In-State Linebacker Decommits from Alabama Right Before Signing Day

Many analysts expect Nick Saban to finish strong on Signing Day, and that might have led to a decommitment from one of Alabama's in-state targets. 

Oneonta linebacker Riley Cole decided to back off his pledge and explained on Twitter that the decision stemmed from the coaching staff wanting him to take a grayshirt offer.

If a player grayshirts, it means they have to delay their enrollment for a semester but will still receive the scholarship.

Cole committed to Alabama on the spot last summer, calling it "a dream come true." He could still end up signing with the Crimson Tide, but he'll look at his other options leading up to National Signing Day on Wednesday. And it appears the interest in Cole has already picked up.

You can watch Cole's senior year highlight video here.