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re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition
Posted on 5/19/14 at 9:41 am to BuccWildBammer
Posted on 5/19/14 at 9:41 am to BuccWildBammer
quote:
That would be AWESOME if we could add Waller
After reading his quotes yesterday I think the only way we land him is if Oregon takes another QB. He practically said he would commit on the spot if they offered.
2
Posted on 5/19/14 at 9:46 am to TideSaint
Posted on 5/19/14 at 9:55 am to TideSaint
What sucks too is Oregon will probably get a crapload of hype for Mariotta this year ESPECIALLY if they can make it in the top 4 and he is as bad a product of the system as Akili Smith and Joey Harrington were and it will help them with recruiting a QB
Posted on 5/19/14 at 9:58 am to BuccWildBammer
Well if they take Francois I doubt they will offer Waller.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:07 am to TideSaint
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The Elite 11 quarterback camp set up shop in Oakland, Calif. on Friday, and over 50 of the nation's most promising quarterbacks turned out to put their skills on display.
Some were hoping to impress enough to garner new college offers, while others are already comfortably weighing their options of elite programs.
Bleacher Report was on hand to see which quarterbacks earned a coveted gold shirt and additionally an invite to the Elite 11 finals, as well as which other young athletes stood out in drills.
Here's a look at the five quarterbacks who really rose to the occasion.
quote:
2. Travis Waller
School: Servite High School
Size: 6'3", 190 pounds
4-star Travis Waller was easily one of the most impressive quarterbacks of all in attendance, showing quick feet and a strong pocket presence on Friday. He's incredibly athletic, and though he's a little slight of build, he could sling the rock like some of the bigger quarterbacks in the camp.
He got to show off his dual-threat skills the most in the pressure cooker and in roll-out drills, where he excelled at hitting his wide receivers while on the move and under pressure.
Currently being recruited most aggressively by Pac-12 schools Oregon and Arizona, Waller said he doesn't yet have a favorite and won't be ready to commit to a school until later this summer.
While he's mulling his options, Waller will also appear in the Elite 11 finals later this summer.
Brady White was #1.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:08 am to TideSaint
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DT Kahlil McKenzie
Star Rating: 4-star
High School: De La Salle (Concord, CA)
Year: 2015
Height/Weight: 6'4", 309 lbs
Kahlil McKenzie came into NFTC as one of the more heralded players overall, and his performance in position drills explained why.
The 4-star defensive tackle absolutely crushed his competition during one-on-one drills, flattening nearly every offensive lineman tasked with containing him. He displayed one heck of a bull rush but also showed that he knows how to use his hands to shake off his blocker.
He holds a ton of offers ranging everywhere from Oregon and UCLA on the West Coast to Tennessee and Alabama out of state. As of now, he's reportedly interested in Tennessee, per Ryan Callahan of GoVolsXtra.com.
McKenzie showed very few weaknesses in his technique on Sunday, so it came as no surprise when he earned defensive-line MVP honors at the end of the session. Additionally, he also earned an invite to The Opening later this summer.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:13 am to TideSaint
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Date: June 6-8
Although it won't be summer just yet when the event takes place, the Rivals 5-star Challenge is still considered a summer event by many in the recruiting industry.
The best prospects in the 2015 class will be invited to M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore to participate in a three-day camp to compete and show off their skills. The event, featured by Rivals.com, consists of various physical testing and skill challenges for players of all positions.
Recruits such as 5-star cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, 5-star defensive tackle Rasheem Green and 5-star offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt are scheduled to attend.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:14 am to TideSaint
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Date: July 5-10
The final regional Elite 11 quarterback competition will be held on June 2 in Columbus, Ohio. After that, the Elite 11 Finals will take place on July 5-10 at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
The final Elite 11 competition is an invitation-only event for the nation's best quarterback prospects who showcased their skills at one of the Elite 11 regional workouts. This is a fiercely competitive event that consists of the best young passers in the country going through various types of workouts, classroom sessions, film study and more.
Quarterbacks such as 5-star recruits Kyler Murray and Josh Rosen, and 4-star passers such as Jarrett Stidham and Blake Barnett will be competing.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:14 am to TideSaint
quote:
Date: July 5-10
The Opening is the marquee recruiting camp of the summer. The nation's top 162 players will be summoned to Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon, to compete against one another and themselves.
The players will be put through various physical tests, but that's far from it. Skill-position players will also be competing in seven-on-seven games, quarterbacks will be competing in the Elite 11 finals and offensive and defensive linemen will be facing off in challenging one-on-one drills, among other types of competitions.
Here is a link to a list of recruits who have already been invited, courtesy of Student Sports' Todd Huber.
Student Sports says:
“The event will crown winners for the Nike 7ON tournament, Nike Linemen Challenge, and SPARQ Rating National Championship. Designed to give student-athletes the training and knowledge to develop their speed, explosiveness and position skills, The Opening brings together top performers from all of the Nike Football Training Camps and Nike Football SPARQ Combines, combined with other top prospects – all battling for the chance to claim ultimate bragging rights.”
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:40 am to TideSaint
quote:
Four-star quarterback Travis Waller attended Oakland's Elite 11 and Nike Football Training Camp this weekend, and in addition to shining on the field, Waller received some exciting news on Saturday morning.
The Alabama Crimson Tide extended him an offer, and it's one he's pretty thrilled about.
“Oh it’s definitely a big offer; a powerhouse team like Alabama is really big," Waller said before Sunday's NFTC event. "[They run] a pro style offense, so that’s a plus for me. A lot of their quarterbacks tend to go to the NFL, and the NFL likes pro style offenses, so they’re definitely high on my list.”
Alabama is Waller's most recent offer, with California, Fresno State, Tennessee and Penn State also offering him in May, among other universities.
The Servite High (Anaheim, California) quarterback got the call from the Crimson Tide around 7 a.m. on Saturday, and though it was an early wake-up call, it was a welcome surprise, he said. Among other things, Waller learned a bit about what Alabama's plan for him would be, should he commit there.
“I think they would redshirt me," he said. "But the year after that I could compete for a starting job.”
And it's not so far-fetched to think Waller could see playing time after just one season in college, as he already is shaping up to be one of the top quarterbacks in his class.
After Friday's Elite 11, Waller earned a coveted gold shirt, and with it, a place in the Elite 11 finals. He showed quick feet and a strong pocket presence and connected with nearly all of his wide receivers. He's incredibly athletic, and though he's still filling out his frame, he proved that he can sling the rock like some of the bigger quarterbacks present.
On Sunday, Waller put on a similar show, but this time his targets were often shrouded in coverage. It didn't seem to phase him, however, and he had one of the strongest showings of all the quarterbacks present.
The dual-threat quarterback also got to show off a little bit of both facets of his game on Sunday, though he isn't too fond of that particular label.
“A lot of people consider me a dual-threat quarterback but I want to be known as a pocket passer that can run if he has to," Waller said. "I don’t really like the term ‘dual-threat’; it makes it seem like you’re just a running quarterback. I want to be known as a passing quarterback.”
Which is another reason why Alabama has such a strong appeal to the 6'3", 190-pound Waller.
While AJ McCarron showed a little bit of mobility throughout his Crimson Tide career, Alabama didn't sink or swim by how well he used his legs. Rather, Bama relied on him to be an accurate, powerful passer, and he delivered.
That said, McCarron took some shots this past offseason when he declared for the NFL draft, as many felt like the talent around him made the difference, not his quarterbacking. Waller doesn't see that as a reason to turn his attention away from the Tide.
"AJ McCarron is a very good quarterback. I believe if I go there and make things happen, the NFL would notice," he said.
Waller plans to visit Alabama in late June or early July.
He doesn't yet have a list of top schools, as he is still waiting on offers from programs such as Oregon and Ohio State. If and when those offers come, Waller will have a better sense of what his future college choices are looking like.
“Me and my mom are talking about it a lot but we will have to see how that plays out,” he said.
quote:
“QB Travis Waller is an incredibly impressive prospect. #OhioState could be next to offer.
— Adam Gorney (@adamgorney) May 18, 2014”
“No offer yet but Anaheim (CA) QB Travis Waller to visit #ohiostate at beginning of June. That will be a big stop in his recruitment.
— Derek Young (@DYoungScout) May 19, 2014”
Now that Alabama has offered, it's possible that the Ducks and the Buckeyes will start courting him more aggressively, as competing with Alabama for top talent is anything but easy.
There's no timetable yet on when he could make an announcement, so the summer will really start to heat up for Waller.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:41 am to TideSaint
quote:
Player: Daron Payne
Position: Defensive Tackle
247 Composite Rating: 5-star, No. 4 DT
Hometown: Birmingham, Alabama
The recruiting experts at 247Sports have Daron Payne as a virtual lock to sign with Alabama, which is a great indicator for the Crimson Tide.
Coach Nick Saban is certainly no stranger to landing big recruits. Since his first full recruiting class in Tuscaloosa, the Tide have always contended for the top-ranked group as judged by the Internet services.
Alabama’s hot start comes as a surprise to nobody. In case you haven’t noticed, the Crimson Tide currently rank atop the nation with their commitments.
Payne is important because of Saban’s preference to have a dominating player in the middle of the front line on his 3-4 defense.
As of this writing, Payne was still officially uncommitted. He is ranked as the top recruit in Alabama.
That Payne plays in nearby Birmingham serves as another solid indicator for Saban, though Auburn would love to strike a big blow in Alabama’s back yard after the Crimson Tide plucked 5-star linebackers from Auburn High School in consecutive years.
Saban typically gets recruits he wants.
Expect Payne to be no different.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 10:51 am to TideSaint
quote:
Calvin Ridley commands consideration as one of America's most talented 2015 wide receiver prospects. The 6'2", 170-pound playmaker from Pompano Beach, Florida, provides Monarch High School with a premier scoring threat on every offensive possession.
He averaged 28 yards per reception in 2013, scoring 12 touchdowns in the process. Ridley caught 41 passes for 1,131 yards during a journey to the state playoffs.
His nationwide recruitment concluded in April with a commitment to Alabama. Nick Saban edged out more than 20 coaches who aimed to land Ridley.
Florida State, USC, Oklahoma, Auburn, Ohio State, Miami and Notre Dame are among the programs searching elsewhere after his pledge to the Crimson Tide. He committed to Alabama along with Monarch teammate Shawn Burgess-Becker.
Ridley, rated No. 4 nationally among receivers in 247Sports.com's composite rankings, is listed at No. 41 overall among all 2015 prospects.
His outstanding skill set and explosive downfield production create an opportunity for him to contribute early in college. We examined the game tape to develop a better understanding of what makes him such a special talent.
quote:
Positives
Scouts love to highlight measurable qualities while dissecting prospects, but competitiveness isn't so easily quantifiable. Ridley is a fierce athlete who is clearly motivated to outwork opponents in every phase of the game.
He is assertive off the snap, delivering physicality at the line of scrimmage that leaves press coverage looking futile. Ridley races downfield and attacks his routes with tenacity and confidence.
His approach at the second level signals that he understands where to be at particular junctures of a play's progression. Ridley routinely high-points the football, using a formidable physical frame to shield space and come down with possession in traffic.
Ridley's physicality comes in part from his role in the defensive secondary. He lines up in the backfield, delivering blows when called upon to contribute on the other side of the ball.
Defenders struggle to tackle Ridley once he develops downfield momentum. He tends to shrug off the initial tackler before racing to pick up major chunks of yardage after contact.
Ridley provides his team with a multidimensional threat who is capable of inflicting damage on end-around rushing attempts and kick returns.
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Negatives
Ridley's aggressiveness doesn't always shine in the rushing attack. He reacts off the snap, but could maintain blocks downfield on a more consistent basis, opening lanes for his teammates out of the backfield.
While competing for playing time on a talent-packed roster like Alabama, players must establish any edge they can.
Ridley stands to improve as a run-blocker in an attack that routinely thrives with its ground assault.
His big-play ability constantly makes defensive backs looks silly in high school, but there are necessary strides required to carry that tendency to the next level. There are crucial adjustments to make in route-running technique that can ensure Ridley reaches the field early in Tuscaloosa.
The initial steps off the snap are solid, but Ridley will occasionally round off his route, allowing defenders a better opportunity to anticipate the pass. If he comes out of his breaks sharper with a powerful back-foot fire-off, it will set the stage for increased success against talented SEC secondaries.
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Projection
Ridley has the talent to earn a role in the receiving corps during his first season on a college campus. If he can make the most of limited snaps, the door will open for him to compete for a starting job as a sophomore.
A strong opening training camp will go a long way to ensure Ridley is ready to compete as a true freshman. His first chance to crack the lineup could come on special teams as a returner.
Once he seizes a starting gig, Ridley is the kind of balanced receiver who would warrant early NFL draft consideration with a couple strong seasons in the SEC.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:07 am to narddogg81
5300
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:15 am to TideSaint
quote:
All Alabama quarterbacks are essentially starting over with the addition of new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin. There's a new playbook to learn, and whoever grasps the concepts the quickest has the straightest shot to become the Tide's new starting quarterback.
In that sense, Florida State transfer Jacob Coker is even further behind than, say, Blake Sims. All quarterbacks will benefit from summer workouts, but Coker stands to gain the most ground.
The question is whether, between offseason workouts and preseason camp, Coker is able to do enough to instantly move into a starting role with the Tide.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:16 am to TideSaint
quote:
The music group War had a very popular take on summer, with a song going by the same name proclaiming: “Summertime is the best time any place,” and “Yes, it's summer. My time of year."
In Tuscaloosa, though, it’ll be a key time for numerous University of Alabama football players who are trying to either win or hold on to roles with the Crimson Tide. Although the team won’t officially be together again until camp opens in August, a lot of what happens in the fall will actually be determined by how hard the players work in June and July.
A good example is with Geno Smith, the converted cornerback who is trying to win the starting free safety job. He’s played in 25 games over the past two years, with two starts as the nickel defender, and is the leading candidate to replace All-American Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.
“Geno's had a really good spring,” Nick Saban said during a press conference last month. “He's really been active and played well at safety. I still think that sometimes he's a little bit uncertain of what to do. Sometimes he's a little bit uncertain of exactly how to do it. But that's why we'll practice, and he can study himself this summer and work on some things this summer, as well as in fall camp and hopefully we'll be able to make progress with him.
“He's certainly got the ability, and I think he can make a huge impact for us next year if we can get him feeling comfortable and confident in everything that he's expected to do.”
Here are some others who need a good summer, beginning with the most obvious selection.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:16 am to TideSaint
quote:
1. Jacob Coker
After graduating from Florida State, which, per NCAA rules, makes him eligible to play at another school this fall because he has two years of eligibility remaining, Jacob Coker began his crash course on the Alabama offense earlier this month.
The good news for him is that the Seminoles play a similar style, which will help shorten the learning curve, but the Crimson Tide also have a new offensive coordinator, Lane Kiffin.
Coach Nick Saban has been telling reporters during his ongoing Crimson Caravan speaking tour that it’s a three-man competition to start among Coker, senior Blake Sims and redshirt freshman Cooper Bateman.
“I'm ready for him to get here and make ’Bama even much better as a team and bring his personality and make everybody smile and take him in with open arms,” Sims said about Coker this spring.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:16 am to TideSaint
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2. Dillon Lee
Former defensive end Ed Stinson described the linebacker as “Crazy. In a good way,” but first and foremost, Dillon Lee needs to keep his nose clean.
The junior who can play inside or outside linebacker has played in 21 career games, with 17 tackles, one interception and a fumble return for a touchdown.
However, he was also arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol this spring, and at the end of the 2012 season, he was one of two players sent back from Miami due to violation of team rules before Alabama beat Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:17 am to TideSaint
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3. Arie K/Leon Brown
Senior Leon Brown, who started for injured right guard Anthony Steen in the Sugar Bowl, spent most of the spring at that spot, while senior Arie Kouandjio started every game at left guard last season.
“We want to give him a good opportunity at guard and see how he develops,” Nick Saban said about Brown.
However, Dominick Jackson is due to take finals next week at the College of San Mateo in California, and should he meet all of his academic requirements, he will subsequently head to Tuscaloosa.
The 6’7” Jackson was the top-ranked JUCO offensive lineman in the nation, according to 247Sports. He figures to get a first look at right tackle, but both he, senior Austin Shepherd and sophomore reserve Grant Hill can also play guard.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:17 am to TideSaint
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4. Every DB not named Landon Collins
Senior Leon Brown, who started for injured right guard Anthony Steen in the Sugar Bowl, spent most of the spring at that spot, while senior Arie Kouandjio started every game at left guard last season.
“We want to give him a good opportunity at guard and see how he develops,” Nick Saban said about Brown.
However, Dominick Jackson is due to take finals next week at the College of San Mateo in California, and should he meet all of his academic requirements, he will subsequently head to Tuscaloosa.
The 6’7” Jackson was the top-ranked JUCO offensive lineman in the nation, according to 247Sports. He figures to get a first look at right tackle, but both he, senior Austin Shepherd and sophomore reserve Grant Hill can also play guard.
Posted on 5/19/14 at 11:18 am to TideSaint
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5. Cam Robinson
The true freshman was working with the first unit by the end of spring, and Nick Saban has since been calling him the starting left tackle.
“He did some good things, and he’s done some really good things all spring long, but we have been consistently better on the offensive line when he’s playing,” Saban said at the end of spring. “He’s a very good pass-blocker, but my expectation would be that for a guy that’s a freshman and only been here a couple months, he still has a lot to learn.”
Robinson will still be 18 when training camp opens in August.
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