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

quote:

---

I was strolling through different teams' classes on 247. Outside of Calvin Ashley, the barn's class is hot garbage.

---

quote:

---

HONOLULU — Tua Tagovailoa, the 5-star quarterback from St. Louis High School in Hawaii, will suit up for Alabama in 2017. His recruitment is finished.

Tagovailoa’s plans when he committed to Alabama back in May were to take all five official visits before early enrolling in college in January, but that will not happen. The only official visit he’ll take is to Tuscaloosa on Dec. 8. Nick Saban, Lane Kiffin and outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi will travel to Honolulu that day for an in-home visit, and then shortly after that, Tagovailoa and his family will fly separately back to Alabama.

The decision to not visit any other schools stems from Tagovailoa’s decision to leave his family and friends more than 4,000 miles away from home.

“We’re going to stay there for a couple of days, maybe even a week,” Tagovailoa told SEC Country. “From there, (my family) wanted to go on trips elsewhere. I didn’t want to do that because I want to enjoy the time I have here with my family and friends. After we go to Alabama, we’re going to come back here and spend as much time together as possible before they don’t see me for a while because of football.”

There was always some doubt from several fans I talked to about Tagovailoa sticking with the Crimson Tide, but he’s set on Alabama, and his family is, too. His father, Galu, told SEC Country that his son is locked in with his commitment, and there’s nothing that’s going to change his mind on going there.

Southern California was the favorite for several years for Tagovailoa, but the weeklong trip to Tuscaloosa shortly before making his commitment solidified in his mind that Alabama was the better place for him.

“When you go to Alabama, everything is just different,” Tagovailoa said. “Everything is about the process of getting to your goals. You want to play with the best and surround yourself with the best. And for me, I feel like those guys are the best.”

With him being in Hawaii, he still pays close attention to the team. He said he watches every single game he can. He’s been impressed with the offense that Alabama is running with dual-threat quarterback Jalen Hurts under center.

Nick Saban has told the Tagovailoas that just because Hurts is a true freshman, it doesn’t mean the starting quarterback job is his until he leaves school. Saban told the family that even if Alabama wins a championship this year with Hurts, and if Tagovailoa comes in and is better, he’ll play.

But for Tagovailoa, he’s not worried about the what ifs come next year. He’s focused on delivering his school a state championship this Saturday. He’s just glad he doesn’t have to worry about recruiting anymore.

“It feels good being over with it because it takes a huge load off of your shoulders,” Tagovailoa said. “I can now focus on things that are more important instead of just thinking about my recruitment.”

The nation’s No. 1 dual-threat quarterback isn’t much of a recruiter behind the scenes. He was aware that Alabama landed 4-star offensive tackle Jedrick Wills on Tuesday, but he didn’t know much about him.

He does keep up with several other commitments in the Class of 2017 such as fellow 5-star prospects Najee Harris and Alex Leatherwood. The Alabama recruiting class currently is No. 1 in the country. Tagovailoa is amazed with the amount of talent the Tide have.

“I don’t even know what to say,” Tagovailoa said with a laugh. “All I have to say is that we’re not done yet. We’re not done yet. The amount of talent and amount of hard workers we have in this class, it’s kind of silly to think about.”

---

quote:

---

Roll Tide-ings: How Alabama’s most-recent commitment affects the class moving forward

---

quote:

---

Will Alabama add another OL?

There are still two major offensive line targets Alabama is pursuing in 5-star tackles Isaiah Wilson and Trey Smith. Both of them behind the scenes likely have Alabama in their top 3 schools and both remain big targets for the Tide.

Is it really possible that Alabama can/will land both of these guys, rendering a seven-man offensive line class? I don’t think that’s possible. There are still several outstanding needs Alabama has and numbers are just too tight. But how can you say no to two of the best offensive linemen in the Class of 2017 if they want in?

As far as Wills’ commitment, it really doesn’t mean much for Alabama’s plans at wanting at least one of Wilson or Smith. If they want in, they’ll be in this class.

For Smith, Tennessee should still be considered the front-runner for his commitment, which is coming in the beginning of December. His sister works in the recruiting office for Butch Jones and Smith is very close with her; however, if there’s one school that can change his mind on the Volunteers, it’s Alabama. Smith has been an Alabama fan since kindergarten and vividly recalls going to Bryant-Denny Stadium at that age. His recruitment should be considered a Tennessee-Alabama race.

Momentum seemed to be swinging toward Alabama’s way for Wilson this summer. He spent multiple days in Tuscaloosa for the invite-only cookout and loved his time there. Michigan then regained that momentum this fall and now Georgia is working its way heavily into the mix. His coaches even spent time in Athens this past weekend while Wilson was on an official visit to Florida State. That sure is interesting. His recruitment is too close to give an educated guess on what he’s going to do.

Smith and Wilson are the only two offensive linemen being considered for a spot in this class at this time.

---

quote:

---

Is possible de-commitment or flip coming in the near future?

This definitely seems likely with the news of 4-star offensive tackle commit Elliot Baker announcing that he is going to take official visits elsewhere — Texas A&M and LSU being the destinations. SEC Country caught up with Baker and his offensive line coach last week in San Francisco and plans to visit elsewhere were not a thought.

He even laughed when thinking about visiting anywhere other than Alabama.

Is it a coincidence that just a few days later Alabama received a commitment from another highly rated offensive lineman? That’s what I think. Baker seemed so sure that Alabama was the school he wanted to play for in 2017. He’ll visit Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl.

If there’s one player in this offensive line class that I think may flip, it’s Baker. One source close to the team told SEC Country on Tuesday that he’s one who needs to be watched more closely than before.

Hunter Brannon, a 3-star offensive lineman from Cullman (Ala.) High School, also is a candidate to receive a grayshirt. Grayshirts have not been discussed yet, but with numbers being tight, it’s likely at least one commit will be asked.

No. 5-star offensive tackle Alex Leatherwood isn’t flipping.

---

quote:

---

Hank is having another recruiting chat today if anyone wants me to ask a question.

---

quote:

---

Hank is having another recruiting chat today if anyone wants me to ask a question.

---

quote:

---

Could you ask him if he thinks we end up with any of the following: Marvin Wilson, Aubrey Solomon and Ryan Johnson?

---