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

quote:

---

Nick Saban and Alabama are in unfamiliar territory heading into the final days before National Signing Day on Wednesday: The Crimson Tide do not currently have the nation’s top class, and they’re almost certainly not going to end up there.

But it’s not all doom-and-gloom in Tuscaloosa. ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill still believes Alabama can secure a top-three signing class on Wednesday.


“They’d love to get an offensive tackle,” Luginbill told reporters on a conference call Monday afternoon. “They’d love to get a wideout and would love to get a corner. If they were to nail all three of those, they’re in the top three in my mind at the end of Wednesday. So it will be interesting to see what takes place.”

However, he also added that Alabama likely won’t have a shot at the No. 1 spot, currently occupied by Georgia. According to Luginbill, Alabama’s playing a losing numbers game in that regard.

“I just don’t know if their sheer numbers, because they don’t have the available scholarships to give out that the teams above them have, would get them in contention for No. 1,” he said.

Alabama currently has 19 commits, while Georgia has 22 and Ohio State, ranked No. 2 nationally per ESPN, has 24.

Another subplot of National Signing Day in Tuscaloosa will be whether or not Saban reaches for a quarterback in anticipation of Jalen Hurts potentially transferring after spring practice. As of now, Alabama does not have a QB commit in the class of 2018.

“(Alabama) may not necessarily be offering a quarterback because they feel that quarterback is the best player out there that can one day be the face of their program, they’re looking at bodies, they’re looking at stop gap players, they’re looking at a player that can come in and add depth, maybe be a program guy,” Luginbill said. “There’s been a lot of talk about Brevin White and his commitment to Princeton and remaining at Princeton. There’s another quarterback actually out of Arizona by the name of Brock Purdy that they had recently offered, but he probably would not be a guy they’re normally looking at.”


Alabama could be in for some drama on National Signing Day this Wednesday.

---

quote:

---

As many as seven players could throw on an Alabama cap next Wednesday in front of an audience that spans the country.

ESPN2 and ESPNU will air National Signing Day ceremonies for a collection of the Crimson Tide's top recruits.

Alabama has eight slots open in its 2018 class after it already reeled in 14 prospects in December.

Here's a list of Alabama's targets who will be announcing their college decisions on ESPN's family of networks:

Time; Player; Position; Hometown; Final Schools

9 a.m. Hour; Patrick Surtain Jr.; CB; Plantation, Fla.; Alabama, Clemson, LSU, Miami


9 a.m. Hour; Tyson Campbell; CB; Plantation, Fla.; Alabama, Georgia, Miami

9 a.m. Hour; Nick Petit-Frere; OT; Tampa, Fla.; Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Notre Dame, Ohio State,

10 a.m. Hour; Tanner McKee; QB; Corona, Calif.; Alabama, Stanford, Texas, Texas A&M, Washington

Noon Hour; Justyn Ross; WR; Phenix City, Ala.; Alabama, Auburn, Clemson

Noon Hour; Olaijah Griffin; CB; Mission Viejo, Calif.; Alabama, Oregon, USC, Tennessee

1 p.m. Hour; Jacob Copeland; WR; Pensacola, Fla.; Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Tennessee, Texas A&M

---

quote:

---

Welcome to SEC Country’s daily Alabama Crimson Tide podcast with Ryan Fowler. In this edition, we talked with SEC Country’s Chris Kirschner about how he thinks the Crimson Tide will close on National Signing Day.

Recruiting analyst, Chris Kirschner from SEC Country projects who will be part of Alabama’s signing class
Kirschner talks about the priority positions for Alabama in the final few spots
Chris Kirschner from SEC Country shares some thoughts on why Alabama may end up taking a QB in this signing class
Steve Wiltfong, director of recruiting for 247 Sports, shares some thoughts on Alabama’s current class and projections for who the Tide signs on Wednesday
Which recruit could be the biggest impact player in 2018 for Alabama?
What is the ceiling for Alabama on team rankings on 247 Sports composite ranking

---