re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

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Hunter Brannon, three-star offensive guard from Cullman High School in Alabama, has kept a relatively low profile since his commitment to the University of Alabama. He was on the sidelines for most of Alabama's homes games in the fall. He has never wavered on his commitment.

National Signing Day is in less than two weeks, and commitments usually pull in late offers from other schools. Brannon received an offer from Alabama's former offensive coordinator on Thursday to Florida Atlantic.

"Coach Kiffin and I a very tight," said Brannon. "We've always had a very good relationship. It has carried over. I like him a lot. He is a great mentor. He has been a really big influence."

Thinking of taking other official visits?

"I'm really not sure if I will take visits," he said. "My parents and I have been talking about it. We might have something in the works. I'm just going to look out for myself in case anything happens."

Grayshirts tend to happen in recruiting as scholarship numbers become tight and coaching staffs try to bring more players in the class.

Brannon's situation does not appear one for a grayshirt. He has already graduated from high school. He is working out daily and expects to join the team in late May.

"There really isn't anything new with Alabama," he said. "I have been talking to Coach Key as much as I can. Coach Saban, Coach Key and Coach Sark have all been talking to me.

"I'm not sure if I will take an official visit down there. I was there every week in the fall. It's really not a big deal to me if I take one or not. They haven't said anything about a possible grayshirt. As far as I know I am just going in as a regular guy in June.

"I am training three-four days a week. I am doing a lot of yoga and pilates. I am doing yoga twice a week and pilates twice a week. I am just trying to put my best foot forward.

"I am doing everything in my power to work on my weight and speed. I am trying to do what other recruits aren't doing. I am trying to be as flexible as I can be and work on my speed. I am also taking two classes at the junior college since I am already out of high school."

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound lineman discussed his relationship with offensive line coach, Brent Key. He also discussed offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian.

"Coach Key is amazing," Brannon said. "I swear Coach Key acted just like me in high school. He loved to be in the woods. We both love to hunt and fish and just be out in the woods. I'm actually checking my traps for coyotes and bobcats now.

"All the similarities are there. I think he's the best offensive line coach in the country. He not always yelling at you. He's not always on your back. At the same time, he's not going to let you sit around and not do anything. I think he's going to make the 2017 class and the guys there now crazy good. He's a great role model.

"I think Coach Sarkisian is awesome. I haven't really gotten to know him a whole lot yet. I really don't have a deep connection with him like I do with Coach Key. He's smart and intelligent. He knows the game of football well. Hopefully, I will build a great relationship with him when I get down there. I know he's going to do some really good things."

Alabama has one of the best offensive line classes in the history of Rivals.com with five commitments including three five-star offensive tackles.

"It's going to be the best offensive line class to ever roll through," Brannon said. "We have two-three five-star guys with Elliot Baker, Jedrick (Wills) and Alex (Leatherwood). Those guys are just unbelievably good at their spot. They put in the work to get here. They are top guys, and for Alabama to land them is good.

"I am in a group message with Jedrick, Kendal (Randolph) and Elliot. We are building a great relationship with each other. It's something needed for chemistry and smash-mouth football. I can't say enough about their character and how they play football. We are going to make the offensive line an even more dominant figure when we all line up together.

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The ebb and flow of the Crimson Tide

Alabama commit Isaiah Buggs is up to the No. 2 JUCO player in the country. We think he's an instant impact defender for the Tide and should adeptly fill some huge departing shoes.

As Buggs rises, Elliot Baker slides. Baker, an Alabama enrollee slotted at offensive tackle remains a four-star but we've moved him down outside the top 10. Alabama cornerback commit Jhavonte Dean has also dropped down into the three-star range after his sophomore film didn't quite match his measurables.

A former Alabama cornerback — and Dean's teammate at Blinn — did put together some JuCo film that matched his potential. New Ohio State commit Kendall Sheffield flashed some of the ability that made him a five-star coming out of high school. After transferring out of Alabama, Sheffield looks rejuvenated and into the No. 4 spot in the JUCO rankings.

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Yep!

I'm VERY confident about it.

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