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re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 9/30/16 at 11:55 am to Buckeye06
Posted on 9/30/16 at 11:55 am to Buckeye06
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Alabama is on the hunt for its seventh straight recruiting championship. Join us here on SEC Country for a daily recap of Alabama recruiting news, insight on what’s happening behind the scenes, and for a glimpse at what’s coming next.
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Posted on 9/30/16 at 11:55 am to TideSaint
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McDonald remains locked in with Alabama
Kyriq McDonald torched Clay-Chalkville this past Friday, scoring 3 touchdowns in front of his future coaches at Alabama. Offensive line coach Mario Cristobal and defensive line coach Karl Dunbar were in attendance to see McDonald score on a kickoff return, interception return and long touchdown run in his team’s win.
The miraculous part about McDonald’s recruitment is that he’s somehow only ranked as the nation’s No. 53 cornerback and only the No. 29 player in the state of Alabama.
Yet, Alabama saw something in McDonald’s game that many other schools didn’t see, which is why it made him a priority this summer and why he ultimately committed to the Tide.
Each time I’ve seen McDonald play in person, he’s made play after play. He also doesn’t understand why the recruiting services have listed him as a 3-star prospect and not among the nation’s top corners.
“I’d rather be under-looked than overlooked,” McDonald told SEC Country. “I’ve been feeling like I’m a good ballplayer and I can ball anywhere since I can remember. It’s not a surprise to see myself where I am today.”
McDonald committed to Alabama in early August, and he won’t be wavering on his commitment despite his desire to take all five of his official visits. He will take an official visit to Alabama and possibly California or UCLA. He hasn’t decided which California school he’d like to see. McDonald also hasn’t considered the other schools he’ll check out.
Sometimes when commits talk about visiting other schools, it means they may be rethinking their commitment. McDonald is not one of those commits.
“It’s straight Alabama from here on out,” McDonald said. “They’re still recruiting me very hard. They send me messages every single day. All of the coaches keep in touch with me.”
When Alabama accepted his commitment, the coaching staff told him he should expect to play virtually every position in the secondary — free and strong safety, nickelback and cornerback.
He doesn’t have a preference on which position he’d like to play in college, but if he did have his choice, he wouldn’t even play defense.
“Shoot, if I had my choice, I would play offense because I like the ball in my hands,” McDonald said. “I just love making plays.”
Alabama got a steal in McDonald. It won’t be a surprise at all to see him making big-time plays for the Crimson Tide for years to come.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 11:56 am to TideSaint
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Previewing this weekend’s official visitors
Dylan Moses, 5-star LB, Bradenton, Fla. — There will be no one recruit on campus Saturday that is more important than Moses. The nation’s No. 1 outside linebacker has been on Alabama’s radar since he was in the eighth grade. The Tide have at one point been the leader in the clubhouse for his commitment, but that has since changed. Alabama is definitely a serious player to land his commitment when he announces at the Under Armour All-American game, but Moses’ recent moves suggest he’s doing everything possible to allow LSU to get his signature. LSU has been the presumed favorite in his recruitment ever since he became a national recruit in eighth grade. He’s from Baton Rouge, La., and practically grew up on the Tigers’ campus. Things have changed a bit, though, now that Les Miles was fired by the school. The 5-star prospect is very close with Miles. Now that he’s no longer LSU’s coach, this presents a serious opportunity for any school to get in the mix for Moses.
Jacob Phillips, 4-star LB, Nashville, Tenn. — Phillips is an interesting recruit to keep an eye on this weekend because he’s expected to announce his commitment next month. There was serious momentum flowing in Alabama’s direction this summer, and it seemed likely he was going to end up in the Tide’s class. Alabama still is a serious player in his recruitment, but Oklahoma and Oregon have snatched some of that momentum. With a great visit, the Tide have a great chance to seize control of Phillips’ recruitment and land his commitment next month. Alabama has three linebacker commitments, and he could possibly be the next one.
Robert Beal, 4-star DE, Bradenton, Fla. — Beal is listed as a defensive end by every recruiting service, but Alabama is recruiting him to play JACK, which is a hybrid of outside linebacker and defensive end. It’s a similar position to what Tim Williams plays for the Tide. Beal committed to Georgia this summer, and Alabama could be considered the runner-up in his decision. For part of the summer, Beal committing to Alabama seemed like a certainty. It’s unclear why Alabama fell off a bit for Beal. The Tide are still recruiting him, but it’s unlikely he’s going to flip his commitment.
Thomas Fletcher, 2-star LS, Bradenton, Fla. — Fletcher is the only Alabama commitment who will be taking an official visit to Tuscaloosa this weekend. This will be Fletcher’s only official visit, as his recruitment is over. He is expected to be an early enrollee and will be on campus this January for spring practice. It’s rare to see long snappers receive a ranking by scouting services, but Fletcher is widely considered the best at the position in the 2017 class. For Alabama to use a scholarship on a long snapper, you know Nick Saban is excited about Fletcher’s skills.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 12:06 pm to TideSaint
I just started two threads on the Rant that should be some fun reading for the afternoon. 
Posted on 9/30/16 at 12:08 pm to TideSaint
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FARRELL'S VIEW: MARVIN WILSON
Farrell’s view: This is an interesting question because our No. 1 player is a running back and teams can certainly rely on a back to win it all (Derrick Henry last year). However, while I like Najee Harris better than any running back since Leonard Fournette, running backs rely upon the offensive line. If you have a great line, you have a great back. If your line is average, he could struggle.
With that being said you’d think I’d then go with an offensive lineman, especially an elite blindside protector such as our No. 3 player, Foster Sarell. Wrong. While I like Sarell quite a bit, I’m still not convinced he’s the No. 1 player at his position and I’m more of a defensive guy overall. That’s why I’m going with Marvin Wilson, our No. 2 player and a defensive tackle.
Why Wilson?
First and foremost I love his work ethic and motor, two things that are very hard to teach defensive tackles. Last year we saw similar traits in Rashan Gary and Dexter Lawrence, who finished 1-2 in our final rankings, and we see the impact they are already having in college. Throw in Ed Oliver, who has made such a different for the Houston defense, and you can see the immediate impact a great defensive tackle can have.
Defensive tackles like Wilson, who can stuff the run, push the pocket, shoot the gap and run plays down, are rare and do so much to free up the rest of the front seven. They can even change an offensive gameplan if they are good enough. The quarterback is the most important position on any team, I’m not debating that, but having an elite defensive tackle can be every bit as important.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 12:17 pm to TideSaint
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OT Isaiah Wilson
The situation: Not much has changed in Wilson's recruitment lately as he is laser focused on his season. He has official visits set up to Alabama for the Iron Bowl the weekend of Nov. 25. Wilson will take his official visit to Florida State on Nov. 11 for the Boston College game. Michigan will host Wilson for his official visit on Nov. 18 for the Indiana game. He is scheduled to announce his commitment at the Under Armour All-America Game in early January.
The frontrunner: Michigan
Michigan gained some momentum when he was in Ann Arbor right before the season started. That being his last unofficial visit, Michigan seems to hold a slight edge here. There is a long way to go before Wilson figures out which school he will choose, but right now the Wolverines are in good position.
Other option: Alabama
The Crimson Tide have been big-time contenders for Wilson ever since they offered him. He's taken multiple visits to Tuscaloosa and continues to maintain strong relationships with the coaches, players, and recruits. That visit for the Iron Bowl could end up sealing the deal for Alabama.
But don't count out: FSU, Georgia, and USC
With that official visit set up to Florida State and potential official visits to Georgia and USC in December, Wilson has plenty of good options to choose from. All three will likely have a chance to jump up Wilson's leaderboard, but they will have to blow Wilson away when given the opportunity.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 12:18 pm to TideSaint
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S Devon Hunter
The situation: Hunter's recruitment, like Wilson's, hasn't changed much since the season started either. He was supposed to visit Auburn last weekend for the LSU game but had to cancel those plans. Hunter wants to take official visits to Notre Dame, Tennessee, and Michigan (possibly for the Wisconsin game on Oct. 1) but those aren't locked in just yet. He still plans on announcing his commitment right before Christmas.
The frontrunner: Virginia Tech
Even though Virginia Tech lost to Tennessee in the Battle at Bristol, the Hokies are still the likely landing spot for Hunter. The coaches, alumni, current players, and recruits have made him fell like a major priority. Hunter's relative silence in the media after his last visit to Blacksburg should be viewed as a good sign for the Hokies.
Other option: Florida
Florida has overcome worse odds to land recruits in the past. Torrian Gray's relationship with Hunter, his family, and his trainers carries a lot of weight, but the Gators need to take their recruiting efforts with Hunter to the next level. It's important for Florida to get Hunter back on campus before his commitment date.
But don't count out: North Carolina, Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee
North Carolina built a lot of momentum in Hunter's recruitment this offseason, but it seems to have slowed again. Just like Florida, North Carolina needs to get Hunter back on campus. Auburn, Michigan, Notre Dame, and Tennessee remain in the mix but will need visits to get them the boosts they need if they hope to get Hunter's commitment.
Not having us mentioned at all is stupid. Hank South thinks we are in it more for Hunter than Todd Harris at this point.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 1:20 pm to TideSaint
Are Phillips, Allen and Moses all being recruited as outside LB?
I also think Parks will move to DE.
I also think Parks will move to DE.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 1:23 pm to TideSaint
One thing very important to note about Beal's visit is that he contacted us and renewed the interest himself. That one is starting to heat up again. He's been Pruitt's #1 Jack target all along through the process (since we recently got in on Parks, I'm not sure that that has changed or not). We have a legit shot with Beal and our staff would consider signing him to be a coup.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 2:42 pm to TideSaint
You do love punching them in the mouth don't you, LOL.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 2:42 pm to BIGJLAW
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You do love punching them in the mouth don't you, LOL.
Yep.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 2:45 pm to TideSaint
Of course they are easily gullible and fall every time so it's like a game.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 3:06 pm to BIGJLAW
It's Friday afternoon and I'm bored so it's a good time to fish.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 3:09 pm to TideSaint
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Welcome in to the Alabama recruiting mailbag, I am your letter-opener Chris Kirschner.
Questions for the mailbag were submitted to me via my Twitter account, which you can follow here. If you didn’t get a chance to submit your question for this edition of the mailbag, you still can send me questions for future editions by tweeting me or emailing me at chriskajc@gmail.com.
There were A LOT of good questions this week, so let’s dig in.
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Posted on 9/30/16 at 3:09 pm to TideSaint
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Where do you think Blake Barnett ends up?
(From @footballfanrecc)
Nick Saban confirmed on his radio show Thursday night that former 5-star quarterback recruit Blake Barnett has withdrawn from Alabama.
Lots of fans sent Barnett hate for his decision due to the timing of the quarterback’s decision. We now know why Barnett decided to transfer at this point. He is going to take advantage of a loophole in the NCAA transfer rules, which allows him to attend a junior college then pending his GPA for the term is over 2.5 and he graduates, he’d be eligible to play at his next 4-year university one calendar year from when he transferred from Alabama. We usually hear college football players having to sit an entire year when they request a transfer, but Barnett is going around that with this loophole.
After Barnett finishes his time at his junior college of choice, the question obviously becomes where will he land? Barnett will assuredly be one of the most sought-after transfers.
With him being from the West coast, I do think that’s where he’s going to wind up. I’ll give you my top two choices for him: Oregon and UCLA.
The Ducks were actually the favorites to land his commitment when he chose the Tide back in 2014. Barnett believed he fit Oregon’s scheme well at the time, and the good news for him is that it hasn’t changed much. Oregon will be looking for a starting quarterback in 2017 as quarterback Dakota Prukop, an FCS transfer will have graduated. The Ducks currently have a true freshman quarterback on campus in Justin Herbert. He’d likely be the favorite to be the next starting quarterback for Oregon.
UCLA already has one of the best quarterbacks in college football and possibly the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft in Josh Rosen. But the school is close to Barnett’s home in Corona, Calif. The Bruins were the first team to offer Barnett as a recruit, but would he want to wait a year and sit behind Rosen? It appears as if Barnett, who transferred because of playing time, wants to play immediately.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 3:10 pm to TideSaint
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With Les Miles getting fired from LSU, who do you now see filling out Alabama’s class?
(From @JOSHB_52)
My prediction for who Alabama signs has not changed even after the firing of Les Miles. Alabama currently has 20 commitments, and the following players are who I expect to round out the class: 5-star Ohio State cornerback commit Shaun Wade and 4-stars in DE LaBryan Ray, DE/DT Elijah Conliffe, DT Phidarian Mathis, JACK Jarez Parks, OT Isaiah Wilson, TE Major Tennison, S Todd Harris and WRs Henry Ruggs and Devonta Smith.
That’s 30 commitments. The numbers are going to be sorted out later but Alabama is in good position to sign all of those guys.
Posted on 9/30/16 at 3:11 pm to TideSaint
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Who is more likely to sign with Alabama: Jedrick Wills or Marvin Wilson?
(From @rburn20)
Alabama has lost some steam with both Wills, the 4-star offensive tackle from Lexington, Ky., and Wilson, the 5-star defensive tackle from Bellaire, Texas. But this question is very easy to answer.
Alabama is more likely to sign Wills.
I’ve stated for some time now that it’s highly unlikely Wilson is in Alabama’s recruiting class. If Bo Davis was still coaching the defensive line, it’s possible Wilson would have even favored Alabama by now. After Karl Dunbar took over for Davis, he had a big hole to climb out of because he had no relationship with Wilson.
It should also be noted that multiple sources from the Alabama program have told SEC Country that Wilson is not the team’s top target at defensive tackle. That would be 4-star Aubrey Solomon from Leesburg, Ga.
Alabama knows that Wilson is unlikely to choose the Tide, so it is not going all out in their pursuit for him.
As for Wills, he was supposed to make his commitment two months ago. If he had gone through with that, Alabama was most likely going to get his commitment. He has since gone silent with his recruitment, but his coach told SEC Country that a commitment could now come by the end of October.
It’s unclear why Wills decided to delay his commitment, but multiple sources close to his recruitment told SEC Country he had notified coaches he was going to commit to Alabama. So what exactly happened?
According to a source, Wills is adamant about playing offensive tackle on the next level. Well, that would be a problem for him if he chose Alabama because the staff is recruiting him at guard.
Unless Wills changes his mind about playing guard, I do not see him in this class at this time, but he’s more likely to end up at Alabama than Wilson.
So we don't lead for Wills anymore?
Posted on 9/30/16 at 3:11 pm to TideSaint
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Why isn’t Alabama pursuing Marvin Wilson harder?
(From @JackIke16)
It’s not like Alabama isn’t pursuing the 5-star prospect, it’s just that he isn’t the No. 1 target on the board.
For outsiders, I’m sure it’s hard to comprehend why a 5-star prospect wouldn’t be the team’s top priority at defensive tackle. Getting quality defensive linemen is arguably the team’s top priority in the Class of 2017, but the staff feels good about who they could potentially sign at the position.
As stated above, Wilson is a long shot to end up in Alabama’s class, so the staff is focused on several other defensive linemen. Four-star prospects LaBryan Ray, Aubrey Solomon, Phidarian Mathis, Isaiah Buggs and Elijah Conliffe should be considered the top priorities on the defensive line.
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