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re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:12 am to TideSaint
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:12 am to TideSaint
quote:
LaBryan Ray to Alabama isn’t a slam dunk?
MADISON, Ala. — Ever since he received an offer from Alabama in February, LaBryan Ray, the nation’s No. 2 strong-side defensive end, has been projected by many recruiting analysts to eventually become a part of the Crimson Tide’s Class of 2017. That still looks like a likely scenario because of the significant amount of visits he’s taken to Tuscaloosa over the past several months and two of his best friends, 4-star offensive guard Kendall Randolph and 3-star defensive back Kyriq McDonald, are solidified in Alabama’s class.
But if you ask James Clemens coach Wade Waldrop about Ray’s recruitment, he says it’s not as cut and dried as we may think it is.
“He’s not leaning anywhere,” Waldrop told SEC Country. “There are people writing that he’s a heavy lean here or there. I can tell you right now and I would tell God and everybody that he has zero clue where he’s going. He does not know. All these people writing all this stuff about Alabama is the furthest thing from the truth.”
Waldrop said Tennessee is firmly entrenched near the top of his list, too. That holds true to what Ray has said all along. He can see himself playing for the Volunteers because of the strong relationships he’s established with the staff. Waldrop said it seems as if Tennessee’s entire staff is recruiting Ray to join its program.
Waldrop said Ray’s decision will come down to either Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Mississippi State or Ole Miss — his top 5 schools.
“It is going to be one of his last five,” Waldrop said. “I would not be surprised if it is Tennessee. It just would not surprise me because of the relationship there. It is crazy how hard the coaches on that staff want him for their team.”
Maybe Waldrop is right when it comes to Ray’s recruitment. If it’s clear that Alabama is the school Ray wants to attend, he likely would have made his decision by now, no? Ray is one of the nicest kids in the Class of 2017 and not one who would play games with reporters or coaches at the schools he’s considering.
“Honestly, I still don’t know what I want to do,” Ray said. “It’s such a hard decision. I know I want to take all of my visits before deciding. If it does go until signing day, it does.
“All of the schools I’m looking at are in the need of my position. Now, it’s just about finding the best place for me and the best feel. I try not to pay too much attention to all of the coaching changes because they can always leave.”
Ray will visit Tennessee on Jan. 13 and Florida on Jan. 27. He will also visit Alabama and Mississippi State, but those dates have not been finalized just yet.
I still believe Ray will ultimately choose Alabama because Nick Saban rarely misses on in-state recruits who are major priorities, but Tennessee is definitely strongly in the mix for the 4-star Under Armour All-American prospect.
1
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:13 am to TideSaint
quote:
How Buggs’ commitment affects the DL board
One giant domino fell Alabama’s way on Tuesday when the nation’s No. 1 junior college defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs committed to the Crimson Tide over LSU. Because he’s a midyear graduate in junior college, he’ll be allowed to sign his letter of intent on Wednesday, which is what he’ll do.
Alabama now has two defensive line commitments in this year’s class in Buggs and 4-star defensive tackle Akial Byers. Several targets still remain on the board for Alabama, including Ray, who we mentioned above.
Here’s where things stand with the other defensive linemen the Tide are after:
5-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon
Solomon has been Alabama’s top defensive line target for several months now. At one point, the Crimson Tide led for his services before he abruptly committed to Michigan. Alabama, Georgia and Michigan are considered the favorites here, but his decision should come down to the SEC schools.
Alabama coaches visited Solomon three times during the contact period and Saban will see him in January. Saban didn’t see him during the past contact period because he was focusing on recruits who are making their decisions known in the near future. Solomon won’t decide until signing day at the earliest.
The Crimson Tide staff likes where it stands with Solomon, but so do the Bulldogs. His recruitment will have several twists and turns when it’s all over.
4-star defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw
Kinlaw has surged up Alabama’s wish list in the past couple of months. He de-committed from South Carolina in late November and took a visit to Alabama for the Iron Bowl shortly after. He still loves the Gamecocks, but the Crimson Tide are going to be extremely hard for South Carolina to beat, even though he is from the state.
Kinlaw won’t be committing on junior college signing day on Wednesday. He’ll enroll at the school of his choice in May.
4-star defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis
Mathis remains a recruit who Alabama would love to add to its roster. That was confirmed by a source close to the team earlier this week. It’s an Alabama-LSU race for him. Now that Buggs, who was considered to be a strong LSU lean, has committed to Alabama, expect the Tigers to aggressively pursue Mathis.
He doesn’t have a commitment date set.
4-star defensive tackle Elijah Conliffe
Conliffe was once thought of as a sure-fire Alabama commitment. Things have changed. The guys listed above are the priorities in this class. Alabama will need to miss on some of those guys in order for there to be space for the Virginia native.
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:13 am to TideSaint
quote:
Brian Robinson ready to get to Alabama
Brian Robinson, a 4-star running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, is surely one of the most overlooked commitments in Alabama’s Class of 2017. That’s because the Crimson Tide have a commitment from the nation’s No. 1 overall recruit in Najee Harris, who happens to be a running back like Robinson.
Even with Harris committed to Alabama, Robinson has never been fazed by that. He’s ready to compete alongside him and all of the other running backs at Alabama.
“I just want to be an impact player for Alabama,” Robinson told SEC Country. “I’m looking forward to competing. That stuff about the loaded backfield doesn’t really bother me. I know I’m going to have to compete regardless if I had a Heisman frontrunner in front of me or not. Competition is what I look forward to.”
Robinson was thinking about taking some visits to other schools such as Auburn, Georgia and Ole Miss before the dead period began this past Monday, but he elected to not visit any other program. There was no need to see any other college campus because he’s dreamed about playing for Alabama since he can remember.
“It was kind of pointless to me to visit other schools because I knew where I wanted to be,” Robinson said. “I wasn’t going anywhere else, so I just wanted to stay loyal with my commitment.”
The nation’s No. 11 running back went to several Alabama home games this season, and each time he was in Tuscaloosa, a giant smile found its way on to his face.
“It’s such a wonderful feeling, man,” Robinson said. “It’s such a wonderful opportunity. It’s a great feeling to tell people that I’ll be out there playing next year on that field. I probably wouldn’t get that feeling anywhere else I go.”
The 6-foot-1, 224-pound prospect plans to sign his financial aid agreement this week, as he is an early enrollee and will begin his Alabama career this January.
Those documents are non-binding. They protect the recruit by ensuring the school holds a scholarship for him, but the prospect is still free to choose any school. The benefit for the program is that it allows for unlimited contact between the football staff and the recruit, even once the dead period began this past Monday. He technically can sign as many financial aid agreements as he wants, but Robinson won’t be doing that.
Robinson said Saban has told him that his versatility in the backfield is what may separate him from the other running backs in Tuscaloosa.
“He told me that I have all of the running back skills he looks for — catching, blocking and can carry the ball,” Robinson said. “It’s really like a one-in-a-million running back who can do all of those things at a high level. He told me it’s easy to base an offense around a running back who can do all of that.”
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:14 am to TideSaint
quote:
Tagovailoa receives statewide honor
Alabama quarterback commit Tua Tagovailoa’s 2016 season continues to get better. After being named the Elite 11 MVP, becoming the state of Hawaii’s all-time leading passer and helping lead St. Louis High School in Honolulu to a state title, Tagovailoa received some more good news on Tuesday.
Tagovailoa, the nation’s No. 1 dual-threat quarterback, was named the 2016 Gatorade Player of the Year in Hawaii after throwing for 2,669 yards, rushing for 727 yards, and combining to rush and pass for 35 touchdowns in 2016.
Tagovailoa has maintained his commitment since May and hasn’t visited any other school. He spoke with SEC Country on Monday about how Lane Kiffin’s departure to Florida Atlantic affects his recruitment.
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:16 am to TideSaint
quote:
I didn't initially. Then I watched his Senior film. He's a fricking animal.
I've heard he wants UM, but his family wants him to stay down south. Does that sound accurate?
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:20 am to RLDSC FAN
quote:
I'm still not buying this, I see him at UCLA when it's all said and done.
If he wasn't an EE I would see that more. However, the UCLA team can't get much traction and all indications are that OSU leads today. I really REALLY don't want to get my hopes up (I'm not getting them up for Peoples-Jones even with the rumor he is down to OSU/FSU and Michigan is out), and would be perfectly happy with a corner class of Wade, Okudah Williamson and Riep (Who the hell wouldn't be). Holmes I've heard is an elite level return man as well, which gives him a different type of value
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:21 am to RLDSC FAN
quote:
I've heard he wants UM, but his family wants him to stay down south. Does that sound accurate?
He was committed to them for a few months, but he committed while on a visit and didn't tell his mother.
Then Harbaugh and crew sent him a letter thanking him for attending some BBQ event (or something similar; can't remember exact details) that he didn't even go to. That pissed his mom off.
However, she went with him on his OV up there and she enjoyed it so she forgave the screw up.
He has said his mother will be heavily involved in his decision (he's even said his recruitment may go past NSD). Supposedly her favorite staff is Alabama, but she may not want him to leave the state of Georgia.
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:24 am to Buckeye06
quote:
Holmes I've heard is an elite level return man as well, which gives him a different type of value
Yes, his skill set is very similar to Adoree Jackson. He's an absolute stud, and would add to an already incredible class for you guys.
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:26 am to Kcoyote
quote:
NEW ORLEANS — It’s about that time.
Phidarian Mathis played his final game in a Neville (La.) High uniform on Saturday afternoon, yet again in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome with a Louisiana Class 4A state championship hanging in the balance.
The 4-star defensive lineman’s season has ended in the Dome each of the last three years, but this one … this represents something a little bit more.
With his senior season in the rear-view mirror, Mathis, a priority LSU target, must now shift his focus from his high school team to his college decision.
“At this point right now, I have to sit back and express myself and talk with my mom,” Mathis told SEC Country. “That’s how we do it and that’s how I’m going to make my decision.”
When receiving his Under Armour All-America Game jersey, Mathis’ mother sported an Alabama key chain.
Naturally, Mom will be a major part of her son’s decision. After all, Mathis is looking for a place that he can call home for the next three or four years.
“She tells me to do what’s best for me,” Mathis said. “I’m going to go where I feel comfortable and where I’m at home, and do what’s best for me and for my family. That’s what I’m going to do.”
This could be a hint, or it could mean nothing. But LSU, along with Alabama and TCU, have separated themselves as finalists for the 6-foot-4, 287-pounder.
Mathis has been in Baton Rouge several times this fall, including games against Ole Miss, Alabama and Florida, and did not hesitate to indicate the Tigers meet one of his most important criteria.
“They feel like home,” Mathis explained. “Especially with him (Ed Orgeron) there as the new head coach and him making that big impact that he made the last few months. I would say that it feels like home if I wind up going there.”
Mathis describes Orgeron’s personality and coaching style as “live.” It’s why the 4-star defensive lineman openly supported Coach O to be LSU’s next head coach throughout the fall.
That “live” atmosphere has captured the Northern Louisiana product’s attention at just the right time in his decision-making process.
“It’s even better because LSU has got him 24-7,” Mathis smiled. “He’s over you giving you directions and stuff like this. Like I said, he’s a live coach. He’s always spry, always happy, and that’s great.”
Orgeron’s live personality was in Monroe, La. earlier this month when he and newly-promoted outside linebackers coach Dennis Johnson went to Neville High to check in on the priority target.
“Coach O stepped in, him and Coach Johnson came to the school last week to check in on me,” Mathis recalled. “They made sure my grades are OK and made sure I was doing my thing. They said, basically, that they need me at home.”
With his high school football career over with, Mathis plans on finalizing his plans and making a decision at some point in January. That’s after the Under Armour All-America Game on Jan. 1 and before National Signing Day.
Mathis has scheduled visits, including ones to LSU, Alabama and TCU, and knows he’ll be deciding between those three powers. He has not ruled out committing immediately after a visit, if he determines he has seen enough to end his recruitment.
“I’m trying to get my official visits in and I might take all of them, but I’ll sit back and wait,” Mathis explained. “I have others set up, but if I feel like I should stop playing with some of these coaches, then I’m going to knock it down and call it a night.”
LINK
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:27 am to TideSaint
Javon Kinlaw is supposed to be releasing his Top 3 today.
Alabama and South Carolina should be two of them.
Alabama and South Carolina should be two of them.
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:34 am to Kcoyote
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:34 am to TideSaint
Watched the first couple minutes (my work internet is acting up) and he looks damn good. His first step on a couple of the plays reminds me of that guy A&M snagged a couple years ago, the short DT (Mack??). He's a more traditional size than Mack but he looks pretty quick off the ball.
Sometimes it's hard to tell when guys are mauling 230 lbs centers in high school
Sometimes it's hard to tell when guys are mauling 230 lbs centers in high school
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:36 am to TideSaint
So 247 quietly rolled out a new feature that I haven't seen until today. You can go to a recruit's profile page and under their "Interests" where it lists the teams they are considering it shows those teams' roster outlooks by position.
I found it looking at Jarez Parks' profile so I clicked on it. This is our roster outlook for DEs:
4 Seniors
1 Junior
0 Sophomores
0 Freshmen
2 Commits
LINK
Holy shite that is some seriously thin depth.
I found it looking at Jarez Parks' profile so I clicked on it. This is our roster outlook for DEs:
4 Seniors
1 Junior
0 Sophomores
0 Freshmen
2 Commits
LINK
Holy shite that is some seriously thin depth.
This post was edited on 12/14/16 at 10:37 am
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:38 am to TideSaint
Woah I was looking at the same thing like 5 minutes ago lol
But our DT outlook is pretty solid.
But our DT outlook is pretty solid.
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:39 am to Kcoyote
quote:
Part of the fun of following college football is keeping up with the recruiting trail and celebrating when your school lands a coveted 5-star prospect.
That lofty ranking is not a foolproof predictor of success on the college level, however. Some prospects flame out, while others require a change of scenery to reach their potential.
Here’s a look at the 5-star recruits who didn’t stick with SEC schools since 2012:
2012
Eddie Williams, Alabama — Williams and three other players were accused and later convicted of robbery. They were kicked off the team in 2013.
Josh Harvey-Clemons, Georgia — He was dismissed from Georgia in the spring of 2014 after a violation of team rules. He wound up at Louisville, where he’s been a two-year starter in the secondary and projects to be an early- to mid-round selection in the upcoming NFL draft.
Thomas Johnson, Texas A&M — Johnson’s story is the strangest and saddest on this list. He walked away from College Station shortly after arriving on campus and is being held in connection with a murder charge.
2014
Kyle Allen, Texas A&M — After two seasons sharing time as the starting quarterback of the Aggies, he transferred to Houston, where he will be eligible next season.
He threw for 4,532 yards, 33 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in his two seasons at A&M.
Clifton Garrett, LSU — The linebacker played in three games for the Tigers before transferring to Arizona Western College. He signed with UAB in 2015 but has yet to qualify academically.
2015
Blake Barnett, Alabama — One of the nation’s top quarterback prospects, Barnett redshirted in 2015 and competed for the starting job early this season.
When Jalen Hurts seized the position, Barnett opted to transfer to Arizona State.
Kendall Sheffield, Alabama — Sheffield left Alabama in August and transferred to Blinn College. He’s a 3-star recruit now but is the second-ranked JUCO corner in the Class of 2017.
Texas, Ohio State, TCU, Texas A&M and USC are the finalists for his services.
Kyler Murray, Texas A&M — Like Allen, Murray became disenchanted with the quarterback carousel at Texas A&M and opted to transfer after the 2015 season.
While Trevor Knight went from Oklahoma to Texas A&M, Murray went the other way. He’s expected to back up Baker Mayfield next fall for the Sooners.
Tyron Johnson, LSU — Johnson left LSU during summer camp in August and will be eligible at his new home, Oklahoma State, in 2017.
He caught 9 passes for 150 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a freshman in 2015.
LINK
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:47 am to TideSaint
Lol, sheffield is now a 3 star coming out of juco. No wonder he couldn't hack it in our loaded secondary
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:48 am to TideSaint
But they aren't listing Hall as a DE in their database? He is on the Bama roster and is like a Soph right?
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:48 am to Buckeye06
Nevermind
Edit: Hall is listed as a linebacker on 247 because he was listed as one as a recruit.
Edit: Hall is listed as a linebacker on 247 because he was listed as one as a recruit.
This post was edited on 12/14/16 at 10:50 am
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:50 am to TideSaint
The state of Florida is going to become a recruiting battle zone with the HCs now in the state.
Jimbo Fisher
Jim McElwain
Mark Richt
Butch Davis
Lane Kiffin
Charlie Strong
Scott Frost
Jimbo Fisher
Jim McElwain
Mark Richt
Butch Davis
Lane Kiffin
Charlie Strong
Scott Frost
Posted on 12/14/16 at 10:55 am to Buckeye06
Terrell Hall is listed on the Bama roster as a LB.
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