. However, his transfer to Auburn High fueled speculation that he would eventually become a Tiger. But working in Georgia's favor is the fact that Foster's best friend, safety Tray Matthews, is committed to the Bulldogs. The pair want to play at the same college together and recently had unofficial visits to Athens.
Foster's verbal commitment gives the Tigers 16 pledges for the Class of 2013. It will be interesting to see if this news prompts running back Bo Scarbrough to choose Auburn as well. The Class of 2014 star and Tuscaloosa native is a half-brother of Foster.
Of course, nothing is official until National Signing Day in February. But the Foster news certainly is exciting for Tiger fans and very disappointing to supporters of the Crimson Tide.
Email dave.miller@nationalfootballpost.com or follow me on Twitter at Miller_Dave