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re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 1/12/17 at 10:33 am to Riseupfromtherubble
Posted on 1/12/17 at 10:33 am to Riseupfromtherubble
quote:
Hmm. I would assume only one of Harris and Hunter is a take. Wonder who the staff likes more
I don't know that either will commit, but if either one does I promise our "insiders" will be quick to let us know that is the one the staff liked more all along.
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Posted on 1/12/17 at 10:42 am to bamasgot13
The first one to commit elsewhere wasn't a take. Then when the other one commits elsewhere, he had "issues" that the staff just found out about.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 11:33 am to remaster916
They don't need to be big because they are largely protected by the rules.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 11:53 am to Bham Bammer
quote:
Billy Embody ?@BillyEmbody 24m24 minutes ago
#LSU coach Ed Orgeron is all over a #Bama commit today right in Coach O's backyard.
Chris Allen
I could see the recruiting pitch: "At LSU, you won't lose national championships." Then again, you won't play for them either.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 11:55 am to chattabama
quote:
Kendall Randolph ??
@KendallRandolp1
Had a great time sitting sitting and talking to @CoachBrentKey and @CoachSark . #RollTide
Posted on 1/12/17 at 11:55 am to Bham Bammer
quote:
The dead period ended at midnight on Thursday, which means college coaches are now free to do conduct in-home visits once again and visit recruits at their high schools.
We’re in the final stretch before National Signing Day rolls around on Feb. 1. With that being said, here are the most important questions I’ll be monitoring over the next 19 days:
LINK
Posted on 1/12/17 at 11:56 am to TideSaint
quote:
Billy Embody
@BillyEmbody
#LSU OC Matt Canada went to see 5-star DeVonta Smith ahead of their in-home visit.
quote:
John Garcia, Jr. ?@JohnGarcia_Jr 2h2 hours ago
John Garcia, Jr. Retweeted Billy Embody
#Bama heading there today, too.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 11:56 am to TideSaint
quote:
Who will Alabama add on the defensive line?
In my opinion, who Alabama adds on the defensive line is the biggest storyline from here until signing day because it’s arguably Alabama’s most important priority in the Class of 2017.
The Crimson Tide are in danger of losing 4-star defensive tackle Akial Byers due to academics. Although, the team could part ways with him over performance on the field. He looked overmatched against top talent at the Under Armour All-America Game. If he doesn’t remain committed, that leaves only 4-star defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs in the class, and he has already signed his letter of intent.
Several targets remain on the board for Alabama, such as 5-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon, 4-star defensive ends LaBryan Ray and Ryan Johnson and 4-star DTs Phidarian Mathis, Javon Kinlaw and Elijah Conliffe.
Solomon and Ray are the priorities out of that group listed above. If Alabama lands both of those guys, it likely won’t add another recruit, even if Byers departs. In case you missed my projected signing class on Wednesday night, I have Alabama signing both Solomon and Ray at this time.
Solomon told SEC Country last week in San Antonio that Alabama has a huge lead for his commitment. That’s a big deal because he’s committing near the end of the month and will likely only take one more official visit, and that’s to Southern California this weekend. His recruitment should come down to Alabama, Georgia or Michigan. The Crimson Tide have felt confident in landing Solomon since he took an official visit to Tuscaloosa, but it’s going to be a dogfight. If you’ve followed Solomon’s recruitment, expect there to be many twists and turns over the next few weeks.
It would be shocking if Ray wasn’t in Alabama’s class. He’s visited Alabama countless times and has grown comfortable around the program. It also helps that Alabama has commitments from two of his best friends in 4-star offensive guard Kendall Randolph and 3-star defensive back Kyriq McDonald. Ray is Alabama’s top target at defensive end.
If Alabama misses on one or both recruits, the question then becomes who is the top choice for plan B. Though the Tide won’t admit it, it’s a two-team race for both Phidarian Mathis (Alabama and LSU) and Javon Kinlaw (Alabama and South Carolina). Mathis would be my pick to join the class if there’s space.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 11:57 am to TideSaint
quote:
Will Alabama get one, both or none of its main WR targets?
Four-star prospects DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs III have been top priorities for the team since the beginning of 2016. Both of them have been strong Alabama leans for the majority of their respective recruitment process.
It looked like the Crimson Tide were going to pick up both of their commitments back in August, as they had set commitment dates. Ruggs delayed his decision because he felt like he wasn’t 100 percent sure where he wanted to play. Smith decided to push his decision back until National Signing Day because of the devastating floods that tore through his home state of Louisiana.
Ruggs and Smith appear to have two top choices and then there’s a gap between the other schools they are considering.
For Ruggs, it’s Alabama and Florida State. Alabama quarterback commit Tua Tagovailoa told SEC Country that Ruggs told him that those two have separated themselves from his other three top 5 schools: Auburn, Florida and Penn State.
Smith will likely decide from Alabama and LSU. Alabama has long been considered the favorite for Smith ever since he de-committed from Georgia back in January. The relationships he has at Alabama trump the ones he has at LSU, and it’s not even close. The Tigers have made up lots of ground for Smith, but it won’t be enough for the Tigers.
Right now, I see both prospects in Alabama’s class.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:05 pm to TideSaint
Thanks. Good article.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:24 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Will Alabama add another defensive back?
This is a question that may not be able to get answered until we know if Marlon Humphrey will declare for the NFL Draft. Humphrey is a likely first-round draft pick, so he’s likely going to the league. Stranger things have happened, though.
Even if Humphrey goes, it’s not a guarantee the team adds another defensive back to the class. Alabama has three DBs committed in 4-star safeties Daniel Wright and Xavier McKinney and 3-star prospect McDonald.
The Tide are recruiting 4-star cornerback Chris Henderson and 4-star safeties Devon Hunter and Todd Harris. Henderson is visiting Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit and Hunter is scheduled to make his decision on Jan. 20. This is seven days prior to when Hunter is supposed to visit Tuscaloosa, which he isn’t sure is happening anymore, he told SEC Country. It’s highly unlikely Hunter is going to choose Alabama.
As for Henderson, his recruitment from the Alabama side of things really comes down to Humphrey’s decision. If he chooses to go, then Alabama may ramp up its efforts for Henderson. I was told by a source inside the Alabama program that it’s possible the Tide don’t sign any true cover corners.
Harris is down to Alabama and LSU. If the Tide have space for him, it wouldn’t shock me to see him in the crimson and white.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:24 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Who will de-commit or flip?
We already mentioned 4-star defensive tackle Byers above.
Jhavonte Dean, a 4-star junior college cornerback from Blinn College (Brenham, Texas), will be on flip watch this weekend. Dean committed to the Tide last summer and hasn’t visited Tuscaloosa since then. He doesn’t have an official visit set to Alabama. He’ll visit Miami, the school likely getting his commitment, this weekend. SEC Country was told by multiple sources close to the team that Dean’s departure from the class will likely be a mutual parting of ways. Don’t expect Alabama to fight to keep him committed.
I expect Alabama to keep Hunter Brannon, but I think he won’t “technically” count for the Class of 2017. I think he will either get a gray or blueshirt. If he receives either colored shirt, it delays his scholarship until the 2018 season. For those who do not know, a grayshirt can not participate in any team activities until the following season; so, in this case, Brannon wouldn’t practice with the team until 2018. A blueshirt can practice with the team as soon as he gets to campus.
LSU will continue trying to flip Christopher Allen, a 4-star linebacker from Southern University Lab High School (Baton Rouge, La.). Allen told SEC Country earlier this month that he was in frequent communication with the Tigers staff. Even with him being from Baton Rouge, Allen has seemed comfortable leaving the city to play for LSU’s biggest rival. He even admits that he has a better chance of playing early for the Tigers than the Tide. Even that doesn’t sway him. It’s going to be hard for LSU to flip him.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:26 pm to TideSaint
quote:
We are now less than three weeks away until National Signing Day 2017. The day itself shouldn’t be as crazy as 2016’s for Alabama because the majority of the Tide targets are expected to have made their decisions by then.
This class is going to be bigger than the normal 25-man signing class because of the attrition Alabama sustained this past summer and fall. Right now, I have Alabama at 29 signees in the Class of 2017. It’s still a very fluid situation, but 28 or 29 seems like the logical number with the needs Alabama has to fill with its remaining spots.
With that said, here’s who I think Alabama will sign come Feb. 1, 2017:
LINK
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:27 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Who’s already enrolled
The following players have already enrolled at Alabama. There’s no need to worry about them possibly flipping their commitments:
Tua Tagovailoa, 4-star QB
Najee Harris, 5-star RB
Jerry Jeudy, 5-star WR
Tyrell Shavers, 4-star WR
Major Tennison. 3-star TE
Alex Leatherwood, 5-star OT
Elliot Baker, 4-star OT
Isaiah Buggs, 4-star DE
Dylan Moses, 5-star LB
Kyriq McDonald, 3-star DB
Chadarius Townsend, 4-star ATH
Thomas Fletcher, 2-star LS
quote:
The following players are expected to arrive later this spring:
Daniel Wright, 4-star S
Brian Robinson, 4-star RB
Xavier McKinney, 4-star S
This post was edited on 1/12/17 at 12:28 pm
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:28 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Committed, but enrolling in the summer
Jedrick Wills, 4-star OT
VanDarius Cowan, 4-star LB
Markail Benton, 4-star LB
Christopher Allen, 4-star LB
Akial Byers, 4-star DT
Kendall Randolph, 4-star OG
Jhavonte Dean, 4-star CB
Mac Jones, 4-star QB
Kedrick James, 3-star TE
Hunter Brannon, 3-star C
Brandon Ruiz, 3-star K
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:37 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Possible de-commitments?
There are two guys who are currently committed who I don’t expect to be in Alabama’s class come signing day: Jhavonte Dean and Akial Byers.
Dean committed to the Tide this summer and hasn’t visited Tuscaloosa since then. He doesn’t have an official visit set to Alabama. He’ll visit Miami, the school likely getting his commitment, this weekend. Dean will be on flip watch. SEC Country was told by multiple sources close to the team that Dean’s departure from the class will likely be a mutual parting of ways. Don’t expect Alabama to fight to keep him committed.
Byers has academic work he needs to get done before he can even enroll in a university. He will retake the ACT later this month. Besides that, he was really overmatched all week in Orlando for the Under Armour All-America Game earlier this month. He looked like he didn’t belong with the top talent in attendance. Alabama is aware of his poor showing.
I expect Alabama to keep Hunter Brannon, but I think he won’t “technically” count for the Class of 2017. I think he will either get a gray or blueshirt. If he receives either colored shirt, it delays his scholarship until the 2018 season. For those who do not know, a grayshirt can not participate in any team activities until the following season; so, in this case, Brannon wouldn’t practice with the team until 2018. A blueshirt can practice with the team as soon as he gets to campus.
If we take those three out, that brings the Tide to 23 current commits/signees.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:38 pm to TideSaint
quote:
So, who’s next?
Aubrey Solomon, 5-star DT, Leesburg, Ga. — This is the first time Solomon has made my signing day projection. He told SEC Country last week in San Antonio that Alabama has a huge lead for his commitment. That’s a big deal because he’s committing near the end of the month and will likely only take one more official visit, and that’s to Southern California this weekend. His recruitment should come down to Alabama, Georgia or Michigan. The Crimson Tide have felt confident in landing Solomon since he took an official visit to Tuscaloosa, but it’s going to be a dogfight. If you’ve followed Solomon’s recruitment, expect there to be many twists and turns over the next few weeks.
Henry Ruggs, 4-star WR, Montgomery, Ala. — Things are still relatively the same with Ruggs. He says he’s still down to his top five of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Penn State. Although, Tagovailoa told SEC Country that Ruggs told him at the Army Bowl last week that he was down to just Alabama and Florida State. Ruggs is considered one of Alabama’s top priorities regardless of position. It’s hard to see Alabama losing out on an in-state recruit it wants and one that has family who love the Crimson Tide.
DeVonta Smith, 4-star WR, Amite, La. — Smith makes his appearance once again in the mock signing class. Numbers are becoming clearer and there should be room for both Ruggs and Smith if they want in. Alabama has long been considered the favorite for Smith ever since he de-committed from Georgia back in January. The relationships he has at Alabama trump the ones he has at LSU, which is the team’s biggest competition, and it’s not even close. The Tigers have made up lots of ground for Smith, but it won’t be enough for the Tigers.
LaBryan Ray, 4-star DE, Madison, Ala. — It would be shocking if Ray wasn’t in Alabama’s class. He’s visited Alabama countless times and has grown comfortable around the program. It also helps that Alabama has commitments from two of his best friends in 4-star offensive guard Kendall Randolph and 3-star defensive back Kyriq McDonald. Ray is Alabama’s top target at defensive end.
Jarez Parks, 4-star JACK, Sebastian, Fla. — Parks has quietly had Alabama as his leader behind-the-scenes according to people close to his recruitment. He nearly committed to the Tide in the summer but he chose to hold off to make sure he was making the right choice and not one based off an immediate reaction. All signs still point to Alabama right now. A decision date is still unknown at this time.
I'd like to take at least another defensive lineman, but if we finished with these 5 it would be pretty damn fantastic.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:40 pm to TideSaint
That might be the most impressive early enrollee list ever.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 12:54 pm to Cobrasize
quote:
That might be the most impressive early enrollee list ever.
Yeah it is and the shitty thing is I can't even enjoy it.
Posted on 1/12/17 at 1:03 pm to TideSaint
quote:
SAN ANTONIO — The U.S. Army All-American Bowl week provided an up-close look at a lot of the nation’s top high school players both on and off the field. After observing Media Day, four days of practice and Saturday’s game, where Clemson QB commit Hunter Johnson took home MVP honors during the East’s victory. Here is a look at the winners and losers from the week.
LINK
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