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

I love the music when Matt Damon goes rogue. It's epic.

Finally figured out who Park reminds me of. Stephen Garcia

Music is intense when he's trying to dock the spinning shuttle to the spacecraft

How are we looking with Patrick Surtain Jr. and Tyson Campbell. I know our staff is really high on both of them and is there a possibility we get both or even miss out on both?Then what

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2019 OLB King Mwikuta

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This dude is gonna be a monster

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There are a plethora of reasons to love doing what I do, but being able to write about younger prospects is easily the most satisfying.

When I started watching film on 2020 Westgate-New Iberia Kayshon Boutte, it was evident right away that this kid had a unique blend of attributes that should propel him to top-prospect status. He is listed at 6-feet, and 180 pounds, but a couple of phone calls led me to believe he may be even taller than that. Boutte also stars in track, which only helps his cause even more.

It has become apparent this season that he is everything he first appeared to be--a star in the making. Louisiana has a history of producing top talent, but producing top flight receivers has proven to be one of the strong-suits of this state. Boutte looks like he may be the next in line.

The film:

The first thing you notice about Boutte is his acceleration off of the line. He does take a false step at times, but his explosiveness and ability to get to his top gear is elite for a young receiver. His impressive movements don't stop there, though. Boutte also shows great lateral quickness and the ability to redirect and accelerate that often separates the good from the great. All of this becomes even more impressive when you take his age into consideration.

As a receiver, Boutte shows some skill in his route running, but most of his separation is gained through superior athleticism and explosiveness. He does show the physical ability to incorporate it into his game, though. He is not a consistent hands-catcher, yet, but he does show the type of hand-eye coordination to become one. Boutte shows great body control and the ability to elevate in traffic to make the tough catch.

Once the ball is secured, watch out! Boutte eats up angles with pure acceleration and speed, and if he gets a crease, few have a chance catching him. He does show some elusiveness in space, and a toughness that allows him to absorb contact and fight for extra yardage.

On the first clip of the video below, Boutte is running a slant in what is essentially a rub concept, with the defense appearing to be in a cover-3 defense. Boutte catches the ball in stride and turns it up field for what should be a modest gain. But despite two defenders having great position to make the tackle, Boutte's speed simply obliterated their angles, in what turned into a 66-yard yard touchdown right up the seem of the defense.

On the second play, Boutte is running a go-route (9-route). The defense appears to be a cover-3 look once again, with bost the outside defender and high safety in good position to make the play. The QB makes what is an ill-advised throw, but shows a lot of confidence in his young receiver to beat double coverage. Boutte does just that, high-pointing the ball, while absorbing contact on the play.

Overall assessment:

There is certain criteria I set for myself when evaluating players. One of them is to see them in person prior to portraying them as an elite prospect. However, Boutte's ability is so evident to me that there is a willingness to state it here. Boutte will end up being a five-star recruit. Ultimately, his progress from this point on will determine the validity of that statement. Expect to be hearing this young man's name a lot in the future.

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We haven't offered yet, but if he's as good as this article claims I'm sure we will.

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Crimson Tide looking to flip Robert Cooper

This will likely be Da’Ron Payne’s last season playing for Alabama, as he’s expected to be a first-round pick, if he decides to declare for the NFL draft.

If Payne does leave for the NFL, there’s no clear heir apparent to take over for him next season. Johnny Dwight could be Alabama’s next nose tackle or Raekwon Davis could slide inside.

But nose tackle depth is thin for Alabama moving forward, and the Crimson Tide are hoping to land one prospect in the 2018 class. There may not be a player higher on the board than 4-star Florida State commit Robert Cooper.

Cooper has been committed to the Seminoles for more than a year now, but there have been some rumblings that he may reopen his recruitment soon. If he does de-commit from FSU, two schools are in good position.

“It’s a tie for second, but Georgia has a little lead [over Alabama],” Cooper told SEC Country’s Jeff Sentell.

That could be because Cooper said he hears from Georgia coach Kirby Smart more than any other head coach. He also said the Bulldogs, in general, are recruiting him the hardest. The Bulldogs also have the most open depth chart to make an immediate impact, he believes.

But, the opportunity is also there in Tuscaloosa.

“The thing with Da’Ron Payne is we’re about the same [weight] coming out of high school,” Cooper said. “He was about my size. I’m a few more pounds heavier than him. We were benching the same weight. He was benching 475 in high school and was mainly known for strength. We are about the same type of player in high school. Very quick for our size and strong at the point of attack.”

Payne was 350 pounds in high school. Cooper weighs 377 pounds. I have seen Cooper play in person; it’s not a sloppy 377 pounds. He’s put together. He’s also right about being quick for his size. I watched him over the summer work interior offensive linemen silly in camps.

That’s why Cooper’s primary recruiter at Alabama, Tosh Lupoi, is relentlessly pursuing him.

“We need that guy to come in for Da’Ron Payne,” Cooper said of Lupoi’s message to him. “We don’t want any drop-off. I know it’s not going to be that easy to just take his place. That’s something I have to work for.”

The nation’s No. 5 defensive tackle will take an official visit to Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s game against LSU on Nov. 4. Cooper is one to watch moving forward. Other defensive tackle targets include Coynis Miller, Caleb Tremblay and Bobby Brown. Jalen Cunningham and Jeffery Johnson, who are true nose tackles, are still being evaluated and do not have committable offers at this time.

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K.J. Henry applauds Will Muschamp’s personal recruiting efforts

Five-star defensive end K.J. Henry told SEC Country that South Carolina coach Will Muschamp is recruiting him hard.

“That’s definitely been a guy, whenever I want to talk to someone there, he’s the one I’m calling, so I think our relationship is very well,” Henry said. “To have that relationship with the head coach, that speaks volumes.”

Henry noted that Muschamp has been the only coach to come see him play this season.

The 5-star defensive end is rated as the No. 16 overall prospect in the Class of 2018, according to the 247Sports composite.

‘He’ll be special there’

Count Adrian Snow, Henry’s coach at West Forsyth High School (Clemmons, N.C.), among those impressed with Muschamp.

“[Muschamp has] done a good job and he’ll continue to do so,” Snow said. “If they just leave him alone, let him get things straight, he’ll do it there and he’ll be special there, too.”

Snow has already sent two former players to Power 5 programs: Jalen Dalton, currently a junior at North Carolina, and Alex McCalister, who played for Muschamp at Florida and is now on the Philadelphia Eagles.

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Seth Williams had 5 receptions for 201 yards and 2 TDs last night. Although it was against 1-5 Central Tuscaloosa. Regardless, super impressive numbers.