re: 2018 Football Recruiting Thread -- Final OP Update Edition

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Auburn sitting pretty for Mobile-area DE

MOBILE, Ala. — Aside from terrorizing offensive linemen, Andres Fox is a pretty mellow guy.

He doesn’t like to talk about himself much. He’d rather talk about his teammates, which is what he does when coaches or reporters ask him about Mobile Christian. When it comes to his own play and recruitment, he’d rather let the film do the talking, as it did last fall when his state championship tape led Auburn to offer, followed by virtually everyone else.

The 6-foot-5, 230-pound pass rusher gets asked about himself a lot nowadays. That’s what happens when Auburn, LSU and Alabama make you a top priority.

His high school coach, Ronnie Cottrell, marvels at Fox’s maturity and composure with the process.

“When we first met with Andres when all this started, he made the statement to me that he wanted to have a team in place or at least commit before the football season. He said he wanted to worry about this team,” Cottrell said. “I thought that was one of the greatest things I’ve ever heard a kid say.”

Fox confirmed Thursday that he expects to have a decision shortly before the 2017 football season.

When it happens, all the other suitors will be out of it: “When I commit, I’ll stay dedicated to that school,” Fox said.

The underrated 3-star defensive end from Mobile has started to condense his options. With programs all over the country — Stanford, USC, Penn State, among others — coming to the small school on the Gulf Coast to recruit him, it became somewhat overwhelming, so he narrowed his top list of schools.

Fox has labeled that top group as Auburn, Alabama and LSU for more than a month now, but said Oregon, Florida and Notre Dame are programs that could be factors. My opinion here: The 3 he lists as his top group are really the only programs with a shot.

When talking about his top 3, Fox gave an unsolicited endorsement of one program in particular.

“I just really like Auburn’s defense,” Fox said. “I feel like I fit in real well. I fit into the defense really well. … Plus, they have a great engineering program. I want to study mechanical engineering.”

One factor is family. Fox admits his parents are both Alabama fans, as he was in his pre-high school days. But — and let this be very clear — none of that will play a factor in Fox’s recruitment.

Reading between the lines, Fox has become infatuated with Auburn more than any other program, which stems from a few things. First, the Tigers offered the night of the state championship game in Jordan-Hare Stadium. Second, Fox’s relationship with Auburn’s coaching staff runs deeper than with any others.

“I’m closest with T-Will [Travis Williams]. He’s just fun and cool to be around. And Rodney Garner,” Fox said.

Cottrell doubled down on his star defensive lineman’s comments.

“Auburn, since the very beginning, it’s been a team effort. I’ve heard from all those guys,” Cottrell said. “Kevin Steele has been very specific with the position and what they wanted him to play, exactly where he fit in. He’s a key guy for them because of the position he plays. But T-Williams recruits our schools, does a great job. The best relationship he has with all the coaches is Rodney Garner. They’ve got a good relationship as far as position coaches.”

Here’s some subjective commentary on my part.

After I left my visit at Mobile Christian, I put in a Crystal Ball prediction for Fox to Auburn. It really didn’t take much hesitation. Yes, Fox’s family likes Alabama, and that has likely played a small role in why he hasn’t committed to any program yet. But even though Alabama and LSU consider Fox their top guy, Auburn has been most clear about exactly how it plans to use Fox in the Buck defensive lineman spot.

He will continue to check things out throughout the spring and summer, but when the 2017 season approaches, I firmly expect Fox will commit to the Auburn class.

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4-star 2019 QB Taulia Tagovailoa, Thompson

Kirschner: Tagovailoa and his family moved to Alabama from Hawaii about 3 weeks ago. He’s getting acclimated to Thompson High in Alabaster, Ala., and his new life on the mainland.

With his obvious connection to Alabama via his older brother Tua, the Crimson Tide have a clear advantage. Taulia and Tua are close, and Taulia would like the opportunity to follow in his older brother’s footsteps. When he received an Alabama offer last year, Taulia wanted to commit on the spot. His family told him he should hold off because he was too young at the time.

Now that he’s in Alabama, Taulia can visit Tuscaloosa, develop better relationships with the staff and perhaps become the next Tagovailoa at quarterback for Alabama. He planned to attend A-Day.

Wolk: The charming Tagovailoa smile Crimson Tide fans have grown to love with early enrollee quarterback Tua Tagovailoa can now be found just south of Birmingham, where younger brother Taulia Tagovailoa is the new quarterback at Thompson High. Taulia is new to the state — his family recently moved from Honolulu — but he has quickly fallen in love with the area, his coaches and teammates.

Taulia will likely become a big-time prospect in the coming months as programs are able to evaluate him more thoroughly, thanks to proximity. It stands to reason that Taulia will land at Alabama with his brother, but it’s really too early to call at this point. Taulia has taken a hands-off approach with his recruitment, letting his father focus on conversations with college coaches.

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5-star 2019 OL Clay Webb, Oxford

Kirschner: Webb’s recruitment is shaping up to be an Iron Bowl battle. Webb’s relationship with offensive line coach Brent Key gives Alabama an advantage. Of coaches he communicates with, Webb said, Key is recruiting him the hardest. Webb also sees some of himself in Key, which he says is important.

With both of the in-state schools, Webb said he’s had feelings of wanting to commit. Like Cunningham, though, Webb wants to visit schools outside the state to see if they can match his feelings at Alabama and Auburn. If any school outside the state of Alabama has a slight chance to get his commitment, it would be Georgia. Webb’s uncle attended Georgia, and he jokes with Webb often about how he wants to see his nephew in a Bulldogs uniform. Webb planned to be in Athens for Georgia’s spring game.

But when it comes time to make a decision, the in-state schools will be the likely finalists. Of note: Webb would like to play with 2019 4-star tackle Pierce Quick, who will likely choose Alabama.

Wolk: For a while now, Webb has said he likely would not leave the state of Alabama. Auburn and Alabama remain the primary suitors, but Georgia could enter the equation if the Bulldogs have a successful G-Day visit. Webb planned to attend Georgia’s spring game instead of Alabama’s because of a conversation with Georgia offensive line coach Sam Pittman.

Webb said his closest relationship is with Alabama offensive line coach Brent Key, but he also has a strong connection with Auburn offensive line coach Herb Hand. Those relationships, he said, will make it difficult to differentiate between the schools. Webb also mentioned his close relationship with Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner, who is the only non-offensive line coach to be a major player in Webb’s recruitment.

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2018/2019 Alabama commits

Jordan Davis, 4-star defensive end/outside linebacker, Memphis

Trey Sanders, 2019 4-star athlete, Bradenton, Fla.

Xavier Williams, 4-star wide receiver, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

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2018 prospects committed elsewhere

Emil Ekiyor, 4-star offensive guard, Indianapolis — Michigan

Malik Heath, 4-star wide receiver, Callaway, Miss. — Mississippi State

Kelvin Joseph, 4-star cornerback, Baton Rouge, La. — LSU

Evan McPherson, unranked kicker, Fort Payne, Ala. — Mississippi State

Christian Meadows, 3-star offensive guard, Montezuma, Ga. — Florida State

Otis Reese, 4-star safety, Leesburg, Ga. — Michigan

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Alabama targets with Tide offer

Jerome Carvin, 3-star offensive tackle, Cordova, Tenn.

Lejond Cavazos, 2020 safety, Cibolo, Texas

Jacob Copeland, 4-star wide receiver, Pensacola, Fla.

Andres Fox, 3-star defensive end, Mobile, Ala.

Matthew Hill, 4-star athlete, Snellville, Ga.

Tyneil Hopper, 4-star tight end, Roswell, Ga.

Jaycee Horn, 3-star cornerback, Alpharetta, Ga.

Vernon Jackson, 3-star defensive end, Boling, Texas

Harold Joiner, 4-star running back, Mountain Brook, Ala. — maybe

Cameron Latu, 4-star outside linebacker, Salt Lake City

Devonta Lee, 2019 4-star wide receiver, Amite, La.

Myles Mason, 4-star safety, Pleasant Grove, Ala.

Coynis Miller, 4-star defensive tackle, Birmingham, Ala.

Jaylen McCollough, 2019 4-star safety, Powder Springs, Ga.

Nicholas Petit-Frere, 4-star offensive tackle, Tampa

Pierce Quick, 2019 4-star offensive tackle, Trussvile, Ala.

Jammie Robinson, 2019 defensive back, Cordele, Ga.

Justyn Ross, 5-star wide receiver, Phenix City, Ala.

Taulia Tagovailoa, 4-star quarterback, Alabaster, Ala.

Christian Tutt, 4-star cornerback, Thomson, Ga.

Reuben Unije, 4-star offensive tackle, Bradenton, Fla.

Quay Walker, 4-star outside linebacker, Cordele, Ga.

Brian Williams, 5-star safety, Dallas

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2018 prospects without Alabama offer

Chase Adams, linebacker, Wetumpka, Ala.

Keedrick Adams, wide receiver, Wetumpka, Ala.

Braxton Barker, quarterback, Hoover, Ala.

Reco Bozeman, linebacker, Wetumpka, Ala.

Khamari Brown, defensive tackle, Hoover, Ala.

Mo Edwards, wide receiver, Alabaster, Ala.

Kelton Elmore, linebacker, Wetumpka, Ala.

DeAndre Ezell, athlete, Wetumpka, Ala.

Jaelyn Fleming, running back, Gadsden City, Ala.

Dillon Hayes, long snapper, Pearl, Miss.

Sam Holmes, wide receiver, Alabaster, Ala.

Talanoa Hufanga, 4-star athlete, Corvallis, Ore.

Camron Johnson, Brentwood, Tenn.

Allen Love, 3-star defensive end, Birmingham, Ala.

Asa Martin, 4-star running back, Decatur, Ala. — maybe

Jeff Marks, defensive lineman, Davidson, Ala.

Zakoby McClain, 4-star outside linebacker, Valdosta, Ga.

Roger McCreary, athlete, Williamson, Ala.

Mackie McNeal, defensive tackle, Alabaster, Ala.

Jaylen Rayam, outside linebacker, Alabaster, Ala.

KJ Robertson, outside linebacker, Alabaster, Ala.

Tim Robinson, outside linebacker, Callaway, Miss.

Kavosiey Smoke, athlete, Wetumpka, Ala.

Nahe Sulunga, defensive lineman, Calabasas, Calif.

Nick Turner, athlete, Wetumpka, Ala.

James Williams, defensive tackle, Callaway, Miss.

Jamontavius Woods, wide receiver, Gadsden City, Ala.

Alondae Vasser, wide receiver, Alabaster, Ala.

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2019 prospects without Alabama offer

Colton Adams, linebacker, Wetumpka, Ala.

Shadrick Byrd, running back, Alabaster, Ala.

Aaron Duncan, offensive lineman, Leighton, Ala.

Samuel Goldthreate, cornerback, Gadsden City, Ala.

Kaedon Jenkins, athlete, Piedmont, Ala.

Amari Kight, offensive tackle, Alabaster, Ala.

PJ Lucas, defensive lineman, Prattville, Ala.

Charles Moore, 4-star defensive end, Louisville, Miss.

Nehemiah Pritchett, defensive back, Jackson, Ala.

Jaden Smith, linebacker, Bessemer City, Ala.

Corey Strother, linebacker, Bessemer City, Ala.

DeAnthony Walker, linebacker, Vigor, Ala.

Calvin Williams, defensive back, Gadsden City, Ala.

Jamontez Woods, running back, Gadsden City, Ala.

2020 prospects

Jack Brandon, quarterback, Cansius, N.Y.

Brett Neatt, quarterback, Cottage Hill, Ala.

Mike Robertson, athlete, Savannah, Ga.

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2018

Justin Rogers, 4-star QB (Bossier City, La.)
Terrace Marshall Jr., 5-star WR (Bossier City, La.)
James Cook, 5-star RB (Miami) *Florida State commit
Anthony Cook, 5-star CB (Houston)
Kelvin Joseph, 4-star DB (Baton Rouge, La.) *LSU commit
Nadab Joseph, 4-star DB (Miami) *LSU commit
Caden Sterns, 4-star S (Cibolo, Texas *LSU commit
Jalen Green, 4-star CB (Houston)
Dare Rosenthal, 4-star DL (Ferriday, La.)
Damone Clark, 4-star LB (Baton Rouge, La.) *LSU commit
Davin Cotton, 4-star DT (Shreveport, La.) *LSU commit
Jarell Cherry, 4-star WDE (Dallas, Texas) *LSU commit
Ja’Marr Chase, 4-star WR (New Orleans)
Lawrence Keys III, 4-star WR (New Orleans)
Joseph Ossai, 4-star WDE (Conroe, Texas)
Brennan Eagles, 4-star WR (Houston)
Jaylen Waddle, 4-star WR (Bellaire, Texas)
Chad Bailey, 4-star LB (Missouri City, Texas)
Merlin Robertson, 4-star LB (Gardena, Calif.)
Keondre Coburn, 4-star DT (Houston)
Jaray Jenkins, 3-star WR (Jena, La.) *LSU commit
Micah Baskerville, 3-star LB (Shreveport, La.) *LSU commit
Ar’Darius Washington, 3-star DB (Shreveport, La.) *LSU commit
Jammal Houston, 3-star WR (Marrero, La.)
Nelson Jenkins, 3-star DL (Plaquemine, La.) *LSU commit
Cameron Wire, 3-star OT (Gonzalez, La.)
Rafiti Ghirmai, 3-star OT (Frisco, Texas)
Travez Moore, 3-star WDE (Bastrop, La.) *LSU commit
Cole Smith, 3-star C (Pontotoc, Miss.) *LSU commit
Cedric Banks, 3-star C (Baton Rouge, La.)
Slade Bolden, 3-star ATH (West Monroe, La.)
Glenn Beal, 3-star TE (New Orleans)
Eddie Smith, 3-star CB (Slidell, La.)
Derius Davis, 3-star DB (West Feliciana, La.)
Wayne Toussant, 3-star ATH (Plaquemine, La.)
Princeton Pines, 3-star OL (Baton Rouge, La.)
Lance Robinson, 3-star DB (New Orleans)
Christian Trahan, 3-star TE (Sulphur, La.)
Diallo Landry, 3-star ATH (New Iberia, La.)
Troy Hurst, 3-star ATH (Greensburg, La.)
Trenton Charles, 3-star RB (Baton Rouge, La.)
Tyre Golmond, 3-star RB (Denham Springs, La.)
Tahj Magee, 3-star ATH (Franklinton, La.)
Aaron Brule, 3-star LB/S (New Orleans)
Gregory Clayton, 3-star WR (Lutcher, La.)
Larry Dixon, 3-star OL (Boutte, La.)
Marlon Young, WDE (Opelousas, La.)
Brandon Nettles, WDE (Mansfield, Texas)
Quinshawn Lucious, ATH (Columbus, Miss.)
Dantrieze Scott, TE/DL (Ferriday, La.)
DeAndre Brown, LB/S (Brusly, La.)

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2019

Kardell Thomas, 5-star OL (Baton Rouge, La.) *LSU commit
Kenyon Green, 5-star OL (Humble, Texas) *LSU commit
Ishmael Sopsher, 5-star DL (Amite, La.)
Devonta Lee, 5-star WR (Amite, La.)
Derek Stingley Jr., 4-star CB (Baton Rouge, La.)
Grant Gunnell, 4-star QB (Houston)
Devin Bush, 4-star CB (New Orleans)
Jordan Clark, 4-star CB (Baton Rouge, La.)
John Emery, 4-star RB (Destrehan, La.)
Nelson Caesar, 4-star WDE (Missouri City, Texas)
Tyrion Davis, 4-star RB (Baton Rouge, La.)
Chandler Rogers, QB (Mansfield, Texas)
Dylan Rathcke, OT (Baton Rouge, La.)
Tyshawn Howard, OL/DL (Baton Rouge, La.)
Kendarias Moses, ATH (Baton Rouge, La.)
Christian Harris, ATH (Baton Rouge, La.)
Larry Scott, LB (Ferriday, La.)

2020

T.J. Finley, QB (Hammond, La.)

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