Mainland defensive back Zavier Mincey signs with the University of Alabama

The No. 4-rated safety in the nation announced his choice at the All-American Bowl game.

By Michele Meyers and Brent Woronoff
| 7:12 a.m. January 11, 2024

Zavier Mincey (center) warms up with his teammates before the FHSAA Class 3S state championship game against St. Augustine on Dec. 7. Photo by Michele Meyers

Yellow Jacket Trenton Jones (left) and Buccaneer Zavier Mincey (right) go head-to-head in the state championship game at the Bragg Memorial Stadium. Photo by Michele Meyers

Zavier Mincey celebrates Mainland's state championship win against the St. Augustine Yellow Jackets at Bragg Memorial stadium in Tallahassee. Photo by Michele Meyers

E'Zaiah Shine (left), Mainland coach Tristan Wallace and Zavier Mincey celebrate after the Buccaneers beat Vanguard 34-12 in the State semifinal game at the Datyona Stadium. Photo by Michele Meyers

Mainland Cheer coach Jenece Giddens (center) and children Ajai Harrell (left), Laila Janae and Zavier Mincey (right). Photo by Michele Meyers

Buccaneer cornerback Zavier Mincey intercepts a pass intended for Vanguard's Jermaine White (20) sealing Mainland's win in the FHSAA Class 3S semifinal at the Daytona Stadium. Photo by Michele Meyers

Ormond Beach Observer
Sports

This story was updated on Jan. 11.

"Roll Tide."

Mainland defensive back Zavier Mincey will be hearing that chant when he joins the University of Alabama football team next season.

Mincey announced his commitment to the Southeastern Conference football power during the fourth quarter of the All-American Bowl at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, on Saturday, Jan. 6. Mincey was a starter in the all-star game.

Yellow Jacket Trenton Jones (left) and Buccaneer Zavier Mincey (right) go head-to-head in the state championship game at the Bragg Memorial Stadium. Photo by Michele Meyers

He had narrowed his choices to Florida, Florida State, Miami and Alabama before picking the Crimson Tide.

"I feel like going there is the best option for me to get better and have a chance to go to the (NFL)," Mincey told 247Sports.

Alabama head coach Nick Saban announced on Wednesday, Jan. 10, that he is retiring, but that has not affected Mincey's decision, his mother, Jenece Giddens, told the Observer.

Mincey is signed and is an early enrollee at Alabama, Giddens said.

Mincey is ranked as the No. 4 safety recruit in the nation by 247sports. He is the second Mainland football player to commit to an SEC team. Defensive end LJ McCray committed to the University of Florida last month.

Mincey and McCray accepted invitations to play in the All-American Bowl. The nation's top 100 players are selected every year by the All-American Bowl selection committee.