Top Ranked Lineman Recruit Pierschbacher Flips from Hawkeyes to Crimson Tide

Ross, Ross, Ross. They may look cool in red, but didn't anyone ever tell you that you don't join the Sith when you have the chance to be a Jedi?

Just kidding. (sigh, I'm totally not bitter)

Today, after weeks of speculation, it became clear that Ross Pierschbacher, ESPN's number one ranked offensive lineman will be switching his commitment from the University of Iowa Hawkeyes to the University of Alabama Crimson Tide.

Ross Pierschbacher (Cedar Falls, Iowa/Cedar Falls), the No. 1 ranked guard in the country, has committed to Alabama.

The No. 48 overall prospect initially committed to Iowa in January but after recent trips to both Alabama and Stanford, he flipped his pledge to the Crimson Tide. The Iowa native first visited Tuscaloosa last fall for the Iron Bowl and announced via email that he was making the switch from his hometown team.

"I would like to thank Coach Ferentz, his coaching staff, and the University of Iowa for the offer to be part of Hawkeye football. They have great tradition, outstanding people and a top notch program," he said. "After considering many different options and things important to me, my family and my future career, I am excited to announce that I have decided to play my collegiate career for Coach Saban and The University of Alabama."

Pierschbacher now joins four other top offensive line recruits already committed to the semi-professional team coached by Sith Lord err... I mean, coach, Nick Saban.

This isn't the first time in recent years that Iowa has been burned by Alabama. The Hawkeyes were also in good shape recruiting another top ranked offensive lineman, Cyrus Kouandjio, who also ended up at the Crimson Tide.