re: Class of 2016 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Waiting On Demetris Robertson Edition

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kyle lamb @kylelambsports · 23h 23 hours ago
“@_DevanteBrooks: Alabama has just offered. ??”Tennessee commit 4*TE Devante brooks

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Auburn No. 1 for defensive end David Marshall, Alabama close behind

David Marshall now holds 10 total offers, but two programs have consistently stuck out for the 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end from Thomaston, Ga.

Marshall has Auburn at the top of his list with Alabama and Clemson a close second and third. He originally named Auburn his leader back in May 2014 before Alabama took the lead the following month. The three-star prospect has visited Auburn six times and Tuscaloosa twice.

"I like the great relationship with the Auburn coaches and I like the atmosphere and I like the program," Marshall told AL.com Friday. "(Rodney) Garner is a great coach and we talk about football and how I'm going to be an impact at Auburn if I go there."

"I like the coaches and players and atmosphere at Alabama too. I have a great relationship with Coach (Kirby) Smart."

Marshall said both coaching staffs programs have asked him to wait for further evaluation before making a commitment.

Other offers for the rising prospect are from Clemson, Georgia Tech, Indiana, Louisville, Mississippi State, North Carolina, Ole Miss and UCLA. Georgia, Tennessee and Penn State are also interested.

Marshall visited Clemson Jan. 21 and Georgia last weekend, as the Bulldogs have recently been making a strong push. His next trip will be a return to Auburn, slated for March 7.

"He's done a great job with his recruitment," Upson-Lee head coach Tommy Parks said. "He's taking some visits to some schools and letting it play out to get a feel for each university and the coaching staffs and what their needs and wants are. He understand the process. He's kind of a shy kid, but he's certainly not shy on the football field."

Marshall, the nation's No. 30 strong-side defensive end in the 247Sports Composite, has added some muscle this offseason and was described by Parks as a "self-driven" player.

"Everybody in the SEC has come through to see him," Parks said. "I've been fortunate to coach some defensive linemen who went to Georgia and Alabama, but (Marshall) is probably one of the first two-gap players I've had. He has a great ability of shedding blocks with explosiveness and he's only gotten stronger. I don't have to worry about him not going to practice or skipping the weight room. He's going to be a good interior player."

Marshall hopes to make his commitment before his senior season begins in August, so the clock is ticking. Above all else, he is looking for a good education and a place where his family feels comfortable.

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5-Star Alabama Legacy Ben Davis Breaks Down Top 7 in B/R Exclusive
By Tyler Donohue , National Recruiting Analyst Feb 27, 2015

Ben Davis may be the son of Roll Tide royalty, but his list of collegiate favorites extends well beyond Tuscaloosa. Interests lie as far as California and as close as rival Auburn.

The 5-star linebacker, rated 24th overall in 247Sports' composite rankings, named his top seven options Wednesday on Twitter:


Davis, whose father Wayne is Alabama's all-time leader in tackles, discussed his announcement in further detail Thursday evening during a conversation with Bleacher Report.

The 6'4", 230-pound prospect plays at Gordo High School, located approximately 25 miles northwest of Bryant–Denny Stadium.

"We're pretty close to Tuscaloosa, but there are actually a lot of Auburn fans around here and they want me to go to there," Davis said. "I don't feel the pressure either way, though. People try to talk you into playing for their favorite team, but it's my choice and I haven't made it yet."

He appreciates his family's close ties to the Crimson Tide, though Davis is happy to have unconditional support.

"My dad will support whatever decision I make 110 percent," Davis said. "He hasn't really pushed me toward one school or another. He just wants to make sure I'm comfortable with the situation wherever I go."

Nick Saban sought out the legacy recruit early, extending an offer last spring. Davis has spent substantial time at Alabama, developing a solid rapport with the program's iconic leader.

"Coach Saban is fun to be around," Davis said. "People who don't know him might not expect him to be like that. He's a cool guy to spend time with. But when it's time for business, he's about his business. He's one of the greatest."

Saban has made a strong impression on Davis, who could follow in his father's footsteps to Tuscaloosa.
His latest campus visit occurred last weekend. At this stage, Davis possesses a strong understanding of what the team stands for and how he would fit within its scheme.

"They have all the national championships, an excellent coaching staff and very good structure," Davis said. "Alabama always has one of the best recruiting classes every year, so I'm interested to see what kind of class they put together this year too."

Auburn will welcome him to its facilities next weekend, and he expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming visit.

"I can't wait to get down there on the Plains," Davis said.

His interest in the program increased earlier this winter when head coach Gus Malzahn hired Will Muschamp as defensive coordinator. The move paid immediate dividends on signing day and certainly seemed to impact top 2016 targets.

"I love Coach Muschamp," Davis said. "He recruited me at Florida first, and now he's recruiting me really hard at Auburn."

Davis is impressed by Auburn's coaching additions on defense.
The Gators remain in the mix despite dumping Muschamp. Count Davis among fans of new Florida defensive coordinator Geoff Collins, who became known as the "Minister of Mayhem" at his last stop.

"My relationship with Coach Collins is pretty strong since he was at Mississippi State last year," he said. "Florida is a top-notch program and school. I need to get down to The Swamp to see more about it."

Davis also expressed interest in visiting Georgia. Again, confidence in the defensive coordinator is a large part of that appeal.

"Coach Jeremy Pruitt gave me an offer last summer at a seven-on-seven tournament in Birmingham," he said. "I like the way he coaches up that defense and the linebackers look good."

Ole Miss is another SEC squad that stands out to Davis based on the way it shines defensively. He admires the way Rebels players consistently dish out pain.

"I've watched a lot of their games and I like the way they hit," Davis said. "A lot of those guys on defense have a mean streak. I like their style."

It may come as a surprise, but Davis grew up a fan of both Alabama and LSU.

The bitter rivals have each commanded his attention as a coveted recruit.

"I have a really good relationship with the LSU coaches," he said. "(Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele) and I know each other really well from when he was coaching linebackers at Alabama, so him going to LSU makes it even better there. I can't wait to get to a game and see what they have to offer."

New LSU defensive coordinator Kevin Steele previously pursued Davis at Alabama.
USC is the outlier among this group, as the lone non-SEC squad. However, his background provides a glimpse of why the Trojans remain an attractive possibility.

"A lot of people don't know this, but I was actually born out in Arizona," Davis said. "I didn't move to Alabama until I was 10. So my experience and relationships on the West Coast are part of the reason why I'm considering USC."

He anticipates going on an official visit to the university. USC loaded up on elite defensive talent during the 2015 cycle, so Steve Sarkisian's staff should be psyched about sustained interest from Davis.

"They have a great history and tradition of putting guys in the NFL," he said. "It's been a powerhouse program. I'm definitely excited to see what they have going on at that campus."

USC signed four top-tier linebackers in February. Davis would encounter similarly stocked depth charts at several of his top options, but that's an aspect he embraces.

"I'm going to enjoy the competition," Davis said. "It reminds me of freshman year in high school. You have to earn your spot by getting better every day and showing you have what it takes. That's the only way to get onto the field."

Despite establishing a top-seven list, things are certainly subject to change.

Davis mentioned Michigan, Clemson, Florida State, Michigan State, Oregon and Ohio State as programs with whom he would appreciate increased communication. He seemed specifically interested in the Buckeyes, adding there is "a lot of family" in Ohio.

"Urban Meyer gets his team fired up for every game," Davis said. "He looks like a great guy to play for. They're the national champs so you have to respect that."

Though he doesn't yet have firm visit dates in place, Davis expects to stay busy on the recruiting trail in coming months. His goal is to announce a commitment before the start of his senior season, though he isn't setting a deadline.

"I want to have my mind totally focused on my team and trying to win a state championship," Davis said. "But it depends on how me and my folks feel when we sit down and go over all the options. It could take longer and last until the end of the season."

He may have crimson pumping through his veins, but Davis remains very much open to the idea of exploring several opportunities elsewhere.

Whether he ultimately follows in his father's footsteps and lands in an Alabama uniform or returns to Tuscaloosa on the visitor sidelines, it seems likely Davis will make a mark in the SEC.

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From Ryan Bartow:

2017 ATH Bruce Judson of Cocoa, Fla. said he's "way firm" with Ohio State.

He said he's gonna visit Alabama, USC and UCLA this summer.

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Orlando 4-star OL Parker Boudreaux says has pretty wide open.

Going to Clemson this weekend for his birthday.

Listed Penn State, Ohio State, Clemson, Alabama, Auburn, Ole Miss and others.

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NFL Draft Diamonds @DraftDiamonds
I am hearing the guy that tore up the Wake Forest Pro day was Phillip Sims the former Alabama/Virginia QB now at Winston Salem State

NFL Draft Diamonds @DraftDiamonds
Scout just texted me Phillip Sims has a cannon. He rocketed a ball 70 yards, can make all the throws. Very solid QB

NFL Draft Diamonds @DraftDiamonds
I am hearing #Seattle #SanFrancisco #SanDiego and #Pittsburgh all loved Phillip Sims work out. #QB #HBCU

Benjamin Allbright @AllbrightNFL
Hearing former Bama QB Phillip Sims had a good workout at Wake Forest Pro Day today. Final throw a 50 yarder right in the bucket.

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