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re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition

Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:30 am to
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:30 am to
quote:

3. WR Dredrick Snelson
Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage

Robertson might have been the best receiver overall, but Snelson was not far off. The high four-star prospect was a dynamic deep threat who basically ran by any cornerback he wanted and then caught every pass thrown his way. When cornerbacks gave him a cushion, Snelson would run out routes or slants and get open. He caught everything and had a really consistent showing. The Miami de-commit is looking at Florida State, Georgia, Florida, LSU, Alabama and others.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:31 am to
quote:

5. QB Jacob Eason
Lake Stevens, Wash.

The top-rated prospect by Rivals.com had a strong day and showed off a super arm; he can make all the throws and deliver the ball wherever it needs to go. The 6-foot-5 standout looks college-ready physically and his arm strength allows him to put the ball right into tight windows. The five-star Georgia commit hit receivers all over the field and did everything well except sometimes on his deep passes Eason put a little too much loft on his throws.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:32 am to
quote:

6. RB Dylan Moses (2017)
Baton Rouge (La.) University Laboratory School

Moses has excellent size at 6-foot-2 and 225 pounds and that's why he's projected to play linebacker; but the 2017 prospect showed he can be a great running back as well. He was basically unstoppable coming out of the backfield as no linebackers could keep up with him in their routes. What was most impressive about Moses is that he caught everything - even some balls thrown high or behind him - and really made it look easy. Moses is committed to LSU but looking at Alabama, Texas, USC and UCLA.
Posted by 256bradley
Florence Alabama
Member since Nov 2014
189 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:32 am to
all these #1 recruiting classes it would b nice 2 c these guys get meaningful snaps
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:33 am to
quote:

8. OL Calvin Ashley (2017)
Orlando (Fla.) Dr. Phillips

Ashley is a phenomenal-looking sophomore who performed well throughout all the drills and especially in one-on-ones. The 6-foot-7, 270-pound standout has excellent arm extension and technique for a young kid and for someone so big he moves his feet well to never be out of position. Ashley was going up against some of the best 2016 prospects in the country and he was more physical than many of them which was impressive to see. Florida State is the early favorite for Ashley but he said Alabama, Michigan and others are interested, too.


He's from the same school as Haha and Dee Hart FWIW.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:34 am to
quote:


ORLANDO, Florida -- Many of the nation's top underclassmen hit the field in Orlando on Friday at the first-ever Elite 50 Experience. With so many big names going head-to-head, there was plenty to be learned. Here's a roundup of some of the biggest tidbits to come out of the event.


quote:

There was plenty of trash talk between the 2016 wide receivers and the 2017 defensive backs, but there's no doubt that the offensive players got the best of the defense on Friday. Five-star Alabama commit Demetris Robertson led the way, carving up defenders in both one-on-ones and in the 7-on-7 portion of the day. Robertson is ranked as an athlete, but much like 2015 five-star Terry Godwin, it looks like his future is at wide receiver because ball skills, speed and route-running like his are very rare. Fellow Rivals100 wide receiver Dredrick Snelson was equally impressive, showing the trademark South Florida speed while also being very consistent catching the ball. The success of the 2016 wide receivers all came despite Nate Craig-Myers and Sam Bruce watched from the sidelines with injuries. Heading into the offseason evaluation period, it looks like there will be plenty of debate as to who is the best wide receiver prospect in the class.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:35 am to
quote:

With three five-star prospects at the quarterback position on hand, including the nation's No. 1 overall prospect Jacob Eason, quality play at quarterback was expected. But even the best of the best impressed on Friday, looking very sharp despite little familiarity with the wide receivers in attendance. Eason looks great throwing the deep ball and really puts a lot of touch on the ball when slinging it deep. As the slender pro-style quarterback continues to add strength, his ability to sling it deep will only improve. Dual-threat prospect Shea Patterson was also sharp throwing the ball, showing that his development as a passer is far from over. Five-star Florida State commit Malik Henry also looked good, delivering an accurate, catchable ball and also making the right reads. Rivals100 prospect Dwayne Haskins Jr. also held his own with the trio of five-stars, proving even further that the class is stocked at the position.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:35 am to
quote:

The star of the day on the offensive line was 2017 offensive lineman Calvin Ashley, the Orlando native who looked at home despite going against older, more seasoned players. Ashley is a tall, lean prospect at the tackle position and he looks like he has the potential to be a five-star down the line. Ashley is light on his feet with long arms and once he adds some weight to his frame he could be a dominating prospect. Joining him on the list of players who impressed was 2017 Midwest prospect Josh Myers. He worked at guard during Friday's session but looks like he could easily grow into a tackle. Despite being slight of build compared the older prospects in attendance, Myers did more than hold his own, winning several reps against highly-ranked interior lineman. As he grows and develops he will also be a name to remember.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:40 am to
quote:

1. Alabama

Total Commitments: 24 (five 5-stars; 14 4-stars)

Best of the Bunch

Quarterback Blake Barnett and wideout Calvin Ridley could become a dominant duo during their time in Tuscaloosa. The 5-star tandem lit up elite defensive units during seven-on-seven action this summer at The Opening, as Ridley earned overall MVP honors and Barnett finished on top at Elite 11 finals.

Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kendall Sheffield and Deionte Thompson give Nick Saban a trio of 5-star additions in the defensive backfield, while tackle Daron Payne and edge-rusher Mekhi Brown bolster the front line.

The Crimson Tide landed early commitments from several standout offensive linemen, highlighted by homegrown prospect Lester Cotton and Washington, D.C., native Richie Petitbon, the grandson of former NFL All-Pro and Washington Redskins coach Richie Petitbon.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:43 am to
quote:

Daron Payne

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 41 overall; No. 6 defensive tackle

High School: Shades Valley High School

Where He's Headed: Alabama



Commitment Analysis

Alabama adds another elite defender to America's top recruiting class. Daron Payne provides plenty of power at defensive tackle, standing at 6'2", 325 pounds, and hw complements the Crimson Tide's current collection of edge-oriented defensive line pledges.

It's another impressive in-state victory over Auburn. Mississippi State also made a strong push for his services.

He visited Tuscaloosa twice since Thanksgiving and apparently gathered enough information to seal the deal on a decision.



Scouting Report

Strength is the paramount component of Payne's game at this point. He powers through opponents with an effective bull rush and presents a wall along the interior.

His role as a nose tackle is likely to be maintained in college, though you could envision him lining up in a 2-technique position.

Payne stands strong against double-teams, allowing teammates to take advantage by clogging rushing lanes. Linebackers will love the space he clears for them up front.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:44 am to
quote:

Kendall Sheffield

247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 18 overall; No. 3 cornerback

High School: Fort Bend Marshall High School

Where He's Headed: Alabama



Commitment Analysis

The rich get richer in Tuscaloosa, as Alabama lands Lone Star State standout Kendall Sheffield. He spurned opportunities at Texas A&M, Florida State and LSU to join the country's top-rated class.

Nick Saban has assembled quite a secondary haul during this recruiting cycle, including fellow 5-star defensive backs Minkah Fitzpatrick and Deionte Thompson. Alabama signed 5-star cornerbacks Tony Brown and Marlon Humphrey last February.

Another influx of top talent promises to increase the level of competition for spots in the Crimson Tide defensive backfield. Sheffield also has the potential to be a special teams weapon.



Scouting Report

Sheffield can shadow the speediest receivers this class has to offer and won't get beat deep as long as he reads the route correctly. An above-average wingspan adds to his range and prevents downfield pass attempts from connecting with the intended target.

Sheffield provides a slight cushion to receivers because he can rely on his speed in coverage and often baits quarterbacks to test him by providing a window he can quickly shut if an ill-advised pass heads his way. With his game-changing speed, he can turn a turnover into a touchdown in a flash.

Rarely targeted as a senior, Sheffield tallied 39 tackles, two interceptions and three blocked field goals, according to Corey Roepken of the Houston Chronicle.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:46 am to
quote:

For Daylon Charlot, an uncommitted 4-star wide receiver from Louisiana, his 53-yard punt-return TD came after he initially muffed the ball before recovering and then flying through the defense for the score. Charlot has visited LSU and has planned trips on the schedule for January to Alabama, Arizona State and Miami (Florida).
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:47 am to
quote:

Alabama might not be playing for a national title on Jan. 12, despite entering the playoffs as the No. 1 seed. But that doesn't mean the Crimson Tide's run at or near the top of college football is going to end anytime soon, not as long as they continue to crush the recruiting game.

The Tide had 11 already committed players participating in the Under Armour All-America Game, including 5-star prospects in quarterback Blake Barnett, receiver Cameron Ridley and cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick. Then the rich got that much richer by landing pledges from two of the six players who used the ESPNU telecast as their platform to make a college choice.

Alabama received commitments from 4-star defensive tackle Daron Payne and 5-star cornerback Kendall Sheffield on Thursday afternoon.

"Alabama is addressing the secondary in a very major way," Bleacher Report College Football Analyst Michael Felder tweeted after Sheffield became the 24th player in Alabama's top-rated class.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:50 am to
quote:

While both Alabama and Florida State crashed and burned in the semifinals of the inaugural College Football Playoff, Friday's 2015 Under Armour All-America Game proved the future is extremely bright in Tuscaloosa and Tallahassee.

Even though the start of the new year brought disappointment for both Nick Saban and Jimbo Fisher, their pain was likely temporarily numbed after witnessing the display put on by their recruits.

The Crimson Tide and the Seminoles combined to have 21 total commitments represented during Friday’s game—in which Team Highlight defeated Team Armour by a score of 46-6.

Overall, it was a showcase for the two clubs who have the nation’s top two recruiting classes in the 2015 cycle and have combined to win the last three national titles.


quote:

Phillips was on the receiving end of a scoring strike from 5-star quarterback and Alabama commitment Blake Barnett.

The 6’5”, 200-pound California native turned in an efficient performance by completing five of his 10 passes for 66 yards with the one touchdown toss.

While future Tide studs such as Barnett and 5-star receiver Calvin Ridley were making noise on the field, the Tide were also the biggest winner on the sidelines as 5-star corner Kendall Sheffield and 4-star defensive tackle Daron Payne announced their commitments to Alabama.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:50 am to
quote:

Even a former Tide pledge—4-star receiver Daylon Charlot—ignited Team Highlight’s rout by scoring on a 53-yard punt return in the second quarter.

Per Sonny Shipp of Geaux247 (subscription required), in spite of his recent decommitment, Charlot still could end up back in the Tide’s 2015 class.

"Alabama is still my favorite," Charlot told Shipp. "The receivers that they are losing and with LSU getting more receivers. Alabama’s only offered like three receivers so that gives me a little better opportunity."

The performance from each team's group of commitments was a reminder that neither Florida State nor Alabama are ready to fade from the national spotlight anytime soon.

Considering the wealth of talent Saban and Fisher are bringing in, fans of the Tide and the 'Noles can take solace in that their programs will be well equipped to compete for national titles in the years to come.


Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:51 am to
quote:

The 2015 Under Armour All-America Game showcased a number of the most talented prospects from the 2015 class.

Ten players ranked among the nation’s top 20 prospects overall were in action during Friday’s contest—in which Team Highlight defeated Team Armour by a score of 46-6.

The lone bright spot for Team Armour was 5-star defensive tackle Daylon Mack—who was perhaps the most dominating player on the field.

How did the rest of the top prospects competing in the Under Armour All-America Game fare?
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:53 am to
quote:

9. Kendall Sheffield

One of the most surprising developments from the 2015 Under Armour All-American Game was 5-star corner Kendall Sheffield's commitment to Alabama.

His commitment marks the second consecutive year Nick Saban has earned a commitment from a 5-star corner from the state of Texas, joining Tony Brown from a year ago.

During the game, Sheffield—who is ranked as the No. 18 player overall in the 2015 class—was beaten on a deep pass by 3-star receiver Brandon Martin.

However, Sheffield was solid in run support as he finished with five tackles, which tied for the team's best in that category.

His commitment gives Alabama another talented piece to build around in the secondary.



Grade: B
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:54 am to
quote:

6. Calvin Ridley

It was a mostly quiet day for 5-star receiver and Alabama commitment Calvin Ridley.

However, he took a short pass from Blake Barnett in the fourth quarter and darted away from future teammate Minkah Fitzpatrick for a 28-yard reception. Even though it was his only catch on the day, it was the type of catch-and-run that showcases his explosiveness in the open field.

He wasn’t able to duplicate the performance Amari Cooper had in the 2012 Under Armour All-America Game.

However, the nation's No. 13 overall prospect in the class of 2015 will get a chance to likely succeed Cooper in Tuscaloosa next fall.



Grade: B
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 11:56 am to
quote:

5. Blake Barnett

Alabama is used to having its share of studs at every position. However, in Blake Barnett, Nick Saban finally has a dynamic passer who possesses the tools to be an All-American-caliber passer.

Barnett showed off his athleticism as a runner early on and displayed great touch and accuracy on short passes.

He threw a couple of accurate back-shoulder throws early in the third quarter—the second of which resulted in a touchdown to Florida State receiver pledge Da’Vante Phillips.

Barnett—who ranks as the nation's top dual-threat quarterback and the No. 12 player overall in the 2015 class—didn't make any highlight-caliber plays. But, he was efficient and made good decisions while leading his club to a victory.



Grade: B
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
82953 posts
Posted on 1/4/15 at 12:01 pm to
quote:

ORLANDO, Fla. — Many of the nation's top players came together in Florida this weekend for the Elite 50 Underclassmen Camp.

Notre Dame targets from the class of 2016 such as five-star RB Kareem Walker, four-star WR/DB Demetris Robertson, an Alabama commit, four-star WR/DB Brandon Burton, five-star CB Levonta Taylor, five-star tight end Isaac Nauta, a Florida State commit, and class of 2017 five-star offensive tackle Josh Myers, among many others, performed at a very high level.

Here's a look at film from the event, which highlights many targets who hold offers from the Fighting Irish.


Video
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