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

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DT Brian Merritt

Merritt, a teammate of JJ Peterson, does not yet hold an offer on record.

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ATH Arik Gilbert

Alabama was one of the first schools in on the elite 2020 athlete from Marietta. Georgia looks to be the trend as it stands.

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Former Alabama DB Vinnie Sunseri waived by 49ers

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CB Patrick Surtain Jr.

The nation's No. 1 cornerback has nearly three dozen offers to his name, but narrowed it down to six earlier this week -- Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, LSU, and Ohio State. It's the Seminoles and the LSU Tigers that have long been out front for Surtain. The Bayou Bengals hold 90 percent of the predictions on the Crystal Ball. Regardless, both Bama and FSU are hot on the trail of the 5-star corner who plans to be attendance for Saturday's game. 

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DT Robert Cooper -- FSU commit

You don't hear too much from the 6-foot-2, 377-pounder who's already made his commitment to Florida State. Despite being relatively quiet, Cooper has maintained interest in the Tide and vice versa. Alabama has yet to land a true nose guard in its 2018 class, and has shown the ability to flip Florida State commits, plucking VanDarius Cowan and Daniel Wright from the Seminoles commitment list in the 2017 cycle. 

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LB Quay Walker -- Alabama commit

Walker has already made a commitment to Alabama, but continues to flirt with several programs, notably Auburn and Florida State. The latter got the 4-star 'backer on campus recently resulting in a Crystal Ball flip prediction from Noles247 analyst Josh Newberg. Walker's coach recently told BamaOnLine that the Tide remains in the forefront of his recruitment, but that he's continuing to evaluate his options. Don't be shocked to see Walker end up elsewhere. 

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S Jaylen McCollough

McCollough's recruitment still has a ways to go, but it looks like it could ultimately shape up to be an Alabama-Florida State head-to-head battle. FSU is the Crystal Ball favorite, but in recent months, Alabama has looked to gain some of that momentum, especially after hosting the elite safety twice in one week back in July. 

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Adam Anderson updates his timeline, talks Alabama

Alabama signed a very loaded class at linebacker in 2017. Dylan Moses, Christopher Allen, Markail Benton and VanDarius Cowan, all high school All-Americans, are now freshmen in Tuscaloosa.

There’s a strong possibility that the 2018 linebacker class is just as talented. The Crimson Tide have three linebacker commits right now in Jordan Davis, Cameron Latu and Quay Walker. The Tide are trying to sign at least two more, and Adam Anderson is one of those players on the team’s wish list.

Anderson, a 4-star outside linebacker in the 247Sports composite from Rome (Ga.) High School, told our Georgia recruiting reporter Jeff Sentell that he has been in more frequent contact with the Crimson Tide since de-committing from LSU in early July.

“I’ve been talking to them every once in a while,” Anderson said. “I’m not sure yet if they will get an official visit yet. I’m focused on my high school season right now. I’m also going to see how their season goes and visit after.”

Alabama and Georgia are viewed as the two favorites right now. The Bulldogs are the team to beat, though, mainly because staying closer to home is important to Anderson. Anderson said he hears from people in his community constantly about attending Georgia.

“It’s almost every day,” Anderson said. “It’s great knowing people care about where you go to school and they hope you go to their school.”

Don’t look for a decision anytime soon from Anderson.

“I guess I might find myself kind of close to deciding after our season,” Anderson said. “I might wait it out a bit with our season. Probably after then. Right around January or February.”

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Coaches on the road on Friday

With Alabama in Georgia for the game, the Crimson Tide staff will send a few coaches to some area high school games on Friday night.

- Outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi will see Anderson at Rome High School. Anderson will be at the Alabama-Florida State game.
- Defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley will see Walker at Crisp County High School. Walker will be at the Alabama-Florida State game.
- Running backs coach Burton Burns will see 2019 4-star linebacker target Owen Pappoe at Grayson High School. Pappoe will be at the Alabama-Florida State game, but as a Seminoles visitor.

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