re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

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Flip on the way?

Texas tight end 3-star commit Major Tennison will visit Alabama on July 21. It’s very possible Tennison ends up flipping his commitment that day.

One source close to the Alabama program told SEC Country that the recruitment of Tennison has picked up so much so that he’s now believed to be the top tight end target for the Crimson Tide.

The 6-foot-6, 245-pound prospect is expected to bring along his family on the trip.

Zech Byrd, a 3-star tight end from Millbrook, Ala., was thought to be an Alabama lock, but a source told SEC Country that his brother, who is a Gators fan, has been trying to get Zech to Florida.

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HOOVER, Ala. -- A pair of Alabama seniors provided some high praise for the Crimson Tide’s freshmen that were a part of the team’s top-ranked recruiting class for 2016. On Wednesday at SEC Media Days, tight end O.J. Howard and safety Eddie Jackson revealed several names of newly-enrolled freshmen that have caught his attention this offseason.

“I would say Shyheim and A-Ron, those two guys,” Jackson said, praising a couple of freshmen defensive backs Wednesday morning. “They take coaching, they come in and compete, they play fast.”

Cornerbacks Shyheim Carter and Aaron Robinson caught the senior safety’s eye during the team’s 7-on-7 drills this summer. Carter has worked at safety, Star and cornerback, Jackson said in an interview at the Wynfrey Hotel.

Jackson, as well as Howard, had positive things to say about four-star wide receiver Trevon Diggs. Jackson said the Maryland native is “really taking the weight room seriously,” and Howard was impressed by his receiving ability.

“Trevon Diggs,” Howard said when asked who has stood out on offense. “He has speed, good hands, runs good routes.”

Howard also shared that monster defensive tackle signee Raekwon Davis has stood out on the defensive side of the ball.

“His size, athleticism,” Howard said of Davis, who stands at 6-foot-7, 315 pounds. “He’s been standing out to me.”

Overall, Alabama’s 2016 freshman class has done all of the right things in its first steps on campus, per Jackson.

“A lot of the freshmen, they come in with the right mindset,” Jackson said. “Everyone takes coaching and advice. … They don’t get the big head and feel sorry for themselves.”

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Alabama commitment Alex Leatherwood has earned his fifth star by 247Sports.


While the Pensacola (Fla.) Washington product was already a 247Sports Composite five-star, the Tide commit impressed greatly at The Opening last week in Oregon.


“It means a lot to me to be named a 247 five-star,” Leatherwood told BamaOnLine. “Only 32 players in the country get this honor so it means my hard work and talents have been evaluated to be of the best of the best. I want to give thanks to the entire 247 staff and a special thanks to Barton Simmons.”


The elite offensive tackle committed to Alabama upon receiving an offer in the summer of 2015. The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder also played a big role in the nation’s top JUCO tackle, Elliot Baker, committing to UA last month.


Of his performance at The Opening, 247Sports’ Luke Stampini named Leatherwood the Alpha Dog of the Sunshine State:


“Alabama commit Alex Leatherwood proved to he was of the nation’s top offensive tackles and certainly worthy of a five-star ranking,” Stampini wrote. “The 6-foot-6, 327-pound prospect played with great power and mobility while showing off a nasty disposition as well. From start to finish, the Pensacola (Fla.) Washington star was the top overall performer from the Sunshine State at The Opening Finals.”


Leatherwood is the second Tide commitment to earn a fifth star, joining Najee Harris.


He is rated the No. 4 offensive tackle and the No. 7 overall player in the country

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