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re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:49 pm to TideSaint
Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:49 pm to TideSaint
quote:
It was hot and Mac Jones was travel-weary, but the Alabama quarterback commit couldn't have imagined a better time than he had at his first Crimson Tide football game.
Jones, who committed to Alabama over the summer, got back late to Jacksonville, Fla. after leading Bolles School to a 56-12 win at Lakewood near Tampa, Fla.
From there, he and his family drove to Macon, Ga., where they got a few hours of sleep before reaching Tuscaloosa about 10 a.m. for the 2:30 p.m. kickoff against Western Kentucky. Alabama won 38-10.
"We got there at 10 and people were already tailgating," said Jones, a four-star recruit listed at 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. "It was cool to see that and the Walk of Champions is obviously pretty cool.
"Pregame, being on the field and seeing the stands fill up was awesome. Obviously, it was not as big as an SEC game, but it was still a really cool thing and an awesome atmosphere."
Jones felt like the staff made him a priority on his visit. He met with head coach Nick Saban around 11 a.m., talked to the assistants and was able to say goodbye to Saban following the game.
"They showed us really good hospitality again," Jones said.
Jacksonville, Fla., quarterback Mac Jones goes in depth on his commitment to Alabama
Jones said he hung out a good bit with Cullman offensive lineman Hunter Brannon, an Alabama commitment, and Crimson Tide receiver target Devonta Smith from Amite, La. He also spoke with Seth Williams, a top junior receiver from Paul Bryant High in Tuscaloosa.
Jones thought about making his official visit to Tuscaloosa in two weeks for the Kent State game, but Hurricane Hermine postponed an early-season game to that date. He'll probably make an official visit after the season, but still plans to make unofficial visits to other Alabama home games.
Alabama QB commit Mac Jones actively recruiting others
It's only been a week since Jacksonville, Fla., quarterback Mac Jones committed to Alabama, but the four-star signal caller has already taken on a primary role as a recruiter for this class.
More from Jones on his trip and recruitment
** He said Kentucky, Missouri and Ole Miss are still recruiting him. Jones was committed to Kentucky before flipping to Alabama and a coach was at his team's game Friday at Lakewood
"They just keep in contact," Jones said. "The Kentucky coach was at our game in Tampa because they had a game in Gainesville and they just stopped by.
"I don't think (I'm going to make any visits there). I think I'm just going to try and get back to Alabama."
** Jones wanted to graduate in December, but couldn't get Bolles approval to do so.
"I just have to find a way around it and move on and focus on this year," Jones said. "The second half of my senior year is going to be just like I'm in college working out. They're going to send me all the stuff. It's not going to be as good as being up there, but I'll find my way around it."
** What did Jones think about the play of freshmen quarterbacks Jalen Hurts and Blake Barnett?
"I thought it went pretty well," Jones said. "Coach Saban was a little bit disappointed, obviously, with some of the throws and missing people, but I thought all of the quarterbacks did pretty well. Blake and Hurts work well together, they're both good passers and Jalen does a good job of extending plays and trying to make plays happen when there's nothing there."
** Jones and Bolles face Jackson High from Jacksonville this week in a district game, but a non-district game in two weeks against Jackson from Miami figures to be a tough test. Jackson beat Booker T. Washington of Miami 12-9 earlier this season.
LINK
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Posted on 9/15/16 at 12:50 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Take a look at how AL.com A-Listers performed this week.
Players' college commitments, if applicable, are in parentheses. Stats were obtained by AL.com unless otherwise noted.
1. LaBryan Ray, DL, James Clemens - Ray had 10 tackles, three quarterback hurries and blocked a punt, returning it seven yards for a touchdown in a 21-14 win over Gadsden City.
2. Nico Collins, WR, Clay-Chalkville - Collins was held to just two catches for 22 yards in a 21-14 loss to Pinson Valley.
3. Austin Troxell, OL, Madison Academy - Troxell (Auburn) played left tackle and defensive end. Offense produced 461 yards - 267 rushing and 194 passing. The Mustangs beat Randolph 39-36.
4. Markail Benton, LB, Central-Phenix City - Red Devils and Benton (Alabama) did not play.
5. Ryan Johnson, DL, St. Paul's - Made several key plays near the end of the first half of St. Paul's 32-6 win over Williamson. On first-and-goal from the 2, Johnson tackled Williamson QB Darryl Mitchell for a two-yard loss and then again for a five-yard loss leading to a turnover on downs.
6. Brian Robinson, RB, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa - Robinson (Alabama) finished with 75 yards on 18 rushes with two touchdowns. He also had two receptions for 29 yards. Hillcrest beat Bessemer City 49-13.
7. Will Ignont, LB, Buckhorn - Ignont had 6.5 tackles, one for loss, with six quarterback pressures and one pass deflection. He also carried six times for 24 yards in Buckhorn's 28-14 win over Huntsville.
8. Kendall Randolph, OL, Bob Jones - Randolph (Alabama) and Bob Jones racked up 406 yards in a 48-26 win over Sparkman.
9. Alaric Williams, RB/ATH, Southside-Gadsden - Williams (Auburn) did not play as he is out with a knee injury. Southside lost 35-21 to Pell City.
10. Henry Ruggs III, WR, Lee-Montgomery - Ruggs had three touchdowns, catching two (67, 19 yards) and throwing one, in a 42-14 win over Smiths Station. He caught eight passes for 127 yards, had a 58-yard passing touchdown, had one carry for five yards and a kickoff return for 32 yards.
11. T.D. Moultry, LB, Jackson-Olin - Moultry (Auburn) finished with 10 tackles, including three for a loss and two sacks in Jackson-Olin's 13-12 loss to Homewood. One of the sacks was the fourth-quarter safety.
12. Chadarius Townsend, QB/ATH, Tanner - Tanner (Alabama) had 179 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in a 56-8 win over Winston County, per the Decatur Daily. Passing touchdowns went for 64 and 11 yards and rushing touchdowns went for 22 and 67 yards.
13. Justin Thomas, DL, Spanish Fort - Thomas (LSU) and the Toros shut out Robertsdale 43-0. No stats are yet available.
14. Malcolm Askew, QB/ATH, McAdory - Askew (Auburn) and McAdory beat Paul Bryant 47-13. Askew hit 10 of 15 passes for 195 yards and two scores, with a long of 72. He rushed for 16 yards on six carries. Touchdown passes went for 72 and 30 yards.
15. Neil Farrell, DL, Murphy - Farrell (LSU) had a fairly quiet night in the Panthers' 27-17 loss to Mary G. Montgomery. Farrell knocked down a pass at the line of scrimmage, had two solo tackles, one for a loss and two assists
LINK
Posted on 9/15/16 at 3:10 pm to TideSaint
Recruits Pick the Score:
quote:
Alabama is the unanimous favorite to defeat Ole Miss on Saturday, according to a number of recruits.
Here are the score predictions:
LaBryan Ray, 4-star DE, Madison (Ala.) -- "Bama wins by 3"
Alex Leatherwood, 5-star OT and Bama commit, Pensacola (Fla.) Washington -- 24-14
Tyrell Shavers, 4-star WR and Bama commit, Lewisville (Texas) -- 35-7
Kendall Randolph, 4-star OT and Bama commit, Madison (Ala.) Bob Jones -- 35-14
VanDarius Cowan, 4-star LB and Bama commit, Palm Beach Gardens (Fla.) -- "I just know we are going to win"
Chadarius Townsend, 4-star ATH and Bama commit, Tanner (Ala.) -- 35-21
Elliot Baker, 4-star JUCO OT and Bama commit, City College of San Francisco (Calif.) -- 26-10
Mac Jones, 4-star QB and Bama commit, Jacksonville (Fla.) Bolles -- 31-27
Brandon Ruiz, 3-star K and Bama commit, Gilbert (Ariz.) Williams Field -- 24-13
Ryan Johnson, 4-star DE, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's Episcopal -- 42-21
Malcolm Epps, 2018 4-star TE and Bama commit, Spring (Texas) Dekaney -- 35-14
Allan Walters, 2018 4-star QB, Hightstown (N.J.) The Peddie School -- 45-34
Trey Smith, 5-star OT, Jackson (Tenn.) University -- 35-14
Thomas Fletcher, LS and Bama commit, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy -- 45-31
Isaac Taylor-Stuart, 2018 4-star CB, San Diego (Calif.) St. Augustine -- 45-13
Todd Harris, 4-star S, Plaquemine (La.) -- 42-21
Jamaree Salyer, 2018 5-star OG, Atlanta (Ga.) Pace Academy -- 35-17
Reuben Unije, 2018 4-star OT, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy -- 35-14
This post was edited on 9/15/16 at 3:12 pm
Posted on 9/15/16 at 3:20 pm to TideSaint
We need Askew to make a prediction. We did pretty good when he picked against us 
Posted on 9/15/16 at 3:55 pm to Cobrasize
I'll be interested in his iron bowl prediction
Posted on 9/15/16 at 9:14 pm to TideSaint
Yeah, I've heard nothing new on Coynis Miller.
As far as DL recruiting this year goes, I've heard that there's a DL in Juco that we like even more than Buggs (and don't think it's Tart-Spencer, but maybe it is) that's having a monster start to the season, but haven't been given a name. I know how vague that is, but it's all I know. Supposedly whoever it is is at the top of the DL board.
I've heard enough to get the impression that it would be a surprise if we don't sign a Juco DL this year. According to Rodney Orr, we've made a pretty big move on Buggs in recent weeks. But that important detail about him not visiting us yet is a pretty big stumblingblock in my mind right now.
As far as DL recruiting this year goes, I've heard that there's a DL in Juco that we like even more than Buggs (and don't think it's Tart-Spencer, but maybe it is) that's having a monster start to the season, but haven't been given a name. I know how vague that is, but it's all I know. Supposedly whoever it is is at the top of the DL board.
I've heard enough to get the impression that it would be a surprise if we don't sign a Juco DL this year. According to Rodney Orr, we've made a pretty big move on Buggs in recent weeks. But that important detail about him not visiting us yet is a pretty big stumblingblock in my mind right now.
Posted on 9/15/16 at 9:25 pm to Bama3714
Would love to add at least one quality Juco DT/DE. Seems like we are recruiting well everywhere else.
Posted on 9/15/16 at 9:50 pm to Garfield
Rodney Orr is VERY confident that we'll land a really good DL class. I think he knows a bit more than he's saying. He generally has an extremely good read on how things are going recruiting-wise, so that's pretty reassuring to me.
Right now, I'm counting 5 DL. I think our coaches are counting Jarez Parks at a LB now, but since he's 265, we all know he'll eventually be a DE, so I'll count him as a DL and say we sign 5.
Byers
Ray
Parks
Conliffe/Phidarian Mathis
Juco DL
I'm with TS in that I'd love to keep Sterling, too. Byers' grades will be an issue until the end. Mathis MAY wind up being elite. Sounds like he's REALLY impressing some people. We'll see. I still think that if we decide to push really hard for Ryan Johnson that we'll be tough to beat despite reports that he favors the Barn. Ultimately, Buggs to Bama makes the most logical sense for him (with L5U's struggles ad Miles' uncertainty, our need for DL, and... as odd as this is to say... the Barn's actual depth there).
Right now, I'm counting 5 DL. I think our coaches are counting Jarez Parks at a LB now, but since he's 265, we all know he'll eventually be a DE, so I'll count him as a DL and say we sign 5.
Byers
Ray
Parks
Conliffe/Phidarian Mathis
Juco DL
I'm with TS in that I'd love to keep Sterling, too. Byers' grades will be an issue until the end. Mathis MAY wind up being elite. Sounds like he's REALLY impressing some people. We'll see. I still think that if we decide to push really hard for Ryan Johnson that we'll be tough to beat despite reports that he favors the Barn. Ultimately, Buggs to Bama makes the most logical sense for him (with L5U's struggles ad Miles' uncertainty, our need for DL, and... as odd as this is to say... the Barn's actual depth there).
Posted on 9/16/16 at 9:05 am to Bama3714
quote:
Byers' grades will be an issue until the end. Mathis MAY wind up being elite. Sounds like he's REALLY impressing some people.
According to L5U fans Mathis' grades aren't any better than Byers'.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 9:33 am to TideSaint
Hank South kinda, sorta hinted that Justin Thomas has a committable offer right now, but if he doesn't take it soon he will lose it. 
Posted on 9/16/16 at 9:35 am to TideSaint
quote:
Another guy that picked up an offer in February, four-star Tyler Johnson of Gilbert (Ariz.) Highland tells BamaOnLine he wants to take a visit to Tuscaloosa “ASAP.” While Johnson isn’t the highest tight end on the board, his coach told BOL in February that the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder is a “matchup nightmare,” with some schools looking at him as a defensive end as well.
Tyler Johnson Highlights
This kid is a fricking beast. Go watch his highlights.
This post was edited on 9/16/16 at 9:37 am
Posted on 9/16/16 at 9:38 am to TideSaint
JD Martin, the Class of 2019 prospect I posted about the other day, had this to say about Alabama:
He grew up an Auburn fan FWIW.
quote:
The in-state athlete, who plays quarterback at Wetumpka but likely projects to receiver in college, left Alabama off his list of schools he’d like to hear from.
“I never really had interest in Alabama, but it would still be great to visit them though,” Martin said.
He grew up an Auburn fan FWIW.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 9:56 am to TideSaint
I know a lot of people on this board are already writing Sterling out of this class and that has seemingly caused quite a few people to believe he isn't good enough to play for us. Seeing as he has been a commitment for a very long time, I thought I would remind the board why we took his commitment in the first place. Here is his Junior film:
LINK
He is a ferocious pass rusher playing inside and out. I certainly don't want to lose him and I know plenty of other fans that want to keep him as well.
Again, just thought I would share. RTR.
ETA: I typed this up over on BOL and hit submit for a new thread and my work computer blocked it. I posted it here and then copy/pasted it using my phone so I wouldn't have to type it all out again.
LINK
He is a ferocious pass rusher playing inside and out. I certainly don't want to lose him and I know plenty of other fans that want to keep him as well.
Again, just thought I would share. RTR.
ETA: I typed this up over on BOL and hit submit for a new thread and my work computer blocked it. I posted it here and then copy/pasted it using my phone so I wouldn't have to type it all out again.
This post was edited on 9/16/16 at 10:03 am
Posted on 9/16/16 at 10:21 am to TideSaint
quote:
Another guy that picked up an offer in February, four-star Tyler Johnson of Gilbert (Ariz.) Highland tells BamaOnLine he wants to take a visit to Tuscaloosa “ASAP.” While Johnson isn’t the highest tight end on the board, his coach told BOL in February that the 6-foot-4, 245-pounder is a “matchup nightmare,” with some schools looking at him as a defensive end as well.
I watched his high school lose to Brophy Prep last weekend, wish I had known to watch for him. However, no one stood out as Brophy dominated them 31-0.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 10:34 am to TideSaint
quote:
What’s Alabama doing on the defensive line?
With several key defensive linemen departing Alabama next season — Jonathan Allen, Dalvin Tomlinson and Dakota Ball — and possibly Da’Shawn Hand, the Tide have some obvious concerns in this area.
Even though Hand, a junior, has not produced much for the Tide, he could potentially receive a high draft grade with his upside.
When you combine those subtractions with Alabama only adding two defensive linemen in 2016 (junior college transfer Jamar King and freshman Raekwon Davis), depth is not going to be ideal for the Crimson Tide in 2017.
Major 4-star defensive end target Elijah Conliffe told SEC Country recently that Alabama’s plan is to sign four defensive line prospects in the Class of 2017. The Tide currently have two commitments on the defensive line: 4-star defensive tackle Akial Byers and 3-star defensive end Aaron Sterling.
It’s possible that both of those commitments don’t sign with Alabama come National Signing Day. There are legitimate worries regarding Byers’ academics. According to a source, the Razorbacks didn’t offer Byers, who hails from Fayetteville, Ark., a scholarship because the Hogs believe his academics are a big concern.
Sterling is being strongly pursued by South Carolina and Tennessee. He also doesn’t know if he’ll take an official visit to Alabama. So, yeah, there are concerns with the status of his pledge. Make no mistake about it, though, Sterling is a wanted man by Alabama’s staff.
A big problem for Alabama, though, and for other schools wanting to sign several elite defensive linemen, is that there aren’t as many top recruits as in 2016. This year, there are only five 5-star defensive linemen. There were 10 in 2016.
In order of most confident to least confident, here are the players I think Alabama will sign on the defensive line:
Posted on 9/16/16 at 10:35 am to TideSaint
quote:
Elijah Conliffe, 4-star DE, Hampton, Va.
Conliffe named Alabama his leader this summer after picking up an offer from the Tide at the team’s summer camp. He has continued to favor Alabama and a commitment is likely in the next few months. He told SEC Country he is planning to release a commitment video in October or November. He’s planning to visit Alabama soon. Conliffe hasn’t planned visits to other schools. It would be a shock if he didn’t end up in Alabama’s class.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 10:35 am to TideSaint
quote:
LaBryan Ray, 4-star DE, Madison, Ala.
Ray is good friends with Alabama commits Kyriq McDonald and Kendall Randolph. That only helps the Tide’s chances of landing Ray when he makes his decision. It could happen whenever he makes his official visit to Alabama. Tennessee is Alabama’s biggest competition. But his familiarity with Alabama will likely be too much for Tennessee to overcome.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 10:35 am to TideSaint
quote:
Akial Byers, 4-star DT, Fayetteville, Ark.
As mentioned above, there are concerns about whether he’ll qualify. If he does, he’ll stay in Alabama’s class.
Posted on 9/16/16 at 10:36 am to TideSaint
quote:
Phidarian Mathis, 4-star DT, Neville, La.
Alabama is in daily contact with Mathis, via defensive line coach Karl Dunbar and wide receivers coach Billy Napier. He’s visited Tuscaloosa more than three times and has no problem leaving Louisiana to play college football. He’s quiet when it comes to his recruitment, but he loves Alabama, and the staff loves him.
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