re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

For right now, Sterling is a beast of a player. Conliffe has apparently exploded since last season, and likely projects as the better player a few years down the road. So I'd have to evaluate them differently. Conliffe apparently had one of the best camps for a DLman in recent memory.

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So I'm curious on this board's opinion regarding these two prospects, Aaron Sterling and Elijah Conliffe. Both are 3-stars. Right now. One is trending heavily to Alabama while the other is committed but projected to go elsewhere. Based on film alone who would you prefer? Sterling Conliffe Aaron Sterling ETA: I fricked this one up and didn't add Sterling's highlights.

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It's tit for tat for me

The reason (I believe) Conliffe is so much more dominant looking is because of his speed, explosiveness and fluidity. That "bend" and technique is something he makes look natural. He would project a lot better as a OLB than a lot of guys you generally see on film. Some things he needs work on are tackling technique (tends to be a bit lazy in wrapping up) and vision (relies too heavily on technique, needs to learn his eyes ands instincts a little more)

Sterling is a solid all-around guy at DE to me. He has OK - good technique, great upper body strength and knows how to bully guys around, and has from the film what looked like great instincts and solid tackling skill. He is not a guy that wows you with his talent, but will make a roster and even be an impact (think a younger Jarran Reed) guy because he does a lot of thing collectively well, but you aren't going to get a Tim Williams or Myles Garrett out of him.

I like Conliffe as a project guy (worked well with TWill) and Bama NEEDS a guy like Sterling on the roster to push guys, provide good depth, and even early on some scout team nastiness and once they've paid their dues hopefully get to rotate in and contribute.

Just my .02