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re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:21 am to TideSaint
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:21 am to TideSaint
Bo Nix on his visit:
He was apparently impressed with Daboll as well.
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“It was really good,” Nix told BamaOnLine of his second ever visit Tuscaloosa. “I got to see all their facilities again, I got to watch practice, and I got to meet the new offensive coordinator. Like I said, I got to watch practice and see how they do things.
“The players that they have, they were top notch, they’re the best players in the country. When they walked by you definitely had to see who they were. You’re surprised at them. The coaching staff, and how top notch they were and how professional they were (stood out). Their facilities were really, really nice, one of the best in America. It was just a really good visit.”
He was apparently impressed with Daboll as well.
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Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:23 am to TideSaint
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NEW ORLEANS — Whether Maurice Robinson lines up behind center or in a secondary next year remains a question. But the program that is willing to give him the opportunity to play quarterback is the unquestioned leader for his services at this juncture of the spring.
Robinson, a 3-star athlete from Murphy (Ala.) High School, is being recruited by LSU and Alabama, but at different positions. The 6-foot-1, 180-pounder secured an offer from the Tigers and former area recruiter Dameyune Craig in January to play quarterback, while the Tide believe Robinson could be an effective asset in their defensive backfield.
The former has caught the attention of Robinson, who named LSU his early leaders after spending time in Baton Rouge for national junior day last weekend.
“They’re still on top, they’re my No. 1 right now,” Robinson told SEC Country at Nike’s “The Opening” regional in New Orleans last Sunday.
“Other than that, my decision is still open, but mostly the atmosphere when I went down there — it was calming and it was something that I could get used to.”
LSU’s pursuit of Robinson as a quarterback is why the SEC power is out in front early on.
That’s where Robinson’s mindset is at this stage in his recruitment. He holds offers from Alabama, Memphis and Troy, but LSU’s overture looms the largest because of the potential offense he could engineer and the opportunity that’s available to him in the Bayou.
“I’m an athlete, but I like that LSU is recruiting me at quarterback,” Robinson explained. “If I get the chance or the opportunity, I’ll play quarterback. That’s what I want to play, but if I have to play something else to get out there I will.”
New Tigers offensive coordinator Matt Canada has taken over Robinson’s recruitment in place of Craig, who is now a quality control coach at Florida State.
Robinson and Canada had their first face-to-face meeting during junior day last Saturday and utilized their time together to get to know each other on a more personal basis.
“Right now, it was very much me introducing myself and just getting to know each other,” he said. “My previous coach was Dameyune Craig, but we (Canada and I) are just getting started. I’m supposed to call him when I get back home and continue to talk about knowing who I am and stuff.”
Robinson got a taste of who Canada is during LSU’s scrimmage last Saturday. He saw Danny Etling operate the offense, as well as Justin McMillan, Lindsey Scott Jr. and Lowell Narcisse get turns.
In other words, he saw pro-style quarterbacks and dual-threat quarterbacks leading the way. Canada’s versatility within his system was the 3-star athlete’s biggest takeaway from the afternoon.
“It’s very easy and something I can get very used to very easily,” Robinson said. “He described all of the different quarterbacks that he’s used and work off of, and that he can change the offense based on them. I liked that because I like that the offense would be based around me and what I can do.”
Like most quarterbacks, Robinson is planning to finalize his commitment early on. He anticipates making a decision sometime before the start of his senior season, most likely in the summertime close to August.
LINK
This kid has said he wants to play QB in college on multiple occasions. Unless we offer him as a QB he is going elsewhere.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:26 am to TideSaint
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Christian Tutt might want to think about a marketing major in college.
Tutt — who seems to always be an interesting interview — wore UGA gear to Nike’s “The Opening” regional at Buford on Sunday.
His wardrobe crossed up his leaderboard, though. Tutt said Alabama and Florida State were his top schools at this time.
That might have been enough for those who like their interviews conducted at the same rate Chik-Fil-A serves its drive-thru. But there was the obvious question about his apparel choice.
Where does that leave the in-state Bulldogs?
“I’m going to keep that one safe,” Tutt said while tapping his heart near that Georgia “G” logo.
What does that mean? Did he wish to hit the mute button on his feelings about the Bulldogs?
Tutt’s uncle played there. Georgia was his first offer back when Jeremy Pruitt was the defensive coordinator. That was the summer after he finished the eighth grade.
Tutt told DawgNation that Georgia was still his dream school late last season. He had also once been a silent commitment to Mark Richt’s staff.
“Georgia knows what is going on with me,” Tutt stated. “I know where home is at. Georgia has always been great to me. That is really my home. It is the school I grew up around. I’ve been around Georgia and that program for so long it is just second nature to include them in everything. I don’t even include them when I mention how my top schools are. Because Georgia always knows it is in there.”
If Alabama and FSU were his No. 1 and No. 2, where did that leave Georgia? Tutt shook his head when asked if that meant the Bulldogs were third.
There was only one other conclusion: Did that mean the Bulldogs were his number zero?
He weighed that for a second. Then nodded.
His smirk said yes.
“Georgia is my zero then,” Tutt said. “There’s Georgia and then my No. 1 and my No. 2.”
Think of that exchange as a Reverse Rorschach Test for recruiting coverage.
That is bound to provoke one of the following reactions: 1) Joe Reader will digest and note that’s why they love recruiting; 2) Joe Reader will shake their head and mutter something about smartphones, rap music and tell everyone to get off their lawn.
“Georgia has always been there for me,” Tutt said. “They are always going to be there. I’m just trying to finalize some other schools as well. Georgia? They are already set for me. They set that bar for me. That bar Georgia set for me is real high.”
Does UGA have a shot at Christian Tutt?
That could mean the Bulldogs are in it. Provided they recruit him with the intensity that Alabama and Florida State do.
Tutt’s recruiting rankings have also taken a dip. He was seen as one of the nation’s No. 1 cornerback prospect back last February.
“I still feel like Georgia wants me,” Tutt said. “They wanted me to come down this past Saturday for practice and stuff. They were texting me a whole lot wanting me to come down. Georgia knows what it is with me. I’m going to get back up there soon. Because I am only 45 minutes down the road.”
The Thomson standout hopes to visit Alabama, FSU, Georgia and Ohio State prior to his decision. He still plans to commit on his older brother’s birthday.
That will be on May 30. That date carries special significance for him and his family. His older brother Chris Tutt passed away last summer in a car crash. It was yet another tragedy which has rocked Tutt’s life. He saw one of his close friends drown in the summer of 2015.
“Playing for Georgia has always been the same reasons for me,” Tutt said. “The reasons why I would stay close to home are my parents and playing for my home state. My uncle (Danny Verdun-Wheeler) played there. So I would just want to follow his path as well.”
He’s felt at times that he could play for Alabama, Georgia, Florida State and Ohio State.
Tutt laughed when asked how long it has been since his last UGA trip. It was last year for the Louisiana-Lafayette game.
“The last thing Kirby (Smart) said to me was when he was getting on to me for taking so long to come back,” Tutt said. “He said it had been too long.”
Jeremy Pruitt, the defensive coordinator at Alabama, still ranks as his best recruiting relationship.
“I know everything about Georgia,” Tutt said. “Why visit if I know everything? I’m comfortable with everything there. I’m comfortable with the coaches and players. Got great relationships there. There’s not too much more for me to find out about Georgia.”
It seems like Tutt aims to keep the final months of his timeline intriguing.
I’m just thankful for a highly entertaining four-minute interview. That was most welcome on a day in which I spoke to more than 30 recruits.
LINK
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:28 am to TideSaint
Guy from BOL on JJ Peterson:
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A guy that's from Moultrie and played football there, works with me and is a big Bama fan and has been in his ear. He told me that he's trying to get JJ to understand the opportunity he has in front of him to play for Saban and to be coached by Tosh. The kid is a terror and lives in the backfield. And it doesn't hurt that he's coached by Rush. He thinks BAMA has a really good shot at him. A little tidbit, the guy that works with me is close cousins with Xavier McKinney.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:33 am to TideSaint
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Reuben Unije knows that Alabama signed a large class of players at his position in the last recruiting cycle.
It hasn't stopped him from showing major interest in the Crimson Tide, and it has been reciprocated.
"I like Alabama a lot," Unije said Sunday at the Atlanta Opening Regional. "I just got off phone with (offensive line) Coach (Brent) Key yesterday. I'll be up at 'Bama sometime next week (today, actually, March 30, per 247Sports) to watch a practice and see how everything is at 'Bama."
Unije is a 6-foot-6, 305-pound offensive tackle from Johns Creek, Ga., who is now at the IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Unije is the nation's No. 173 overall prospect and No. 13 offensive tackle.
Alabama signed four offensive tackles last year though one, Kendall Randolph from Madison, has already mentioned that he'll likely be a guard.
"Coach Key and I have a really strong, good relationship," Unije said. "We text or talk almost every day. I really like coach Key.
"I talked to him about (signing four tackles last class). Coach Key said they play the best five. If four of the best five are tackles, two of them are going to go to guard. I plan on being one of the best five and my job is to show I'm the best tackle whenever I'm on the field."
Unije, a four-star recruit, has offers from the likes of Tennessee, Florida and Arkansas as well. He said he's looking at every school that offers him and hasn't begun to narrow things down yet. But Alabama is certainly a program that sticks out.
"I love it," Unije said. "What's not to like about Alabama's program? They do everything to the top. Top program, Class A, class act, everything. Alabama's the school other schools look up to when they try to make their program right."
Unije plans to graduate early and said transferring to the IMG Academy has brought his game to another level. He said he wants to major in business or something related to pre-pharmacy.
"(I'm looking for) just how I fit in the scheme, the coaches, the environment and how I feel," Unije said. "(Also), the alumni. I need connections. Connections are the key to the world."
Other key visitors for Thursday's practice
-Jackson-Olin four-star defensive lineman Coynis Miller
-Centennial, Calif., four-star quarterback Tanner McKee
-Hewitt-Trussville 2019 offensive lineman Pierce Quick
-In another note, Alabama offered Fresno, Calif., quarterback Adrian Martinez on Thursday. The 6-foot-2, 198-pound Martinez is the nation's No. 12 dual-threat quarterback. He committed to California last November.
LINK
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:35 am to TideSaint
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Alabama and Auburn are both in pursuit of elite defensive end Brenton Cox, but the Tide and Tigers have some work to do.
During Nike's The Opening Atlanta regional camp last weekend, Cox told AL.com that Georgia and Ohio State are recruiting him harder than any other school.
"I'm just trying to play early," said the 6-foot-4, 247-pounder from Stockbridge, Ga.
Cox is one of the highest-rated recruits in the nation. The 247Sports Composite ranks him as a four-star prospect, the No. 54 overall player and the No. 4 strong-side defensive end. He said he tallied more than 75 tackles last season including 30 sacks.
Aside from Georgia and Ohio State, Cox said Alabama, Auburn and South Carolina are in the mix.
Cox took his first visit to Auburn last week and spent three days on the Plains. He was able to attend spring practice where he caught up with defensive line coach Rodney Garner and his friend, redshirt freshman Antwuan Jackson Jr.
"I'd never been up there, but I know Coach Garner, and he's a real good d-line coach," Cox said. "It was a good thing watching him coach that d-line. I actually know Antwuan Jackson, just seeing him get coached up.
"It was good. Nothing really in Auburn but the team. Everybody talks to each other. You've got good food out there. A place called Halftime I ate at."
Cox is planning a series of visits to see spring games at South Carolina (April 1), Auburn (April 8), Ohio State (April 22) and Georgia (April 22). As for Alabama, he likes the defensive scheme the Crimson Tide run.
"I'd be in a 3-4 defense," he said. "Coach Tosh (Lupoi), he's a real good coach. I actually went to a camp and that's when I got the offer. He taught me some new moves I'll use today, actually... I'm just going to compete."
At The Opening Atlanta, Cox ran the 40-yard dash in 4.95 seconds, the shuttle in 4.45, he threw the powerball 39.5 feet and had a vertical jump of 28.6 inches.
"I'm definitely fast," he said. "(Coaches like) my speed, length and athleticism."
Auburn currently has one defensive lineman committed to its 2018 recruiting class -- three-star prospect Daquan Newkirk of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. Alabama also has one, Jordan Davis of Southward High School in Memphis, Tenn. Both are consensus three-star prospects.
LINK
Kid spent half a day in Auburn and has already seen everything the town has to offer.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:43 am to TideSaint
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EVERY TEAM FOLLOWS DANIELS
JT Daniels is a five-star quarterback who had an incredible sophomore season, so top programs from around the country are heavily pursuing him.
The Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei recruit who completed 74 percent of his passes for 4,849 yards with 67 touchdowns and six interceptions this past season is about to embark on a bunch of important unofficial visits as he analyzes some of the schools that intrigue him the most.
Daniels will visit Washington in early April, then go to Alabama and Auburn and wrap things up with a trip to Stanford in May. Notre Dame and many others remain under serious consideration as well.
As the five-star goes through his recruitment, there are plenty of things he will be looking for at each program and continuing to develop as a quarterback will definitely be one. The family is going into this process methodically and wisely with a bunch of checklist items they want to see.
Daniels is that good. So finding the right program – whether it’s staying in the Pac-12 or venturing out elsewhere - will be crucial over the next phase of his recruitment.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:44 am to TideSaint
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YEAR OF THE BROTHER
There are an inordinate amount of prospects in the 2019 class out West whose brothers are playing or have played college football and that could have a significant influence on their decisions as well.
There’s no telling how it will play out yet but it’s absolutely something to watch since there are so many of them in the region basically across the board at all positions.
At quarterback, Taulia Tagovailoa’s brother, Tua, is a freshman at Alabama, Ryan Hilinski’s brother, Tyler, plays at Washington State and Luke McCaffrey’s brothers, Christian and Dylan, were/are at Stanford and Michigan, respectively. At receiver, Mycah Pittman’s brother, Michael, is at USC.
Others to really focus on are defensive tackle Matthew Pola-Mao, whose brother Isaiah, signed with USC last recruiting cycle; tight end Patrick Herbert’s brother, Justin, goes to Oregon; defensive back Ralen Goforth’s brother, Randall, has been at UCLA and Enokk Vimahi’s brother, Aliki, signed with Utah last recruiting cycle.
There are others as well. Those are just some of the big names. It could be something to closely watch as the younger brothers start to make their decisions – and possibly follow their siblings – to certain schools.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:44 am to TideSaint
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HEADING TO HAWAII
More coaching staffs from across the country are smartening up and heading to Hawaii each recruiting class, because there is plenty of talent in that state and the 2019 class could be an absolutely loaded group.
Four-star defensive tackle Faatui Tuitele leads the way and he’s already becoming a national recruit with an impressive offer list. Taulia Tagovailoa is emerging as a really talented quarterback, but he and his family could be moving to Mobile, Ala., to be closer to his brother, Tua, at Alabama.
Still, there is plenty of talent on the islands. Linebacker Maninoa Tufono already has offers from Oregon, Washington State and others. Offensive lineman Enokk Vimahi has landed offers from Nebraska, Oregon, USC and others as he continues to bulk up and prove his worth.
There are others as well and it’s no secret that talented players pop up in Hawaii through their senior seasons. Top college coaches will definitely be back there for 2019 prospects because it’s already proving to be a top-notch class.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:45 am to TideSaint
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LOADED QUARTERBACK CLASS
If schools strike out on its top quarterback target in the 2018 class, there is not much need for worry because the 2019 quarterback crop out West is absolutely loaded and not only in California.
Five-star JT Daniels leads the way and probably won’t be caught by anyone in the region because he’s so incredibly talented, but there are many other recruits who could make a lot of top teams happy.
In Washington, four-star Dylan Morris is an intriguing prospect. In Oregon, four-star Michael Johnson Jr., recently transferred to Eugene (Ore.) Sheldon after his father landed an assistant coaching job with the Ducks. In Hawaii, Taulia Tagovailoa leads the way, although he could be moving to Mobile, Ala.
In California, Hank Bachmeier and Ryan Hilinski are two names to remember. In Arizona, Chandler’s Jacob Conover is definitely Pac-12 worthy. All across the region there are plenty of talented quarterbacks in the 2019 class and many others could emerge over the next two seasons.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:47 am to TideSaint
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While the focus of most is the class of 2018 as we dive deep into the spring evaluation period, members of the class of 2019 are getting offers as well on a daily basis. Rather than rush out a Rivals100 on prospects who have played two years of high school football, we thought we’d put stars on 100 of them and release 20 a day. Here’s our third batch, led by five-star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux.
The prospects listed are grouped by their Rivals Rating from 6.1 to 5.9 but are in no particular order otherwise.
LINK
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:48 am to TideSaint
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DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
“The first time I saw Thibodeaux in person was during a 7-on-7 tournament at his high school and he was playing tight end. He was super athletic, moved well and looked phenomenal on the hoof. He reminded me of an SEC-looking defensive end,” said Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney. “He's great off the edge, great in space, developing physically and he can get into the backfield at will. With his hand down or as a hybrid linebacker/defensive end, Thibodeaux makes plays all over the field and he has the physical size to blow everybody away. He remains wide open in his recruitment, but USC and others could stand out.”
Just behind Thibodeaux in this group are an offensive lineman, two wide receivers and a quarterback.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:49 am to TideSaint
Bo Nix is now a 4-star on Rivals.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:49 am to TideSaint
RB Nyquan Wright is a 4-star on Rivals too.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 10:58 am to TideSaint
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Did you watch the "It" trailer that was released yesterday?
I watched it
. It's just the first trailer, but it looks like they stick to the original pretty well. I'm excited about it. Last year people were dressing up as clowns all over the place. This year I fully expect people to start seeing single red balloons.
Posted on 3/30/17 at 11:21 am to Cobrasize
When Pennywise started moving through the water...
Posted on 3/30/17 at 11:22 am to TideSaint
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When the initial Scout 300 for 2018 was released last spring, Cartersville (Ga.) quarterback Trevor Lawrence was the inaugural No. 1 prospect in the 2018 rankings.
Nearly a year later, in the Updated Scout 300 for 2018, Lawrence, a pledge to Clemson, remains at the top.
Just behind Lawrence is the top defensive prospect in the 2018 class, Harrisburg (Pa.) Central Dauphin defensive end Micah Parsons, a commit to Penn State.
At No. 3 is Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage cornerback Patrick Surtain and at No. 4 is Las Vegas (Nev.) Bishop Gorman outside linebacker Palaie Gaoteote, a commit to USC.
The top running back in this class is the No. 5 overall prospect, Zamir White from Laurinburg (N.C.) Scotland.
At No. 6 is Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy defensive end Xavier Thomas followed by the No. 1 offensive linemen in 2018, Atlanta (Ga.) Pace Academy guard Jamaree Salyer, at No. 7.
Coming in at No. 8 is Houston (Texas) Lamar cornerback Anthony Cook followed by another cornerback, Tyreke Johnson from Jacksonville (Fla.) Trinity Christian Academy at No. 9.
Rounding out the top ten is Long Beach (Calif.) Poly quarterback Matt Corral, a commit to USC.
In addition, Scout expanded its class of 2018 rankings to include a position-by-position breakdown. To view by positions, click here and then select a position to view by clicking on "Filters" and then the corresponding position tab.
Across the country, the receiver crop is as good as it has ever been and there are 57 receivers in the Scout 300, by far the most for one position group.
But it is a strong year in the secondary too, with 58 defensive backs on the list, 31 safeties and 27 at cornerback.
The South has the most prospects in the Scout 300 with 117 players represented.
The Midlands and the West each have 61 prospects in the 300 for 2018, followed by 35 from the East and rounded out with 26 from the Midwest.
LINK
Posted on 3/30/17 at 11:22 am to TideSaint
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EAST
When it comes to rushing the passer, the East has some very good defensive end prospects with high ceilings, and lots of room for development.
The No. 2 player in the nation, Penn State commit Micah Parsons of Harrisburg (Pa.) High, hits up the 7-on-7 scene and plays cornerback, running back, receiver and linebacker. His athleticism and ability on the field have some schools telling Parsons he can play running back and defensive end, but make no mistakes about it, he can be a lethal defensive end who can change games.
There is also a lot of depth behind Parsons at the defensive end slot in the region.
Four-star prospects Tyler Friday of Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco, Eyabi Anoma of Baltimore St. Frances, Thomas Booker of Baltimore Gilman and Dorian Hardy of Paramus (N.J.) Catholic are each defensive end prospects. Also, Notre Dame commit Justin Ademilola of Jersey City (N.J.) St. Peter's Prep, Dante Stills of Fairmont (W. Va.) High, T.J. Banks of North Versailles (Pa.) East Allegheny and Tyler Baylor of Olney (Md.) Good Counsel are also on pushing to get a fourth star.
-National recruiting analyst Brian Dohn
Posted on 3/30/17 at 11:23 am to TideSaint
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MIDLANDS
It is a tremendous year for the defensive back in the state of Texas and Anthony Cook is currently the best of the best. He has all of the skills that you look for in a true cover corner. He is a technician at the position and has the size and attitude to play in tight coverage against the biggest and baddest wide receivers. The newly minted five-star prospect climbs the ladder to the No. 1 spot in the Midlands. He is a hard working prospect with an attitude and zest for the craft that we feel will help translate to his collegiate success. Cook is an UnderArmour-All-American and has been invited to The Opening Finals.
The depth at the safety position is amazing in the Midlands region, as there are five safeties rated in the Scout Top 100 in 2018.
Topping the list is Angleton (Texas) High athlete B.J. Foster, who is now the No. 1 rated safety in the region after being reclassified to the position from athlete. Following Foster is TCU commit Atanza Vongor from Grand Prairie (Texas) South Grand Prairie and LSU commit Caden Sterns from Cibolo (Texas) Steele. Arp (Texas) defender DeMarvion Overshown has one of the nation’s most elite offer lists and will remain rated at safety, but he could also get a look at linebacker as he grows and matures. Rounding out that impressive list of specimens is fierce defender Leon O'Neal from Cypress (Texas) Springs, who takes up his rightful place in the Scout Top 100.
-National recruiting analyst Greg Powers
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