re: Alabama Class of 2014 Recruiting MEGATHREAD (Goodnight sweet Prince)

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This class is loaded with stud players. The staff has cherry-picked several dudes that are the top player in their state. Although it is slightly concerning that we haven't got every recruit we wanted in-state, the fact is that has always been the case. You can't get them all. I am very excited with the potential of this group. I think the defensive linemen (and pass rushers like Williams and miller) in this and last year's class are significant. I believe Saban it's trying to change to more of a quick-twitch type guy. These kinds of players should really help against the HUNHO (which isn't going anywhere btw). I am pumped for one.

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Yeah we have recruited more athletic, big defensive guys over the last few classes, but our big problem in the IB was our inability to control the LOS. Face it. They pushed us around in the 2nd half. Getting a guy like Elam, coupled with a few others we have committed, would help solve that issue.

And it's not exclusive to helping against HUNH either. Getting a strong push from the middle would do wonders against a Pro-Style offense as well. Freeing up our linebackers to do their jobs is paramount in our defense. We just haven't had a NG capable of doing that since Chapman.

We may have that guy already on board in OJ Smith, but I sure would like to add Elam to bring in competition. Let the best player win the job.

Free content from 247 Sports regarding the Elite Junior Classic (All-star game for Juniors in Georgia). Alabama has offered Griffin, Edoga and Hyatt:

LINK

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There were 70 of the best 2015 prospects in the talent-rich Peach State on hand at McEachern Thursday, practicing for the first ever Elite Junior Classic. 247Sports was in attendance, and here are 10 juniors that we felt stood out

***Taj Griffin (Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern) had defenders gasping for air on Thursday, as the 5-foot-10, 175-pound tailback showcased unrivaled acceleration and rare change of direction ability. Griffin, when healthy, is one of the most dangerous weapons in space in the country.

***If Chuma Edoga (Powder Springs, Ga./McEachern) has an ounce of body fat on him on his 280-pound frame, he hides it well. Even at 6-4 the Top247 prospect showcased a very low pad level, and like all McEachern offensive linemen prospects in recent years, Edoga excels at pulling and getting to the second level in the run game. Increasing lower body strength will be key in his development into a potential left tackle or dominating guard.

*** The bulls-eye has been on five-star offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt (Suwanee, Ga./North Gwinnett) for over a year now, and he continues to shine in pass protection. The fact that none of the coaches mentioned him is a credit to where he is as a prospect. Hyatt is a quiet, blue-collar bookend tackle with advanced technique, and one that every school in the Southeast will be fighting for over the next 12 months.

*** If there was one name that emerged on the radar Thursday, it was wide receiver Brad Stewart (Savannah, Ga./Benedictine). The 6-2, 180-pound junior showed outstanding body control while making several impressive catches in practice. His ability to climb the ladder and outleap defensive backs should get him looks at the FBS level.

*** There was a bit of déjà vu on the field at Cantrell Stadium, as 2015 athlete Antonio Winbush (Kingsland, Ga./Camden Co.) had many onlookers thinking they were looking at 2012 Camden Co. standout J.J. Green, now at the University of Georgia. Like Green, Winbush is an undersized yet versatile athlete with speed to burn.

***Kaleb Kim is rolling in offers and it is easy to see why. The 2015 OL from Mill Creek probably projects as a OG on the next level but he has good length at close to 6-foot-5. He has good pop in his hips and good feet. He is a mauler when he comes of the ball and bends well. He will be a top level interior offensive lineman on the next level.

***Josh Bettistea of Allatoona is a little bit light right now for some at close to 175 pounds, but he has elite burst with the ball in his hands. At one point during the inside drills the offensive coaches for the North just all shook their head when burst through the hole.

***Kawon Bryant of North Oconee is another RB that had a good day. He showed great North/South ability and showed great vision. There was a lot of talk around practice of him reminding some of Tyren Jones from Walton.

***Rashad Roundtree of Lakeside, Evans definitely looks the part at safety. There was a good bit of buzz around practice about him from media and the coaches. I think he could see his recruiting take off soon. He already has a Duke offer, but I expect more soon.

***Jordan Colbert of Griffin impressed the entire state during a playoff run with his play at OLB. Today was no different; he was the best prospect on the defensive side of the ball for the South. The South coaches were raving about his length and speed on the edge. I expect his offers and rankings to continue to trend up over the next few months. He is very athletic and physical; he can be a special player on the next level. He can play in the box and cover a RB or TE in coverage.

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What do you know? I found some EJ Moss news this morning. He played in a small high school all-star game in Texas last week, the Blue-Grey game (Auburn commit Kamryn Pettway did too). 247 Sports had this to say about Moss' performance:

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E.J. Moss, ATH, Ashville (Ala.): The 6-3 and 225-pounder played some quarterback during his days on the prep scene, due in large part to his sheer athleticism. Calling plays from underneath center during the Blue-Grey All-American Game, however, wasn't on the agenda. Moss lined up at linebacker for the East, a spot that he'll most likely play in college, and made plays all over the field. He has a handful of scholarships in place, most notably from Kentucky, Ole Miss and Mississippi State.

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semotruman

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We already have 6 OL in this class

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We have a pretty big class also (though it has shrunk a little and may have another grade concern).

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Brian Wallace is very quiet.

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Making him my favorite recruit.

Found this on Bleacher Report regarding commitments who are wavering:

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Chad Thomas

Committed to: Miami

A 4-star defensive end, Chad Thomas has the ability to become Miami's best pass-rusher by the end of his freshman season. He's got a quick first step. Plus, he flashes deceptive strength in the trenches.

Head coach Al Golden has big plans for Thomas in Coral Gables, but it's going to take a little more convincing. Alabama and Florida State are among several schools Thomas recently told Jamie Newberg of Scout.com (subscription required) that he will visit.

The talented defensive end is still committed to Miami, but he's beginning to waver.

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So basically, who knows what he is going to do? I won't get my hopes up until he actually schedules, and shows up for, an official visit with us.

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Bleacher Report

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Here are some upcoming planned announcement dates for UA targets:

Jalen Tabor- Under Armour All-American game, Jan. 2
Leonard Fournette- Under Armour All-American game, Jan. 2
Tony Brown- Under Armour All-American game, Jan. 2
Travis Rudolph- Under Armour All-American game, Jan. 2
Matt Elam- U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Jan. 4
Marshon Lattimore- U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Jan. 4
Erick Smith- U.S. Army All-American Bowl, Jan. 4
Brian Wallace-US Army All-American Bowl, Jan. 4

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Bleacher Report has a pretty good section on recruiting. And it's free. They use the 247 Composite rankings at least.

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Don't forget Hump.

TS, your going to be in N.O. on Thursday?