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re: Class of 2016 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Waiting On Demetris Robertson Edition
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:41 am to TideSaint
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:41 am to TideSaint
quote:
ATH Mecole Hardman Jr.
High School: Elbert County (Elberton, Georgia)
Size: 5'10", 169 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 athlete; No. 21 overall
Mecole Hardman Jr. is among the most scintillating prospects in this cycle, capable of changing momentum with huge plays as a cornerback or wide receiver. He also impresses as a kick returner, an element of his skill set that was on display during U.S. Army All-American Bowl action.
A versatile game helped him secure more than 30 scholarship offers.
Leader: Alabama Crimson Tide
Hardman named the national champions his outright leader earlier this month, according to Drew Champlin of AL.com. Alabama has been ardent in its chase for the Peach State prospect, and the addition of former Georgia Bulldogs defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt further enhances head coach Nick Saban's sales pitch.
"Right now, they're standing out to me the most and I'm putting them at the top," Hardman told Champlin. "Just the tradition and program, with Coach (Nick) Saban there, Coach Pruitt there, I feel like the program can go up from where they're at."
Wild Card: Georgia Bulldogs
Hardman, who already took official visits to Michigan and Miami, plans to spend time at Ohio State and TCU before signing day, per Bleacher Report's Damon Sayles. It's hard to get a read on how the home-state Bulldogs factor into things following a coaching change.
He may be the most difficult homegrown talent for Kirby Smart to land down the stretch, and those counting on school location to serve as a paramount factor could ultimately be in for a surprise. His willingness to explore locations as far as Ann Arbor and Fort Worth further enforce this line of thought.
"A lot of people think I'm going to Georgia because I'm from the home state. It can go both ways," Hardman told Champlin.
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Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:43 am to TideSaint
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LB Lyndell Wilson
High School: Carver (Montgomery, Alabama)
Size: 6'2", 220 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 outside linebacker; No. 13 overall
Lyndell Wilson, the first of two Alabama linebackers on this list, enjoyed a career-best campaign in 2015. He collected 115 tackles—18 for loss—and five sacks as a senior, according to MaxPreps, earning consideration as a finalist for the Butkus Award, handed out annually to the country's premier high school linebacker.
Leader: Florida Gators
Wilson identified Florida as his favorite midway through the season, and the Gators are now set up to host his final official visit of an expansive recruiting process.
"When I took my visit this summer, I felt the coaches' vibe and I saw how the players and the coaches bond together," he told Drew Champlin of AL.com in October. "I did a lot of background checks on Florida and what they had in what I want to major in."
Commitments from Antonio Nelson and Jeawon Taylor, who are friends of Wilson's and from the Montgomery area, should benefit Florida.
Wild Card: Alabama Crimson Tide
The loss of defensive coordinator Kirby Smart removes an Alabama asset from this pursuit and provides Georgia with a boost. Still, Wilson is no stranger to Jeremy Pruitt and plans to visit Tuscaloosa again this month.
Alabama is coming off its fourth national championship victory in seven years and has been a factor in Wilson's recruitment since its conception. Don't underestimate head coach Nick Saban's ability to win an SEC turf war even when another program appears to be in better position.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:44 am to TideSaint
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LB Ben Davis
High School: Gordo (Gordo, Alabama)
Size: 6'3", 240 lbs
247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 1 inside linebacker; No. 12 overall
Ben Davis, another 2015 finalist for the Butkus Award, starred at linebacker and tight end during his high school career. He's physically larger than most 2016 contemporaries at the position and displays enough athleticism to play in a variety of defensive roles.
Leader: Alabama Crimson Tide
His father, Wayne Davis, is Alabama's all-time tackles leader. Even though Ben Davis has made it a point to explore several alternative options, it's difficult to envision him turning down the opportunity to carry a linebacker legacy in Tuscaloosa.
Probably more familiar with the Crimson Tide program than any other Alabama recruiting target, he'll return to town yet again for an official visit in January.
Wild Card: Georgia Bulldogs
Davis built his recruiting plan based on relationships with coaches, and the arrival of Kirby Smart in Athens bodes well for the Bulldogs. Auburn, LSU and Notre Dame are also vying to land the Alabama legacy, but it's Georgia that may have the best shot.
He thoroughly enjoyed a midseason official visit to campus and didn't rule out the possibility of returning before signing day, though time is running out.
"I think [Smart] being at Georgia is a really great thing because he is a great coach and will do a good job wherever he is at," Davis told Bleacher Report. "Me and Coach Smart have a great relationship."
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:46 am to TideSaint
Free Bleacher Report Content
quote:
After thorough study using specific scoring criteria, Bleacher Report recruiting analysts Damon Sayles, Sanjay Kirpalani and Tyler Donohue have graded the top 200 players in the 247Sports Composite Rankings and provided in-depth analysis. As the summer camp circuit comes to a close, Bleacher Report provides a position-by-position breakdown of the best college football recruits. Today, we present the Overall Top 200.
When it comes to impact playmakers on both sides of the ball, the 2016 class is loaded with premier prospects capable of making their presence known as soon as the upcoming season.
From 5-star recruits such as defensive tackle Rashan Gary to Georgia quarterback commit Jacob Eason, there are a handful of elite talents expected to see the field early in their careers.
Additionally, the players who make up the nation’s Top 200 prospects are scattered from coast to coast. However, California, Georgia and Texas each have four prospects who have earned a 5-star rating—which rates among the nation’s best in that category.
This list provides a glimpse of college football's future stars and how they've arrived at this point. Continue on for our review of the rankings, complete with individual grades and insight on each prospect.
Be sure to sound off in the comments below with your thoughts on overall rankings, scores and recruit projections.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:47 am to TideSaint
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195. 4-star QB Jalen Hurts, Channelview High School (Channelview, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Enrolled at Alabama
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:47 am to TideSaint
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171. 4-star ILB Jaquan Yulee, Indian River High School (Chesapeake, Virginia)
Bleacher Report Score: 91/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, UNC and Virginia Tech
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:48 am to TideSaint
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164. 4-star WR Ahmmon Richards, Wellington High School (West Palm Beach, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Miami and Tennessee
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:48 am to TideSaint
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158. 4-star OG Chris Owens, Lamar High School (Arlington, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Enrolled at Alabama
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:48 am to TideSaint
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148. 4-star OG Deonte Brown, Austin High School (Decatur, Alabama)
Bleacher Report Score: 88/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:49 am to TideSaint
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144. 4-star DT Michail Carter, Jackson High School (Jackson, Georgia)
Bleacher Report Score: 92/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Georgia Tech
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:50 am to TideSaint
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127. 4-star WR Keith Gavin, Wakulla High School (Crawfordville, Florida)
Bleacher Report Score: 87/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama and Florida State
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:50 am to TideSaint
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122. 4-star ILB Dontavious Jackson, Alief Elsik High School (Houston, Texas)
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Recruitment Status: Considering Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Michigan and Texas
Posted on 1/15/16 at 12:51 am to TideSaint
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111. 4-star ATH Trevon Diggs, The Avalon School (Rockville, Maryland)
Bleacher Report Score: 89/100
Recruitment Status: Committed to Alabama
Posted on 1/15/16 at 1:07 am to TideSaint
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91. 4-star RB BJ Emmons
Height/Weight: 5’10”, 232 lbs
High School: Freedom High School (Morganton, North Carolina)
247Sports Ranking: No. 3 RB, No. 91 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 90/100
Committed to Alabama on July 20, 2015
After decommitting from an early pledge to Georgia in June, 4-star rusher B.J. Emmons cast his lot with fellow SEC power Alabama a month later.
The Under Armour All-American enjoyed a monster 2015 season, rushing for 2,417 yards and 36 touchdowns. Emmons fits the mold of power backs Tide head coach Nick Saban has managed to sign since his arrival in Tuscaloosa.
Bleacher Report Analysis
From a physical standpoint, there aren’t many backs as impressive as Emmons. At 232 pounds, he has the speed to run away from defensive backs.
He’s a load to bring down in the open field when he gets a head of steam, and he’s adept at getting bunches of yards after contact.
There may be an adjustment for Emmons in developing as a receiver at the next level, but he has a package of skills that are an intriguing fit with the Tide’s power ground attack.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 1:07 am to TideSaint
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87. 4-star DT Raekwon Davis
Height/Weight: 6'6 ½", 327 lbs
High School: Meridian High School (Meridian, Mississippi)
247Sports Ranking: No. 12 DT, No. 87 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Alabama on Aug. 11, 2014
Alabama loves having the biggest, toughest defensive linemen. Raekwon Davis can be a player who definitely falls in that category. A tower of an athlete, Davis chose the Crimson Tide over offers from in-state schools Ole Miss and Mississippi State, among others.
With the Crimson Tide fresh off winning a national championship, you can bet Davis has aspirations of being in the same scenario as the defensive linemen who won a national title on Jan. 11. Davis showed his potential at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Davis is a physically imposing athlete who has gotten bigger and more polished since the spring. Although his size will be the first thing many notice, his motor will attract college scouts. He also has good length and uses it well against offensive linemen.
Davis has a lot of fun when he's playing the game, but he knows how to turn the intensity on at the right times. His intensity is infectious, and he can be a leader on a team who thrives on each play. Davis can be a dominant college defensive lineman with the right tutelage.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 1:09 am to TideSaint
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77. 4-star DE Terrell Hall
Height/Weight: 6'5", 250 lbs
High School: St. John's College High School (Washington, D.C.)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 WDE; No. 77 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Maryland, UCLA, Ole Miss and Penn State
Since the spring, Terrell Hall has watched his recruiting stock rise significantly. He went from a top-150 player to a top-80 player in the 2016 class, and he's now up to 32 reported offers. The former Ohio State commitment is now looking for a college home.
Hall visited Florida State in December, and he has January official visits set up to UCLA, Alabama and Ole Miss. Maryland is another that Hall is considering.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Hall's length is an asset, but it's his overall versatility that makes him an intriguing player at the next level. He has good instincts and plays with solid pad level.
Hall uses his height and lateral movement to disrupt offenses. He is quick off the ball and seems to be around the ball every play.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 1:10 am to TideSaint
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73. 4-star DT Kendell Jones
Height/Weight: 6'5", 375 lbs
High School: Shoemaker High School (Killeen, Texas)
247Sports Ranking: No. 10 DT; No. 73 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 93/100
Committed to Alabama on May 22, 2015
Alabama has been a program that produces quality defensive lineman, and Kendell Jones Jr. could be the next big thing—emphasis on "big." Nicknamed "Hulk," Jones is a massive athlete who wears 375 pounds as well as any athlete at any classification.
Jones verbally committed to Alabama on May 22. He chose the Crimson Tide over Texas, LSU and several other schools.
Bleacher Report Analysis
You can't coach size, and Jones has more than enough size for Alabama to work with. He is a load to defend going half speed, let alone full speed, as he is a naturally strong, deceptively quick athlete. Physically, he's gifted, but he's also someone with a high ceiling for next-level competition.
When Jones is locked in, he's extremely difficult to contain as a defensive tackle. Alabama could be the program that gets the most out of Jones to where he is nearly unblockable in the SEC.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 1:11 am to TideSaint
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64. 4-star S Nigel Warrior
Height/Weight: 6'0", 186 lbs
High School: Peachtree Ridge High School (Suwanee, Georgia)
247Sports Ranking: No. 4 S; No. 64 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 94/100
Uncommitted: Considering Tennessee, LSU, Alabama and Georgia
The month of January will be huge for Nigel Warrior, as he will take visits to LSU, Alabama and Tennessee. The son of former NFL defensive back Dale Carter, Warrior is an athlete who can play either safety or cornerback but is more comfortable at the former.
Warrior has nearly 30 reported offers from coast to coast, and the school that lands him will get a playmaker in the secondary. Tennessee is hoping Warrior follows in his father's footsteps.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Warrior has been groomed to be a standout defensive back, someone who can play every position in the secondary. He is a safety who relies on his instincts to make plays. He rarely makes the same mistake twice.
Warrior tackles well, but he also has shown himself as a sound cover defender. He holds his own in running plays, and he's a reliable defender in passing situations.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 1:11 am to TideSaint
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57. 4-star WR AJ Brown
Height/Weight: 6'1", 220 lbs
High School: Starkville High School (Starkville, Mississippi)
247Sports Ranking: No. 5 wide receiver; No. 57 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Contenders include Alabama, Cal, Mississippi State and Ole Miss
This looks like a three-way SEC showdown for A.J. Brown's signature. The in-state Rebels and Bulldogs both extended offers early in his junior season, when Alabama also entered the equation.
Cal is a potential outlier contender to watch here. The Golden Bears are expected to host him for a visit in January, according to Chad Simmons of Scout.com.
Bleacher Report Analysis
There's a meanness to his game that's both refreshing and effective. Brown batters defensive backs off the snap, creating breathing room for himself by quickly dispatching opponents who attempt to press him.
Brown matches a formidable frame with above-average acceleration, becoming a ferocious runner in the open field following receptions. He caught 135 passes for 2,390 yards and 29 scores as an upperclassman.
Posted on 1/15/16 at 1:12 am to TideSaint
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54. 4-star CB Nigel Knott
Height/Weight: 5'11", 175 lbs
High School: Germantown High School (Madison, Mississippi)
247Sports Ranking: No. 6 CB; No. 54 overall
Bleacher Report Score: 95/100
Uncommitted: Considering Alabama, Oregon, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Florida State and LSU
After a couple of commitment-announcement postponements, Nigel Knott is inching closer to making a decision. He has close to 30 reported offers, and one of the schools from the state of Mississippi is hoping to keep him close to home.
Knott is one of those players who defines athleticism. He's shown his worth with speed, leaping ability and agility on and off the football field. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.3 seconds and recorded a 46.5-inch vertical jump at The Opening.
Bleacher Report Analysis
Knott is an outstanding athlete who uses his quickness, change of direction and recovery speed to be a reliable shutdown defender. He is one of the nation's fastest players, and because of his speed, he rarely gets beaten deep in one-on-one situations.
Along with his coverage skills, Knott is a sound tackler. Because of his athleticism, he has the potential to score starter's minutes early in his college career.
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