5-star DB Marlon Humphrey gives verbal to 'Bama

While most of central Alabama remains in the firm grip of snow and ice, one of the top defensive back prospects in the nation has given Crimson Tide fans a reason to celebrate.

Marlon Humphrey, son of 'Bama legend Bobby Humphrey, has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama for 2014. Humphrey, the pride of Hoover High School in Hoover, AL, used Twitter as his platform to break the news.

Thanks for everyone that has supported me this far I'm happy to say I am committed to the University of Alabama!! #RollTide
— Fruit PUNCH (@marlon_humphrey) January 29, 2014

Humphrey, who stands just over 6-feet tall and tops the scale at 175-pounds, selected the Crimson Tide over the likes of Florida State and Mississippi State.

Listed as a five-star talent across the board, Humphrey is also the No. 1 defensive back in the nation per several recruiting outlets.

In Marlon Humphrey and Tony Brown, #Alabama has landed the nation's top two cornerbacks and hurdlers in the 2014 class.
— Charles Power (@CharlesGPower) January 29, 2014

While Humphrey's decision to attend Alabama is not a surprise, his verbal commitment to Alabama, one week prior to national signing day, was not expected. With various reports that Humphrey would not "show his hand" until signing day, many recruiting experts expected Humphrey to reveal his intentions with a signature, not a public statement in advance.

Hoover HC Josh Niblett talks in-depth about @marlon_humphrey's commitment to the University of #Alabama http://t.co/YbcGdtRFGP @Rivals
— Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) January 29, 2014

With his pledge to the Tide, Marlon Humphrey becomes the 25th verbal commitment in respect to Alabama's 2014 signing class.