re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition

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The Alabama Crimson Tide's identity under Nick Saban has been to run the ball first and second and sprinkle in some play-action passing when the opportunity presents itself. The tight end has been an extra blocker, for the most part, and a safety valve for the quarterback at best. In fact, only one tight end in Saban's time in Tuscaloosa has topped the 350-yard mark for a season: Brad Smelley in 2011 with 356 yards.

With O.J. Howard on the Crimson Tide roster, that schema has to change.

Howard, like Michigan's Devin Funchess, is the best mismatch on the team. He is a problem for linebackers and safeties because he is too fast for them to run with stride for stride. He presents problems for cornerbacks because he not only towers over them at 6'6" but is stronger as well. He needs to be fed the football as he grows into the position.

2014 is going to be about Saban and new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin showing an understanding of just how dangerous of a weapon they have in Howard. Given the stable of running backs and Amari Cooper at the receiver position, trying to figure out how to best use Howard is not a bad problem to have.

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Kerryon Johnson is the No. 3 athlete in America and No. 2 player in the state of Alabama, per the 247Sports composite.

Though he's capable of playing running back, he projects best as a cornerback or safety at the next level. He's 6'0'', which is decent enough height at either position, and he has evolved-beyond-his-age skills in man-to-man coverage.

Currently, Johnson's predictions on the 247Sports crystal ball are split between Auburn, Alabama and Florida State, which check in at 38, 38 and 25 percent, respectively.

The prospect does have good taste.

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Daron Payne is the top-ranked player in the state of Alabama and No. 2 defensive tackle prospect in the country, according to the 247Sports composite.

Like most in that position, he is choosing primarily between Iron Bowl rivals Auburn and Alabama. Though the Tide are considered an early favorite, his recruitment still has a long way to go.

At 6'2'', 316 pounds, he has the size and frame to grow into a legitimate nose tackle at the next level. He has the toughness, too.

For Auburn, landing Payne might actually be less important than keeping him away from Alabama. Trying to run against him in the 2015-18 Iron Bowls would be a chore.

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If the Hogs have to peg one prospect as a must-get, it would be Arkansas native and 4-star tight end Will Gragg. Not just because the Razorbacks are in need of tight ends, but also because they can't afford to lose out on another top-three prospect in their own backyard.

In 2012, it was 4-star running back Altee Tenpenny, and in 2014, it was 4-star defensive tackle Josh Frazier, who both opted to take their talents to Tuscaloosa.

Guess who's considered to be Arkansas' biggest threat to lure away Gragg? Yep, he's definitely not a gimme for the Hogs.

It's great for the program that it secured the No. 1 and 3 recruits (QB Ty Storey and DE Jamario Bell) in the state already, but Gragg is the top priority on the recruiting trail.

You can take one look at his frame (6'4", 245 pounds) and tell that he's a specimen. For a guy his size, he has very good speed and agility, which causes all sorts of problems for linebackers who have the daunting task of covering him.

Gragg's hands are what have college coaches drooling.

He catches just about every pass that is thrown his way. Once in a blue moon, he'll drop a pass. His catch radius is what you would expect from a guy with great hands and long arms. It provides a real luxury for the quarterback because he can throw the ball away from defenders but within Gragg's vicinity, and he'll go up and grab it.

Back to what really matters regarding Gragg, though: where his recruitment stands.

He trimmed his list at the beginning of Feb. to five schools: Alabama, Arkansas, Louisville, LSU and Ole Miss. On his 247Sports profile, only three schools—Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss—are listed in the warm territory.

The Hogs appear to have a leg up in the battle for Gragg. It's no secret that his brother Chris played for Arkansas from 2008 to 2012 and had a very good career. That fact could be a huge determining factor in his decision and works in the Razorbacks' favor.

His crystal-ball predictions further the notion that the Hogs are the team to beat for his services, with 73 percent predicting he'll choose Arkansas. He originally was going to make his decision on his birthday, Sept. 23, but he moved it back to Nov. 18 to better weigh his options, according to Richard Davenport of WholeHogSports.com.

It's going to be a long and painful wait for the staff and fans, but it will be worth it if he elects to stay home and run through the A on Saturdays.

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The northern New Jersey program reached the state championship game last season and returns a ton of talent in 2014. Five-star cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick is considered the state's top prospect in 247Sports' composite rankings.

He is listed at No. 4 among players at the position and holds dozens of offers. Alabama, Ohio State, Florida and Florida State are just a few of the programs pursuing Fitzpatrick.

His talent has been helped by challenging practices, where he faces 4-star quarterback Brandon Wimbush. The 6'2", 205-pound prospect is still developing as a passer but shows off the abilities of a dangerous dual-threat playmaker.

Wimbush recently received offers from LSU, Michigan State and Tennessee. Those schools join an expansive list of options that already included Miami, Penn State, Ohio State and South Carolina.

The Marauders defense is fueled in the front seven by dynamic outside linebacker Jordan Fox. He holds offers from Virginia, Rutgers, Miami and Georgia, among others.

Defensive back Dwon Walker attended a February junior day at Boston College and has received interest from Connecticut, Iowa and Maryland.

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It's all about defense for the Spartans, a team that features a trio of legitimate instant-impact college recruits. The secondary duo of Darius Slayton and Micah Abernathy makes life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.

Slayton, an accomplished track star, is a 6'2", 182-pound defensive back. He recently visited Alabama and Auburn for junior days.

Florida, Georgia and Tennessee also highlight his offer sheet.

Abernathy, a 6'0", 175-pound cornerback, is also considering Alabama and Auburn. He added offers from Wisconsin and Penn State this week.

Both players are rated among the nation's top 40 cornerback prospects in 247Sports' composite rankings.

Inside linebacker Tyler Cooksey is the son of a former Georgia Tech linebacker. He has the Yellow Jackets high in his list, while North Carolina, Boston College and UCF are also in the hunt.

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