CB Kendall Sheffield picks Alabama

— -- ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Five-star cornerback Kendall Sheffield committed to the Alabama Crimson Tide during the fourth quarter of the 2015 Under Armour All-America Game on Friday at Tropicana Field.

Sheffield, the No. 8-ranked player in the nation, selected Alabama over Texas A&M, LSU and Florida State.

The prospect from Missouri City, Texas, took an official visit to Alabama on Dec. 5, and that proved to be enough to push the Crimson Tide to the top of his list for good.

Sheffield selected the Crimson Tide in large part due to his relationship with Alabama coach Nick Saban.

"My relationship with Coach Saban is really good," Sheffield said. "I've stayed in contact with him, and we've built a great relationship. I can get a good education at Alabama and I just have a really good relationship with Saban."

Ohio State torched Alabama's defense for 42 points in Thursday's Allstate Sugar Bowl. The Buckeyes were able to complete several long passes against Alabama, and the Crimson Tide certainly have some holes to fill in the defensive secondary.

At 6-foot, 181 pounds, Sheffield has the size and athletic ability to immediately push for playing time.

"Sheffield is an athletic and versatile defender at the corner position," his scouting report reads. "Demonstrates both shut-down and big-play ability. Should be an early contributor at the next level."

Sheffield wasn't the only All-American to commit to the Tide. In the second quarter of Friday's game, another defensive tackle -- Birmingham native Da'Ron Payne -- gave his pledge to Alabama.

The four-star Payne chose Alabama over in-state rival Auburn and Mississippi State.

Payne, a 6-3, 348-pound run-stopper, will give the Crimson Tide a big body in the middle and has potential to create havoc in the backfield.

With Sheffield and Payne, Alabama now has 24 commitments, including an impressive 19 ranked in the ESPN 300. Barring a drastic change, Alabama is on pace for its fourth consecutive No. 1-ranked recruiting class.

Overall Friday, there were six ESPN 300 commitments in the game, which included 96 players ranked in the ESPN 300.

Team Highlight beat Team Armour 46-6 in the game. Deondre Francois threw for 103 yards and a touchdown for Team Highlight, Ronald Jones II had a 63-yard touchdown run, and Daylon Charlot had a 53-yard punt return for a TD.

USC gets RB Jones: 

Texas now has 24 verbal commitments, including 11 ranked in the ESPN 300. The Longhorns currently have the 11th-ranked recruiting class in the country.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.