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Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:16 pm to Cobrasize
The dude in the group chat can't even spell fence right. 
Fense.
Fense.
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:17 pm to TideSaint
And frick Eddy Pineiro. 
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:18 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Andrew Bone ?@AndrewJBone 2m2 minutes ago #Alabama EEs who have already arrived on campus include DT Isaiah Buggs, DB Kyriq McDonald and ATH Chadarius Townsend. More to come. 0 replies 0 retweets 0 likes Reply Retweet Like More
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:19 pm to TideSaint
Nothing like an illiterate insider, and a fan base too stupid to notice
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:19 pm to jatebe
Someone on BOL said Leatherwood was arriving today too, but I haven't seen it confirmed.
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:23 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Aubrey Solomon says Alabama leads
We’ve been here before.
Aubrey Solomon, a 5-star defensive tackle from Lee County High School (Leesburg, Ga.), confirmed with SEC Country that Alabama holds a huge lead over Georgia, Michigan and Auburn in his recruitment. That’s great news considering the fact that a commitment is likely coming next month. It’s possible he extends his recruitment past National Signing Day on Feb. 1, but the Bulldogs, Wolverines and Tigers have a ton of ground to make up in a short amount of time.
The reasoning behind why his recruitment may extend past signing day is for a very good reason, but Solomon told our DawgNation reporter, Jeff Sentell, that his decision should be in before March 1.
“My sister is fixing to have a baby,” Solomon said. “It is either at the end of January or at the beginning of February. She wants to be there for my signing day, so I am not trying to have one of those problems where her water breaks on National Signing Day and I have to go to the hospital.”
This is the second time in Solomon’s recruitment where he has said Alabama has been the team to beat. During the first time, and just two days after speaking to SEC Country, he ended up abruptly committing to Michigan. There shouldn’t be any more sudden commitments this time around. Though, if there’s one thing I have come to know covering Solomon’s recruitment is, it’s to always be on your toes.
I put in a crystal ball pick on Dec. 29 for Solomon to Alabama before a run of reporters did so on New Year’s Day (It looks like reporters are stealing info from me — an inside joke for those of you who follow me on Twitter.). I explained why I put in my prediction in this video here. Basically, the Tide have been trending for over a month now. Since he took an official visit to Alabama for the Iron Bowl, I’ve been told by multiple sources close to the program that Solomon to the Crimson Tide is a very likely possibility.
I’m not going to spoil a kid’s ceremony on how he wants to and when he wants to announce a commitment, but from what I’ve been told, it would be surprising to see him in a jersey other than Alabama’s in 2017. Read into that as you wish.
Solomon flies to the West Coast on Jan. 12 for an official visit to USC. Auburn’s official will be on Jan. 20. Florida will get his final official visit on Jan. 27. It’s possible he somehow finds a way to Tuscaloosa before announcing his commitment, but the nation’s No. 2 defensive tackle has been on campus numerous times and has seen everything.
His mother, Sabrina Caldwell, who is the most important person in his recruitment, has told SEC Country previously how much she loves Alabama and how comfortable she would be if her son were to attend the school. That’s big.
LINK
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:26 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Just how big of a surprise was Xavier McKinney to Alabama?
Xavier McKinney re-committed to Alabama on Sunday after de-committing from the program back in July. The reasoning for his de-commitment was never about just not wanting to go to Alabama anymore. He just wanted to go through his recruitment as an uncommitted prospect to make sure Alabama still was the school for him.
It ultimately was, but it wasn’t a decision anyone in the recruiting industry expected. All 22 of McKinney’s 247Sports Crystal Ball picks were on Clemson — the presumed overwhelming favorite heading into his decision Sunday at the Under Armour game. But Alabama ultimately beat out Clemson.
McKinney didn’t inform any staff members of his decision until he said it himself on ESPN. He didn’t even tell his own family before his commitment.
“I was absolutely shocked,” Lee McKinney, Xavier’s father, told SEC Country. “We were all floored because we didn’t have a clue. He kept it close to his chest. He didn’t tell anyone.”
McKinney’s father said he wished his son would have told the family beforehand instead of announcing it the way he did. But he was happy with his Xavier’s choice when he found out that Alabama was the school his son would be attending because of his familiarity with the program from his prior commitment.
“We knew going into the decision that it was either going to be Clemson or Alabama,” Lee McKinney said. “I thought it could go either way. He really liked both of the schools. He just felt Alabama more in his heart. It felt more like a family type of feeling for him. That’s why he ended up going back to Alabama. He had the same feeling when he committed.”
Coach Nick Saban and defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley visited McKinney and his parents before the dead period went into effect. The coaching staff told the family how big of a part it sees McKinney being in the team’s future plans.
It’s the message the staff told the McKinneys since it started recruiting the 4-star prospect from Roswell (Ga.) High School. But just like how his family was kept in the dark, the coaching staff didn’t know McKinney was going to re-commit.
“They all had their fingers crossed today that he was going to make the decision on going there,” Lee McKinney said. “Saban on down — everyone was excited. They didn’t know at all. They didn’t have a clue.
“It was pure excitement. The best thing they said today was, ‘Thank you for coming back. We need you.'”
Alabama now has two of the nation’s elite safeties committed in the Class of 2017 in McKinney and 4-star prospect Daniel Wright. There won’t be another de-commitment from McKinney this time around, his father said.
“He’s going to Alabama. There’s no chance of him changing his mind this time,” Lee McKinney said. “There’s no turning back now. We are locked and loaded. He’s going to do anything and everything in his power to help Alabama win several more national championships.”
McKinney has graduated from Roswell High School already. He’s waiting to receive a test score from an extra online class he took in order to early enroll at Alabama. If he gets the score needed, he’ll be in Tuscaloosa on Feb. 13, according to his father.
As for how he’s feeling about his son, Lee McKinney said Sunday was one of the happiest moments he can recall.
“It absolutely makes me the proudest dad in the world,” he said. “I’ve never had a feeling like this in my entire life. It makes me so proud that he’s on the path of what he wants to do and is chasing his dreams. I’m honored and proud that he’s my son. It’s an amazing feeling.”
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:28 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Leatherwood expected to be at Alabama on Monday
Alex Leatherwood exclusively told SEC Country a few weeks ago after his official visit to Florida that his recruitment was over by saying the only school he can see himself playing for was Alabama. His recruitment will officially end on Monday when he is expected to be in Tuscaloosa for the spring semester, he told SEC Country.
He will be roommates with 4-star offensive tackle Jedrick Wills, who will enroll in the summer. His third roommate still is to be determined, but it’s either going to be 5-star linebacker Dylan Moses or 5-star running back Najee Harris (Yes, you read that correctly.).
The 5-star offensive tackle will be able to participate in the team’s national championship practices but won’t be allowed to play just yet.
Expect Leatherwood to be one of the main contenders when it comes to the starting left or right tackle job next season. Leatherwood was, in my opinion, the most dominant offensive lineman at the Under Armour game. He only lost one rep from what I saw in practices, and that was because he slipped.
From where his game currently is, and what it could become at Alabama under offensive line coach Mario Cristobal, it would not surprise me one bit to see the 6-foot-6, 327-pound prospect ultimately become the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
In addition to Leatherwood, the nation’s No. 1 junior college defensive lineman, Isaiah Buggs, is expected to be in Tuscaloosa on Monday. Expect Buggs to possibly start on the defensive line in 2017.
I guess he decided to check out the Outback Bowl on the way to Tuscaloosa.
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:29 pm to TideSaint
Leatherwood:
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:32 pm to TideSaint
Tim Watts:
quote:
A poster on our UF site posted a picture of Leatherwood at the UF/ Iowa bowl game today. The UA staff was aware he would be stopping at this game on his way home from the under armour game. Just an FYI.
From the Alabama standpoint Leatherwood is expected to enroll at UA January 8 with the rest of the mid-year guys.
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:33 pm to TideSaint
Man, that fan base has serious issues, and that board is an embarrassment. 
This post was edited on 1/2/17 at 3:34 pm
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:37 pm to Crimsonwave
BOL is saying the staff knows about it and he's enrolling on the 8th
Posted on 1/2/17 at 3:40 pm to TideSaint
Good deal. I thought I'd heard he was coming in today. Then this popped up. Wasn't sure what happened.
Posted on 1/2/17 at 4:04 pm to TideSaint
I read a lot of the "negative recruiting" thread over there. Those people are straight up nuts.
Posted on 1/2/17 at 4:07 pm to TideSaint
Maybe he likes to watch football too?
Posted on 1/2/17 at 5:11 pm to TideSaint
When I first watched Solomons reel I thought he must be playing vs scrubbs, but found out later he plays vs great competition. He is just that dominant. Orr said today that in his opinion Solomon is a top 5 player in the country.
I think Harris will roll with the Tide, but one thing does bother me... if he doesn't like all the recruiting process and attention the easiest way he could make it all stop would have been to reaffirm his commitment to Bama after the UM visit.
I disagree with everyone saying we will be fine without Najee. Bama does not have the elite RB that makes this offense run. Bo looks close, but lets be honest he is and always will be one play away from injury.
Landing players like Najee help everything. Even recruiting. Kids in 9th grade next year will want to be the next Najee Harris at Bama, much like Harris probably fancies himself the next DHenry.
Our RB's got run down all season, and that was a real eye opener after watching Henry house runs from anywhere and everywhere on the field. Bama needs another guy that is gone once he gets into the second level, while also being able to punish a D.
Making him even more important is the fact that there isn't another RB on this level in the next class, or probably the next 5 classes.
I thought Emmons was going to be really special, but who knows how he will return from a significant injury.
I think Harris will roll with the Tide, but one thing does bother me... if he doesn't like all the recruiting process and attention the easiest way he could make it all stop would have been to reaffirm his commitment to Bama after the UM visit.
I disagree with everyone saying we will be fine without Najee. Bama does not have the elite RB that makes this offense run. Bo looks close, but lets be honest he is and always will be one play away from injury.
Landing players like Najee help everything. Even recruiting. Kids in 9th grade next year will want to be the next Najee Harris at Bama, much like Harris probably fancies himself the next DHenry.
Our RB's got run down all season, and that was a real eye opener after watching Henry house runs from anywhere and everywhere on the field. Bama needs another guy that is gone once he gets into the second level, while also being able to punish a D.
Making him even more important is the fact that there isn't another RB on this level in the next class, or probably the next 5 classes.
I thought Emmons was going to be really special, but who knows how he will return from a significant injury.
Posted on 1/2/17 at 5:18 pm to PowHound
quote:
Harris probably fancies himself the next DHenry.
There's an interview a few years back before he committed to Bama where the reporter asked if his playing style was akin to bigger backs like Henry's or Todd Gurley's. He seemed almost offended to be compared with Henry at that point.
This obviously before Henry's monster 2015, in which he's become much more receptive to the comparison
Posted on 1/2/17 at 5:42 pm to MagillaGuerilla
247 - East Squad Top Performers
quote:
SAN ANTONIO – The first East practice is in the books at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
ALPHA DOG
Georgia running back commit D'Andre Swift was the star of the afternoon practice as he got loose for a couple big runs. The speed, cutting ability and strength make the nation’s No. 4 running back per 247Sports a special prospect.
Swift checked in at 222 pounds Sunday and was the most physically impressive back on the East. The Philadelphia (Pa.) St. Joseph’s standout keeps those muscular legs churning, can make defenders miss and finds his top-end speed quickly.
Perhaps his best trait is the patience and vision he runs with. Georgia’s class ranks No. 3 nationally including nine that are U.S. Army All-Americans and Swift could end up being the best of the bunch.
THE NEXT TEN
1. The nation’s No. 2 defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon of Leesburg (Ga.) High didn’t disappoint, splitting double teams with ease in the team portion, showing elite quickness and high energy throughout the day. The 6-foot-3, 305-pound Solomon named Alabama his leader Sunday, also remains high on Georgia, Michigan, Auburn, Florida and USC among others.
2. In a really good linebacker group, Starkville (Miss.) High talent Willie Gayshowed the most trait. Has outstanding first-move twitch, very fluid, great speed, rangy, has courage to stick his nose in against the run, made plays in the alley, was sound in drills, performed like a five-star. 247Sports ranks Gay as the nation’s No. 3 outside linebacker. Mississippi State is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite with Michigan, LSU and Ole Miss the other contenders.
3. There wasn’t a more consistent offensive line performer than the nation’s No. 3 offensive guard Tedarrell Slaton from Fort Lauderdale (Fla.) American Heritage. In 1-on-1s, when he got his hands on a defender it was over. Very powerful and quick, five-star defensive lineman AJ Epenesa hit him with a nice double move and the Sunshine State standout stoned him. In team, he lined up at tackle and guard, moves extremely well, is a finisher at the point of attack. At 6-foot-4 ½, 360-pounds Slaton will have to shed some weight but the athleticism is there to be special. Florida and Kentucky look like the top contenders. Gators are my 247Sports Crystal Ball forecast.
4. The nation’s No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in Alabama commit Tua Tagovailoa heated up with the temperature. In the afternoon in team period, he was poised in the pocket, made great decisions, was accurate with the football and had the play of the day going through his progression in hitting the country’s No. 1 ranked receiver Donovan Peoples-Jones for the longest pass of the day. A drop-in-the-bucket dime to his left. Tagovailoa throws well on the run and has a calm presence when things around him are in a flurry.
5. West Virginia receiver commit Michael Harley was the most consistent playmaker among a talented receiver group. He beat Ohio State commit Shaun Wade on a double move for a touchdown, he got open on a variety of routes, a springy, polished route runner with sure hands.
6. Florida State bound receiver D.J. Matthews moves at a different speed than the other receivers, got himself behind the defense often, was a presence on stretch run plays outracing defenders to the edge and continues to make his case as the top inside receiver in America. 247Sports ranks him as the No. 6 receiver in the land overall.
7. Georgia bound offensive tackle Andrew Thomas earned a ton of praise throughout the day from several coaches, playing equally well as a run blocker and in pass protection. He helped spring running backs for big plays and he was able to block five-star defensive end Chase Youngamong others on the edge. No question was the best athlete of the group, and any questions regarding his grit were answered on day one. Long arms, great frame for the for the No. 12 offensive tackle in America out of Atlanta (Ga.) Pace Academy.
8. There wasn’t a linebacker prettier on the hoof than Oklahoma’s Top247 linebacker commit Jacob Phillips who at 6-foot-3 ½, 235-pounds ran very well, was physical against the run and also has soft hands. LSU is battling to flip the Nashville (Tenn.) East Nashville Magnet standout.
9. One of the freak athletes of the entire event, Top247 safety Devon Hunter’s closing speed was very apparent, a rangy safety that can be a presence in every facet of the game. Virginia Tech is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite, with North Carolina, Florida and Auburn among others in the mix.
10. The most natural thrower of the football was Clemson five-star quarterback commit Hunter Johnson who spins it consistently, has the most arm talent and has a knack for hitting receivers in stride. Johnson’s best throw of the day was a thread-the-needle dime to Henry Ruggs that had his peers shaking their head in awe.
FIVE OTHERS OF NOTE
Georgia bound quarterback Jake Fromm is a great decision maker, knows where to go with the football and had a much better second practice after coming out of the gate slow.
Michigan receiver commit Tarik Black flashed a bunch, getting open deep a couple times including a nice reception from Tagovailoa in the afternoon.
Auburn linebacker pledge Tadarian Moultry is a tone setter, instinctive, is serious presence in the front seven.
Oklahoma center commit Creed Humphrey took what seemed like every snap. He’s quick, has good feet and did well battling on the interior.
Notre Dame tight end commit Cole Kmet showed a complete skill set, an outstanding blocker, was a presence catching the football. One rep his block on the perimeter helped spring Tennessee bound running back Ty Chandler.
OTHERS THAT FLASHED
Notre Dame offensive tackle commit Joshua Lugg was good in pass protection, nice feet and length. So much upside there. Five-star defensive ends Chase Young and AJ Epenesa were really solid against the run in first practice, and no defensive lineman moved like Young in position drills. Both continue to look like future first rounders. All the defensive backs were long and rangy in drills but none really made plays in the competition portion outside of a pass break-up by South Carolina commit Hamsah Nasirldeen. Great running back group with Florida State commit Cam Akers and Chandler showing fantastic acceleration. All three with Swift included are factors in the pass game.
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