2017 offensive lineman Alan Ali commits to SMU

Four-star Keller Timber Creek offensive lineman Alan Ali committed to SMU on Tuesday during a visit to spring practice on the Hilltop.

Ali chose SMU over offers from Arizona State, California, Virginia, Nebraska and Iowa State.

After celebrating with dinner with his family at local Mexican restaurant, Ali was still excited with his decision.

There was one key to his decision, he told the HillTopics on Tuesday night.

"The coaching staff," Ali stated. "I felt really comfortable around them. I liked everything coach (Dustin) Fry said to me."

Fry was the point man in Ali's recruitment, though Chad Morris and Joe Craddock played a big role as well.

Fry and Ali spoke at least once a week but it helped that Fry was pitching a school like SMU to him."

"Basically I like how close it is to home," Ali said before adding, "I want to be a part of the early classes at SMU that help build it up."

The idea of being a part of the team that creates a winning environment is a familiar one to the Timber Creek prospect.

"We're trying to do same thing at Timber Creek. We're trying to build it up and I want to do the same thing at SMU."

Ali committed to SMU while in his visit to spring practice, his first time watching the coaching staff in action.

"I loved the way practice was ran. The coaches gave positive feedback."

Ali told Fry his decision to commit at the practice. The offensive line coach called over Morris to share the good news

"They were excited," Ali laughed. "They were giving me hugs. Going crazy pretty much."

The four-star prospect's parents were just as happy with his decision.

"Definitely like me staying close to home and the great education," said Ali, who plans to study business at SMU.