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

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John Garcia Jr. @JohnGarcia_Jr · 3h 3 hours ago
QB says #Bama recruiting him thr hardest, too RT@dh_simba7: Had a great talk with coach Lupoi. #RTR @d_rob4

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SIMMONS SAYS UA IS LIKE 'NFL CAMPUS'
John Garcia Jr.John Garcia Jr.
Recruiting Analyst

Spring football practice visits serve many purposes at Alabama and many programs across the country. It's a preview of how things are run in the fall, enables for one-on-one time with recruiters, current players and much more. For Scout300 defensive end Jeffery Simmons, it was a combination.

Scout300 defensive end Jeffery Simmons has been busy this spring, with visits to many SEC schools in order to get a closer look at the campus and to take in spring practice.

Last week, the Macon (Miss.) Noxubee County product was in Tuscaloosa and he came away impressed.

"It was great," he said. "Everything was fast and organized! Practice was great and being able to see (defensive line) Coach (Bo) Davis coach them guys today was great."

Davis is Simmons' primary recruiter for Alabama, which offered in late February. The two are furthering their relationship as the Crimson Tide looks to sign a blue-chip recruit from its neighboring state for the first time in Nick Saban's tenure.

"I feel like we getting closer," he said. "Really don't know him personally, but we getting there. He seems like a great coach. To me, it seems like he don't like to be repeated and he like everything fast and right! Technique is the key."

Simmons is being courted as a versatile edge prospect, one that could involve playing JACK linebacker at the next level. The rising-senior is open to the thought of playing multiple positions within a program's front-seven.

"They were telling me that I would be that end guy and they would be able to use me as a 'backer, too, because of my speed," he said. "I would love to do it! I mean I would play any position if I could, I just love the game."
With many SEC programs after his commitment, including the in-state pair and Auburn already having offered, there's no rush to make a decision. LSU is an offer Simmons would like to add at some point, too, though the impression of Alabama's program has the Crimson Tide in the thick of the race.

The environment on campus, along with that he experienced with the spring practice and coaching staff has UA in the running.
"When you arrive there it feels like you're at an NFL campus or something," he said. "Like everything is nice; the coaches and tour crew. Like if it's best for my family and myself, I might just (end) up there.

"I'm not ready to commit, though. I really don't have a favorite. I just love the way they (Alabama) show me love, so I will show it back."

Scout.com tabs Simmons as Mississippi's top defensive end prospect and No. 29 nationally.

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Living in Florida has been good to 4-star wide receiver Darnell Salomon. However, every baby bird must leave the nest sooner or later.

Salomon told Bleacher Report Thursday night that he has a top six of Oregon, Alabama, Texas, Oklahoma, Auburn and LSU. The list came after Salomon, the nation's No. 12 receiver, picked up an offer from Texas earlier today.

Notice that all six of the schools are out-of-state programs.

"My mother is always telling me to go travel," Salomon said. "I've been in Florida all my life and haven't been to many other places. This will give me a chance to travel and see other things."

Salomon has 25 reported offers, including offers from Miami, Florida State, Florida and Central Florida, but on Thursday, none of the in-state schools made the cut. Salomon added that his process is still open.

LSU currently is the school trending for Salomon. According to his 247Sports Crystal Ball, 44 percent of prognosticators feel that he will sign with LSU, while 31 percent favor Alabama. The last five predictions swing to Alabama's advantage.

None of Salomon's top six holds a proximity edge, and with the in-state schools currently out of the race, the three SEC powers have to feel good about the positions they're in. Auburn is the closest school of the six, but the drive is roughly 10 hours away.

Salomon's top six all have rich college football histories, and he's been in contact with multiple members of the respective coaching staffs. He's looking forward to further building relationships during the spring and summer seasons.

"I've talked to these coaches the most," he said. "They tell me about the school, academics and how I could fit in their starting lineups. They've all been really truthful about their football team."

One of the six schools is expected to get a big receiver who can be a playmaker at the next level. He measured in at Nike's The Opening Miami regional at 6'2 ½" and 205 pounds. At the event, he ran a 4.64-second 40-yard dash, but he has been clocked as fast as 4.4 seconds in previous tests.

His combination of size and speed makes him a wanted individual. Texas, as the newest offer, is hoping to make a big enough splash on Salomon to get him to campus.

Salomon admitted that he isn't an expert on Longhorn knowledge, but he's heard a lot of positive things about head coach Charlie Strong, and he saw what Strong did with recruiting for the 2015 class, landing five players from the Sunshine State.

"I know a little bit about Texas, but I like how they got the South Florida kids, like [4-star defensive back] Davante Davis," Salomon said. "I haven't really read up on [Strong], but I've heard he's a real good coach and a real good mentor."

Salomon said he would like to visit Texas, Oklahoma and Oregon this summer, but nothing has been set in stone. He's been to Auburn, Alabama and LSU either for unofficial visits or for camps. He said he isn't planning on taking long trips during the spring.

As for a decision, Salomon noted that one of two things will happen.

"I put a little thought of making it during the summer or during the all-star game," said Salomon, who has committed to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl in January. "We'll just see how it plays out."

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5-star DT Derrick Brown

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 5 overall; No. 2 defensive tackle

High School: Lanier (Buford, Georgia)

Recruitment Update

Derrick Brown spent the first week of April exploring SEC territory with visits to Mississippi State and Ole Miss. The 6'4", 305-pound prospect pointed out Georgia as his favorite in February, with Alabama and Auburn following behind.

Tennessee is another contender to keep tabs on, as this pursuit appears destined to end with an SEC commitment. He dominated as a junior, racking up 101 tackles and 17.5 sacks, per Scout.com.



Why It's a Big Visit

The Peach State is always packed with elite talent, and Brown may be the best of the bunch in this class. There's a thought that Georgia is in position to sign the majority of premier in-state prospects, and the dominant defensive lineman is a pivotal part of that process.

"It would be cool because we'd be a pretty dominant team," he told Bleacher Report's Sanjay Kirpalani about the prospect of joining forces with fellow 5-star Georgia defender Julian Rochester.

The Bulldogs are an overwhelming favorite to land Brown. Mark Richt is aiming to get the job done sooner rather than later.

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5-star LB Lyndell Wilson

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 8 overall; No. 2 outside linebacker

High School: Carver (Montgomery, Alabama)

Recruitment Update

Lyndell Wilson has landed offers from Ohio State, Florida State and LSU since February, adding a few more compelling contenders to a stacked offer list. The 6'2", 220-pound defender visited Alabama earlier this month, and the Crimson Tide appear to be a top option, along with Auburn.

He secured scholarship offers from South Carolina, Miami, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Georgia as a sophomore. Wilson recorded 71 tackles, seven sacks and two interceptions during his breakout 2013 campaign.



Why It's a Big Visit

Wilson is one of three 5-star Alabama defenders who are expected to be in Tallahassee on April 11. He's the highest-rated player in the bunch, and Florida State aims to make a strong first impression.

The Seminoles extended an offer in late February and will look to line up a return visit with the versatile prospect later this year.

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5-star DE Marlon Davidson

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 27 overall; No. 3 strong-side defensive end

High School: Carver (Montgomery, Alabama)

Recruitment Update

Marlon Davidson seems to be another top prospect caught at the center of a tug-of-war between Auburn and Alabama. Miami, Arizona State, TCU, Florida State and Michigan are among teams that have extended offers since his junior season.

The 6'4", 260-pound defender wreaked havoc in 2014. He tallied 69 tackles—16 for loss—and nine sacks as a junior, per Ethan Bernal of the Montgomery Advertiser.



Why It's a Big Visit

Davidson will make the trip with former Carver High School teammate and fellow 5-star defender Lyndell Wilson. There are strong sentiments that the coveted tandem could be a "package deal" next national signing day.

His older brother won a national championship at Auburn, and the Tigers are believed to be Alabama's strongest competition for Davidson's commitment. It may be far-fetched to imagine him and Wilson winding up as Seminoles, but luring them to Tallahassee for the spring game is a nice start.

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