Breaking News: Twin Defensive Ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir Decommit from Florida State, Sign with Alabama Football Over LSU, Nebraska, and….

In a shocking turn of events that has sent ripples through college football recruiting circles, twin defensive ends Darryll and Mandrell Desir have decommitted from Florida State and signed with the University of Alabama. The highly coveted prospects from Atlanta, Georgia, made their decision official this weekend, choosing the Crimson Tide over a host of prestigious programs, including LSU, Nebraska, and several others. The twins’ decision marks a significant shift in the recruitment landscape, particularly for Florida State, which had long been considered the frontrunner for the Desir brothers’ commitment.

The Desir Twins’ Recruitment Saga

The 6’5″, 260-pound defensive ends have been among the most sought-after recruits in the nation. Both players possess the physicality and athleticism that college coaches dream of, combining size, speed, and versatility that allow them to disrupt offenses from various positions along the defensive line. Throughout their recruitment, Darryll and Mandrell had been high school teammates at Central High School in Atlanta, where they terrorized opposing quarterbacks and established themselves as elite prospects.

The twins committed to Florida State in the summer of 2023, following an impressive official visit to Tallahassee, where they were welcomed by head coach Mike Norvell and defensive coordinator Adam Fuller. The Seminoles’ commitment to building a strong defensive front was a major factor in the Desir brothers’ initial choice. However, as their recruitment continued, both players began to entertain other options, and it became clear that Florida State’s position was no longer as secure as it once seemed.

The Alabama Advantage

Alabama, long considered a powerhouse in college football, made a late push for the Desir twins, and it ultimately proved to be a decisive one. The Crimson Tide’s reputation for developing NFL-caliber defensive players, combined with the appeal of playing in one of the nation’s most competitive programs, seemed to be the perfect fit for Darryll and Mandrell.

Sources close to the family revealed that Alabama head coach Nick Saban’s pitch was particularly appealing. Saban, who has long been regarded as one of the greatest defensive minds in the history of college football, emphasized the opportunity for the Desir twins to play in the SEC and compete for national championships from day one. The pair also visited Alabama during the season, and their experience on campus, including meeting with defensive coaches such as Kevin Steele and seeing the Crimson Tide’s storied defensive history firsthand, left a lasting impression.

As the recruitment process wore on, Alabama emerged as the frontrunner, surpassing other major programs like LSU and Nebraska, which had also been in the hunt for the Desir brothers’ services. LSU, in particular, was a strong contender, offering an elite defensive scheme and a chance to play in the SEC West, while Nebraska had made inroads by offering significant playing time early in their careers. Despite the efforts of these schools, the pull of Alabama’s tradition and the chance to play for a coach of Saban’s caliber ultimately swayed the Desirs.

The Impact on Florida State

Florida State’s loss of the Desir twins is a blow to head coach Mike Norvell’s program, which had been counting on the brothers to be cornerstones of its defensive line for years to come. The Seminoles had been one of the top teams in the nation in recruiting over the past few seasons, and losing two elite defensive ends—especially after they had already committed—represents a significant setback.

While the Seminoles still boast a strong recruiting class, including highly regarded defensive players, the loss of Darryll and Mandrell Desir is a reminder of how quickly the recruitment process can shift, and how difficult it can be to maintain commitments in the ever-changing world of college football recruiting.

What’s Next for the Desir Twins?

1. With their decision to sign with Alabama, Darryll and Mandrell Desir are expected to make an immediate impact inú Tuscaloosa. Both players are expected to compete for early playing time, with many analysts projecting them to be key contributors along the Crimson Tide’s defensive front. The duo’s versatility—being able to rush the passer, stop the run, and potentially even drop into coverage—gives Alabama’s defensive staff plenty of options in terms of game planning.

Their arrival will also add to Alabama’s already impressive defensive line, which includes top-tier prospects like Jordan Renaud, James Smith, and others. As the twins join a defense that has been known for its dominance, they will be expected to continue Alabama’s tradition of producing high-level pass rushers and defensive standouts.

A New Era for Alabama’s Defense

With the Desir twins now in the fold, Alabama’s defense looks even more formidable. The addition of the two dynamic pass rushers will further bolster a defensive line that has been a staple of Nick Saban’s success in recent years. The Crimson Tide has consistently produced some of the best NFL prospects from their defensive front, and the Desir brothers could very well follow in those footsteps.

As Alabama heads into the 2024 season, the excitement around the program will only grow, especially with the infusion of talent that the Desir twins bring to Tuscaloosa. For Florida State, the challenge now is to regroup and find ways to strengthen their defensive line and keep pace with the recruiting powerhouses in the SEC and beyond.

For the Desir family, the road to Alabama is just beginning, but the journey promises to be one filled with opportunity, competition, and the chance to make a lasting impact on the college football landscape.