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re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:13 am to TideSaint
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:13 am to TideSaint
quote:
Bo Nix
Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley quarterback Bo Nix rose above all other quarterbacks in attendance to take home positional MVP honors and Scout was in agreement. His mechanics, footwork and accuracy were very impressive. Regardless if he was in the pocket or on the move, Nix made all the throws. The Auburn legacy holds an offer from the Tigers, as well as Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State among others.
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Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:15 am to TideSaint
quote:
Clay Webb
Last year at The Opening Atlanta, Clay Webb was the surprise of the event. Much was expected a year later and the Oxford (Ala.) High School star did not disappoint. An early four-star prospect and among the best in the state of Alabama, he looked like one of the top trench talents regardless of class or position considering he worked at all five offensive line spots. Webb showcases his wrestling background with his patience, hand placement and ability to defeat counter moves all on a strong base. The sophomore is well put together without much bad weight relative to his position. Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi State and others have offered early on.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:22 am to TideSaint
quote:
WR Justyn Ross
Four-star Phenix City (Ala.) Central wide receiver Justyn Ross was dominant all day. At 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, Ross completely overwhelmed nearly every defensive back he faced. He showed great speed and quickness, and ran good routes. Ross also had outstanding body control and tremendous ball skills. Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Florida appear to be the main contenders.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:23 am to TideSaint
quote:
WR Marquez Ezzard
Stockbridge (Ga.) wide receiver Marquez Ezzard was virtually uncoverable. The 6-1, 189-pound Ezzard's combination of strength and body control allowed him to make numerous tough catches. He did a great job creating separation and high-pointing the football. Ezzard also showed great concentration and soft hands. Some schools to watch with him are Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Mississippi and Tennessee.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:23 am to TideSaint
quote:
OG Jamaree Salyer
Atlanta (Ga.) Pace Academy offensive lineman Jamaree Salyer was the star of the trench group and perhaps the event itself. He checks all the boxes one could covet from an offensive lineman, playing with precision, patience, power, athleticism and grit at times. Salyer showed out at the event last season and somehow topped it despite getting every defensive lineman's best. Out of well over a dozen reps, only Scout100 edge talent Brenton Cox was able to get by him for a clear win. In-state Georgia is the favorite to land the five-star with Clemson, Ohio State, Stanford and Alabama in the mix.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:23 am to TideSaint
quote:
QB Bo Nix
2019 Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley quarterback Bo Nix is the lone underclassman to make the list. The 6-2, 191-pound Nix was clearly the best quarterback on the field during the event. His mechanics, footwork and accuracy were very impressive. Regardless if he was in the pocket or on the move, Nix made all the throws. The Auburn legacy holds an offer from the Tigers, as well Alabama, Clemson, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State among others.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:24 am to TideSaint
quote:
DT Robert Cooper
Snellville (Ga.) South Gwinnett defensive tackle Robert Cooper, a Florida State verbal commitment, made his presence known early and often Sunday. His size in the middle strikes you until you see how quick he gets off of the football and engages the blocker. Cooper then flashes the ability to use his hands well and counter that into swim, rip and spin moves at different points. Eager to compete, the mammoth interior defender won reps without simply bull-rushing or overpowering his opponent, standing out on a day designed for smaller, quicker pass rushers more times than not. Alabama and Ohio State aren't going away quietly and will host him on an official visit in the fall.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:25 am to TideSaint
quote:
DE Greg Emerson
Greg Emerson, yet another Scout100 prospect on this list, looked like it all afternoon long. Able to turn heads as both an inside rusher as well as on the edge, the Jackson (Tenn.) North Side standout had a complete day. Emerson is probably going to play inside at the next level and that is where he put in his best work with power and solid hand technique to create a path to the passer. Set to make a verbal commitment in December, in-state Tennessee, Alabama and Oregon may be in the best shape at this time.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:25 am to TideSaint
quote:
OLB JJ Peterson
Moultrie (Ga.) Colquitt County outside linebacker J.J. Peterson showed why he is the No. 1 outside linebacker in the South on Sunday. He is one of the most physically impressive prospects in the class and has a great frame that will allow him to add a significant amount of weight at the next level. Peterson showed great speed and physicality. He was also comfortable dropping into coverage and showed tremendous athleticism. Alabama leads, followed by Georgia.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:25 am to TideSaint
quote:
CB Christopher Smith
Four-star College Park (Ga.) Hapeville Charter cornerback Christopher Smith did not back down from anyone all day. He took countless reps in one-on-ones and won the majority. Smith was physical with the receivers and very aggressive. He was fluid in and out of his backpedal and instinctive. Smith also showed great concentration and ball skills. Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State and South Carolina look to be the main contenders.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:26 am to TideSaint
quote:
CB Christian Tutt
Christian Tutt was the ultimate competitor on Sunday. The Thomson (Ga.) cornerback took more reps than any defensive back and won most of them. The 5-11, 185-pound Tutt was very physical and strong, which allowed him to overwhelm many receivers. He showed great anticipation and quick hips. Tutt was also aggressive and made several plays on the ball. He is down to Alabama, Florida State, Georgia and Ohio State. Alabama and Florida State have the edge and he will make his commitment on May 30.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:28 am to TideSaint
quote:
College football recruiting has grown into a year-round, never-ending beast. Once one yearly recruiting cycle ends, the next begins, fraying fans’ nerves and building program expectations on a constant basis. There’s one really fun thing about the whole process: Seeing players excel on the field and develop into consistent performers and stars for their new programs.
With the advent of early enrollment, that process has already begun for 2017. A wave of freshmen are going through spring practice with their programs of choice and more will join them this summer in pursuit of playing time, production and glory. Which players will make the biggest impacts? It’s an inexact science, but we’re going to take a look at the guys we think can make a splash.
We looked at players from the class of 2017, as well as players who redshirted for various reasons last fall and will compete as redshirt freshmen this season. Recruiting rankings from Scout.com for 2016 and 2017 were used as an initial guide, but potential playing time was also considered as an issue. Here’s a look at the top 25 freshmen of 2017.
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Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:29 am to TideSaint
quote:
20. Alabama LB Ben Davis
Recruiting Rundown
Gordo HS, Gordo, Ala. No. 11 overall recruit in 2016 class
Best attribute
Davis stands 6’4”, 235 pounds and is a very athletic player who can make impacts from sideline to sideline for Alabama. He has the frame to be a thumper in the middle of the Crimson Tide defense while chasing down ballcarriers with ease.
Likely 2017 role
Redshirting Davis was a surprise, but it’s the kind of thing Alabama can do with a loaded linebacker corps including Reuben Foster, Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams. They’re gone, and playing time has opened up. He has seen time at outside linebacker early this spring, but will likely fit in as a reserve inside ‘backer.
Long-term outlook
Davis’ Crimson Tide career got off to a delayed start, but he has potential to develop into a hard-hitting, versatile linebacker who could be a great pass-rusher. He’ll have to wait his turn, but expect him to evolve into a force in the middle for Alabama.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:30 am to TideSaint
quote:
16. Alabama LB Dylan Moses
Recruiting rundown
IMG Academy, Bradenton, Fla. No. 14 overall recruit in 2017 class
Best attribute
There’s a lot to like about Moses. He is a multitalented player who excelled at both tailback and linebacker in high school. He has an excellent combination of speed, power and athleticism in a 6’2”, 235-pound frame. He could fit in a number of places on the field, and that’s what makes him such an appealing prospect.
Likely 2017 role
Alabama has a deep linebacker corps, but expect Moses to dent the rotation quickly as a “Will” linebacker. He is a smart, versatile player who could make it impossible for coaches to keep him off the field as a true freshman, despite the accumulation of talent around him.
Long-term outlook
The Crimson Tide’s overall depth on defense and especially at linebacker makes patience a virtue. But Moses is too good to stay on the sidelines for long. Expect him to start outside and eventually move inside and flash his power as a starting linebacker.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:31 am to TideSaint
quote:
10. Alabama OT Alex Leatherwood
Recruiting rundown
Booker T. Washington HS, Pensacola, Fla. No. 9 overall recruit in the 2017 class
Best attribute
Leatherwood has the size and frame to immediately contribute at Alabama. He stands 6’6”, 315 pounds and has excellent strength, which makes him a good run blocker. He’s a balanced lineman and can be a force quickly.
Likely 2017 role
Cam Robinson’s departure to the NFL creates musical chairs on the line, with Jonah Williams likely moving to left tackle. That creates an opening at right tackle, which Leatherwood could battle to fill as a true freshman.
Long-term outlook
He profiles as a right tackle, and it’s clear that Leatherwood will make a name for himself with the Crimson Tide. If he improves his pass blocking, he could be a multi-year starter at either tackle spot and gain attention from pro scouts.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:32 am to TideSaint
quote:
2. Alabama RB Najee Harris
Recruiting rundown
Antioch HS, Antioch, Calif. No. 1 overall recruit in 2017
Best attribute
Under Nick Saban, Alabama has put together a never-ending run of talented backs, and Harris is the latest in that line. He stands 6’3”, 225 pounds and is the total package, mixing size, speed and power. He’s very difficult to bring down.
Likely 2017 role
Alabama brings back a pair of powerful, talented backs in Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough, but Harris should see immediate time, battling for carries with Joshua Jacobs and B.J. Emmons. He’ll see the field.
Long-term outlook
Harris has the size and speed to be a punishing, game-breaking back. It may take some time with veterans in front of him, but Alabama backs before him have shown that developing and waiting your turn pays big dividends eventually, and they should for Harris as well.
Posted on 3/29/17 at 11:32 am to TideSaint
Cam Akers was #1. 
Posted on 3/29/17 at 12:03 pm to TideSaint
Jalen Cunningham may be committing soon:
quote:
“Just me thinking about the different options I have,” he said. “I’m probably going to be closing in a decision after I go to Ole Miss on Friday. After I come back from that that’s probably going to be when I make a decision.”
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