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re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:09 am to TideSaint
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:09 am to TideSaint
quote:
Turning to the Rivals250, Anaheim (Calif.) Servite quarterback Travis Waller, Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley running back Nick Gibson, Salem (Utah) Salem Hills linebacker Porter Gustin and Nashville John Overton cornerback Ugo Amadi were some of the biggest movers up in the rankings.
Waller, at No. 104, led the way regarding prospects moving from not ranked in the previous Rivals250 to making the list. There were 28 prospects in total who moved into the rankings.
A big move is considered up or down 30 or more spots or moving into the coveted five-star class, while any moves less than 30 are considered nominal. Negative moves of less than 30 slots, while certainly significant to prospects and the fan bases involved, are usually the result of so much upward movement from prospects that stood out during this evaluation cycle.
With the 2014 Rivals Camp Series regional events all wrapped up, we turn our focus to the Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge early next month in Baltimore. This has been an exciting spring with lots of changes throughout the Rivals250.
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Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:09 am to TideSaint
quote:
QB Travis Waller
Anaheim (Calif.) Servite
NEW RANK PREV. RANK DIFFERENCE
104 NR --
More than almost anyone in the West, Waller had a strong spring at numerous events. The Servite quarterback looked good at RCS Southern California and then he was arguably the top quarterback at the Pylon Sports 7-on-7 in Las Vegas and other local 7-on-7s. Alabama and Maryland just offered and Waller just took a visit to California, which went well. Ohio State and Oregon could offer next. - Adam Gorney, Rivals.com West Recruiting Analyst
This post was edited on 5/21/14 at 10:11 am
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:10 am to TideSaint
quote:
RB Nick Gibson
Pinson (Ala.) Pinson Valley
NEW RANK PREV. RANK DIFFERENCE
109 223 +114
Gibson has good size and has shown the ability to catch the ball like a wide receiver in camp settings, so he's a versatile weapon for someone at the next level. He appears to be so smooth in and out of his breaks and a natural at adjusting to the football. His upfield burst is impressive. Alabama, Arkansas and Mississippi State appear to be leading the pack right now for his services. - Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:12 am to TideSaint
quote:
WR Daylon Charlot
Patterson, La.
NEW RANK PREV. RANK DIFFERENCE
150 NR --
Charlot showed a strong skillset of his own throughout the spring. Along with his size, he brings plenty of quickness to the table and a sudden burst. He committed to Alabama in February and has been strong in his commitment since. - Jason Howell, Rivals.com Southwest Recruiting Analyst
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:12 am to TideSaint
quote:
WR Jovon Durante
Miami Norland
NEW RANK PREV. RANK DIFFERENCE
153 NR --
Durante is a wiry slot receiver with the route-running ability coaches dream about. He's so quick in and out of his breaks that he's a matchup nightmare for most defenders. His combination of speed, technical ability and hands are the reason he made a leap this evaluation period. Durante is committed to West Virginia, but Alabama continues to be a factor in his recruitment. - Woody Wommack, Rivals.com Southeast Recruiting Analyst
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:14 am to TideSaint
quote:
WR Kirk Merritt
Destrehan, La.
NEW RANK PREV. RANK DIFFERENCE
161 NR --
Merritt may not be the biggest receiver in the bunch, but he is as explosive as they come and he has speed to burn. He can get gone in a hurry. He is not anticipating an early decision but LSU, Texas A&M, and Alabama are a few teams to watch in this race. - Jason Howell, Rivals.com Southwest Recruiting Analyst
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:15 am to TideSaint
quote:
DE Joshua McMillon
Memphis (Tenn.) Whitehaven
NEW RANK PREV. RANK DIFFERENCE
223 69 -154
McMillon is a talented prospect, but he has grown so much and bulked up to 246 pounds that his future as a linebacker is now in doubt. He's lost a step or two in space because of the added weight and he might have to put his hand down full-time. There's nothing wrong with that, but he's hard to project as a 'tweener now. Auburn, Michigan, Ohio State, Ole Miss and others are candidates to make his first big cut. - Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director
Ouch.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:24 am to TideSaint
quote:
The third annual Rivals100 Five-Star Challenge is set for Baltimore from June 7-8 at M&T Bank Stadium, home of the Baltimore Ravens. With more than 100 of the top prospects from the classes of 2015, 2016 and 2017 competing, it should be a showdown of talent that can't be missed.
The quarterback position is always of particular interest. In Year 1, we had Christian Hackenberg, who went on to star at Penn State as a freshman, lead his team to victory in the 7-on-7 tournament. Last year it was five-star Kyle Allen who stole the show and led his team to a nearly flawless win. However, young gun selection Josh Rosen stole the show the first day, a precursor to his five-star ranking and No. 2 national status.
This year, we decided to have four 2016 young guns throw the first day with the 2015 quarterbacks and perhaps we'll see the next Rosen in Jacob Eason or Malik Henry out West. And when it's showtime, will it be the West Coast (Blake Barnett or Brady White) or East Coast (Brandon Wimbush or Deondre Francois) quarterback that leads his team to victory?
Two things are certain -- there is more quarterback talent at this event than in any other year based on quantity; and Rosen, who is forced to miss the Five-Star Challenge due to a family event, will still be itching to compete wherever he is.
The one guy I want to see the most? It's Eason, because I'm always looking to get a head start on the next year and his film is very, very impressive.
Here's the breakdown of what I consider a very interesting group with some big, live arms. The 2016 quarterbacks will throw on only the first day, barring an injury to the 2015 group.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:24 am to TideSaint
quote:
QB Jacob Eason (2016)
Lake Stevens, Wash.
We really want to see everything from Eason because everyone talks about him potentially being the next Rosen for the 2016 class, a five-star kid. He reminds me of Hackenberg physically and with the way he carries himself, so it will be interesting to evaluate him for the first time in person. Eason is wide open and has offers from all over the country with big names like Alabama, USC, Florida State, Florida, Tennessee and others and Notre Dame, where his dad played, could be next. - Adam Gorney, Rivals.com West Recruiting Analyst
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:29 am to BamaPanic
D Henry doesn't need to go the T-Rich route and get too buff for the RB position. 
Though he has a much bigger frame for it.
Though he has a much bigger frame for it.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:30 am to Alabamya
quote:
Why in the hell would they do that?
I'm a big fan of the move. He's not a TE in today's league. He was one of the best blocking TEs in CFB almost every year he played.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:40 am to AllBamaDoesIsWin
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It is a grand time for freshmen in college football. Although they were redshirts instead of fresh-out-of-high-school players, Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston have won the past two Heisman Trophies in their first seasons of active eligibility.
Florida cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III was a second-team AP All-American as a true freshman in 2013, and "freshman" head coach Gus Malzahn—as he was considered by the FWAA—came within 15 short seconds of winning a national title at Auburn. Instead, Winston threw the game-winning touchdown pass to Kelvin Benjamin and became the first freshman QB to win the national title since 1983.
With all of that in mind, and with spring practice officially behind us, it is time for our first early look at next year's brightest youngsters.
As criteria for this list, a mixture of skill level, game-readiness and opportunity were accounted for. The most talented freshman at a position is not necessarily the best bet to make the All-Freshman team; if he's buried behind two upperclassmen on the depth chart, 2015 might be the year he begins to make an impact.
Coaching style was also a heavy consideration. Fair or not, stats are typically used as a baseline for postseason teams. A freshman with a clear path to playing time on one of the nation's top offenses was preferred over one in a more conservative scheme. Make sense?
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:41 am to TideSaint
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Cameron Robinson, Alabama
Cameron Robinson was the top-ranked lineman in the 2014 class and will almost definitely start at left tackle for Alabama. That means he will be playing one of the most important positions on the field for a team that is likely to contend for a national title. Even if he takes some early-season lumps, which would be understandable, that should be enough to land Robinson on the All-America team.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 10:42 am to TideSaint
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Tony Brown/Marlon Humphrey, Alabama
Alabama is thinner at cornerback, one could argue, than at any position since Nick Saban arrived in 2007. Eddie Jackson's torn ACL this spring only amplified the problem, making it a near-certainty that either Tony Brown of Marlon Humphrey (or both) will start and play meaningful snaps as true freshmen. Both were top-10 overall prospects in the 2014 class, and though Brown holds a slight edge after enrolling early and playing well in spring practice, Humphrey is talented enough to play catch-up this fall.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 11:22 am to TideSaint
JC Shurburtt predicts where the uncommitted QBs land:
Video
I can't see it on my work computer. I'm posting the link here so I can watch it on my phone.
ETA: He predicted Gibson to Tennessee, Sheiron Jones to Ohio State, Francois to Florida State and Murray to A&M. No pick for Waller.
Video
I can't see it on my work computer. I'm posting the link here so I can watch it on my phone.
ETA: He predicted Gibson to Tennessee, Sheiron Jones to Ohio State, Francois to Florida State and Murray to A&M. No pick for Waller.
This post was edited on 5/21/14 at 11:29 am
Posted on 5/21/14 at 11:27 am to TideSaint
quote:
Dream recruit: Kendall Sheffield, CB
Nick Saban is the head coach at Alabama, but he's a defensive backs coach at heart. That's why Saban likely privately drools over 5-star cornerback Kendall Sheffield.
At 5'11" and 180 pounds, Sheffield is an outstanding athlete with terrific quickness. He comes out of his backpedal smoothly, plus he has more than enough speed to run deep with receivers.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 11:29 am to TideSaint
quote:
With summer rapidly approaching, the main focus for Nick Saban and his staff will turn to building on Alabama's 2015 recruiting class.
The Tide already have 15 commitments—with potential difference-makers already in the fold at nearly every position.
How does the Tide's class shake out heading into the summer?
Posted on 5/21/14 at 11:30 am to TideSaint
quote:
QB
Commitments – None
Top Targets – 3-star Quinten Dormady, 3-star David Sills (USC commitment), 4-star Travis Waller
Grade – C
Considering that Alabama has signed at least one quarterback in every recruiting class since Saban's arrival in Tuscaloosa, the Tide are a strong bet to add a passer with at least one of their final scholarships.
The Tide earned an early commitment from 5-star California native Ricky Town last year. However, Town decommitted in favor of USC.
Zach Gentry was another top target, but he recently committed to Texas.
The Tide's attention now turns to players such as 3-star Texas standout Quinten Dormady and 3-star Maryland native David Sills—who's been a longtime commitment to USC. Sills is an interesting name to watch considering he pledged to the Trojans when former head coach and current Tide offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was in Los Angeles.
The recent offer to 4-star California product Travis Waller is intriguing. According to B/R's Trenise Ferreira, Waller plans to visit Tuscaloosa either in June or July.
Another passer to keep an eye on is 4-star Ohio native Joe Burrow, who was recently visited by Tide assistant Bobby Williams, according to BamaOnline's Charles Power (subscription required).
While there doesn't appear to be a clear-cut top option, the Tide will continue to evaluate the position. Specifically, keep an eye on the quarterbacks who show up to the Tide's summer camps.
Posted on 5/21/14 at 11:30 am to TideSaint
quote:
RB
Commitments – 4-star Desherrius Flowers
Top Targets – 5-star Damien Harris, 5-star Jovon Robinson (Auburn Commitment), 4-star Nick Gibson
Grade – B
With juniors T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake regarded as potential candidates to test the NFL draft waters following this season, Saban and his staff are making running back a priority in this class.
The Tide already have a commitment from 4-star Mobile, Alabama, product Desherrius Flowers—who rushed for 922 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore.
However, the recent commitment of 5-star JUCO rusher Jovon Robinson to Auburn was a blow. Even with that pledge, the Tide are still in hot pursuit of the 5'11", 225-pounder, as detailed by Kipp Adams of 247Sports (subscription required). Power reports that Robinson is still scheduled to visit Alabama next month.
Another back in the mix is in-state standout Nick Gibson, who was in attendance for the Tide's spring game in April. As Power notes (subscription required), Gibson was impressed with what he saw.
"Everything. All of the success they've had the past few years and my family grew up Bama fans," Gibson said. "The academics are crazy up there. You can major in two things and graduate early. They have top of the line stuff."
Posted on 5/21/14 at 11:31 am to TideSaint
quote:
WR/TE
Commitments – 4-star WR Calvin Ridley, 4-star WR Daylon Charlot
Top Targets – 4-star WR Jovon Durante, 5-star WR Terry Godwin (Georgia Commitment), 4-star TE Devonaire Clarington, 4-star TE Will Gragg, 4-star TE Jackson Harris
Grade – A
With Christion Jones and DeAndrew White entering their senior seasons, and the potential of Amari Cooper forgoing his final college season in favor of the NFL draft, Alabama is looking to reload its receiving unit in this class.
Adding another body at tight end is also a strong possibility.
The early commitments from Calvin Ridley and Daylon Charlot give the Tide a pair of explosive playmaking receivers. Alabama also appears to be in a strong position with former West Virginia commitment Jovon Durante.
Terry Godwin, a 5-star who is committed to Georgia, has also made multiple visits to Alabama in recent months. While he still remains firm in his commitment, the visits alone are reason to keep him as a prospect worth monitoring.
At tight end, Alabama is aggressively recruiting players such as Devonaire Clarington, Will Gragg, Hale Hentges and Jackson Harris.
Expect at least one of those names to emerge as the Tide's top option at that position.
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