Started By
Message
re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 10/24/16 at 8:32 pm to TideSaint
Posted on 10/24/16 at 8:32 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Sidelines observations of recruit interactions
-Two uncommitted recruits were taken on the field by assistants during warm-ups: 5-star offensive tackle Trey Smith and 4-star wide receiver Nico Collins. Both recruits, individually, were escorted by wide receivers coach Billy Napier. It’s clear both recruits remain big priorities for the staff.
-Offensive line coach Brent Key and defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley spent time pregame with Smith’s parents. Alabama has two highly rated offensive tackle commits in the Class of 2017, but it’s hoping Smith joins them.
-Alex Leatherwood, one of those 5-star tackles, was on Smith’s hip for most of the pregame warm-ups. He continues to recruit top prospects for Alabama, yet fans continue to worry about the status of his commitment.
-Dylan Moses, a 5-star Alabama linebacker commit, was escorted out to the field during warm-ups by assistant director of player personnel Sam Pettito. Moses spent the majority of his time hanging out with the other Tide commits.
-VanDarius Cowan, a 4-star Alabama linebacker commit, screamed out from the seats late in the third quarter, “People really thought this game was going to be tough for Alabama?” He continues to be rock solid with his commitment. I saw Cowan talking to 5-star Florida State commit Stanford Samuels, 5-star linebacker Baron Browning and 3-star tight end Major Tennison.
-Almost every assistant coach I saw made it a priority to at least shake the hand of 2018 5-star offensive tackle Jackson Carman.
2
Posted on 10/24/16 at 8:35 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Who didn’t show up and why
Najee Harris, Alabama 5-star running back commit, Antioch, Calif. — It was reported late Friday night by MaxPreps that the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit was expected to be at Alabama this weekend for the Texas A&M game, and it was going to be an official visit. He ended up not making it. According to a source close to Harris’ recruitment, the Alabama commit did make it to the airport, but it wasn’t in time for his red-eye flight out of California. This is obviously a blow because of Michigan making a serious push to flip his commitment; however, it’s likely Harris will take his official visit to Alabama for the Iron Bowl, according to the source.
Michigan has two home games remaining: Maryland on Nov. 5 and Indiana on Nov. 19. Antioch High School plays on Nov. 5, so the Harris clan can’t travel to Ann Arbor, Mich., that day. That leaves a possible Nov. 19 date to see Michigan. He can also elect to take his visit to Michigan after the season, too. The dead period begins on Dec. 12, and because he is an early enrollee, all of his official visits must happen before that date. It’s highly unlikely he will take all five visits just because there’s not much free time.
As of today, I expect Harris to stick with his commitment.
Cam Akers, 5-star running back, Clinton, Miss. — Akers, the former Alabama commit, was also expected in Tuscaloosa for an official visit, but he didn’t make it due to fatigue from all his travel lately, according to his father, Conni Akers. Akers is expected back at Alabama at some point this fall, but it remains a long shot for the Tide to regain his commitment. The only way I can see Akers in this class is if Harris decides to flip.
Jhavonte Dean, Alabama 3-star junior college cornerback commit, Brenham, Texas — Dean told SEC Country he didn’t make it to Alabama for his official visit due to a scheduling conflict. The commit has not been on Alabama’s campus this fall, but he hasn’t been on any college campus other than Blinn College, which is where he attends. Dean remains a solid commitment and has no plans at visiting any other school.
Chris Allen, 4-star linebacker, Baton Rouge, La. — Unlike the recruits above, Allen was not going to Tuscaloosa for an official visit. He was going to pay his own way there, but he opted to stay in Baton Rouge and visit LSU instead. He had to take the ACT in the morning and couldn’t make it to Tuscaloosa in time. It’s a two-team race for his commitment — Alabama and LSU — so the Tigers hosting him instead of the Tide should be considered a minor win. I was recently told, though, that Alabama likes where it stands with Allen and is confident in getting his commitment.
Posted on 10/24/16 at 8:37 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Who’s next?
The most popular question I receive after every commitment is not how that player fits into Alabama’s scheme or who that recruit picked Alabama over. It’s always who’s going to be the next recruit to commit?
All eyes should now turn toward 4-star defensive tackle Elijah Conliffe. Conliffe was in Tuscaloosa this past weekend with his mother, which is important because she had not visited Alabama before and he needs her blessing before making any decision.
As I wrote this past Friday, while a commitment could have come on his visit this past weekend, it was more likely Conliffe was going to wait until he returned home to Virginia because he planned to film a commitment video.
I fully expect that video to show him committing to the Crimson Tide.
Posted on 10/24/16 at 10:14 pm to TideSaint
Nice pick up with Major! East Texas 
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:18 am to TideSaint
I'm expecting Conliffe and Ruggs to commit soon. No inside info, just a guess.
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:56 am to TideSaint
A bit late on this one
quote:
With the addition of the 6-foot-6, 230-pound prospect, Alabama now has two of the top 12 tight ends in this year’s recruiting class.
Posted on 10/25/16 at 12:26 pm to remaster916
I'm not completely sure Conliffe has the green light. I don't know that for a fact, but have seen some things that lead me to believe that may be the case.
Posted on 10/25/16 at 12:29 pm to Bama3714
"Chris Kirschner
?@ChrisKirschner
5-star CB Shaun Wade will be at #Alabama during Buckeyes' game against Michigan."
This is pretty big. I do, however, believe Samuels is #1 and Wade #2 on the board. After seeing Wade Friday night, I'd love to see Samuels, because Wade looked like the real deal.
?@ChrisKirschner
5-star CB Shaun Wade will be at #Alabama during Buckeyes' game against Michigan."
This is pretty big. I do, however, believe Samuels is #1 and Wade #2 on the board. After seeing Wade Friday night, I'd love to see Samuels, because Wade looked like the real deal.
Posted on 10/25/16 at 2:24 pm to Bama3714
Ohio state cant like that. Michigan game is the biggest game of the year for them. Pretty good news for us
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:17 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Wade visiting Alabama for Iron Bowl
One of Alabama’s biggest priorities in the Class of 2017 is committed to Ohio State, but the confidence the Crimson Tide have in flipping 5-star cornerback Shaun Wade is high.
Wade, the nation’s No. 3 cornerback from Trinity Christian High School (Jacksonville, Fla.), confirmed with SEC Country that he will be in Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl in late November. He’ll also take official visits to Ohio State on Nov. 5 for the Buckeyes’ game against Nebraska and on Nov. 12 for Virginia Tech’s game against Georgia Tech.
The timing of his visit to Alabama is enormous because a “final” decision on his commitment to Ohio State is expected in late November or early December; however, his parents are likely not going to accompany him on that trip to Tuscaloosa because the Wades have family in town that weekend. His parents have visited Tuscaloosa before, but his father, Randy, told SEC Country that they are closer to the Ohio State staff than they are to Alabama’s coaches. More time for his parents to be around the coaches would be ideal, but Alabama will be happy to just host the 5-star prospect.
The U.S. Army All-American has been committed to Ohio State for two years now, so it’s not going to be the easiest flip for Alabama to pull off. After all, if Wade didn’t have love for the Buckeyes, he likely would have de-committed by this point with several top schools continuing their pursuit of him.
But the reasons for why many in the recruiting industry are confident a flip is likely in Wade’s future is because of Alabama’s proximity to a bunch of his family members in Montgomery. That’s where he was born and where a lot of his extended family remains. Wade has previously said he wants as many family members in the stands at his games on Saturdays as possible, so Alabama would be the logical destination for that to happen.
Wade’s father downplayed the significance of that in a recent interview with SEC Country. The reason why Wade would flip, if that’s what he chose to do, would not have anything to do with the school being closer to home.
“It’s ultimately about the relationships he has with the coaches,” Randy Wade said. “It’s his decision at the end of the day, and people are going to believe what they want. I understand people are going to say (Alabama) is close, but I just think it’s crazy. His relationships with the Alabama staff is going to be what brings him over there and not just because he was born there.”
Despite his interest in other schools such as Florida and Virginia Tech, this recruitment is ultimately a two-team battle between Alabama and Ohio State. The Tide are going to go all out in this battle until his National Letter of Intent is signed.
Posted on 10/25/16 at 9:18 pm to TideSaint
quote:
5-star DE no longer has a top 3 after Alabama visit
Xavier Thomas, the nation’s No. 2 overall player in the Class of 2018, was in Tuscaloosa this past weekend for the first time. For that reason, Alabama was admittedly not one of his top schools prior to the visit.
That has now changed.
Entering this past weekend, Thomas, a 5-star defensive end from Wilson High School (Florence, S.C.), had a top three of Clemson, Georgia and South Carolina in no specific order. Florida State and Ohio State were also in the mix, but this visit to Alabama for the Texas A&M game was a turning point in his recruitment.
“I actually changed it right after this visit because after visiting Alabama, I am confused on who my top schools in order are,” Thomas told SEC Country. “So, I’m just going to take it slowly now. I didn’t have Alabama in my top 5 at all, but now after this visit, that is definitely changing.”
One of the reasons for the big change is two conversations he had prior to the game with coach Nick Saban and outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi. Both coaches told Thomas he is Alabama’s No. 1 priority in the Class of 2018.
Thomas kept a close eye on Alabama linebackers Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams on Saturday because that’s how the Crimson Tide plan on utilizing the 5-star recruit if he chooses the Tide. Both players will have moved on from the program by the time 2018 rolls around, and depth moving forward is needed.
“Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson are both projected to be first-round picks, and that position is low because they only have one commitment on the defensive line in the 2017 class, so I am very needed,” Thomas said. “It doesn’t really make a difference, even if the depth was thick. I would still be willing to go because I know my work ethic and what I am capable of.”
With this being Thomas’ first visit to Tuscaloosa, he went in with high expectations, and they were exceeded.
“People told me I would fall in love if I came to Alabama, and they weren’t lying,” Thomas said. “The fans are everywhere. The game-day experience is amazing. That place was rocking from start to finish. It was a great experience, one of the best ones I’ve ever actually experienced.”
The U.S. Army All-American plans to make it back to Tuscaloosa in the future, but no dates for those visits have been set just yet.
Posted on 10/25/16 at 10:35 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Collins appreciates Napier’s gesture
Nico Collins has been a major Alabama priority ever since his 10th-grade year at Clay-Chalkville High School (Pinson, Ala.). At one point, Collins said he favored the Crimson Tide, but now they have some company at the top.
Collins, a 4-star wide receiver, told SEC Country that Alabama, Georgia and Michigan all remained tied at the top after his visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend. This visit was the first time the in-state prospect trekked to Tuscaloosa this fall.
Wide receivers coach Billy Napier spotted Collins on the sidelines and brought him out on the field during warm-ups. It was a gesture that Collins appreciated.
“He was just saying that this is how it feels to be a part of the Crimson Tide on game day,” Collins said. “It meant a lot to me.”
Collins is planning on returning to Tuscaloosa for an official visit, but the date for that trip has not been set yet, as is the case for his visit to Georgia. He has three officials set: to Michigan on Nov. 5 for the Wolverines’ game against Maryland; to Florida State on Nov. 26 for the Seminoles’ game against Florida; and to LSU on Dec. 9. Because of his visit to Florida State on Nov. 26, that means Collins will not be in Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl.
He still plans to make his commitment on National Signing Day, but I do not expect Alabama to gain his commitment at this time. Though the Tide are tied on top, sources close to Collins have said that the nation’s No. 13 wide receiver would like to leave the state of Alabama for college.
Collins has 43 receptions for 866 yards and 9 touchdowns this season.
Posted on 10/25/16 at 10:36 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Cowan plans on appealing Army Bowl decision
After being kicked off of Palm Beach Gardens’ football team, VanDarius Cowan, a 4-star Alabama linebacker commitment, lost the privilege of playing in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
The Army Bowl’s bylaws state that high school players have to play in their team’s last game in order to be eligible, according to USA Today. National recruiting director of the Army Bowl Erik Richards said Cowan is planning on appealing that decision.
“Ninety percent of the time it’s because of an injury,” Richards told USA Today. “A player doesn’t finish the season and then wants to play in the Army game and puts himself in jeopardy of getting hurt again. Ten percent of the time it’s for situations like this.
“There are two sides to every story and he has an appeal process that we have been told he and his family are planing to take advantage of. The selection committee and management team will look at the situation after that.”
Alabama is sticking by Cowan, and the staff has told him that his scholarship to the school is still intact. He took an official visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend with his mother. Cowan remains a firm commitment and is on track to be an early enrollee.
Posted on 10/26/16 at 8:55 am to TideSaint
As long as Bama keeps Napier (not a given with some jobs opening up at major schools after this season, I wouldn't be surprised if he's on some short lists for an OC), I think Bama lands Collins.
I want Collins. I think you gotta have those type guys and he reminds me of a Kevin Norwood reliable type WR, a QB's best friend
I want Collins. I think you gotta have those type guys and he reminds me of a Kevin Norwood reliable type WR, a QB's best friend
This post was edited on 10/26/16 at 8:56 am
Posted on 10/26/16 at 9:34 am to BuccWildBammer
If it came down to Devonte Smith vs Nico Collins who would you rather have?
Posted on 10/26/16 at 10:20 am to KingHenry2
Smith.
He's elite.
He's elite.
Posted on 10/26/16 at 10:59 am to TideSaint
Agree on Smith being a elite wr over Collins and just our need for impact size at the wr position.
Although I would like to see us make use of our size at wr.It seems that 6.5 4-star WR Tyrell Shavers, Lewisville, TX .
Is the back up plan for a WR with size if, we don't land Collins in this class.
I also think we just don't want to lose the top wr in-state just based on that alone.
It does puzzle me that inside the red zone that Cam Sims and even faulk for that matter are not called
on more as a receiving targets. Rather than mostly for blocking last year when Henry was use on toss plays to the flag.
It's crazy watching ole miss, lsu, Texas a&m use there Size at wr in man on man match up down field.
But we don't!We did recruit and though we had Brown(ole miss) last recruiting class.
I realize that Stewart has serious vertical, but you would think with hurts deep pass under throws in earlier games.
I would think Sims and even faulk size would be useful. Im really shocked how little playing time foster is getting.
I would like both smith and Collins in this class.
But Im really impress with Henry Ruggs potential to be our next Andre Stewart.
But I think lane Kiffin has Trevon Diggs in mind for that role.
Although I would like to see us make use of our size at wr.It seems that 6.5 4-star WR Tyrell Shavers, Lewisville, TX .
Is the back up plan for a WR with size if, we don't land Collins in this class.
I also think we just don't want to lose the top wr in-state just based on that alone.
It does puzzle me that inside the red zone that Cam Sims and even faulk for that matter are not called
on more as a receiving targets. Rather than mostly for blocking last year when Henry was use on toss plays to the flag.
It's crazy watching ole miss, lsu, Texas a&m use there Size at wr in man on man match up down field.
But we don't!We did recruit and though we had Brown(ole miss) last recruiting class.
I realize that Stewart has serious vertical, but you would think with hurts deep pass under throws in earlier games.
I would think Sims and even faulk size would be useful. Im really shocked how little playing time foster is getting.
I would like both smith and Collins in this class.
But Im really impress with Henry Ruggs potential to be our next Andre Stewart.
But I think lane Kiffin has Trevon Diggs in mind for that role.
This post was edited on 10/26/16 at 11:26 am
Posted on 10/26/16 at 11:08 am to AjA77
Verne, is that you? Kenny Stabler posting from the grave?
Posted on 10/26/16 at 9:16 pm to Bama3714
Tua tweeted he will be moving from Hawaii to Alabama in 7 weeks.
I guess he's not flipping.
I guess he's not flipping.
Page 412 of 864
Latest Alabama News
Popular
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News