Da'Shawn Hand gives verbal to Alabama

Woodbridge Senior High School (Woodbridge, VA) defensive end Da'Shawn Hand has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama for 2014.

Hand, who stands 6-foot-4 and tops the scale at 260-pounds, selected the Crimson Tide over the likes of Florida and Michigan.

#ROLLTIDE @TheHand54 #HandPicks pic.twitter.com/LfI4lK1UYX
— SportsDash (@SportsDash) November 14, 2013

Regarded as the top defensive end in the nation, and the top overall prospect in the nation, per Rivals.com, Hand's declaration has come as a "shock" to many people in the recruiting world.

While Alabama was certainly a heavy contender, most recruiting "experts" had given Michigan the nod in respect to Hand's services.

I think that just about wraps up the top class in the country #Alabama
— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) November 14, 2013

Making his announcement via press conference, Hand, who has openly expressed his desire for a strong academic setting, praised the University of Alabama as well as Charles Karr, the dean of engineering at UA. Essentially "falling in love" with what he saw on the academic side of the equation, Hand plans to enroll in Alabama's civil engineering program.

With his pledge to the Crimson Tide, Da'Shawn Hand becomes the 23rd verbal commitment in respect to Alabama's 2014 signing class.

Hand says he plans to study civil engineering at #Alabama. Happy birthday & congrats @TheHand54! #HandPicks @wusa9 pic.twitter.com/NGtY94lWQI
— USATodayhss.com DC (@USATODAYhssDC) November 14, 2013

For those who were "out of pocket" during Da'Shawn Hand's announcement, be sure to click the link below to see the top prospect in the nation give his pledge to Alabama.

VIDEO: In case you missed it, @Rivals No. 1 recruit Da’Shawn Hand (@TheHand54) chooses Alabama #HandPicks #RollTide http://t.co/REN9ojYgbU
— SportsDash (@SportsDash) November 14, 2013