Started By
Message
re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:12 pm to bamasgot13
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:12 pm to bamasgot13
Henry Ruggs III Commitment Video:
LINK
LINK
1
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:15 pm to Taskrj
Texas TE Kedrick James brings O.J. Howard size to Alabama's 2017 class
Kedrick James
School: La Vega (Waco, Texas)
Position: Tight end
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 245 pounds
Also considered: Arkansas, Texas A&M, Baylor
247Sports composite ranking: James is a three-star recruit, rated as the No. 359 prospect nationally, the No. 12 tight end and No. 51 prospect from Texas.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: The graduation of O.J. Howard leaves a hole in Alabama's big-body tight end market. James brings that with a 6-6 frame. The former Baylor commit dropped the Bears last spring after Art Briles was fired amid the sexual assault scandal in Waco.
Projection for 2017: Miller Forristall returns in a starting role with Hale Hentges and Irv Smith also back. The Tide already has freshman Major Tennison (6-6, 230 pounds) enrolled as early competition with a similar physical presence. James isn't set to arrive until the summer, so there will be work remaining if he hopes to see the field as a true freshman.
LINK
Kedrick James
School: La Vega (Waco, Texas)
Position: Tight end
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 245 pounds
Also considered: Arkansas, Texas A&M, Baylor
247Sports composite ranking: James is a three-star recruit, rated as the No. 359 prospect nationally, the No. 12 tight end and No. 51 prospect from Texas.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: The graduation of O.J. Howard leaves a hole in Alabama's big-body tight end market. James brings that with a 6-6 frame. The former Baylor commit dropped the Bears last spring after Art Briles was fired amid the sexual assault scandal in Waco.
Projection for 2017: Miller Forristall returns in a starting role with Hale Hentges and Irv Smith also back. The Tide already has freshman Major Tennison (6-6, 230 pounds) enrolled as early competition with a similar physical presence. James isn't set to arrive until the summer, so there will be work remaining if he hopes to see the field as a true freshman.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:16 pm to Taskrj
Devonta Smith gives Alabama another elite WR signee from Louisiana
Devonta Smith
School: Amite (Amite, La.)
Position: Wide receiver
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Also considered: Florida State, LSU, Miami
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Smith is the No. 64 recruit overall, No. 9 receiver nationally and No. 2 prospect in Louisiana
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Smith is a wiry, electric receiver who can play slot or outside. His frame isn't that of other receivers in this class, but his first step and explosiveness is nearly unmatched nationally. He does need to gain strength.
Projection for 2017: Smith has everything you need for a receiver to play as a freshman except more strength. For him to get on the field, he'll have to pack on some muscle before August. He should pick up the mental part pretty quick.
LINK
Devonta Smith
School: Amite (Amite, La.)
Position: Wide receiver
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 160 pounds
Also considered: Florida State, LSU, Miami
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Smith is the No. 64 recruit overall, No. 9 receiver nationally and No. 2 prospect in Louisiana
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Smith is a wiry, electric receiver who can play slot or outside. His frame isn't that of other receivers in this class, but his first step and explosiveness is nearly unmatched nationally. He does need to gain strength.
Projection for 2017: Smith has everything you need for a receiver to play as a freshman except more strength. For him to get on the field, he'll have to pack on some muscle before August. He should pick up the mental part pretty quick.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:19 pm to Taskrj
5-star Louisiana wide receiver Devonta Smith picks Alabama over LSU
Alabama added another highly-ranked wide receiver to its recruiting class Wednesday afternoon.
Louisiana wide receiver Devonta Smith chose the Crimson Tide over LSU.
The 6-foot-1, 160-pound Smith is the No. 9 wide receiver, No. 64 overall prospect and No. 2 player from Louisiana in this year's recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Scout ranks Smith as a five-star prospect and as the No. 3 wide receiver and No. 26 overall prospect in this year's class.
The addition of Smith means Alabama now has three wide receivers in this class that were ranked a five-star by at least one of the four recruiting websites in addition to consensus four-star receiver Tyrell Shavers.
LINK
Alabama added another highly-ranked wide receiver to its recruiting class Wednesday afternoon.
Louisiana wide receiver Devonta Smith chose the Crimson Tide over LSU.
The 6-foot-1, 160-pound Smith is the No. 9 wide receiver, No. 64 overall prospect and No. 2 player from Louisiana in this year's recruiting class, according to the 247Sports Composite Rankings.
Scout ranks Smith as a five-star prospect and as the No. 3 wide receiver and No. 26 overall prospect in this year's class.
The addition of Smith means Alabama now has three wide receivers in this class that were ranked a five-star by at least one of the four recruiting websites in addition to consensus four-star receiver Tyrell Shavers.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:21 pm to Taskrj
State's No. 1 prospect LaBryan Ray could play early at Alabama
LaBryan Ray
School: James Clemens (Madison)
Position: Defensive end
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 270 pounds
Also considered: Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee
247Sports composite ranking: A five-star recruit, Ray is the No. 26 prospect nationally, No. 1 strong side defensive end and No. 1 player in Alabama.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: The top prospect in the state, Ray was one of the top players on Alabama's recruiting board and likely Alabama's biggest get on Signing Day. He has been compared to Jonathan Allen, a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Ray will play defensive end in most fronts, but can slide inside if needed.
Projection for 2017: Defensive end was a position of need for Alabama in this class. Ray is talented enough to crack the rotation and should see some snaps on the line this fall.
LINK
LaBryan Ray
School: James Clemens (Madison)
Position: Defensive end
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 270 pounds
Also considered: Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Tennessee
247Sports composite ranking: A five-star recruit, Ray is the No. 26 prospect nationally, No. 1 strong side defensive end and No. 1 player in Alabama.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: The top prospect in the state, Ray was one of the top players on Alabama's recruiting board and likely Alabama's biggest get on Signing Day. He has been compared to Jonathan Allen, a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. Ray will play defensive end in most fronts, but can slide inside if needed.
Projection for 2017: Defensive end was a position of need for Alabama in this class. Ray is talented enough to crack the rotation and should see some snaps on the line this fall.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:22 pm to pmacattack
We love our recruiters don't we folks 
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:23 pm to Taskrj
Local star Brian Robinson ready to run for Alabama
Brian Robinson
School: Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Position: Running back
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 224 pounds
Also considered: Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Robinson is the No. 150 recruit nationally, No. 8 running back and No. 6 recruit in Alabama
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Robinson is another big back in a stable of big Alabama backs. His between-the-tackles, tough style fits the mold of what Alabama has recruited at the position lately. He can also catch passes out of the backfield.
Projection for 2017: Robinson is a pretty good blocker coming into college, but it's hard to see him getting carries this fall if Alabama returns all four scholarship backs from last season. However, scholarship running backs don't usually redshirt at Alabama.
LINK
Brian Robinson
School: Hillcrest (Tuscaloosa, Ala.)
Position: Running back
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 224 pounds
Also considered: Auburn, Georgia, South Carolina
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Robinson is the No. 150 recruit nationally, No. 8 running back and No. 6 recruit in Alabama
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Robinson is another big back in a stable of big Alabama backs. His between-the-tackles, tough style fits the mold of what Alabama has recruited at the position lately. He can also catch passes out of the backfield.
Projection for 2017: Robinson is a pretty good blocker coming into college, but it's hard to see him getting carries this fall if Alabama returns all four scholarship backs from last season. However, scholarship running backs don't usually redshirt at Alabama.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:25 pm to Taskrj
Phidarian Mathis is another Alabama signee from LSU's backyard
Phidarian Mathis
School: Neville (Monroe, La.)
Position: Defensive lineman
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 290 pounds
Also considered: LSU, TCU
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Mathis is the No. 99 overall recruit, No. 7 defensive tackle and No. 4 prospect in Louisiana.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Mathis is another athletic defensive lineman who can play as an end or shift inside. His final position will likely depend on how much weight he gains.
Projection for 2017: With Alabama needing defensive linemen in this class, Mathis will have every opportunity to crack the rotation early.
LINK
Phidarian Mathis
School: Neville (Monroe, La.)
Position: Defensive lineman
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 290 pounds
Also considered: LSU, TCU
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Mathis is the No. 99 overall recruit, No. 7 defensive tackle and No. 4 prospect in Louisiana.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Mathis is another athletic defensive lineman who can play as an end or shift inside. His final position will likely depend on how much weight he gains.
Projection for 2017: With Alabama needing defensive linemen in this class, Mathis will have every opportunity to crack the rotation early.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:27 pm to Taskrj
Alabama signee Kendall Randolph keeps it in the family
Kendall Randolph
School: Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.)
Position: Offensive lineman
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 290 pounds
Also considered: Auburn, Florida
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Randolph is the No. 188 recruit nationally, No. 12 offensive tackle and No. 9 recruit in Alabama
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Randolph is an athletic offensive linemen who shined as a high school tackle, but prepared himself for the guard position during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He will likely play guard in college, but is athletic enough to play tackle. Alabama will just have bigger offensive tackles on the roster.
His brother Levi was a star basketball player for Alabama from 2010-2014.
Projection for 2017: Randolph has a bright future, but offensive linemen don't usually play as true freshmen. He will likely redshirt, but will be given every opportunity to crack the rotation.
LINK
Kendall Randolph
School: Bob Jones (Madison, Ala.)
Position: Offensive lineman
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 290 pounds
Also considered: Auburn, Florida
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Randolph is the No. 188 recruit nationally, No. 12 offensive tackle and No. 9 recruit in Alabama
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Randolph is an athletic offensive linemen who shined as a high school tackle, but prepared himself for the guard position during the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He will likely play guard in college, but is athletic enough to play tackle. Alabama will just have bigger offensive tackles on the roster.
His brother Levi was a star basketball player for Alabama from 2010-2014.
Projection for 2017: Randolph has a bright future, but offensive linemen don't usually play as true freshmen. He will likely redshirt, but will be given every opportunity to crack the rotation.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:28 pm to Taskrj
I had no idea he was Levi's brother
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:28 pm to Taskrj
Alabama gets another big TE in Major Tennison
Major Tennison
School: Bullard (Flint, Texas)
Position: Tight End
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 230 pounds
Also considered: Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, Georgia, Nebraska
247Sports composite ranking: Tennison is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 308 prospect nationally, the No. 8 tight end and No. 46 prospect from Texas.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: With the departures of O.J. Howard and Brandon Greene, there will be some openings within the position group. Howard's spot is expected to be filled by either Miller Forristall or Hale Hentges -- two veterans who have played a significant number of snaps. But Tennison -- a coveted recruit who has the skill-set to be the complete tight end Alabama values -- could make his mark early in his career with the Tide.
Projection for 2017: The Tide has stockpiled talent at the position with Forristall, Hentges and the oft-forgotten Cam Stewart. But Henges and Forristall each played as freshmen. So, it's conceivable Tennison can as well.
LINK
Major Tennison
School: Bullard (Flint, Texas)
Position: Tight End
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 230 pounds
Also considered: Texas, Arkansas, Michigan, Georgia, Nebraska
247Sports composite ranking: Tennison is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 308 prospect nationally, the No. 8 tight end and No. 46 prospect from Texas.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: With the departures of O.J. Howard and Brandon Greene, there will be some openings within the position group. Howard's spot is expected to be filled by either Miller Forristall or Hale Hentges -- two veterans who have played a significant number of snaps. But Tennison -- a coveted recruit who has the skill-set to be the complete tight end Alabama values -- could make his mark early in his career with the Tide.
Projection for 2017: The Tide has stockpiled talent at the position with Forristall, Hentges and the oft-forgotten Cam Stewart. But Henges and Forristall each played as freshmen. So, it's conceivable Tennison can as well.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:29 pm to Triple Daves
quote:I didn't either.
had no idea he was Levi's brother
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:30 pm to Taskrj
New Alabama long snapper Thomas Fletcher is Cole Mazza's heir apparent
Thomas Fletcher
School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Position: Long Snapper
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 215 pounds
Also considered: Florida State, Memphis, Oregon, Texas A&M
247Sports composite ranking: Fletcher is a two-star recruit, rated as the No. 2,439 prospect nationally, the No. 4 long snapper and No. 372 prospect from Florida.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Alabama waved goodbye to Cole Mazza, who started since he was a freshman. Mazza had a perfect record delivering snaps, so Fletcher will have big shoes to fill. But the fact that Alabama pursued him during the recruiting process speaks to Fletcher's perceived value.
Projection for 2017: With Mazza gone, Fletcher will have the chance to immediately compete. He's expected to be the frontrunner to replace Mazza and play as a freshman.
LINK
Thomas Fletcher
School: IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)
Position: Long Snapper
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 215 pounds
Also considered: Florida State, Memphis, Oregon, Texas A&M
247Sports composite ranking: Fletcher is a two-star recruit, rated as the No. 2,439 prospect nationally, the No. 4 long snapper and No. 372 prospect from Florida.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Alabama waved goodbye to Cole Mazza, who started since he was a freshman. Mazza had a perfect record delivering snaps, so Fletcher will have big shoes to fill. But the fact that Alabama pursued him during the recruiting process speaks to Fletcher's perceived value.
Projection for 2017: With Mazza gone, Fletcher will have the chance to immediately compete. He's expected to be the frontrunner to replace Mazza and play as a freshman.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:31 pm to Taskrj
4-star Christopher Allen will help Alabama fill depth lost at outside LB
Christopher Allen
School: Southern University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)
Position: Outside linebacker
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 230 pounds
Also considered: LSU
247Sports composite ranking: Allen is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 106 prospect nationally, the No. 8 outside linebacker and No. 5 prospect from Louisiana
How he fits into Alabama's plans: There's certainly a need for talented outside linebackers in Tuscaloosa. The graduations of Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams will free up space on the depth chart. Those two made the Tide pass-rushing force along with end Jonathan Allen. So, there's room to compete for a spot in the rotation at the very least.
Projection for 2017: Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller have put in their time waiting behind Williams and Anderson and figure to have the upper hand. Rising sophomore Terrell Hall also impressed in Year One. Where Rashaan Evans plays in 2017 will also factor into this after playing two years on the outside and moving to middle linebacker last season. Allen, a friend with fellow Baton Rouge product and teammate Dylan Moses, isn't enrolled for the spring, meaning no head start on the competition.
LINK
Christopher Allen
School: Southern University Lab (Baton Rouge, La.)
Position: Outside linebacker
Height/weight: 6-foot-4, 230 pounds
Also considered: LSU
247Sports composite ranking: Allen is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 106 prospect nationally, the No. 8 outside linebacker and No. 5 prospect from Louisiana
How he fits into Alabama's plans: There's certainly a need for talented outside linebackers in Tuscaloosa. The graduations of Ryan Anderson and Tim Williams will free up space on the depth chart. Those two made the Tide pass-rushing force along with end Jonathan Allen. So, there's room to compete for a spot in the rotation at the very least.
Projection for 2017: Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller have put in their time waiting behind Williams and Anderson and figure to have the upper hand. Rising sophomore Terrell Hall also impressed in Year One. Where Rashaan Evans plays in 2017 will also factor into this after playing two years on the outside and moving to middle linebacker last season. Allen, a friend with fellow Baton Rouge product and teammate Dylan Moses, isn't enrolled for the spring, meaning no head start on the competition.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:33 pm to Taskrj
Markail Benton spurned nearby Auburn for Alabama
Markail Benton
School: Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
Position: Linebacker
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 235 pounds
Also considered: Auburn, Georgia, Florida State
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Benton is the No. 98 overall prospect, No. 7 outside linebacker and No. 3 prospect in Alabama
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Benton played an inside linebacker position during the Under Armour All-America Game and likely ends up there at Alabama.
Projection for 2017: Benton is coming off knee and shoulder surgeries, though they were minor in nature. Benton is talented, but a year in the conditioning program would do wonders for the rest of his career.
LINK
Markail Benton
School: Central (Phenix City, Ala.)
Position: Linebacker
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 235 pounds
Also considered: Auburn, Georgia, Florida State
247Sports composite ranking: A four-star recruit, Benton is the No. 98 overall prospect, No. 7 outside linebacker and No. 3 prospect in Alabama
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Benton played an inside linebacker position during the Under Armour All-America Game and likely ends up there at Alabama.
Projection for 2017: Benton is coming off knee and shoulder surgeries, though they were minor in nature. Benton is talented, but a year in the conditioning program would do wonders for the rest of his career.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:35 pm to Taskrj
Alabama keeps top-40 recruit Jedrick Wills from last-minute flip
Jedrick Wills
School: Lafayette (Lexington, Ky.)
Position: Offensive tackle
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 318 pounds
Also considered: Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Notre Dame.
247Sports composite ranking: Wills is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 34 prospect nationally, the No. 7 offensive tackle and No. 1 prospect from Kentucky.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: The Tide lost an elite left tackle in Cam Robinson to the NFL draft. It also has the No. 1 tackle in the country enrolled early in Alex Leatherwood and Jonah Williams a lock for one of the two jobs for the next two seasons at least. That leaves work to compete for the open tackle spot. Wills isn't enrolled for the spring like Leatherwood, so there's some catching up that'll be required this summer. His high school coach spoke highly of the footwork Wills brings to Tuscaloosa to match his size.
Projection for 2017: It'll be a challenge to work into the lineup as a true freshman, but players like Robinson and Williams have distorted the timetable for a position that's typically considered a developmental one.
LINK
Jedrick Wills
School: Lafayette (Lexington, Ky.)
Position: Offensive tackle
Height/weight: 6-foot-5, 318 pounds
Also considered: Kentucky, Michigan, Tennessee, Notre Dame.
247Sports composite ranking: Wills is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 34 prospect nationally, the No. 7 offensive tackle and No. 1 prospect from Kentucky.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: The Tide lost an elite left tackle in Cam Robinson to the NFL draft. It also has the No. 1 tackle in the country enrolled early in Alex Leatherwood and Jonah Williams a lock for one of the two jobs for the next two seasons at least. That leaves work to compete for the open tackle spot. Wills isn't enrolled for the spring like Leatherwood, so there's some catching up that'll be required this summer. His high school coach spoke highly of the footwork Wills brings to Tuscaloosa to match his size.
Projection for 2017: It'll be a challenge to work into the lineup as a true freshman, but players like Robinson and Williams have distorted the timetable for a position that's typically considered a developmental one.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:36 pm to Taskrj
New Alabama safety Xavier McKinney adds depth to secondary
Xavier McKinney
School: Roswell (Roswell, Ga.)
Position: Safety
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 192 pounds
Also considered: Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State
247Sports composite ranking: McKinney is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 58 prospect nationally, the No. 6 safety and No. 8 prospect from Georgia.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Alabama values defensive backs. The Tide played in its nickel and dime packages 85 percent of the time this past season. McKinney provides more depth on the back end at a position that has talented holdovers, including Ronnie Harrison, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Hootie Jones.
Projection for 2017: It takes a special defensive back to become a regular contributor in his first year at Alabama because Nick Saban's coverage schemes are complex. However, the departure of Eddie Jackson creates a void and at the very least gives McKinney the opportunity to play as a reserve.
LINK
Xavier McKinney
School: Roswell (Roswell, Ga.)
Position: Safety
Height/weight: 6-foot-1, 192 pounds
Also considered: Clemson, Georgia, Ohio State
247Sports composite ranking: McKinney is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 58 prospect nationally, the No. 6 safety and No. 8 prospect from Georgia.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Alabama values defensive backs. The Tide played in its nickel and dime packages 85 percent of the time this past season. McKinney provides more depth on the back end at a position that has talented holdovers, including Ronnie Harrison, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Hootie Jones.
Projection for 2017: It takes a special defensive back to become a regular contributor in his first year at Alabama because Nick Saban's coverage schemes are complex. However, the departure of Eddie Jackson creates a void and at the very least gives McKinney the opportunity to play as a reserve.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:36 pm to TideSaint
quote:
I'm late on the Devonta Smith party.
I had to go to my kid's school to drop off his Science Fair project and his teacher talked my ear off for 30 minutes
Your priorities are all fricked up.
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:37 pm to Taskrj
Najee Harris could make packed Alabama depth chart interesting this spring
Najee Harris
School: Antioch (Antioch, Calif.)
Position: Running back
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 224 pounds
Also considered: Michigan, UCLA, USC, California
247Sports composite ranking: Harris is a five-star recruit, rated as the No. 3 prospect nationally, the No. 2 running back and No. 2 prospect from California.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Harris enrolled in January to join an already crowded Alabama backfield. Its top four running backs are set to return with Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough entering their junior seasons and Josh Jacobs/B.J. Emmons going into Year Two. Harris brings size similar to Scarbrough with a recruiting profile that would top the group on paper. His high school highlight tape is outrageous.
Projection for 2017: This will be a fascinating positional group to track in the spring and August. There's so much talent and only one ball to carry in September. Scarbrough's durability will be a question again after a breakout final few games of 2016, but another injury with the broken leg suffered in the championship game. Freshman have played significant roles in the past.
LINK
Najee Harris
School: Antioch (Antioch, Calif.)
Position: Running back
Height/weight: 6-foot-2, 224 pounds
Also considered: Michigan, UCLA, USC, California
247Sports composite ranking: Harris is a five-star recruit, rated as the No. 3 prospect nationally, the No. 2 running back and No. 2 prospect from California.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Harris enrolled in January to join an already crowded Alabama backfield. Its top four running backs are set to return with Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough entering their junior seasons and Josh Jacobs/B.J. Emmons going into Year Two. Harris brings size similar to Scarbrough with a recruiting profile that would top the group on paper. His high school highlight tape is outrageous.
Projection for 2017: This will be a fascinating positional group to track in the spring and August. There's so much talent and only one ball to carry in September. Scarbrough's durability will be a question again after a breakout final few games of 2016, but another injury with the broken leg suffered in the championship game. Freshman have played significant roles in the past.
LINK
Posted on 2/1/17 at 3:40 pm to Taskrj
Big frame, sprinter's speed make new Tide WR Tyrell Shavers a big catch
Tyrell Shavers
School: Lewisville (Lewisville, Texas)
Position: Wide receiver
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 196 pounds
Also considered: Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Stanford, LSU
247Sports composite ranking: Shavers is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 88 prospect nationally, the No. 12 wide receiver and No. 11 prospect from Texas.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Jalen Hurts has yet to prove he's a proficient passer. But that hasn't stopped receivers from signing up to play for the Tide. Shavers and five-star wideout Jerry Jeudy will enhance a receiving corps that includes Calvin Ridley and Trevon Diggs. With a big frame and sprinter's speed, Shavers will be a factor soon.
Projection for 2017: ArDarius Stewart is gone. So too is Gehrig Dieter. And it's uncertain if Robert Foster will leave the program. As a result, Shavers could see some playing time as a freshman. Both Diggs and Ridley were regular contributors in their first year on campus.
LINK
Tyrell Shavers
School: Lewisville (Lewisville, Texas)
Position: Wide receiver
Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 196 pounds
Also considered: Texas, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, Stanford, LSU
247Sports composite ranking: Shavers is a four-star recruit, rated as the No. 88 prospect nationally, the No. 12 wide receiver and No. 11 prospect from Texas.
How he fits into Alabama's plans: Jalen Hurts has yet to prove he's a proficient passer. But that hasn't stopped receivers from signing up to play for the Tide. Shavers and five-star wideout Jerry Jeudy will enhance a receiving corps that includes Calvin Ridley and Trevon Diggs. With a big frame and sprinter's speed, Shavers will be a factor soon.
Projection for 2017: ArDarius Stewart is gone. So too is Gehrig Dieter. And it's uncertain if Robert Foster will leave the program. As a result, Shavers could see some playing time as a freshman. Both Diggs and Ridley were regular contributors in their first year on campus.
LINK
Page 855 of 864
Latest Alabama News
Back to top
Follow SECRant for SEC Football News