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

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Kevontae' Ruggs, one of the state of Alabama's top stars in the Class of 2018, is learning how to play a new position. He's lining up this offseason at receiver - much to the delight - and playful objection - of college football recruiters.

Known for his defensive antics last season at outside linebacker, Ruggs has spent this offseason learning the game on the other side of the line of scrimmage. His high school, Lee-Montgomery, graduated most of its top receivers, including older brother Henry Ruggs, an incoming freshman at the University of Alabama football.

So the younger Ruggs, who is 6-foot-4, volunteered his talented services, and plans to balance both positions this fall at Lee-Montgomery. The Generals open the 2017 season Aug. 24 against Sidney Lanier.

"Bama heard I was playing receiver," said Ruggs, who counts the Tide as one of his many offers. "The defensive coach said, 'Don't fall in love with offense,' and the offensive coach told me, 'You can leave defense alone.' They just being in competition."

Kevontae' Ruggs is ranked No. 15 in the 247Sports composite rankings. Along with Alabama, Ruggs said he's also heard a lot from Ole Miss, Maryland, Western Kentucky and Georgia Tech.

The vast majority, if not all of his offers transpired with schools projecting him as an outside linebacker.

But, Ruggs said he's not against switching positions in college - if that's the right decision.

"I have a love and passion for defense; I love hitting," Ruggs said. "(But) I really just want to go wherever (on the field) is the best future for me.

"If receiver offers a better future for me than linebacker, then I'll go receiver. If linebacker is better than receiver, I'll go linebacker."

During last month's Team USA 7on7 regional tournament, Ruggs showcased what's to come this fall. On one play, he outjumped several defensive backs to snatch a long pass in the end zone.

This offseason, he's worked to get off the ball faster, read defenses and stay low in routes so he can get good cuts and breaks. And he's continuing to learn how to make in-game adjustments. For example, if he has a go route and a cornerback plays him 20 yards off, adjust to an out route.

"It was a big gap that I knew I could fill," Ruggs said. "I knew I could go over there and be a deep threat, open the offense up."

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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 target from North Carolina.

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KJ Henry expects Alabama to be one of his finalists

KJ Henry has been to Tuscaloosa several times. He has previously told SEC Country that he Alabama is “a great place to be.” There are some in the recruiting industry, me included, who believe the 5-star JACK linebacker from West Forsyth High School (Clemmons, N.C.) will ultimately decide from Alabama and Clemson when he makes his decision.

But the No. 2 weakside defensive end in the Class of 2018 per the 247Sports composite rankings won’t admit to that. He’s instead playing it coy when it comes to saying any school has an advantage over the next. His top 10, which he released three months ago, is still intact.


“They’re just as good as the other nine,” Henry said of the Tide’s chances to land him. “It’s crazy to say. They’re a good team, but I’m liking all of those schools.”

Surprisingly, it’s not Alabama or Clemson who is recruiting the 6-foot-5, 235-pound prospect the hardest. It’s a team who is on the rise with second-year coach Justin Fuente.

“Virginia Tech,” Henry said of the school who is on him the hardest. “They’re a much smaller school compared to Alabama and Clemson, but I like them. They’re doing the right things. They’re close to home. They have good relationships with my parents. The coaches have shown lots of love.”

Alabama, via outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi, is talking to Henry multiple times a week. Those two have already established a good relationship — one of the better ones he has with any college coach.

His interest level in the Crimson Tide is high mainly because of Lupoi, who is arguably the team’s best recruiter outside of Nick Saban himself. Each time Henry has visited Tuscaloosa, he’s gotten closer to Lupoi.

“He’s a really down-to-earth guy,” Henry said. “He’s lively and very energetic, too. He’s connected very well with my mom and dad. Just that relationship with him definitely works well.”

Henry is planning on releasing a top 5 before his senior season begins. Those five schools will all receive official visits from him this fall. Expect the Crimson Tide to be one of the five teams — as Henry says, “they have been up there throughout this whole process. I wouldn’t be surprised if they did [get a visit].”

A final decision will likely be made in December as Henry is planning on signing his letter of intent on the first day of the new early signing period. Even though Henry won’t give any clues to where he stands with his recruitment, he did say that if the Crimson Tide keep up their efforts, they’ll be one of his finalists.

“They will be with me in the long run,” Henry said. “As long as they are staying with it and doing the right things and I continue to see success on and off the field, I don’t see why they wouldn’t be.”

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