re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

quote:

---

We’re two days away from National Signing Day, and there’s still a lot of uncertainty surrounding Alabama’s finish to its 2018 recruiting class.

What we do know is that the Crimson Tide can sign 23 players this cycle, according to a source close to the program who confirmed that number on Sunday night. Alabama currently has 14 signees and four commitments. Before we get to the predictions on who we believe is going to fill the class, our educated guesses are based on 4-star linebacker commitments Vernon Jackson (Texas A&M) and Quay Walker (Georgia or Tennessee) flipping. If that happens, that would mean Alabama has seven spots to fill come Wednesday.

We’re going to rank the following players by level of confidence, starting with the player who SEC Country is most confident in the team landing.

---

quote:

---

Predicting Alabama’s 2018 recruiting class finish

3-star CB Eddie Smith (Slidell, La.) — Alabama, Mississippi State, Tennessee

Eddie Smith, the cousin of championship hero DeVonta Smith, was offered by Alabama earlier this month and immediately became a priority target for the Crimson Tide.

On his official visit a few weeks ago, Smith told SEC Country that he spent lots of time with Nick Saban, who told the recruit about the opportunity he would have if he chose the Tide. Smith said knowing that Saban would be coaching him gives Alabama an advantage over Mississippi State and Tennessee, which are his two other finalists.

Going into Wednesday’s decision, how would Smith classify Alabama’s chances of landing his signature?

“They have a great, great, great shot,” Smith said. “It’s going to be a tough decision. All I can do now is pray and talk to my family about it and trust God is going to guide me to the right school.

“Winning a national championship is every recruit’s dream. You go to Alabama and you’re going to have a great, great shot at it. Holding that crystal ball trophy is like a dream come true. I really want to win a championship when I’m in college. It’s a big goal of mine. I’m one step closer to my dream.”

---

quote:

---

4-star WR Justyn Ross (Phenix City, Ala.) — Alabama, Auburn, Clemson

For several months, it seemed like the state of Alabama’s No. 1 prospect was going to play his college football for Clemson. That has changed as we’ve gotten closer to Signing Day.

Alabama started to feel good about Ross a little over a month ago, even after his primary recruiter, defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, left for the Oakland Raiders. Offensive coordinator Mike Locksley, who Ross already had a good relationship with, stepped in and took over the recruitment of the Under Armour All-American. We’ve also been told that Ross is impressed with new wide receivers coach Josh Gattis and his ability to develop top talent at Penn State.

Ross told SEC Country earlier this month at the Under Armour Game that his grandma wants him to choose a school in Alabama, while his mother likes Clemson, but she’ll be fine with whichever school he chooses.

---

quote:

---

4-star WR Jaylen Waddle (Bellaire, Texas) — Alabama, Texas A&M

Jaylen Waddle was silently committed to Alabama for several months. When Texas A&M hired Jimbo Fisher, Waddle started leaning toward the Aggies. But in the past couple of weeks, Alabama sources have started to regain the confidence they had throughout the fall.

This recruitment could definitely go either way.

---

quote:

---

3-star TE Glenn Beal (New Orleans) — Alabama, Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Texas A&M

SEC Country received word on Sunday that Glenn Beal does, in fact, have a committable offer. Tennessee and Texas A&M are Alabama’s biggest competitors to land Beal. He was close to committing to the Aggies on several occasions, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see him wind up at Texas A&M.

I do know that Saban is a big fan of Beal’s game. We’ll see whether or not his official visit to Tuscaloosa last weekend is enough for him to end up at Alabama.

---