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

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Alabama is looking to add at least one more linebacker to its 2017 class that currently sits at three. One of the top targets on the board is Jacob Phillips, a four-star prospect from Nashville (Tenn.) East Nashville Magnet School.

The Volunteer State 'backer was set to officially visit Tuscaloosa this weekend for the Kent State game, but after canceling a visit to LSU, Phillips will officially visit for the Kentucky game on Oct. 1, according to 247Sports' Tom Loy.

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What Sterling’s de-commitment means for Alabama

For months now, I have been hinting at what was bound to happen sooner rather than later. But now, I no longer have to hint at it because it finally happened. Aaron Sterling de-committed from Alabama.

Sterling, a 3-star defensive end from Tucker (Ga.) High School, decided to reopen his recruitment following a visit to North Carolina State over the weekend. Sterling wasn’t 100 percent solid with his commitment for several months now and had recently told SEC Country he was being pursued harder by South Carolina and Tennessee than Alabama. He was also unsure if he was going to take an official visit to the school that received his commitment. The signs for what happened Sunday were all there.

Now, I know some people are going to yawn over this and say, “Move on. Alabama will just replace the 3-star with a 5-star.” What I can tell you is that Alabama will likely not be adding any 5-star defensive lineman in the Class of 2017 unless there is a rankings update. Also, Sterling was coveted by the Crimson Tide staff. Both outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi and defensive line coach Karl Dunbar wanted Sterling to stick with his commitment. The staff members felt that Sterling’s 3-star ranking was not accurate of how he plays and what they project him to be when he gets to college.

So, this is a loss for Alabama. Sterling and his family declined interview requests from SEC Country, so it’s unclear just why he decided to reopen his recruitment on Sunday and what the main reason was.

Some fans believed Georgia was going to be the reason why he de-committed. Sterling had flirted with the Bulldogs for several months, but the recruit told me a few weeks ago that Georgia had pretty much ended its recruitment of him. I expect one of these three teams will land him: South Carolina, Tennessee or North Carolina State.

Alabama’s need of defensive linemen in the Class of 2017 is arguably the team’s biggest priority so expect the defensive staff to continue recruiting numerous targets over the next several months.

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How Alabama targets fared over the weekend

Last week, Alabama’s top two offensive skill commits put up video game numbers. Five-star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and 5-star running back Najee Harris combined for 806 yards and 12 touchdowns. Both had impressive weeks once again, but the difficulty level on that video game may have been raised.

This week, Tagovailoa had 273 passing yards and 2 touchdowns on 22 of 36 pass attempts. He also added 42 rushing yards. Harris, once again, showed why he is rated the nation’s No. 1 overall player. He ran for 261 yards on 17 carries while adding 4 touchdowns. Both players led their teams to victories.
Other noteworthy performances from commits:

• Dameon Pierce, a 2018 4-star running back from Bainbridge (Ga.) High School, rushed for 118 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries.

• Brian Robinson, a 2017 4-star running back from Hillcrest High School (Tuscaloosa, Ala.), rushed for 64 yards and added a touchdown.

• Gary Johnson, a 2017 4-star linebacker from Dodge City (Kan.) Community College, racked up 10 tackles, 1 sack and 1 forced fumble.

• Jerry Jeudy, a 2017 4-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach (Fla.) High School, caught 2 touchdown passes. SEC Country was at his game Friday night. Check out Jeudy’s incredible footwork in both of his touchdown receptions.

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Perhaps this is the guy Bama3714?

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Sup Javon

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I am hearing 5-star running back Cam Akers visit to Ole Miss on Saturday could not have gone much better, other than the outcome of the game. Akers, I am told, made several comments that his presence in the Ole Miss offense could have made a difference in the outcome. It is positive that Cam is seeing things that way. I am also told he has developed very, very close relationships with Ole Miss commits Willie Gay and D.D. Bowie and some other Mississippi kids already on the roster. I am told it is an all-in effort on the part of those recruits, current Ole Miss players and the staff to get Cam to Oxford. The conversations between Cam and the Ole Miss coaches following the game, I am told, were "excellent," and about as good as Ole Miss could have hoped for. The biggest thing I think you can carry from this is that Cam sees and understands the difference he can make in Ole Miss' fortunes. I am told that excites him a little bit. There has been some stuff out there that he was a little concerned about the Rebels' running philosophy, and I believe that is true, but it looks like he has another perspective, as well.

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