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re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition
Posted on 8/13/14 at 1:07 pm to chattabama
Posted on 8/13/14 at 1:07 pm to chattabama
quote:
A-List No. 14: Alabama commit Wetumpka OL Brandon Kennedy winning on, off the field
Eight or nine months ago, Brandon Kennedy held just one Division I scholarship offer.
"I was just wondering to myself, 'Do coaches like me? Do I have what it takes? Am I too short? What do I need to work on? Things like that just to get on a college coach's radar," the Wetumpka rising senior said.
On Friday, the 6-foot-2, 292-pound offensive lineman committed to Alabama, choosing the Crimson Tide over Auburn. He's also No. 14 on AL.com's A-List of the state's top football prospects in the Class of 2015.
His announcement, which took place in the lobby of Wetumpka high school's gymnasium, was met with the attention you'd expect for a consensus four-star recruit choosing between Iron Bowl enemies and media members showing up an hour before his announcement.
Afterward, Kennedy changed into his Nike Dri-FIT shirt and shorts and was ready to hit the practice field with the rest of his teammates.
"I play guard right behind him," teammate Arrington Gilbert said. "When I get off my block, he's either driving someone down the field or he has a pancake. It's really inspiring."
It was typical of the rain-or-shine, praise-or-criticize work ethic that's helped catapult Kennedy from a virtual nobody in recruiting circles to a four-star recruit ranked as the nation's top center by Rivals.com and, in the 247Sports composite rankings, the No. 16 offensive guard in the country.
A Red Box night for Kennedy is staying up late watching video clips of NFL teams' one-one-drills during OTAs (official team activities) online. On Saturdays and Sundays, you can almost set your watch by his appearance at the school to work out by his lonesome. It's a practice that has been consistent throughout high school career, coach Tim Perry said.
"I just want to be the best player I can be," said Kennedy, who patterns his game after a couple of former Alabama standouts, Antoine Caldwell and Chance Warmack. "So, whatever it takes to do that. I'm going to do that."
Kennedy is equally as focused in the classroom.
He holds a 4.2 grade point average, takes AP courses and is a member of both the National Honor and Spanish National Honor societies.
"He learned how to read at like three or four," said Kennedy's mother Kim Tuck. "So, I introduced reading to him. I guess he found a love for reading and he just went from there. He reads a lot and he likes to be to himself. When he does his work, he always wants me to help him. I don't know why. He may not need my help but he always wants me to be there and go over stuff with him and help him out like that."
He plans to major in health science and study radiology once he steps foot on campus full-time at Alabama. He also intends to intern at a Tuscaloosa area hospital.
"Well, I know that football is going to end some day and I want to have something to fall back on," he said. "I also want to have a big salary."
While football's still an option, he plans to take full advantage of the opportunities it might avail.
When announcing his commitment, Kennedy noted: "For the next three to four years," referencing the possibility of leaving his junior year to enter the NFL Draft, "I'll be taking my talents to the University of Alabama."
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Posted on 8/13/14 at 1:10 pm to chattabama
quote:
"I'm being recruited," he says. "Even if I didn't commit to Auburn at that time, they were still my No. 1. Committing early might be a good thing, but I feel like I should have waited a little bit longer."
This makes me think he's still in play. Coupled with the fact that several commits have named him as a guy they're still after to join the class.
Posted on 8/13/14 at 1:10 pm to chattabama
quote:
A-List No. 8: Alabama commit Desherrius Flowers blossoming into star runner
PRICHARD, Alabama -- Coaches and friends describe Alabama running back commitment Desherrius Flowers in a similar fashion.
In short, the rising Vigor senior is the typical strong, silent type.
"He is a quiet young man, but you know when he is in the room," Wolves coach Ashley Johnson said. "Everyone is aware of him. When he speaks, everyone hears him. There is strength in his words."
A former teammate and future rival is even more to the point when he describes the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Flowers.
"Silent assassin," Auburn freshman linebacker DeShaun Davis said. "Desherrius doesn't say much. But, on the field, his game speaks for itself. He doesn't have to talk."
Flowers committed to Alabama before his junior season with surprisingly little fanfare in a normally recruiting-crazed state. He then proceeded to rush for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns on 136 carries for Vigor in 2013. He is ranked No. 8 on AL.com's A-List of the top 15 in-state prospects for the Class of 2015.
SECond Look: Alabama Running Back Commitment Desherrius Flowers
AL.com's Randy Kennedy and Ben Thomas give a recruiting update on Desherrius Flowers, a running back at Vigor High School who is an early commitment for Alabama.
"Alabama was one of the first schools to get on him," Johnson said. "He went to their camp. They were able to see him and what he could do, and they went ahead and offered him. Desherrius is a true Alabama fan. He grew up an Alabama guy. I think it was a natural fit for both sides."
Flowers ran for 922 yards and 12 touchdowns as a sophomore. He said he has added about 10 pounds to his junior frame and is ready to finish his high school career with a flurry.
Johnson said Flowers is comparable to most of the backs Alabama has had during Nick Saban's tenure as head coach. He describes his star as powerful, with legs churning for those extra yards, and a get-behind-the-shoulder pads type runner with just enough shiftiness and cutback ability to help him see holes, then exploit them.
"I think I have a pretty good combination of power and speed," Flowers said. "I don't have that many moves, but I can run the football and I can block."
Flowers is driven to succeed - at Vigor, at Alabama and, he hopes, one day in the NFL - by a distinct love for his family. He was raised to be the man he is today by his mother, Sherry Flowers, and grandmother, Minnie Flowers.
He has one older brother - former Vigor lineman Roderick Flowers, two younger brothers and a younger sister.
"One day, I want to be able to take care of them," Flowers said. "I want to be the man of the family. We didn't have a lot when I was growing up, but we were proud for what we had. I always will be. I want to give back everything my mom and grandmother gave to me."
Flowers said his mother taught him to make good grades, choose what is right, learn from his mistakes and always keep God at his side. She taught him to be respectful and obedient and to stay humble.
His love for her clearly ranks above football in his life.
"They are a really close knit family," Johnson said. "His mother and grandmother are both hard working ladies who always have provided for Desherrius and his brothers and sisters. They are respectful to everyone. They show up to class and do the things they are supposed to do. That is a credit to his mom and grandmom."
Flowers has played football since he was 6.
Davis said one of the most impressive things about his friend on the field is that he is not scared of anything.
"Some backs may be tentative running between the tackles or whatever," he said. "Desherrius runs wherever he needs to go. After practicing against him for three years, I know he is going to come hard every day. He is the kind of player who wants to get better every practice. When a guy does that, Friday nights will come easy."
Flowers wants to be a leader for Vigor this year and run the Wolves to the state championship. He believes his team, which competes in 5A, Region 1, could be underrated in the preseason.
"Most people seem to think we aren't going to do too good because we lost a lot of good players," he said. "We know as a team we are going to play as hard as we can, be the best we can be and prove people wrong."
Davis will be watching his Wolves from afar and waiting on Flowers in future Iron Bowls.
"If I'm on the field and he's on the field in that game, Vigor doesn't matter anymore," Davis said. "We are just going to play football.
"I hope I made him a better running back. I know Desherrius Flowers made me a better linebacker. He's a guy that will be great wherever he plays."
LINK
Posted on 8/13/14 at 1:52 pm to chattabama
I really could care less about BB. It would just open a spot up for someone else. As long as it doesn't affect Ridley im cool with it.
Posted on 8/13/14 at 2:50 pm to Tide or Die87
These three look like a set of those Russian dolls that stack inside of each other.
Posted on 8/13/14 at 4:18 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Moments after the most competitive high school linemen drills in America ended, an unassuming Rashan Gary quietly grinned along the sidelines while standing yards away from the nation's beastly blockers.
The disruptive and diffident defensive tackle still wore his shoulder pads, soaking in those final moments at The Opening, an annual football showcase held at Nike's world headquarters in Beaverton, Oregon.
A few feet further toward the end zone, top-rated 2015 offensive tackle Martez Ivey was occupied with questions concerning his highly publicized nationwide recruitment.
Sensing the 6'6", 270-pound Floridian has grown weary of discussing the likes of Alabama, LSU and Auburn, our conversation shifts to Gary, one of just three 2016 prospects invited to compete during a three-day stretch that features more than 150 prized recruits.
Ivey interrupts the initial question with an unfamiliar inflection in his voice, breaking out of well-versed reactions to personal recruiting questions.
"Wait, hold on," Ivey said "He's only going to be a junior?"
Yes, indeed.
The 6'4.5", 290-pound specimen who spent his week making coveted collegiate offensive linemen targets look silly in the trenches still has two high school seasons ahead of him.
"Whoa, I had no idea," Ivey said. "He definitely stepped up his game. That's pretty crazy. The guy deserves a lot of credit for how he handles himself."
Fellow 5-star offensive tackle Mitch Hyatt shared that sentiment and surprise.
"Like most of the linemen, I didn't find out he's a rising junior until the final day of competition," the Clemson commit admitted. "We just assumed he was another senior, especially based on the way he competed. It was a shock for sure."
Gary, just one month removed from his sophomore year, proved he belongs among established prospects who will compete for playing time in college next summer.
"He's way above his level when compared to other players at that age," said Hyatt. "He's going to be fun to watch in the future because he has everything a defensive lineman needs to be dominant at the next level."
Gary knew his status as a 2016 recruit—the only lineman to carry that distinction in Beaverton—created a slight underdog persona. Despite his soft-spoken demeanor and off-field congeniality, he instead played the role of aggressor.
"I'm young so I still make simple mistakes sometimes, but there's no one I can't handle," Gary said. "The guys who found out about my age wanted to test me and see if I really deserved a spot at The Opening."
He emphatically answered that challenge, according to Ivey.
"He's isn't just big; he's fast off the ball and stays low," Ivey said. "He's very physical too and doesn't let opponents get into his head. That's great to see out of a young guy."
Gary left no doubt about his status as a premier member of the 2016 recruiting class.
"I feel like he's in the same position as us, ready to go off to college somewhere next season," Ivey said.
However, when Ivey and other linemen at The Opening embark on the next chapter of their playing careers at campuses across the country, Gary will still be concerned about chasing down New Jersey state titles. He transferred to Paramus Catholic High School from Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School in June.
The team featured 5-star athlete Jabrill Peppers last season. The Michigan freshman also arrived at Paramus Catholic (from Don Bosco Prep) with plenty of fanfare.
Gary, rated No. 5 overall in 247Sports' 2016 composite rankings, also follows in his footsteps when it comes to collegiate attention. He holds nearly 20 scholarship offers, including Alabama, Miami, Ohio State, USC, Penn State and Tennessee.
"When I first started to get recruited, I came into it with an open mind," Gary said. "Things picked up really fast and have stayed that way, so now I need to think about cutting down the list."
Like many top prospects, he admits the SEC is appealing.
"It felt like things really reached a new level when the SEC offers started arriving," Gary said. "When I realized those teams decided early that they want me, it was an honor. That's grown-man football."
Hyatt, who committed to Clemson after his junior season, stressed the importance of patience for a young phenom on the recruiting trail.
"Rashan needs to just take it one step at a time for as long as he needs," Hyatt said. "Sometimes it's easy to feel rushed into making a decision, and that could be the case for him. Because he's so talented, plenty of teams are going to put the pressure on him to commit."
Gary stressed there's no timetable in place for a decision, and the process could stretch to national signing day 2016 if necessary. He broke down several key elements of his recruitment with Bleacher Report in July:
His week in Oregon featured a few mentors, including 5-star defensive linemen Tim Settle and Byron Cowart, who both remain uncommitted.
"Some of the older guys have given me plenty of advice about different stuff, on and off the field" he said. "They've talked to me about recruiting, how to figure out who is real or fake, and now I need to use those lessons as I continue down this road."
Though he was relegated to nose tackle duties—an unnatural position for his skill set—Gary managed 58 tackles, including 13 for loss and four forced fumbles in 2013, per Todderick Hunt of NJ.com.
The 3-technique or 5-technique appears to be the more appropriate landing spot for him in college. While sliding outside, he can use his speed (clocked at 4.74 seconds in the 40-yard dash at The Opening) to exploit space and provide an interior pass rush.
"He was great and we all noticed it throughout the week," 5-star Texas A&M defensive tackle commit Daylon Mack said. "You're watching a 2016 guy with big size, rare speed and dreadlocks that make him look dangerous. Some might have questioned his toughness, but when Rashan put on the pads, he didn't disappoint."
Gary consistently outpaced opponents in Oregon, sprinting back to the defensive line with a workmanlike approach once the whistle blew. It was the same style of play Gary exhibited when he dominated at Nike's regional football camp in New Jersey this spring, earning the rare invite to national competition.
"When we first arrived, I thought, 'man, this kid is going to be weak,'" 4-star offensive tackle Matthew Burrell said. "But he earned his invitation for a reason. That was obvious from the start."
Burrell took that praise one step further, sending a strong message about Gary's impression in Beaverton.
"I think he could be the top player in our class, let alone his own," he said. "Those 2016 offensive linemen are in trouble with him around."
Texas Tech defensive tackle commit Breiden Fehoko admired Gary's ability to bring tenacity to every element of his game.
"He's a quiet guy who puts in work on the field and in the film room," Fehoko said. "The kid has strength and length that's rare at his age. First and foremost, he works his butt during drills, and that translates into the one-on-ones, where you really build your reputation."
Posted on 8/13/14 at 4:18 pm to TideSaint
Cont'd:
quote:
Gary appreciated the opportunity to battle with college-bound blockers, dealing with the ups and downs of brutality along the line of scrimmage.
"I'm going to get a lot better because now I really have a feel for what it's like to be challenged by the best offensive linemen in the country," he said. "I can't wait to get back here again next year, compete against a new group of guys and show how I've improved."
Alabama freshman Da'Shawn Hand, one of the top-ranked 2014 defensive ends, was a rare two-time Opening attendee. Mack foresees a similar fate for Gary.
"Next year, it's all his," Mack said. "Rashan will be back to dominate at The Opening, and I believe he'll be the top player in the country."
Gary isn't the kind of athlete to brag about his abilities and came off as a kid who was just happy to be invited to the party in Oregon. That's fine, since plenty of top competitors were willing to do the talking for him.
"He's pretty silent like you'd expect from a lot of younger players," Mack said. "But don't get me wrong, his game is not quiet. Rashan makes loud statements with what he does on the field."
Posted on 8/13/14 at 10:35 pm to TideSaint
Reinstatement thread on the OT. Are we missing anybody?
Posted on 8/13/14 at 11:05 pm to chattabama
quote:
Adam Krohn ?@AKRivals 7h
5-star Calvin Ridley "95-percent" committed to #Bama, and said he plans to take officials to #Noles and #Canes.
Posted on 8/13/14 at 11:15 pm to chattabama
95% is better than I would've thought
Posted on 8/13/14 at 11:35 pm to chattabama
Must. Keep. Ridley.
From Julio to Coop to Foster to Ridley. Yes please.
From Julio to Coop to Foster to Ridley. Yes please.
Posted on 8/14/14 at 7:13 am to Tide or Die87
quote:
95% is better than I would've thought
I would be scared if he said 100%.
Posted on 8/14/14 at 7:24 am to YStar
My step-son has a class with Kennedy. Said he carries around a gallon of water with him wherever he goes. And said dude is a monster.
Posted on 8/14/14 at 8:21 am to Tide or Die87
quote:
95% is better than I would've thought
Only issue is this past weekend, he said he was 97%. I know 100% is a jinx of sorts, but a decreasing number aint so good either, IMO.
Posted on 8/14/14 at 8:36 am to ApeDeuce
Need someone to do the math to determine if, at this rate of decrease, he'll still be at least 50% committed by the time he is due to enroll in January.
Posted on 8/14/14 at 8:52 am to sarc
Non-VIP post from a guy on BOL on why some dude CB'd Minkah Fitzpatrick to Penn State:
quote:
Explaining his reasoning behind his new CB pick. Thought I would share what he states he is hearing about the situation.
"I can explain some of my thinking, but this one I have to hold back a bit on. Some info I get is from people that talk to Minkah because he isn't a big media guy. So for the sake of continuing to get information, I can't say exactly what I was told. However, this is a pick based on that information, which was positive for PSU, as well as some observations. Minkah has been in communication for well over a month with PSU commits (not just Wimbush obviously as they would clearly be in contact). The expected outcome I understood was a possible official visit in the fall. That then turned into not only an unofficial with Wimbush, but his parents were along.
Then the reports I have heard from sources regarding his visit were very positive. Obviously I talk to a lot of the same sources over and over......so I get to read them pretty well. The read I got when talking Minkah was almost a reserved excitement. That is hard to explain, but almost like if you were talking to someone and it seemed like they were holding back, but you can tell they are excited.
At first, I was skeptical of the Minkah talk of an official visit. When it materialized into an unofficial visit WITH PARENTS, that told me this was serious, not just a passing glance at a school to tell a friend you checked them out. On top of that, I expect an official visit as well. So that would be 2 visits to Penn State after he committed to Alabama. This is a HUGE change in the relationship between Minkah and Penn State. Before he committed, Minkah was a major target of the PSU staff. I know they tried and tried to develop a relationship, but Minkah just wasn't interested enough to let that develop. That's something that had to have come from Minkah, not just continuous effort from Penn State. So much like Simmons......I see this trending towards PSU. It doesn't mean it will happen, but I predict that it will. Hence the CB. I hope that helps."
Posted on 8/14/14 at 8:57 am to chattabama
quote:
5-star Calvin Ridley "95-percent" committed to #Bama, and said he plans to take officials to #Noles and #Canes.
Posted on 8/14/14 at 9:41 am to TideSaint
All we have to do to keep ridley is keep barnett and get the ball to our playmakers in the wrs this season, which is exactly what kiffin is going to do
Posted on 8/14/14 at 10:00 am to narddogg81
Tight end depth
Alabama needed more depth at tight end, so sophomore Dakota Ball moved over from the log-jammed defensive line.
He played some tight end at Pepperell High in Lindale, Georgia, so it didn't take long to get back into the groove.
"He's strong; he's stronger than me," tight end O.J. Howard said. "He's got great hands. He's learning. He's picking it up quick. He's also just a great person who takes coaching well."
LINK
Alabama needed more depth at tight end, so sophomore Dakota Ball moved over from the log-jammed defensive line.
He played some tight end at Pepperell High in Lindale, Georgia, so it didn't take long to get back into the groove.
"He's strong; he's stronger than me," tight end O.J. Howard said. "He's got great hands. He's learning. He's picking it up quick. He's also just a great person who takes coaching well."
LINK
Posted on 8/14/14 at 10:06 am to Taskrj
Tide Plans To Mix It Up In The Wide Receiver Position
In Kiffin’s offense, senior receiver DeAndrew White said “you can’t just sit in one spot.” Running back Jalston Fowler has noticed the movement as well.“The biggest difference is that you’ve got to learn everything that everybody’s doing on the field,” Fowler said. “So if you play receiver, you play Y, X, Z. You’ve got to learn what the H, the Z receiver’s doing. If you play fullback, you’ve got to learn what the H receiver is doing. It’s just different than anything I’ve been a part of.” That flexibility has allowed younger players to blossom and receive more opportunities. Saban has mentioned Chris Black, Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart as young wide receivers who have made improvements since last season. “The young players have really sort of improved dramatically, and I feel they feel comfortable and confident,” Saban said. Of those three, Saban said Stewart has improved the most. The young players’ growth can be attributed to Alabama’s top three wide outs — White, Amari Cooper and Christion Jones — pushing the entire group, Saban said.
LINK
In Kiffin’s offense, senior receiver DeAndrew White said “you can’t just sit in one spot.” Running back Jalston Fowler has noticed the movement as well.“The biggest difference is that you’ve got to learn everything that everybody’s doing on the field,” Fowler said. “So if you play receiver, you play Y, X, Z. You’ve got to learn what the H, the Z receiver’s doing. If you play fullback, you’ve got to learn what the H receiver is doing. It’s just different than anything I’ve been a part of.” That flexibility has allowed younger players to blossom and receive more opportunities. Saban has mentioned Chris Black, Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart as young wide receivers who have made improvements since last season. “The young players have really sort of improved dramatically, and I feel they feel comfortable and confident,” Saban said. Of those three, Saban said Stewart has improved the most. The young players’ growth can be attributed to Alabama’s top three wide outs — White, Amari Cooper and Christion Jones — pushing the entire group, Saban said.
LINK
This post was edited on 8/14/14 at 10:07 am
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