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re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 10/12/16 at 10:48 am to TideSaint
Posted on 10/12/16 at 10:48 am to TideSaint
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Devon Hunter
The situation: Hunter has really stepped away from his recruitment recently to focus on his senior season. Over the next three or four weeks, Hunter will start getting back to his recruitment and making sure to take all the visits that he wants. There was a possibility of him making it to Notre Dame this weekend for an unofficial visit for the Stanford game, but those plans have fallen through. Watch for Hunter to take unofficial visits during the season if he can, but official visits will come after the season. Potential official visit locations are Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame and Auburn. It is unlikely that Hunter will use an official visit to go to Virginia Tech, Florida or North Carolina because he has seen the schools so many times already. Hunter still expects to commit right before Christmas, but there is a chance that date gets pushed back.
The frontrunner: Virginia Tech
The Hokies remain the favorite for Hunter. During his last visit to Blacksburg, Hunter’s comfort level was off the charts and his relationships with the coaches, players and recruits are stronger than ever.
Other option: Florida
Florida defensive backs coach Torrian Gray continues working his connections and building stronger relationships with Hunter and his family. The way the Gators’ defensive backs play and the schemes their defense runs are just a couple things Hunter likes about Florida. It will be important for the rest of the coaching staff, players and recruits to embrace Hunter if Florida hopes to close the gap between itself and Virginia Tech.
Don't Count out: North Carolina, Alabama, Michigan, Notre Dame, Auburn
North Carolina hosted Hunter a number of times this offseason and figures to remain in the conversation until National Signing Day. Alabama is lurking and Hunter has said he will definitely take an official visit to Tuscaloosa. Auburn and Notre Dame were scheduled to host Hunter for unofficial visits this season but those visits will be rescheduled. Hunter has also said he will visit Michigan before he commits.
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Posted on 10/12/16 at 11:18 am to TideSaint
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National Signing Day for the Class of 2018 is still about 16 months away, but plenty of the nation’s top prospects in the class are already on the way toward making a college decision.
As part of Five-Star Week, the Rivals.com national analyst team takes a look at the uncommitted five-stars and projects where they might land.
LINK
Posted on 10/12/16 at 11:19 am to TideSaint
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DE Xavier Thomas
The Latest: Thomas has been making the rounds on the visit circuit, having already taken in games at Georgia, South Carolina and Clemson so far this fall. His visits are expected to continue, with programs like Florida State and Alabama also on his list.
The Early Favorite: South Carolina. Thomas isn’t shy about his love for the Gamecocks, and he has been a regular on campus during his time as a high-level recruit. - Wommack
Others Schools to Watch: Alabama has already made it clear to Thomas that he’s at the top of its board at the position, and Clemson is also in hot pursuit. Thomas also beamed about his trip to Georgia and Florida State remains a player as well.
Farrell’s Prediction: South Carolina
Posted on 10/12/16 at 11:20 am to TideSaint
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Safety Tyreke Johnson
The Latest: Johnson has taken a number of unofficial visits and seems serious about leaving the state for college. He has been intrigued by California-based schools for some time, but Alabama is also pursuing the talented defensive back. His older brother attended Florida State but was dismissed from the team following a legal issue.
The Early Favorite: UCLA - Rob Cassidy, Southeast recruiting analyst
Others Schools to Watch: Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, USC, Miami
Farrell’s Prediction: Alabama
He is teammates with Shaun Wade FWIW.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 11:47 am to TideSaint
FSU mod CB'd Cam Akers to Ole Miss.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 2:53 pm to TideSaint
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It wasn't the biggest week for A-Listers.
Auburn running back commit Alaric Williams ran for more than 200 yards, LSU commit Neil Farrell had three sacks and Bama commit Chadarius Townsend had a strong all-around game that included big plays on offense, defense and special teams.
And, yes, Clay-Chalkville receiver Nico Johnson scored two more touchdowns.
Take a look at how members of the AL.com A-List performed during Week 8 of Alabama's high school football season:
1. LaBryan Ray, DL James Clemens
The Jets held a third straight to opponent to single-digit scoring, as Ray recovered a fumble and added two tackles for loss in Thursday's 55-8 victory over Huntsville.
2. Nico Collins, WR, Clay-Chalkville
Ole Miss coach Hugh Freeze visited Clay-Chalkville on Friday, Collins caught four passes for 101 yards and TD receptions of 13 and 68 yards in a 44-41 victory over Carver-Birmingham. He now has 35 catches for 750 yards -- a 20.8-yard-per-catch average -- and seven touchdowns.
3. Austin Troxell, OL, Madison Academy
The 6-foot-7 Auburn commitment is expected to miss the rest of the season with a knee injury, so he didn't play in Friday's 32-28 loss to Madison County.
4. Markail Benton, LB, Central-Phenix City
The Alabama commit anchored a defense that sacked Jeff Davis quarterback Zarron Haney four times in a 35-20 victory at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl. Benton finished with seven tackles and one of the four sacks.
5. Ryan Johnson, DL, St. Paul's
Johnson received his U.S. Army All-American jersey on Friday morning at the Mobile private school, and then helped the Saints earn a 35-14 victory Citronelle on Friday night.
6. Brian Robinson, RB, Hillcrest-Tuscaloosa
The Bama commit and his Hillcrest teammates were idle, and the Patriotrs return to action next week at home against Brookwood.
7. Kendall Randolph, OL, Bob Jones
The beefy linemen helped protect quarterback Brady Polson, who completed 20-of-31 passes for 320 yards and four TDs in a 46-41 loss to Gadsden City.
8. Will Ignont, LB, Buckhorn
Ignont finished with 3½ tackles in limited action during Friday's 54-8 victory over Grissom.
9. Henry Ruggs, WR, Lee-Montgomery
Ruggs caught seven passes for 60 yards a touchdown and scored two rushing touchdowns a Wildcat quarterback in the fourth quarter, but the Generals lost 40-32 to Auburn on Thursday night.
10. Chadarius Townsend, ATH, Tanner
The Alabama commit ran 19 times for 95 yards and a 1-yard touchdown. He also blocked a punt and intercepted a pass in a 49-26 victory over Tarrant.
11. Neil Farrell, DL, Murphy
The LSU commit The LSU commit finished with four tackles, including two for a loss, three sacks and a quarterback hurry, while Mobile native and LSU assistant with Tigers' assistant coach Dameyune Craig watched from the sideline as the Panthers earned a 21-14 victory over Theodore.
12. Justin Thomas, DL, Spanish Fort
The LSU commit made a momentum-changing sack in the second half of a 27-6 victory over Foley.
13. Malcolm Askew, ATH/DB, McAdory
The Auburn commit quarterbacked the Yellow Jackets to a 30-13 victory over Bessemer City. He was 4-of-14 passing for 58 yards.
14. Alaric Williams, RB, Southside-Gadsden
The Auburn commit scored on runs of 2, 77 and 61 yards, finishing with 224 yards on 11 carries in a 42-14 victory over Brewer.
15. T.D. Moultry, LB, Jackson-Olin
The Auburn commit, who received his U.S. Army All-American jersey earlier in the day, anchored a defense that limited Shades Valley to just 188 total yards and allowed Shades Valley star RB Reynard Ellis to gain just 64 yards on 18 carries. Jackson-Olin won 24-22 with a field goal on the final play.
LINK
Posted on 10/12/16 at 2:54 pm to TideSaint
Posted on 10/12/16 at 2:54 pm to TideSaint
LINK
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An article surfaced this week quoting five-star running back Najee Harris as saying he’s not 100 percent set on Alabama. The tenuous commitment status of the No. 1 player in the 247Sports Composite for 2017 has created a firestorm of rumors on the Internet over the past 48 hours, including its own segment on ESPN’s College Football Live. Harris’ mother, Tianna Hicks, clarified Najee’s comments with BamaOnLine on Wednesday.
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“That was news to all of us,” she said. “So what he says – because he is getting tired of the recruit talk – when he’s asked if he’s committed to Alabama, he says I’m committed to Antioch (his high school). He came home last night to me and said, ‘Did you see what was put out there?’ and I’m going yeah but I had to check with you. He said, ‘No I didn’t say anything like that.’ I know how he talks; whoever he talked to probably caught him saying, ‘I’m not thinking about Alabama right now, I’m thinking about Antioch.’ “It’s nothing about, ‘I’m not 100 percent committed to Alabama,’ it’s someone taking what he said a different way. He’s more focused on Antioch and finishing up his season, and then he’ll move on to Alabama. I know my boy, it’s probably something he said because he gets irritated with it, so now his response to that question is, ‘I’m committed to Antioch.’”
quote:
“We’re still strong with Alabama,” Hicks said. “That’s our spot.” While the verbal pledge to the Tide stands strong, Harris does plan to take official visits at some point before he enrolls early. “Because he’s so focused on the season, the games they’re wanting us to get out and see are not quite working out,” Hicks said. “Our games are on Friday and most of the college games are on Saturday. Right now we really haven’t got anything set on the books, but he does plan on using his visits, and Alabama, we are definitely going back. “I’m not even sure he’s going to take all five. I know for sure the three are Alabama, USC or UCLA, one of those down there and Michigan.” Harris’ primary recruiter from Bama is co-defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi, one of the Tide’s top recruiters. “Coach Lupoi, we talk back and forth,” Hicks said. “They check in and talk about our games on Friday nights. At the same time we’ll call back on Saturday and let them know good win like this past Saturday, even thought that was a slaughter.” Hicks touched on where she’d like to see her son end up when it’s all said and done. “It’s not my decision,” she said. “At the end of the day I’m not the one that’s got to wake up at the school every day and be happy with the decision that I made. It’s his choice. I support him at Alabama, but I support him wherever he decides to go. “My school, that’s Alabama, that’s where we are committed now and that’s where we plan on staying. If anything changes, I’ll tell you it will be something I’m not aware of. For right now as far as we are all concerned, him too, we are still committed to Alabama, same commitment, 100 percent. He just doesn’t want to talk about it right now.” Harris, a U.S. Army All-American, committed to Alabama in April of 2015.
This post was edited on 10/12/16 at 2:56 pm
Posted on 10/12/16 at 2:56 pm to South Alabama Tide
quote:
As a freshman, Cam Akers played in the Eastbay Youth All-American Bowl in San Antonio. That is when he dreamed of making a trip back to the Alamodome years later for another game featuring many of the best football players in the country.
Akers’ vision was realized Wednesday.
The Clinton star received his honorary jersey for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl, which will be played on Jan. 7 in San Antonio.
“It’s a tremendous honor for me and my family and the town of Clinton,” Akers said. “This was always something I wanted to do and to be able to accomplish it is truly a blessing.”
Akers joins fellow Mississippians Morton wide receiver D.D. Bowie, who received his jersey on Tuesday, and Starkville linebacker Willie Gay, who got his last week.
“It’s just going out and competing against the best 100 players in the nation,” Akers said. “That’s what it’s all about, being able to compete at the highest level. At this point, that’s the highest level and I am just ready to compete.”
Akers may commit at the Army Bowl — if he knows where he wants to go by then, he said.
There is no shortage of attractive choices for Akers, the No. 1 rated player in Mississippi and the state’s only five-star football prospect. Akers is also rated as the No. 8 overall 2017 player in the country by 247Sports Composite.
Akers will attend the Alabama-Tennessee game Saturday in Knoxville, Tennessee. His first official visit is set for Alabama on Oct. 22 when the Crimson Tide hosts Texas A&M. That is the only official visit Akers has locked in at this point.
Along with Alabama and Tennessee, Akers has been linked to Ole Miss, Florida State, Ohio State, Georgia and LSU. He has not ruled out any of those options — or any others, for that matter.
In regards to Ole Miss, his home state option, Akers said the Rebels’ staff has told him they would feature him heavily in the offense and that they would like him as an elite running back in their high-powered offense. Ole Miss is still in the midst of an NCAA investigation into its football program, however, and Akers said he will have to see how that plays out.
For now, he is dominating at the high school level for the undefeated Arrows (7-0) while playing quarterback. He will play running back at the Army Bowl and at the next level.
Akers has completed 73 of 115 passes for 1,480 yards with 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also rushed for 778 yards and 14 touchdowns on 86 carries.
Clinton, which is ranked No. 1 in the Super 10, will host No. 8 Northwest Rankin (6-2) on Friday in what should be a good Region 2-6A game.
"We just see another ballgame because that's how we have to approach it to be successful," Akers said. "We know everybody is out for us because we have the target on our back and we don't shy away from it because we want to live up to what we have been doing and want to continue to do it."
LINK
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:00 pm to South Alabama Tide
quote:
“My school, that’s Alabama, that’s where we are committed now and that’s where we plan on staying. If anything changes, I’ll tell you it will be something I’m not aware of. For right now as far as we are all concerned, him too, we are still committed to Alabama, same commitment, 100 percent. He just doesn’t want to talk about it right now.” Harris, a U.S. Army All-American, committed to Alabama in April of 2015.
100% commitment talk from his mom?
He gone.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:01 pm to TideSaint
At least he's not 200% committed
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:01 pm to TideSaint
quote:
247Sports has rolled out an updated Top247 for the 2018 class. Here's a look at where Alabama's commits, and in-state players rank:
Bama commits:
Dameon Pierce, RB, Bainbridge (Ga.) -- No. 67 to No. 126
Malcolm Epps, TE, Spring (Texas) Dekaney -- No. 86 to No. 153
Players in the state of Alabama:
Justyn Ross, WR, Phenix City (Ala.) Central -- No. 110 to No. 113
Jalyn Armour-Davis, CB, Mobile (Ala.) St. Paul's Episcopal -- No. 147 to No. 127
Jack West, QB, Saraland (Ala.) -- Stanford commit -- No. 143 to No. 132
Seth Williams, WR, Cottondale (Ala.) Bryant -- No. 176 to No. 166
Myles Mason, S, Pleasant Grove (Ala.) -- No. 217 to No. 216
Tank Jenkins, OG, Montgomery (Ala.) Park Crossing -- No. 219 to No. 218
Alfred Thomas, DE, Montgomery (Ala.) Lanier -- No. 195 to NR
LINK
Damn the in-state class for next year is depressing.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:04 pm to TideSaint
quote:
CLINTON, Miss. – One of the elite prospects in the 2018 class joined elite company Wednesday when Clinton (Miss.) High School running back Cam Akers accepted his jersey to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
"It's a tremendous honor for me and my family and the town of Clinton," said Akers, the No. 2 running back in the country according to 247Sports Composite rankings. "I went to the game in ninth grade because I was playing in the USA game it was a dream of mine to be able to play in it.
The game will be the last high school contest for Akers before he enrolls early at the school of his choice. And he's got plenty of choices. Akers has become arguably the most highly-sought-after prospect in the entire 2017 recruiting cycle with every powerhouse program in the country making a run at him.
This weekend Akers will make a stop at Tennessee to see the Vols play Alabama in Neyland Stadium.
"Definitely my relationship with the coaches, Coach (Butch) Jones, Coach (Robert) Gillespie, the family like environment they have there," he said of the reason for his Tennessee interest. "The people, (Alvin) Kamara and (Jalen) Hurd, everybody is just real family oriented and the situation could unfold to be a good situation (in terms of depth chart)."
Akers noted that even if one of the two Tennessee backs turns pro, that would set up nicely for him to come in and play as a freshman before becoming the premier back as a sophomore.
Akers has been to Georgia and Ole Miss for games this fall and he has an official visit set up for Alabama the weekend of Oct. 22. Alabama's situation at running back is also appealing to the 5-11, 215-pounder.
"Just the way they do things, the tradition they have at running back and as a school in general, they win," he said of the Tide. "The running back situation, the running backs there right now, they're doing their thing but I feel like nobody's come in and been that Derek Henry. They're still looking for the guy to be that guy. That's kind of appealing for Alabama to not have that guy. I feel like I could possibly do that."
Florida State is losing 'that guy' when Dalvin Cook inevitably departs for the NFL in the spring and Akers likes the idea of filling that void as well.
"Florida State is a good school and it's a good situation for me with Dalvin leaving and me being able to come in and compete for playing time on the field. I definitely get a home feel. The people there are very family oriented but they also take care of business."
Ohio State is currently the Crystal Ball favorite for Akers and he says that he still hopes to set up a visit later this fall to visit Columbus.
"I'm definitely very interested in Ohio State. I'm trying to schedule a visit there. I've got a good relationship with Coach (Urban) Meyer and Coach (Tony) Alford and have a good relationship there."
Most people counted Georgia out of the race when the Bulldogs landed commitments from two four-star backs earlier this summer. But that doesn’t slow down Akers. He still is considering a fall official visit to Athens.
"Pretty much a lot of the schools that I'm looking at have two running backs already committed," he said. "I'm not really worried about that. I know what I can do on the field and in the classroom. I know I can learn the plays so I'm not really concerned about that."
And then there's Ole Miss and LSU, probably the two most complicated recruiting situations.
For the Rebels, the nonexistent run game this fall can be seen as both a positive and a negative for Akers. There's also the dark cloud of the NCAA which could factor in. But the big positive for Ole Miss is the comfort Akers feels around the program.
"Ole Miss is home," he said. "I feel like based on what I saw and what they've told me, they can use a running back. They need a running back very dearly. I've paid attention to a couple of their games. It's home. The NCAA thing, nobody knows what's going to happen with those so that's a big question mark but it's definitely still home."
For LSU, the midseason coaching change has complicated things but there remains plenty of positives in Baton Rouge.
"LSU knows how to use the running back," he said. "The running back situation is a great situation. With (Derrius) Guice going there, he's projected to leave after three years. I can come in and get my feet wet a little bit and play behind him that first year and then the next year take over as long as I do what I'm supposed to do."
Akers also commented on the coaching situation at LSU.
"It didn't really affect anything. Coach Orgeron, me and him have a pretty good relationship so it didn't really affect where they stand and how they're recruiting me at all. I'm kind of hoping Coach (Jimbo) Fisher or Coach Orgeron, one of those two gets it. That's what I want to see hopefully."
Auburn bowl projections halfway through season
Start SlideShow
Akers is a five-star prospect, ranked No. 8 nationally according to the industry's 247Sports Composite. He's currently leading Clinton High School to an undefeated record and the No. 1 ranking in the state of Mississippi.
LINK
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:05 pm to TideSaint
quote:
“My school, that’s Alabama, that’s where we are committed now and that’s where we plan on staying. If anything changes, I’ll tell you it will be something I’m not aware of. For right now as far as we are all concerned, him too, we are still committed to Alabama, same commitment, 100 percent. He just doesn’t want to talk about it right now.”
Prolly reading too much into it, but damn. That's a lot of qualifiers in one statement.
I did like that she said "where we plan on staying", but all those "right nows" bother me.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:10 pm to bamasgot13
I just looked at the full Top 247 for 2018 that was released today and I don't see any way we continue our streak of finishing with the #1 class. 
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:43 pm to TideSaint
Jacob Phillips to Oklahoma.
Posted on 10/12/16 at 3:45 pm to TideSaint
quote:
A self-proclaimed "Real-Life Goon," Marvin Wilson landed on the national recruiting radar early in his prep career. He's continued to assert himself as one of America's finest defensive prospects during showcase events and game action at Episcopal High School near Houston.
This lauded interior lineman erupted for 103 tackles—34 for loss—and 19 sacks as an underclassman, accepted an invitation to compete in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and stood out among elite peers this past summer at The Opening.
Among the most passionate prospects in this recruiting cycle, players gravitate toward Wilson. It's no surprise a lengthy list of committed athletes are attempting to bring him into their respective classes, as he carries nearly 30 scholarship offers.
Rated the No. 1 defensive tackle and No. 11 overall recruit in Scout.com's 2017 rankings, Wilson isn't expected to announce a decision until after his senior season. It's a process that could last all the way through national signing day.
This Lone Star State standout enters the spotlight for our latest foray into prospect assessment. Here's a closer look at what makes Wilson one of the country's truly coveted playmakers.
Video Analysis at Link
Posted on 10/12/16 at 4:45 pm to TideSaint
Everyone should just give Bama the #1 spot already
Posted on 10/12/16 at 5:45 pm to Captain Crown
quote:
Five-star offensive tackle and Alabama commit Alex Leatherwood will make his final college decision and sign his financial aid agreement papers with the school of his choice on Dec. 16, according to ESPN Pensacola.
Leatherwood received his Under Armour All-America jersey on Wednesday. The Jan. 1 all-star game will be the final high school game he'll play in before enrolling at his next school.
Thought to be one of Alabama's firmest commitments, Leatherwood recently took an official visit to Michigan, of which he said was the best visit he's ever been on.
The Wolverines, along with programs like Florida, Texas and USC are thought to be the chief competition for the Tide. The coveted lineman will be at Georgia this weekend. He will officially visit Alabama for the Iron Bowl.
Making a final decision as an already committed recruit is not unheard of in the recruiting world today. Five-star cornerback and Ohio State commit Shaun Wade is expected to make some sort of final decision or announcement in late November or early December. It's certainly happened before.
Leatherwood is believed to still be firm with Alabama as it stands, and has been working behind the scenes on some of the Tide's top targets and commits like Elliot Baker and Dylan Moses.
LINK
Posted on 10/12/16 at 5:46 pm to TideSaint
Steve Wiltfong CB'd Cam Akers to L5U.
They don't even have a coach yet.
They don't even have a coach yet.
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