re: Class of 2016 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Waiting On Demetris Robertson Edition

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I had a chance to watch new Alabama commit Alex Leatherwood work out in person a few weeks ago at The Opening New Orleans. He was one of the top underclassmen linemen in attendance and made the Final 10 best on best reps at the end of camp. Though Leatherwood is raw and very much a work in progress, what was evident was his quickness and twitch on the edge. He's got the natural ability in terms of size and athleticism to be a true left tackle.

At the event, Leatherwood measured in at 6-4.5 and 300 pounds and it's a good 300 pounds. At that size, the rising junior clocked a 5.38 40-yard dash - a good number for an offensive lineman - showcasing coordination and the ability to move. He needs to continue to get comfortable in his pass set and he's still developing his grown man strength in the run game but I really like this pick up in terms of what Leatherwood is going to be. He's also a great complement to Netori Johnson, Alabama's other 2017 offensive line pickup. Johnson is the physical, road-grading presence while Leatherwood is an athletic long term left tackle.

This start to 2017 for the Crimson Tide should have put them as the front-runner once again to land the nation's top class.

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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It’s one of the busiest times of the offseason for Alabama football. A long, impressive list of prospects are in Tuscaloosa for the first of two Nick Saban Football Camps, which runs until Wednesday.

Camps are an important time for college football coaches, as recruits get to see and use the facilities up close and in person while spending time around the program off the field. It can be a catalyst for a big commitment or two, or help a prospect land an offer if he doesn’t have one.

Four summers ago, Alabama brought in a 6’1” wide receiver from South Florida the coaches didn’t know much about. After Saban and his staff were blown away in person, they offered him immediately. He committed later in the fall.

Amari Cooper went on to break just about every Alabama receiving record in the books, leaving Tuscaloosa in three years to become a top-five draft pick.

There are plenty of top, uncommitted prospects taking in Alabama right now. Here are a couple of top 2016 prospects to keep an eye on.

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Rashard Lawrence, 5-star defensive tackle from Monroeville, Louisiana

No. 15 player overall, No. 15 defensive tackle, No. 2 overall

While Alabama boasts arguably the best defensive line group in the country, it won’t be around for much longer.

The Crimson Tide will need big replacements in the middle for A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed, and Lawrence is a good place to start to fill that need.

Of course, while Alabama has had success in Louisiana, it’s never easy to pull someone out from under LSU’s nose. Lawrence also attended the Tigers’ camp earlier in the weekend, according to 247Sports’ Shea Dixon.

Alabama already has one commitment from a top player in Louisiana. Lawrence would solidify a big year for the Crimson Tide in that state on the recruiting trail.

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