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re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition
Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:05 am to TideSaint
Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:05 am to TideSaint
quote:
Alabama recruiting priority LB the hardest
Back in January, Nick Saban made a stop at Crisp County High School in South Georgia. There were a lot of confused fans who follow recruiting closely because the main Class of 2017 player at Crisp was 4-star DE/LB Markaviest “Big Cat” Bryant, who wasn’t favoring Alabama at the time. Several fans asked me why Saban was wasting his time there when Bryant wasn’t going to Alabama.
Saban’s main reason for being at Crisp that day was to tell the coaching staff that 4-star outside linebacker Quay Walker was going to be a main priority for the Crimson Tide in the Class of 2018. And that he is.
“I get on the phone and I talk to coach (Nick) Saban, (Alabama defensive coordinator) coach (Jeremy) Pruitt and I talk to the outside linebackers coach (Tosh Lupoi) a lot,” Walker told my DawgNation colleague Jeff Sentell. “I talk to all those guys. I went down there on a visit and they showed me that I was one of the top recruits they were trying to get in.”
Walker, the nation’s No. 14 outside linebacker said Alabama has shown him how explosive he is and how that explosiveness can be translated into early playing time if he ended up on the Tide’s roster next season.
Quay Walker was clad head-to-toe in UGA gear back at the Rising Seniors game in December. The possibility of him ending up there has gotten cloudier. (Jeff Sentell / DawgNation.com)
Alabama signed a loaded linebacker class in the Class of 2017 headlined by 5-star prospect Dylan Moses. But Moses, like Markail Benton and VanDarius Cowan, who were also a part of the Class of 2017, were recruited to play inside linebacker. The focus at the position group in the Class of 2018 is on outside linebackers.
Which school is on him the hardest?
“That’s Alabama there,” Walker said. “No doubt about that.”
The 6-foot-3, 215-pound prospect said Alabama and Florida are the two schools on him the hardest. He said the Gators are ‘right behind or neck-and-neck with Alabama.’
Walker has swayed with his interest levels in schools recently by how hard each school has come after him. In December, Georgia was the school on top for him because it recruited him the hardest. In February, it was Auburn, the school “Big Cat” Bryant signed with. Now, it’s Alabama.
He makes an interesting point about why it’s so important for recruits to feel wanted by the schools coming after him.
“That’s what all of this recruiting is all about,” Walker said. “I’m looking at these schools who want me, not basically where I want to go. The school that wants me the most will basically be the best decision for me, my future and my family.”
The players who the staff wants and prioritizes makes it clear that they have a good chance to come in and make a difference for that program. Normally, if a recruit says he talks to a program once every two weeks, that player isn’t a big priority. If it’s every day, like it is Walker, then it tells you how high that prospect is on the wish list.
“It seems like Alabama and I both have a strong mutual feeling right now regarding one another."
“I talked to Coach Saban about getting down there and getting the chance to play early. Because you know the past few years you have seen like four or five linebackers at Alabama leave. So after this upcoming year they are going to need some more linebackers come in.”
Auburn looked like the clear cut favorite to land Walker when Bryant signed with the Tigers on National Signing Day. Both players had said previously that they were going to be a package deal and wanted to play with each other on the next level.
That’s no longer a guarantee.
“A lot of people think that I am going where ‘Big Cat’ is going but at the end of the day it is going to be my decision,” Walker said. “A lot of people have seen once everybody saw in the articles that I wanted to go play with Big Cat. I know plenty of people think that I’m going to go to Auburn but it is going to be the best decision for me, though.”
Though Walker is loving Alabama right now, he made it clear that he wouldn’t classify the Tide as his leader. He claims no favorites, but with Walker’s clear message about whichever school recruits him the hardest that’s the school he’ll up at, the Tide are in a good position for him when he does commit.
Defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, who established himself as a top recruiter in his first year at Alabama, is Walker’s primary recruiter. Those two have established a tight bond.
“It is like every day with him,” Walker said. “That’s a coach right there I have really bonded with over this past couple of months. He tells me the same things. Like basically most people are scared to go to Alabama. They don’t want to compete. That is basically what it is all about there. He tells me a lot of things that has my mind thinking a lot about Alabama.”
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Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:06 am to TideSaint
quote:
Thursday visitors for Alabama’s spring practice
The following players are expected to make it to campus when the Tide take the field for practice:
-Priority defensive tackle target Jalen Cunningham, who is from Odenville, Ala.
-Four-star running back Master Teague III (Murfreesboro, Tenn.) Teague doesn’t have an offer from Alabama, but listed it as one of his top schools this week.
-Teague’s teammate, Trey Knox, a 2019 4-star wide receiver, will also make the trip. Like Teague, Knox doesn’t hold an offer from the Tide.
Cunningham is viewed by the staff as a must-get. I expect him to eventually commit to Alabama at some point. He has listed the Tide as his leader. Cunningham is the cousin of Vanderbilt great Zach Cunningham.
Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:12 am to TideSaint
quote:
KENNESAW, Ga. — Ryland Goede is busy playing baseball right now for Kennesaw (Ga.) Kennesaw Mountain, so he is not on the road visiting colleges or taking in spring practices, but the offers continue to flow in.
The last three have been pretty big. It is pretty safe to say that the 6-foot-5, 240 pound sophomore tight end is a national prospect. Alabama, Notre Dame and UCLA are the last three schools to offer Goede.
Not only does he pass the eye test, but he carries a 3.9 GPA, he is a self-driven student-athlete, he competes hard in everything he's involved in, and oh yeah, he is a pretty good football player too. He has soft hands, he wins jump-balls and he will be that go-to guy on the next level.
He will pick back up this summer with visits once his sophomore year comes to an end and he could squeeze in a couple short trips this spring around baseball and camps, but his main focus right now is finishing the year strong in the classroom and helping his school win baseball games. Baseball is his first love, but his future is in football. The last three schools to offer all have his attention too.
IN HIS OWN WORDS...
ALABAMA: "I have been to Alabama three or four times already," said Goede. "I have seen games, I have been to camp, and everyone knows that everything is great there. I really have watched O.J. Howard a lot the last few years and I love how they have used him, how they get him open and how they feature him in their offense. It shows me they know how to use tight ends. I really like the campus and I know I will be back over there."
NOTRE DAME: "This offer was kind of a surprise to me. I know their coaches followed me on Twitter a couple of weeks ago, but other than that, I had not heard from them. I know they have put out some top tight ends, but other than that and their history, I don't know much more than that. It is definitely a school that has my attention. It is Notre Dame, so I now want to get up there for a visit."
UCLA: "I was at UCLA at last year during my fall break and I really liked it. It is just different out there. It is a different feel. The campus is beautiful and it doesn't compare to anything else I have ever seen. The coaches out there are great, the people are fun to be around and it just has that special feel to it. It is definitely a school I plan to see again."
ON THE ATTENTION: "It is pretty cool to get this attention and the offers I have gotten. I have to give all of the glory to God first. It is a pretty cool experience, but I know I still I have a lot to do and a lot to work on. I am just enjoying it all right now."
DECISION TIMELINE: "I am going to wait it out. I just want to take my time. I know a lot of guys are committing early, but I still have two years, so I know there will be coaching changes and all that, so I want to wait until my senior year. I want to make sure I commit, stay committed and not be someone who commits too early, then de-commits."
RIVALS REACTION: Goede is one of the most mature young men you will find in the 2019 class. He processes things well, he sees the big picture and he is taking the slow approach in recruiting. If the school is right for him, Goede will sign with them regardless of distance. He is going to take many visits to schools near and far the next 18 months and he is nowhere near a decisions. He currently has no favorites.
LINK
Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:27 am to TideSaint
quote:
As the top offensive prospects in Ohio since Orlando Pace, it's understandable that Fairfield tackle Jack Carman has hit the national recruiting radar in big way.
With offers from the likes of Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State, USC, and others, Carman is going to be facing a tough decision at some point in the next year.
"The schools I'm looking at right now are Ohio State, Alabama, USC, Clemson and Florida State, with LSU and Wisconsin just behind them," Carman admitted. "I want to visit most of those places over the next year. I will be going to Clemson this Sunday and be there Monday."
"I will also be at Ohio State for their spring game, while I plan on going to Florida State and USC this summer," he added. "I'm not planning to announce until next December, and I'm going to be taking all five official visits in the fall."
With so many great options, how is Carman going to be able to choose one school over the others when the time comes?
"First off, I have to get out and see all these places in person and experience them for myself," Carman stressed. "I want to see if this is where I want to be the next four or five years of my life."
"I want to see how I like the coaches, and the winning environment these schools have," he noted.
Even though he ranked as the number-31 player in America, Carman is not resting on his laurels. He is continually working to become an even better player.
"I'm working hard right now lifting weights, and watching film like everyone, just trying to get better as a player," he explained. "I'd like to improve on fixing little things, like being more fundamentally sound, and being more advanced in footwork, decisions and every aspect of playing my position."
"I've always been a leader, but as a senior I feel it even more," he continued. "My expectations this year are to go undefeated and win a state championship."
LINK
Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:34 am to TideSaint
quote:
Cam McKinney, WR, Birmingham (Ala.) Carver
McKinney enjoyed a big week. He first added an offer from Arkansas State, then flashed his pass-catching ability on the outside during Sunday's camp. A big-bodied athlete with long arms and ball skills, McKinney proved he could get open by running good routes and beating smaller DB's with his frame. He is the newest class of 2018 name to know in a stacked Yellowhammer State receiver class. -- John Garcia
Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:36 am to TideSaint
quote:
DT Ishmael Sopsher - Amite (La.)
One of the most physically imposing prospects at the camp, Sophser was able to use his size to overpower offensive linemen. He earned an invitation to the Future 50 with a strong performance. He is playing a position that it is hard to find talent and he is one he has all of the skills that major colleges covet. He is explosive for his size. He already has offers from schools like Alabama, LSU Tigers, and Tennessee.
He is teammates with Devonta Smith at Amite FWIW. Here is Scout's evaluation of him:
quote:
SOPHOMORE EVAL: Sopsher is a force in the trenches. He has a great frame, he plays with power and he is only going to get better. He relies on his size and natural strength to win many battles now, so he needs to improve his technique and his stamina. He plays hard when the whistle blows, but he can slow down as the play develops and as the game progresses. He moves very well for a lineman of his size and he can get up the field to make plays. He plays a lot of five-technique now, and he could play that in a 3-4 scheme on the next level, but he may have the most upside moving inside to defensive tackle. He can bull rush and use initial quickness to get into the backfield. As he develops he could be one of the best in his class.
Posted on 3/23/17 at 10:36 am to TideSaint
quote:
Hunter Spears, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound defensive lineman from Sachse (Texas High just got some big news on the recruiting front.
"Blessed beyond belief to announce that I have received an offer from The University of Alabama," Spears exclaimed!
The Crimson Tide double his current offer list and join the Texas Tech Red Raiders on an offer list that now features one school from the Big 12 and one from the Southeastern Conference.
For a defensive lineman the offer from the Crimson Tide is a major one as it has been recruiting and producing top talent up and down the defensive front.
Spears is exactly the type of multi-faceted defender who could excel in its scheme.
"Words can't even begin to describe what an honor this is," spears said of the Crimson Tide offer. "To have the opportunity and chance to be able to one day play at such a prestigious school like Alabama is just mesmerizing. I've dreamt about this since I was little and I'm so thankful for everything."
Spears will help headline a Sachse team that went 11-1 in 2016 and features a number of top-flight D1 prospects like QB Jalen Mayden, S Isaiah Humphries, WR Drue Jackson, and DE Tyler Lacy among others.
In the Class of 2016 Alabama signed Sacshe High CB Jared Mayden.
LINK
This post was edited on 3/23/17 at 10:38 am
Posted on 3/23/17 at 11:30 am to TideSaint
Dear Saint:
YOU are not alone...
I am always here.........reading.......
YOU are not alone...
I am always here.........reading.......
Posted on 3/23/17 at 11:33 am to BuccWildBammer
Me Too
Posted on 3/23/17 at 11:53 am to Rizzy
Well start posting damnit.
Posted on 3/23/17 at 2:34 pm to TideSaint
I'm your Huckleberry
Posted on 3/23/17 at 3:15 pm to BuccWildBammer
quote:
Dear Saint:
YOU are not alone...
I am always here.........reading.......
Ditto. Just snoozing thru the off season.
Posted on 3/23/17 at 3:57 pm to jatebe
Andres Fox has a Top 3 of Alabama, Auburn and LSU.
Posted on 3/23/17 at 3:58 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Isaac Taylor-Stuart
One of the best cornerbacks in the 2018 class, Taylor-Stuart has been loading up on major offers in recent weeks. He’s shown at multiple camps and 7on7 tournaments that he’s a fantastic prospect with great size and ability. Ohio State is the most recent offer for the high four-star recruit and Florida State offered in recent days as well. Louisville and Georgia have offered in the last few weeks and Taylor-Stuart has taken trips to Stanford, Cal and USC in the last month or so. There have been some favorites named – including Washington, Alabama, Nebraska, USC and many others – but with so much going on in his recruitment Taylor-Stuart remains open to all programs.
Posted on 3/23/17 at 4:04 pm to TideSaint
JAG says we have offered this 2018 OT from Louisiana, but his 247 profile doesn't have it listed. I'm going to believe JAG on this one:
Cameron Wire Highlights
Cameron Wire Highlights
Posted on 3/23/17 at 4:45 pm to TideSaint
quote:
TideSaint
We need about 20 pages of dancing bananas to get the bitch moving.
Posted on 3/23/17 at 5:32 pm to Alabamya
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