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

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Harris to Michigan … wait, what?

Andrew Ellis of 11 Warriors, an Ohio State website, projected Alabama commit Najee Harris to flip from Alabama to Michigan in a recent Crystal Ball prediction on 247sports.com. Where did that come from?

Well, nation’s No. 1 player is visiting the Big House this weekend for the Wolverines’ barbecue. That is a big change of plans from what he told SEC Country a few weeks ago at The Opening. At the time, Harris said he was pretty sure he was done with visits because he had not been around his team much this offseason. But, alas, he’ll be making the trip from Antioch, Calif., to Ann Arbor, Mich., this weekend.

There is some sort of connection to Michigan on Harris’ part, which makes the prediction a little less random.

Jim Harbaugh held a satellite camp at Antioch High School this summer and the coach’s connection to the Bay Area is a strong one. He did coach the San Francisco 49ers and Stanford for several years.

But, according to sources close to the 5-star running back, there’s nothing to worry about when it comes to Harris’ commitment. Now, things could change, and there certainly will be chatter as we get closer to January (Harris is planning to early enroll). Harris’ stance on his commitment to Alabama has always been that he remains 100 percent solid with the Crimson Tide, but obviously, visits to other schools will make fans a bit queasy.

I do think the flip prediction is a bit premature, but again, could this happen in the future? Of course.

Alabama likely to sign top DE target?

I spent Monday in Madison, Ala., which is the home of new Alabama commits Kyriq McDonald and Kendall Randolph. Major target LaBryan Ray also lives in Madison. He happens to be very close to both Randolph and McDonald.

Ray has known those two guys for the majority of his life, and that’s important in his recruitment. Having two of his best friends now committed to Alabama definitely helps the Crimson Tide’s chances of signing the elite defensive linemen.

Both Randolph and McDonald went as far to say they think it would be a major surprise if Ray doesn’t end up in Tuscaloosa with them. Another source close to Ray’s recruitment told SEC Country that Alabama should be considered the favorite right now. Not that it is really a surprise …

JaCoby Stevens note

What a wild recruitment it has been for the 5-star safety. At one point, Stevens was going to Georgia. That was the plan for several months. Then it was Alabama for a couple of weeks. Now, it’s looking like LSU will land his commitment this Monday, according to a source.

As I’ve said for over a month now, Stevens FREQUENTLY changes his mind, and that’s perfectly OK in recruiting, so this recruitment really may not be officially decided until Monday.

It’s also very possible that his commitment Monday won’t be the end of things. He’s already de-committed from LSU once and has shown that his mind changes a lot. Also, the losing schools on Monday won’t stop recruiting him.

New safety target emerging?
Todd Harris, yes, that Todd Harris who held a commitment ceremony at his high school to announce he’s committed to … Plaquemine High School. His coach told SEC Country’s Sam Spiegelman that Harris was announcing his commitment between Alabama, LSU and Ole Miss, only to troll everyone by not committing to any of those schools. Pretty embarrassing on the coach’s part to pull a stunt like this, if you ask me.

But, Harris is planning to make his ACTUAL commitment this month. For the longest time, Harris has been a strong LSU lean. That may change if Stevens does commit to the Tigers on Monday. LSU already has a commitment from 4-star safety Grant Delpit. Will LSU take three safeties? That becomes the question.

If the Tigers will take three safeties, then Harris will likely stay in-state and play for the Tigers. If not, Harris likely becomes the choice at safety for Alabama.

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