re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

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If LSU continues to struggle, how does that impact Bama’s chances of flipping Kelvin Joseph or getting Patrick Surtain Jr.?

From @rick_schnell

This was a great question, Rick, and one that could certainly come into play in the next few months.

LSU looked atrocious against Mississippi State in its 37-7 loss last Saturday. That could be a testament to how good of a team Mississippi State is, but we’ll find out more this weekend when it takes on Georgia. After watching the game, though, I tend to think that the Tigers may just be a bad football team.

That will certainly cause LSU to take a hit on the recruiting trail. Kelvin Joseph, a 4-star defensive back from Scotlandville Magnet High School (Baton Rouge, La.) who you asked about, told SEC Country multiple times this offseason that he was going to closely watch how the Tigers looked this season before making a final decision on whether he’ll stick with his commitment. It should be noted that Joseph has said before that he was very close to flipping to Alabama.

I know Joseph is very locked in with LSU, but he remains in contact with the Alabama staff and is one of the team’s top safety targets. If things start to implode at LSU, he’s one to watch.

When it comes to 5-star cornerback Patrick Surtain Jr., he’s been a major Alabama target since he became a national recruit. He’s one of the Tide’s top targets, but the team has always trailed LSU. The Tigers have led pretty much since he became a major recruit for schools coast to coast. I think a bad season for LSU could definitely help Alabama here, but the team needs to get him back on campus for an official visit this fall. I know he talks weekly with coach Nick Saban and daily with Alabama defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley.

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