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

Coynis Miller committed to Auburn as expected.

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Alabama all-purpose commit Slade Bolden had another big game on Friday night – a trend this season – rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns, and passing for 201 yards and four additional scores in a 55-20 West Monroe (La.) win over Alexandria.

Bolden pledged to the Crimson Tide over LSU and TCU a little over two months ago. He looked back on the decision as a guest on the Crimson and Blue Chips podcast with John Garcia.

“It was a tough decision, obviously. I went to LSU one more time, and it just didn’t feel right,” Bolden said. “I wasn’t even thinking about going to Alabama at first. My parents were like, ‘You need to go see Bama just to see it.’ When I went there, I was just blown away. I didn’t realize how much they were really interested in me. The offensive coaches broke down film and what they wanted to do with me. Knowing that they really wanted me there, I felt at home, it felt right. The decision was clear to me.”

Bolden followed through with his plans to take on more visit to TCU before a decision, but at that point his mind had all but been made up on the Tide.

The 5-foot-11, 198-pounder returned to Tuscaloosa a couple of weeks ago for the Ole Miss game on his official visit. Of note on the trip, stops at the president’s mansion, lunch at Rama Jama’s, and of course breakfast at head coach Nick Saban’s stood out. It was reaffirming what he already felt about the Capstone that left the biggest impression.

“The game was obviously an amazing atmosphere,” Bolden said. “I feel like Alabama is just a really classy school. I really enjoyed how the fans and the student body acted. Obviously, Alabama is really good, and they put a hurtin’ on Ole Miss.

“I can tell Coach Saban does a good job of keeping his guys in check. Keeping them team-first. It didn’t seem like any of the players were too good to talk to a little ol’ recruit.”

Following the game, Bolden hung out with his player host, freshman quarterback Mac Jones. After breakfast at Saban’s on Sunday morning, the West Monroe product, who’s also a first-team all-state baseball player in Louisiana, toured the baseball facilities, although he’s not planning to play at the next level, at least not for now.

Because of his athletic, dual-sport capabilities, Bolden has a lot he can bring to the table. Alabama recruited him as a slot receiver/athlete-type prospect. What does Bolden himself want to play?

“I love playing quarterback, it’s something I’ve always wanted to be,” he said. “I know that at the end of the day I’m probably not going to be a quarterback … I’ve known that for a long time. I love playing receiver as well. I also love playing running back. Whatever can get me the ball in my hands the fastest is where I want to be.”

With just a couple months to go until he graduates and enrolls early, where does Bolden’s commitment stand?

“I’m obviously 100 percent committed,” he said. “Nothing’s going to change my mind unless something radical happens. That’s the only official visit I’m going to take. I’m not going to go to another school because I’m committed to Alabama. I think it’s more respectful to stay true to that school. That’s what my plan is. I’m still Roll Tide all the way.”

Listen to the entire interview with Bolden here: 

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LINK with interview

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Coynis Miller committed to Auburn as expected

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oh well. Don't know how you don't go to the school you grew up a fan of and that also has a huge need for players at your position and had put the most d line in the NFL of any school in recent years? Seems really dumb

Doesn't seem happy. Hopefully he accepts it and doesn't go all April Justin.

Running out of targets for the interior line. But the DEs in this class will be legit.

If Payne were coming back i wouldn't be concerned. Is Frazier a senior?

Yeah. He's a senior. Going to count on Davis, Willliams, Mathis, and Dwight next year. Don't see an instant impact interior lineman Alabama can sign. Maybe Bobby Brown.

I love his reaction. It would match mine if I had a son who did that.

I'm just wondering aloud, but is Coynis Miller even that good? I mean comparative to other top DT's from previous classes?

This recruiting year is not as great talent wise and definitely a down year for DT's.

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I'm just wondering aloud, but is Coynis Miller even that good? I mean comparative to other top DT's from previous classes?

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He has all the physical talent in the world, but apparently his motivation and effort need some work.

Just sucks to lose the only elite in-state DT. I'm a broken record at this point.