4-star Alabama commit Byers fails to academically qualify

Four-star defensive tackle Akial Byers didn't academically qualify for admission into Alabama, and will instead enroll at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College on National Signing Day.

"Coach Saban talked to me. They're going to get me in there (MGCCC) and get me out in January," he told Scout's John Garcia Jr. on Monday. "That's the plan."

Byers, ranked by ESPN as the 13th-best defensive tackle and the 151st-best prospect overall in the 2017 recruiting class, was one of only two defensive linemen set to join the Crimson Tide.

The Fayetteville, Ark., native committed to Alabama in July as the highest-rated recruit from his state.

"I'll just be a 2018 Alabama commit now," Byers said. "That's where I want to be. I just have to keep doing what I'm doing, get bigger and better and develop more as a player."

Though the loss of Byers could sting the Tide somewhat, Nick Saban's team is still poised to enter signing day with the nation's top class. Alabama has 17 other players from the ESPN 300 pledged to the program.