Started By
Message

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

Posted on 6/25/17 at 10:24 pm to
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/25/17 at 10:24 pm to
I hate using the Hotmail app so Flesh can you please approve TigerPaw1's board access request?

Thanks DP.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/25/17 at 10:29 pm to
quote:

Running back Justin Watkins might not end up at Texas after all.  

The 4-star player announced his decommitment from the school Sunday on his personal Twitter account.

Watkins committed to the Longhorns in February while flipping his previous commitment to Florida State. He will now open up his options yet again before apparently making a decision on national signing day.

The Florida native is considered a 4-star recruit by Scout.com, rated the No. 6 running back in the 2018 class. He is listed as the No. 95 player overall in the country.

Watkins has good size for the position at 6'0", 170 pounds, which could also allow him to spend time at receiver. He also has impressive speed for either spot, finishing a 40-yard dash in 4.51 seconds, per ESPN.

Adding this speed to impressive agility and vision, he is a threat to score every time he touches the ball. This could make him an asset no matter where he plays on the field and no matter program he joins.

While this is a disappointing loss for Texas, assuming he doesn't return next winter, new head coach Tom Herman still has an impressive class that already ranks No. 11 in the country next season, per Scout.com.





LINK

We got a couple CBs for him about a week ago.
Posted by DannyGallowherd
Los Angelas
Member since Jan 2016
112 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 1:21 am to
WEEK AGO

*shmoney dance*
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:35 am to
From the Auburn board:

quote:

FWIW an AU source says 4* RB Dameon Pierce is an AU lean right now. Likely an AU-UF battle right now.


If true that has to be good news for us on the Asa Martin front.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:36 am to
Also from the Auburn board:

quote:

KN just put out a VIP update on 5* WR Justyn Ross. Said he spoke with someone close to Justyn Ross's recruitment who says AU is much more in this race than has been reported lately. Thinks AU might even still be the slight favorite based off recent conversations with Ross. Either way his recruitment is expected to go on for awhile and that like Justin Fields, he seems to be telling all 3 sides what they wanna hear. KN say to also not count out Ross's relationship with Gatewood. As of now, Ross is planning to visit all 3 for a game this fall


That update lines up with more of what AU "insiders" have been saying. I am still cautiously optimistic we get Ross but won't truly believe it until I see our offense show the ability to be explosive in the passing game again. Either way good to hear that KN is back to hearing positive stuff for AU with Ross as he was under the impression we were fading


Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:48 am to
quote:

Alabama's targets headed to The Opening

A look at every Alabama target competing in The Opening Finals this week.


LINK
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:50 am to
quote:

Drew Champlin and Mark Jennings are back with another edition of Champ's Corner, the Alabama recruiting podcast.

Here, we take a look back at Alabama's most recent commitments - punter Skyler DeLong and defensive back Jalyn Armour-Davis.

We also look at some players who were recently offered, including offensive lineman Tommy Brown and defensive lineman Caleb Tremblay.

We also preview The Opening, which takes place later this week in Beaverton, Ore.


LINK with podcast
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:52 am to
Justin Watkins has already been committed to 3 different schools: LSU, FSU and Texas.

Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:53 am to
quote:

Welcome to SEC Country’s daily Roll Tide-ings, a rundown of everything happening in Alabama Crimson Tide recruiting with Chris Kirschner. Today, we talk the latest with a 5-star quarterback and two 4-star wide receivers.


LINK
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:58 am to
quote:

Justin Fields visits Alabama with his family

Keeping track of 5-star quarterback Justin Fields’ recruitment hasn’t been easy. His visit to Alabama over the weekend was another example.

SEC Country was told on Friday by multiple people that Fields, the nation’s No. 2 quarterback from Harrison High School (Kennesaw, Ga.), was not going to visit Tuscaloosa with his family, who would instead be in town for his 10-year-old sister’s softball camp.

That was false.

He did visit, according to a Facebook post by his mother on Sunday. Fields was there with both of his parents and the family met with coach Nick Saban.

This trip is the first known visit to Tuscaloosa for Fields, and it’s significant because he had told SEC Country last week that Alabama wasn’t really in the mix as Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Georgia are believed to be the top schools.

“I just don’t talk to the coaches as much as I do with the other guys,” Fields said.

It should be noted, though, there has been so much misinformation from Fields and his inner circle since he’s become a national recruit that interviews with him and those close to him need to be taken with a grain of salt.

With this visit to Tuscaloosa now in the books, he has been to Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Georgia at least once. There have been other secret visits to Auburn, Florida and Georgia, to my knowledge.

For the Tide, getting Fields on campus, especially after he just said he doesn’t talk to Alabama coaches much, is a big win as they try and ascertain which 2018 quarterback will commit to them.

Things are very murky with Alabama and quarterback recruiting this cycle. It’s understandable — the Tide have three young-and-talented prospects currently on their roster. Early playing time for any 2018 QB prospect in Tuscaloosa doesn’t look obtainable for a few years.

We should know what Fields decides to do by the end of August.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:59 am to
quote:

What does Justin Fields’ 7-on-7 teammate think of his recruitment?

Kearis Jackson is a major target for schools coast-to-coast just like Justin Fields. Jackson and Fields play on Cam Newton’s 7-on-7 team, so the pair has spent significant time with each other this spring and summer.

Jackson, a 4-star wide receiver from Peach County High School (Fort Valley, Ga.), also is an Alabama target. He’s set to make his first trip to Tuscaloosa next month, so he can’t really be considered a serious prospect for the Tide at this point. He does, however, talk to his primary recruiter, Derrick Ansley, every week.

Understandably, I wanted to ask Jackson his thoughts on Fields.

“We’re very close, so we talk to each other a lot about recruiting,” Jackson told SEC Country. “I think he’s just enjoying it right now. He’s trying to figure out what’s best for him. It’s stressful on him. All these coaches want him, so they keep pounding.”

In the two years I have covered recruiting, Fields is one of the best players I’ve seen in person. Every time I see him compete, he performs at a high level. Jackson dished out his own praise, too.

“He’s not like other quarterbacks,” Jackson said. “He’s smart. He knows the game. He has a powerful arm. He’s very accurate. He’s decisive with his throws. He puts it on a dime.

“On top of that, he’s a dual threat. He can pass and he can run. What more can you ask for? It’s just a blessing to be able to play with Justin Fields, who can be one of the best players to come out of Georgia in a long time.”

Of note, Jackson said he is planning on attending the same school as Fields. Right now, Georgia is the overwhelming favorite to land Jackson. There’s also quite a bit of buzz with Georgia and Fields.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 8:59 am to
quote:

Justin Watkins de-commits from Texas

Justin Watkins, a 4-star wide receiver from East Ridge High School (Clermont, Fla.), de-committed from Texas on Sunday night. It’s the third time he’s de-committed from a program. Watkins originally was an LSU commit before choosing Florida State and then Texas. He’ll be looking for his fourth school next.

Smartly, Watkins said he’s going to make his next commitment on National Signing Day, when his decision will become official.

The nation’s No. 7 wide receiver in the Class of 2018 is being strongly recruited by Alabama as a slot guy. Watkins and 4-star prospects Jaylen Waddle and Jacob Copeland are considered the Tide’s top slot receiver targets.

Look for Watkins to take an official visit to Alabama this fall. The Crimson Tide are definitely one of the teams to watch moving forward.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:00 am to
quote:

Alabama currently has the nation’s 55th ranked class, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. The Crimson Tide have never finished outside the top five since Nick Saban has been in Tuscaloosa. Alabama has also had the No. 1 recruiting class for seven years running.

That streak looks like it’ll end this year. I have two reasons to believe this. Nick Saban has said the team can only sign 22 players this cycle. That’s because three 2017 signees: Hunter Brannon, Joseph Bulovas and Jarez Parks had their enrollment delayed and will count against the 2018 class. Also, there aren’t any 5-star prospects that are surely going to sign with Alabama when signing day rolls around. Last year, Alabama signed six 5-star prospects.

The Tide have only five commitments, but it’s nothing to worry about. The majority of the team’s prospects are taking much longer to make their decisions this cycle.

Without further ado, here’s SEC Country’s first crack at who will end up in crimson when signing day has completed:


LINK
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:01 am to
quote:

Predicting Alabama’s 2018 signing class


quote:

QB (1) — Tanner McKee, 5-star prospect, Corona, Calif.

Reasoning:
Tanner McKee makes a lot of sense for where Alabama’s quarterback recruiting efforts are. The team’s depth chart at the position is very young with sophomore Jalen Hurts and freshmen Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. That situation is not very appealing for any 2018 quarterback, except McKee. He’ll do a two-year Mormon mission trip after graduating from high school which effectively makes him a 2020 prospect. That means the current depth chart will play zero factor for McKee when he makes his decision. Alabama is recruiting McKee very strongly and he has told SEC Country that he can see himself playing for the Tide.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:01 am to
quote:

RB (1) — Asa Martin, 4-star prospect, Decatur, Ala.

Reasoning:
Since Asa Martin picked up an offer from Alabama at A-Day, the Crimson Tide have gained significant steam with the in-state prospect. Before he got his offer, he told SEC Country that he didn’t think he fit in the Tide’s offense. He has changed his mind on that. He’ll announce his commitment on Aug. 24. All signs are pointing to Alabama as of today.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:02 am to
quote:

WR (3) — Justyn Ross, 5-star prospect, Phenix City, Ala.; 4-star prospect Seth Williams, Cottondale, Ala.; 4-star prospect Xavier Williams, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

Reasoning:
Justyn Ross is Alabama’s top wide receiver target. Most people believe his recruitment will come down to Alabama and Auburn. Clemson is a big threat, too. His mother is an Alabama fan and the team has done a very good job at developing a relationship with her.

Seth Williams was going to commit to Florida State earlier this year but decided to hold off on making a commitment. Since then, he’s had a hot-and-cold relationship with the Alabama staff. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll has made Williams a priority over the past several months. He grew up an an Alabama fan.

Xavier Williams is committed to Alabama and hasn’t made any intentions of changing his commitment. He’s actively recruiting for the Crimson Tide. It wouldn’t come as a surprise if he ended up signing with Miami, though.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:26 am to
quote:

TE (1) — Dominick Wood-Anderson, 4-star prospect, Yuma, Ariz.

Reasoning:
Dominick Wood-Anderson will take an official visit to Alabama on July 21. He’ll make his commitment on Aug. 1. He’s heavily influenced by visits and it’s likely that the Alabama visit is his last one before his commitment. He’s the Tide’s top target at tight end, so expect the team to roll out the red carpet on his visit.


I'd rather land Luke Ford, but wouldn't mind Wood-Anderson.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:27 am to
quote:

OL (3) — Tommy Brown, 4-star prospect, Santa Ana, Calif.; 4-star prospect Jerome Carvin, Cordova, Tenn.; Penei Sewell, 4-star prospect, Saint George, Utah

Reasoning:
Tommy Brown’s father is an alum of Alabama and it’s the offer he was waiting on. He got it earlier this month. The tackle has said he wants to take official visits before committing, but it wouldn’t come as a surprise if a decision came before then.

Jerome Carvin has emerged as a big target for Alabama after a good performance in front of offensive line coach Brent Key at his spring game against Hewitt-Trussville, which is one of the best high school teams in Alabama. He’s being recruited as a guard. It should be noted that he and commit Jordan Davis call themselves “blood brothers.”

Penei Sewell visited Alabama earlier this month and his father strongly suggested that the Crimson Tide should be considered the team to beat. Interestingly, Sewell’s nickname is “Bama.”


I'd rather land Nicholas Petit-Frere than Carvin.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:28 am to
quote:

DL (4) — Coynis Miller, 4-star prospect, Birmingham, Ala.; Bobby Brown, 4-star prospect, Arlington, Texas; Jalen Cunningham, 3-star prospect, Odenville, Ala.; Cameron Latu, 4-star prospect, Salt Lake City

Reasoning:
Alabama and Auburn are the perceived favorites to land Coynis Miller. He grew up a Tide fan and has said that Alabama is recruiting him the hardest. With him being an in-state kid and defensive tackle being a big priority, it’s hard seeing him choose the Tigers.

Bobby Brown has emerged as a giant priority for the team, especially after his dominant performance in camp earlier this month. The team is confident with where it stands for Brown, who will announce his commitment on Nov. 2.

There are some question marks surrounding Jalen Cunningham’s weight. At last check, he weighed 362 pounds. Alabama wants him to lose around 15 pounds and the staff wants to see him work out in person before receiving a committable offer. He is battling turf toe right now, so it may take a little while for him to earn that offer.

Cameron Latu has visited Tuscaloosa multiple times, which is significant for a prospect west of the Mississippi River. He’s a big priority for the Tide.
Posted by TideSaint
Hill Country
Member since Sep 2008
84166 posts
Posted on 6/26/17 at 9:30 am to
quote:

LB (4) — JJ Peterson, 4-star prospect, Moultrie, Ga.; Eyabi Anoma, 4-star prospect, Baltimore; Quay Walker, 4-star prospect, Cordele, Ga.; Jordan Davis, 4-star prospect, Memphis, Tenn.

Reasoning:
JJ Peterson has had Alabama on top for several months now. He wants to continue taking visits elsewhere, which is the reason he hasn’t committed. It would be a surprise if he chose any team other than the Tide.

Eyabi Anoma visited Tuscaloosa over the weekend. He is shy around the media but sources maintain that the Tide are in the driver’s seat for his commitment when he decides.

Quay Walker committed to the Tide in an exclusive video with SEC Country. He wants to take visits elsewhere, but he’s locked in with his commitment.

Jordan Davis usually tweets something Alabama-related every single day. He is Alabama’s longest-tenured commitment.


Kinda hard to be upset with this group.
first pageprev pagePage 295 of 1304Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow SECRant for SEC Football News
Follow us on X and Facebook to get the latest updates on SEC Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitter