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re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:41 pm to TideSaint
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:41 pm to TideSaint
quote:
The mystery of where Najee Harris will play college football looks like it’s coming to an end.
Alabama quarterback commit Tua Tagovailoa told SEC Country earlier this week that he believed that his roommate in Tuscaloosa would be the 5-star running back. Tagovailoa took it a step further on Wednesday and said he and Harris are on the same flight to Birmingham on Sunday, which was reported by 247Sports.
A source close to Harris, while he wouldn’t 100 percent confirm the report, told SEC Country on Wednesday that Tagovailoa wasn’t wrong by saying it.
“I’ll just say Tua is a smart kid and leave it like that,” the source said.
He went on to say that Harris was upset when he found out that Tagovailoa wasn’t on his team in the Army Bowl. The Hawaiian QB is playing on the East team this Saturday. The reason for that is unknown. But, Harris and Tagovailoa have hung out with each other every single night they’ve been in San Antonio, Texas so far.
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Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:43 pm to TideSaint
One thing to consider is Chris Kirschner spent an entire week in Hawaii earlier this season to do a series of stories on Tua. He has a really good relationship with him.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:43 pm to narddogg81
quote:
I think the switch to Sarnian [Sark] is actually going to play out in our favor. Their analysts have been studying kiffin this whole bowl prep, and now all that's out the window with a week to track down old film on USC and washington. Meanwhile the guy who has most likely been studying this year's version of Clemson most closely is now calling the plays, outside of the fact that he is a great playcaller and oc anyway.
Saban playing chess.
This post was edited on 1/4/17 at 1:46 pm
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:45 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Jarez Parks talks Alabama
When it comes to the recruitment of 4-star JACK linebacker prospect Jarez Parks, it has seemed like it has been a matter of when he’ll actually commit to Alabama, not if.
Parks, who is Alabama’s top uncommitted target at JACK, told SEC Country at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl practice on Tuesday that he doesn’t know why people believe the Crimson Tide are the frontrunners for his commitment.
“I don’t know why people keep saying that,” Parks told SEC Country’s Jesse Simonton. “They’re a great school. They’re doing an amazing job recruiting, not only just recruiting me but recruiting my mom and everybody I’m close to in the loop, and that’s definitely a good thing they’re doing right now.”
The reason why so many people believe Alabama is the team to beat is because he nearly committed to the Tide last July during the team’s invite-only cookout. Several team sources have told SEC Country since then that Alabama is the team to beat. Florida State is viewed as Alabama’s biggest competition, with Florida trailing in the third spot.
Alabama has positioned itself nicely with Parks because of outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi, who has spearheaded his recruitment.
“He’s a character, but he’s a really good dude,” Parks said of Lupoi. “You can tell that he has genuine thoughts about my future and whatnot. He does want the program to succeed due to if I did come or whatnot, but you can tell that he has genuine thoughts about me and my future.”
One of the main things that has impressed Parks the most about Lupoi is the coach’s approach when it comes to his recruitment. Lupoi isn’t just concerned about how Parks can fit into Alabama’s defense.
“He’s actually learning about who I am,” Parks said. “He’s learned how to contact me through ways that if I don’t answer my phone, he can still reach other people to get to me. That’s pretty cool.”
The Army All-American doesn’t have a set commitment date. He could decide to announce his decision at any moment, he said. He’ll visit Auburn and Florida this month.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:46 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Javon Kinlaw says South Carolina leads
Aubrey Solomon, the 5-star defensive tackle from Lee County High School (Leesburg, Ga.), told SEC Country earlier this week that Alabama has a “huge lead” for his commitment. But it’s not all good news on the defensive line front.
Javon Kinlaw, a 4-star junior college defensive lineman, told SEC Country’s Hale McGranahan that South Carolina leads over Alabama for his commitment.
“It’s because of the communication and the relationships,” he said for why the Gamecocks’ lead.
Now, could Kinlaw saying South Carolina leads be linked to Alabama feeling good about where it stands with Solomon and 4-star defensive end LaBryan Ray? It’s very possible. But, there’s also a possibility that Alabama 4-star defensive tackle commit Akial Byers doesn’t end up in the Tide’s class when signing day rolls around. He has some academic issues to work through and Alabama has heard about his poor performance during Under Armour week against top offensive linemen. I, personally, didn’t see Byers win a single rep in practice down in Orlando last week.
So, if Byers does end up not being in Alabama’s class, the Tide will almost certainly replace him with another defensive lineman because the position is arguably the biggest need in the Class of 2017. That’s when Kinlaw and 4-star defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis come into play.
Right now, it’s unclear if Alabama would take Kinlaw. I was told that Mathis is still a “take” for the Tide.
Ouch.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:51 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Christopher Allen’s commitment to Alabama came as a shock to LSU as the Tigers lost out on the top linebacker on their board and another Baton Rouge native.
However, the pursuit of the 4-star linebacker may not be over with just yet.
During the Under Armour All-America Game, the Alabama commitment told SEC Country that he continued to speak with LSU defensive coordinator Dave Aranda and is contemplating an official visit sometime this month. The Tigers’ biggest selling point, of course, is immediate playing time.
Allen’s coach, former LSU quarterback Marcus Randall, joined Culotta & The Fan on 104.5 ESPN on Wednesday and suggested that his linebacker is still very receptive to remaining in Baton Rouge.
“Now it’s Coach Aranda who has been speaking to him more now, and Coach Aranda is letting him know that he’ll be coaching his own linebackers and other things that Chris likes,” Randall said.
“His defensive coordinator would have the chance to coach him. Still, it’s the decision he chooses to make. He has good information to know coming in. It’s still up in the air. I know he committed, but they (LSU) needs that linebacker. I think by the bowl game being away, he likes to see those different things. He’s still a hometown guy, he loves LSU, so I think we might get to see something before that February day.”
Allen, a 6-foot-4, 234-pounder from Southern University Lab (La.), committed to ‘Bama over the Tigers following the Iron Bowl. Afterward, he told SEC Country he understood that there was a chance to play right away at LSU, but wanted to be developed at Alabama.
His coach thinks otherwise, though, indicating the need for linebackers at LSU should be attractive for Allen.
“Me and Chris had this conversation right before the season,” said Randall. “He was down to LSU and ‘Bama, leaning more toward LSU. During the process and the coaching change, it may have swayed him one way or the other. LSU has always been a dream school for him to play at. I’m not sure what ‘Bama told him over there. He’s not a media guy. We may still have time to keep shooting at him. If we could land him here, that would be a big impact before I think he’s a helluva ball player and a helluva person.”
Throughout his recruitment, LSU has fired two of Allen’s primary recruiters. First, it was area recruiter Cam Cameron, and then it was linebackers coach Bradley Dale Peveto.
Aranda has since inherited the responsibility of courting Allen, and first-year coach Ed Orgeron is having an impact as well. Together, Randall believes they could force the 4-star linebacker to change his mind at some point this month.
“I’m not sure if that’s 100 percent,” Randall said of Allen’s commitment to Alabama.
“I know he always spoke highly of Coach O. It’s one of his favorite coaches over there throughout the whole process. When Coach O really got the job, he’s showing he’s trying to move the program forward, and I think he’s done a great job.”
LINK
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:54 pm to TideSaint
quote:
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — DeVonta Smith has been squarely atop LSU’s offensive wish list since the start of the spring.
After all, he’s wide receivers coach Dameyune Craig’s No. 1 priority and used to be recruited by area recruiter Ed Orgeron, who is now the Tigers’ head coach.
The addition of offensive coordinator Matt Canada has added a boost, too. Canada’s initial conversation with the 4-star Amite (La.) wide receiver led to an official visit set for Jan. 13, where Smith hopes to hear more positive ideas about how he could be utilized in Baton Rouge.
“We’re still getting to know each other, but things are coming along good,” Smith told SEC Country after Day 3 of practice for the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.
“He’s telling me good things about what he’s going to do with the offense and moving the receivers around. I won’t be just limited to one spot; he’ll be able to move me around the offense and get me involved.”
LSU remains on par with Alabama and Miami among Smith’s top schools. All three will get an official visit from the 6-foot-1, 160-pound wide receiver this month.
Sources close to Smith insist that the Tigers are gaining steam with the Louisiana native, though he indicated he is still keeping his options open as National Signing Day approaches.
“It’s still laid back, but a lot of places have fallen back. It’s LSU, Miami and ‘Bama,” Smith said. “Everyone is still equal right now.”
Smith will head to LSU first before Alabama (Jan. 20) and Miami (Jan. 27).
The final visit may be the biggest X-factor in his decision considering he lives an hour outside of LSU’s campus and has been to LSU and Alabama way more than he has to Miami.
“Really, with Miami, I have to see Miami,” he said. “It’s the only place I have to see a lot of the academics. Everything else is about my parents getting a feeling of how it is.”
Smith stated that he was impressed with the strides that LSU’s program has made in such a short time and that he’s a fan of their academics. He plans on majoring in sports management.
It will be important for Orgeron to retain Craig, who has been rumored to be mulling a job on Willie Taggart’s staff in Orgeron. Craig has spearheaded Smith’s recruitment from the spring, bringing LSU a far way from March until now.
“Really, that would be important,” Smith said of Craig staying at LSU.
“If he leaves, another wide receivers coach would come in and it would probably be too late to get to know him because signing day is just a few weeks away.”
LINK
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:57 pm to TideSaint
quote:
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The U.S. Army All-American Bowl offered a tasty appetizer for Saturday’s game (noon, NBC), as the East and West teams practiced separately Tuesday before coming together for a spirted hour of 1-on-1’s and 7-on-7’s.
Here are Tuesday’s takeaways from SEC Country…
1. Aubrey Solomon has played like the best defensive tackle in the country the first two days in San Antonio. The 5-star uncommitted prospect from Lee County (Ga.) has whipped interior lineman on both Team East and Team West. Solomon, who currently holds Alabama as his leader, consistently uses a quick burst and then pure power to dominate guards and centers.
2. South Carolina safety Hamsah Nasirildeen balled out Tuesday. The rangy 6-foot-5, 215-pound defensive back was super active, recording a couple tackle for loss during team periods and then plucking an interception during 7-on-7’s against Team West. The 4-star prospect has been a real surprise this week.
3. Diminutive receivers dominated once Tuesday, as D.J. Matthews, Mike Harley and Devonta Smith were in the Always Open Club for the second straight day.
Matthews, a 4-star wideout headed to Florida State, was a highlight machine during 1-on-1’s, with his best play coming on a long pass from Alabama quarterback commit Tua Tagovailoa.
Meanwhile, Smith got rag-dolled by UGA 5-star safety commit Richard LeCounte during one rep …
… But otherwise, the 6-foot, 160-pound receiver was the smoothest playmaker on the field Tuesday. Likely an Alabama-LSU battle, Smith consistently beat showcased his explosiveness and wiggle after the catch.
4. Tagovailoa, Tate Martell and Jake Fromm all jockeyed to be the best quarterback Tuesday. No doubt, Martell — the decorated Ohio State commit — was the alpha dog during 1-on-1’s and 7-on-7’s. Martell sees the field so well and just accurately spins the ball.
Both Tagovailoa and Fromm had really strong moments, too though. Tagovailoa has probably been the best deep-ball distributor over the first two days, frequently finding receivers 20-plus yards down the field. The Crimson Tide early enrollee has had a few issues getting in and out of the huddle, but mostly, he’s had a great week.
Fromm looks best in team situations, commanding the offense and acting as a point guard moving around the ball. The Georgia commit has taken the majority of first-team reps with the East. Look for him to start Saturday.
Quick-hitters…
* Cam Akers and Najee Harris are studs, but Georgia tailback commit D’Andre Swift is making his case to be mentioned among THE best ‘backs in the country.
* Team East’s receiving corps is ridiculous. Matthews and Harley have been outstanding, but Black and Donovan Peoples-Jones have really impressed, too. On Tuesday, Georgia wideout commit Jeremiah Holloman looked much more smooth catching the football. He’s a freak athlete if the hands develop.
* Uncommitted linebacker Willie Gay turned in another strong day. Gay nearly had a pick during red zone work, and he displayed his footspeed and lateral quickness during 1-on-1’s covering tailbacks.
* Clemson commit Hunter Johnson has some serious arm talent, but the 5-star quarterback simply struggled with some basics (snaps, decision-making) Tuesday.
* Team East ran several cool trick plays Tuesday, including this connection called “Bulldog.”
* Team West has loaded offensive line with 5-stars Walker Little, Foster Sarell and 4-star Joshua Long.
* The two most popular connections of the week so far: Tua Tagovailoa to uncommitted receiver Henry Ruggs, a top Alabama target. And Jake Fromm to Michigan wideout commit Tarik Black.
LINK
Posted on 1/4/17 at 1:58 pm to TideSaint
Between Tua and the two schools academic calendars I' m pretty confident he is going to Bama and this is more a media/fan troll than a troll of either Michigan or Alabama. I don't believe any of the UM players at the Army game are early enrollees so they can't give any indication in regards to that. And while I doubt he would be taking anything too serious his first semester at UM, considering he would miss his first two classes and then start and/or register for classes on Monday or Tuesday, on a trimester system he would be starting school somewhat behind. I just find it hard to believe with the information I just mentioned and the ideas a) his family would manage the beginning of his college transition so haphazardly (his mom definitely knows where he is going) and b) he would leave Alabama staff in the lurch. I also think his brother is either trolling or making a last ditch effort to get him to UM considering classes start today. Again stranger things have happened, hell he may be on USC's campus by next week. Either way much luck to the kid I hope he does what he feels is best for him and his folks, and I hope Bama fans keep some level of sanity on social media if he flips.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:04 pm to Carlton
Donovan People-Jones is an EE, the QB might be as well. But he's going to Bama, sites like 247 will just milk this story until the weekend.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:10 pm to TideSaint
Seems like tuas "weaknesses" can easily be fixed. I mean getting in and out of huddles, is that a big deal in an all star game practice?
His skill is what counts. Sark will coach him up. He hasn't had the coaching in HS like some of the mainland kids. Even though his HS is the best in Hawaii fball
His skill is what counts. Sark will coach him up. He hasn't had the coaching in HS like some of the mainland kids. Even though his HS is the best in Hawaii fball
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:13 pm to Bamadoc
41 pages since 1/1/17. Great job guys, you can tell Signing day is around the corner, LOL.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:16 pm to RLDSC FAN
Yeah you are right on Peoples-Jones, I don't think McCaffrey is. The other thing I didn't consider is the possibility of enrolling starting the last trimester. I went on the semester system so I don't know if that is possible. Either way much luck to him.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:17 pm to Bamadoc
My only concern with Tua is his height. His release is pretty high though
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:17 pm to BIGJLAW
Who pumped? I'm pumped.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:17 pm to Bamadoc
quote:
Seems like tuas "weaknesses" can easily be fixed. I mean getting in and out of huddles, is that a big deal in an all star game practice?
If we win next Monday it will be all but impossible to unseat Hurts. if Jalen shits the bed in the title game, I would say its open competition.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:17 pm to TideSaint
quote:I found this odd too. Tua is from as far West as you can get.
The Hawaiian QB is playing on the East team this Saturday. The reason for that is unknown.
Maybe a little wrangling to keep Tua and Harris off the same team, hmmm?
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:21 pm to jatebe
Yea, Tua is about as "West" as possible 
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:23 pm to 14&Counting
quote:
If we win next Monday it will be all but impossible to unseat Hurts. if Jalen shits the bed in the title game, I would say its open competition.
This is going to be a healthy debate in the offseason for sure.
I personally don't think CNS is going to name a leader in the spring one way or the other in regards to us winning monday. I hope Jalen won't have to throw a bunch for the simple fact it would mean we are winning.
Posted on 1/4/17 at 2:25 pm to jatebe
That's what crossed my mind.
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