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Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:44 am to CapstoneGrad06
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What's this about Sheffield having an "announcement" tomorrow night?
Where do you see that?
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:44 am to TideSaint
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Whether it's right away or a few seasons from now, some of the SEC's top incoming recruits have "future star" written all over them.
The conference that routinely dominates the recruiting game has another bumper crop of talent coming to campuses this spring and summer, with five schools currently among the top 10 classes in 247Sports' composite rankings and nine in the top 20. Many of those schools figure to land some of the best uncommitted players on national signing day on Feb. 5 as well.
Just looking at the ones already pledged or signed to SEC schools, though, there's enough star power to put together a darn good all-star team. Some stand out more than others and already have the look of players who will go down among the best in conference history.
Scroll through to see our pick for 10 players who are currently committed to SEC schools and are most likely to end up being future stars.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:45 am to TideSaint
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Blake Barnett, QB, Alabama
Height, weight: 6'4.5", 200 lbs
Rank: 21st
We saw what offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin was able to do with Blake Sims, a former 4-star prospect who toiled in anonymity down Alabama's depth chart for several years before blossoming into a star as a senior. Now imagine what could become of incoming recruit Blake Barnett, the nation's No. 2 pro-style quarterback.
Barnett already has the size and build of a top-flight passer with good arm strength and accuracy that will only improve as he works with Kiffin. He has enrolled at Alabama already, which will allow him to compete with Jake Coker and others during spring ball with the outside chance of being the Crimson Tide's starter by September.
Sims had thrown all of 39 passes in three seasons as a backup before Kiffin came along, and heading into this past season, he looked like he would lose out to Coker for the starting job. Yet he ended up winning the gig and setting a school record with 3,487 passing yards.
Barnett can shatter that mark if he continues his development.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:45 am to TideSaint
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Damien Harris, RB, Alabama
Height, weight: 5'11", 205 lbs
Rank: 31st
Alabama has a knack for landing stud running backs, sometimes so many that there's not enough carries to go around and some end up transferring. Damien Harris could end up being among the best the Crimson Tide has ever had, which is saying something since in the past six years they've produced a Heisman winner (Mark Ingram) and several high draft picks.
"It's impossible to watch Harris and not like him," John Talty of AL.com wrote. "He's tenacious and capable of carrying a heavy load. He has this innate ability to make big things happen out of nowhere. It's how he was able to rush for 6,717 yards and 111 touchdowns in high school, even if it wasn't always against the best competition."
The competition level will be much greater in the SEC, but Harris appears fit for the job. Built like a bowling ball but with the speed of a smaller back, Harris figures to find his way into the rushing rotation quite soon and have a chance to join Alabama's growing list of great rushers.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:46 am to TideSaint
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Calvin Ridley, WR, Alabama
Height, weight: 6'0", 170 lbs
Rank: 11th
When a school loses a player so prolific and dynamic as Amari Cooper, there's an understandable expectation that a major drop-off in production could happen the next season. Calvin Ridley isn't going to be asked to make up for all of the 124 receptions, 1,727 yards and 16 touchdowns that Cooper had for Alabama last season, but he seems capable of handling a fair amount of that load even in his first year.
Ridley, the nation's top-rated wide receiver recruit, has been tabbed by 247Sports' Barton Simmons as the "earliest impact player" among the 2015 wideout prospect. This isn't just because of the departure of Cooper and the graduation of seniors Christion Jones and DeAndrew White, but it is also because of Ridley's great speed and hands.
He'll need to improve on his route-running skills, as 247 rates those as a six out of 10, but that shouldn't be too hard to fix as he works with Alabama's solid coaching staff.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:47 am to TideSaint
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The 2015 crop of pro-style passers could eventually reshape the nation's conference landscape.
A strong contingent of West Coast quarterbacks are prepared to take Pac-12 play to another level, while prospects from across the country also enhance a group surrounded by lofty expectations.
We continue to break down recruits listed among the top 200 players in 247Sports' composite rankings, grading each quarterback with a 100-point system that takes football IQ, mobility, leadership, pocket presence, arm strength and accuracy into consideration.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:47 am to TideSaint
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2. 5-star Blake Barnett
Height/Weight: 6'4.5", 200 lbs
High School: Santiago High School; Corona, California
247Sports Ranking: No. 2 pro-style quarterback; No. 21 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Enrolled at: Alabama
The Crimson Tide landed Blake Barnett despite growing belief that he was headed to Oregon. His initial commitment occurred last November, when he pledged to Notre Dame. Barnett paid a visit to the Ducks after decommitting but eventually chose Alabama in June.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Barnett took over as the starter at Santiago as a junior and quickly accrued heavy recruiting interest. His elite blend of size and speed is savored by collegiate offensive coordinators, and he displays a deep understanding of how to dissect defenses.
His natural leadership skills were on display at The Opening, where many elite recruits gravitated toward him. He teamed up with future Crimson Tide teammate Calvin Ridley to win a seven-on-seven tournament title and stole the show with Elite 11 MVP honors.
His most pivotal improvements will occur in downfield accuracy, as defenders are still often able to disrupt the location of those attempts. Barnett may also be the best of this group when it comes to firing passes while rolling out, adding a new wrinkle to Lane Kiffin's attack in Tuscaloosa.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:49 am to TideSaint
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National signing day is nearly upon us, and speculation continues to mount about where America's premier football prospects will spend the next phase of their careers. Years of talent evaluation, campus visits and big-game performances will pay off on Feb. 4, when these elite athletes finalize collegiate choices.
While many 5-star recruits committed during the early stages of this cycle, several remain undecided, and others are still considering alternatives. Here's a look at where we expect every 5-star player to end up next season.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:49 am to TideSaint
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31. RB Damien Harris
247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 1 running back
High School: Madison Southern (Berea, Kentucky)
Size: 5'11", 205 lbs
Why He's a 5-star
Despite seeing action in just seven games due to injury, Damien Harris rumbled for 1,576 yards and 23 touchdowns as a senior. He averaged an astounding 16.2 yards per carry during his final campaign at Madison Southern.
Harris isn't the extremely rare talent that top 2014 running back Leonard Fournette was last cycle, but exceptional downfield vision and anticipation push him atop this pack of rushers. He finished his high school career with 6,717 yards and 111 touchdowns.
Where He'll Land: Alabama
Kentucky fought valiantly to keep its top in-state target on home turf, but the Wildcats will instead deal with Harris as a conference rival. Despite strong efforts from Mark Stoops and his staff—including a helicopter trip to one of the coveted recruit's games—he becomes the latest in a long line of heralded Alabama running back prospects.
"At the end of the day, I just got a feeling that Alabama was the best fit for me to develop academically, physically and as an athlete," Harris said during his commitment announcement, per Drew Champlin of AL.com. "The feeling stuck with me for a while."
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:50 am to TideSaint
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30. DB Minkah Fitzpatrick
247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 5 cornerback
High School: St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City, New Jersey)
Size: 6'1", 198 lbs
Why He's a 5-star
Minkah Fitzpatrick doubled as a shutdown defensive back and top receiving target in 2014 throughout St. Peter's run to a state title. He averaged 28 yards per catch and snared six touchdown passes from Notre Dame-bound quarterback Brandon Wimbush, per MaxPreps, while setting career highs in tackles (66) and interceptions (three).
His strength and ability to aid run defense make him a candidate to transition into a safety role depending on team roster needs.
Where He'll Land: Alabama
Fitzpatrick committed to the Crimson Tide in April while attending spring game festivities in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban appears primed to pry away one of the Northeast's top talents despite diligence from Florida State.
The Seminoles hosted Fitzpatrick on campus in October and recently sent several members of the staff to visit him. Still, it seems he's destined for a career in Crimson.
"It's a great opportunity to go down there and play for a prestigious program and great coaches and it's a blessing," Fitzpatrick told Duane Rankin of the Montgomery Adviser. "I appreciate it and I'm going to do the most I can with the opportunity."
Nick Saban identified him as one of the elite prospects in the 2015 cycle early in the process, and his diligence in recruiting the New Jersey native paid off when he committed to the Tide in April.
However, Florida State has continued to pursue Fitzpatrick—who officially visited Tallahassee in October—after his commitment, but his pledge to the Tide appears to be solid.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:51 am to TideSaint
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29. DT Daron Payne
247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 7 defensive tackle
High School: Shades Valley (Birmingham, Alabama)
Size: 6'2", 325 lbs
Why He's a 5-star
Daron Payne has the makings of a dominant 0-technique tackle at the next level. Taking on double-teams with ferocity and clearing space for linebackers to clean up plays is a strong suit.
He overpowers opponents in one-on-one settings and should become more of a penetrative presence as his footwork sharpens.
Where He'll Land: Alabama
Alabama and Auburn battled it out for this top in-state talent, as he spent significant time visiting and communicating with both coaching staffs. He ultimately chose the Crimson Tide over the Tigers—and fellow finalist Mississippi State—at the Under Armour All-America Game.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:51 am to TideSaint
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21. QB Blake Barnett
247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 2 pro-style quarterback
High School: Santiago (Corona, California)
Size: 6'4.5", 200 lbs
Why He's a 5-star
Underestimate Blake Barnett's dual-threat capabilities at your own risk. He flashes incredible athleticism at his height and can pick up yards in a hurry with long strides, resulting in 1,174 rushing yards as an upperclassman.
"Coach [Lane] Kiffin and Coach [Nick] Saban were very fond about the idea of their quarterback being able to run the ball several times in each game," Barnett told me last summer. "It's something they were looking for and it made sense as a fit for me."
Though Barnett wasn't surrounded by the star-studded lineups some of his California quarterback contemporaries enjoyed this season, he still threw for a career-high 3,392 yards and 23 touchdowns.
Where He'll Land: Alabama
Barnett initially committed to Notre Dame during his junior year, but he backed off that verbal pact last spring. After following up the decision with a visit to Oregon, most had him pegged as an eventual Ducks pledge.
Instead, Barnett bought in to what Saban and Kiffin can offer at Alabama. He served as a leader of this Crimson Tide class, enrolled early and has an outside shot to earn reps as a true freshman.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:52 am to TideSaint
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20. DB Kendall Sheffield
247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 4 cornerback
High School: Fort Bend Marshall (Missouri City, Texas)
Size: 6'0", 181 lbs
Why He's a 5-star
The Lone Star State speedster brings top-end acceleration to the defensive secondary, and Kendall Sheffield isn't afraid to mix things up in run support either. He was named a first-team All-American by USA Today after totaling 39 tackles, two interceptions and three blocked field goals.
Where He'll Land: Alabama
Despite aggressive recruitments from in-state coaching staffs at Texas and Texas A&M, Sheffield chose the Crimson Tide while competing at the Under Armour All-America Game. He followed up that decision with an official visit to Tuscaloosa.
Still, keep a close eye on the Aggies. Head coach Kevin Sumlin spent time with Sheffield during an in-person visit less than 10 days before signing day.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:53 am to TideSaint
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11. WR Calvin Ridley
247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 1 wide receiver
High School: Monarch (Pompano Beach, Florida)
Size: 6'0", 170 lbs
Why He's a 5-star
First thing's first: Calvin Ridley arrives at the college level at 20 years old. He was limited to just three games as a senior due to Florida's high school athletics age restrictions (19 years, nine months), but he managed to make a statement with 18 receptions for 420 yards and six touchdowns.
He was clearly a cut above other elite pass-catchers last summer at The Opening, earning overall MVP honors. Ridley teamed up with future Crimson Tide teammate Blake Barnett to capture the seven-on-seven tournament title.
"Calvin is pretty incredible, isn't he?" the 5-star quarterback said afterward. "He's such a talented receiver. ... I can't wait to get to work with him in Tuscaloosa."
Where He'll Land: Alabama
Ridley committed to Nick Saban along with high school teammate Shawn Burgess-Becker while both attended Alabama's spring game. Florida State and Miami attempted to gain ground with the in-state recruit, but all roads lead to Tuscaloosa for the talented receiver.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:53 am to TideSaint
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7. DE CeCe Jefferson
247Sports' Composite Ranking: No. 2 strong-side defensive end
High School: Baker County (Glen Saint Mary, Florida)
Size: 6'2", 275 lbs
Why He's a 5-star
CeCe Jefferson brings brute force and a nice arsenal of power/finesse pass-rushing moves off the edge. He compiled 40.5 sacks through his first three seasons of high school, per USA Today, though a shoulder injury cost him most of the 2014 campaign.
Jefferson landed on the U.S. Army All-American Bowl roster.
Where He'll Land: Ole Miss
This is a tough one. Florida has made him a top priority through two coaching regimes, but the Gators don't seem nearly as assured of landing Jefferson as earlier in the process.
His visits have included Auburn, Ole Miss, Alabama, Cincinnati and LSU. Our read here is the Rebels narrowly beat out Florida and LSU for his signature.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:54 am to TideSaint
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With just a short time remaining until Wednesday's national signing day, top teams across the country have already done the majority of the legwork that they hope will land their program a top-25 class.
Of course, there are plenty of fireworks reserved for the days leading up to the moment the nation’s top recruits can make their pledges official.
After it suffered a trio of decommitments Jan. 29, there’s some intrigue about whether Alabama can retain its stranglehold on the top spot in the recruiting-class rankings. Schools such as Auburn, Florida State, Texas and USC are among those lurking with a shot to unseat the Crimson Tide.
Which programs make up the nation’s top 25 classes heading into national signing day?
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:55 am to TideSaint
Some Aggies are saying it on the SEC recruiting board. First I've heard of it.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 10:55 am to TideSaint
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1. Alabama
Total Commitments: 23 (six 5-stars, 13 4-stars)
Top Remaining Target: 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson
Best of the Bunch
Nick Saban has the Crimson Tide poised to land its fifth straight top-rated recruiting class, and this one may be the best group he’s landed since arriving in Tuscaloosa.
While that is saying a lot, the Tide have difference-makers across the board, with talents such as 5-star quarterback Blake Barnett, 5-star receiver Calvin Ridley, 5-star corners Kendall Sheffield and Minkah Fitzpatrick, 5-star defensive tackle Daron Payne and 5-star running back Damien Harris.
Saban and his staff may be taking a swing for the fences with Jefferson, but they hope to close strong at the receiver position, with 4-stars Daylon Charlot and K.J. Hill at the top of the list.
Posted on 2/2/15 at 11:53 am to TideSaint
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7 ?@cecejeferson7 Wednesday I will be deciding between Auburn,Ole miss,Florida, or Alabama... Thanks for everything!
Eliminated LSU.
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