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

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The latest with Emory Jones and Brenton Cox

Two of Alabama’s top targets in the 2018 class are committed to Ohio State: 4-star quarterback Emory Jones and 5-star defensive end Brenton Cox. Both of them have visited Tuscaloosa since they picked the Buckeyes.

Jones, the No. 3 dual-threat quarterback in the class per the 247Sports composite, has visited Tuscaloosa three times since the summer, and that doesn’t include him going to Alabama’s season opener against Florida State in Atlanta. I was told that Jones will likely take an official visit to Alabama this weekend for the Tennessee game. Cox, the No. 2 strongside defensive end in the class, visited Tuscaloosa last week for the Arkansas game. It was his first trip to a game at any college this fall.

There’s a big difference between Jones and Cox that needs to be mentioned, however. Jones took a secret, well, he tried to keep it secret, trip to Alabama during the summer. He didn’t tell the Ohio State staff about it and, of course, the Buckeyes coaches found about it. They ended up having a sit-down conversation with Jones and told him that they want him to stop taking trips elsewhere. He hasn’t stopped.

Cox did tell Ohio State coaches about his Alabama trip prior to visiting Tuscaloosa last weekend, according to Jeremy Birmingham of Land of 10, our sister site.

“He told [Ohio State] about the visit,” the source said. “He’s going to watch a friend from Arkansas play. [The Buckeyes] aren’t worried.”

Now, I was told by a source close to the Alabama program that the Tide feels like it has a chance with Cox. He was receptive to the team’s message that there’s an opportunity to make an impact early. The main thing is just getting him back on campus for an official visit, which is likely. He is taking his official visit to Ohio State for the Penn State game Oct. 28, just like Jones.

Jones and Kentucky quarterback commit Jarren Williams have emerged as the team’s top, and likeliest, targets in the 2018 class. I think one of those two will end up being Alabama’s quarterback in this recruiting cycle.

Both Jones and Cox are early enrollees, so their recruitments will be wrapped up in December during the new early signing period. I would expect Jones to have a final decision on whether or not he wants to flip after he takes his official visit to Ohio State in two weekends. That trip is gigantic for the Buckeyes because Jones, who’s from Heard County High School (Franklin, Ga.), will likely not have another opportunity to visit Columbus before signing. The same can’t be said for Alabama as it’s not a long drive for Jones.

That can also be said about Cox, who’s also from Georgia. Cox hasn’t been to Ohio State since the summer, so the trip for the Penn State game may also be his last one before signing in December.

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The large majority of committed prospects in the Mid-Atlantic remain solid with their choices, but this is the time of year when teams get desperate and coaches start to feel their seat warming up. Here are four committed players from the Mid-Atlantic that could end up flipping to another school.

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On Thursday, October 19th, Adam Anderson will turn 18 years old. It will be a special day for him, but with him being a big-time recruit in the 2018 class, this birthday will be a little extra special.

The 6-foot-5, 225 pound defensive end out of Rome (Ga.) will announce his commitment to Alabama or Georgia Thursday.

This day has been coming for the Rivals 100 prospect.

"This has been coming to me for a while," said Anderson. "I have known for a little while that I was going to be ready to commit around this time, so when it hit me that my birthday was coming up, I just decided to do it on that day."

Will the third time be the charm for Anderson?

The four star committed to Georgia in August 2016, then de-committed in April and committed to LSU on the same day.

After almost three months of being on the Tiger's commitment list, Anderson backed off that pledge and re-opened his recruitment. Since then, Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia and Tennessee have been the main schools he's taken a look at.

After evaluating his options and taking numerous visits over the past three months, Anderson has it down to the Bulldogs and Crimson Tide.

"It has been so close between Alabama and Georgia for a little while now. It is really hard because both teams have so much to offer."

"The coaches at each school are great, I feel each school can help me get better and they both are playing great this season. I have visited both schools this season, I have seen what each school is about and both are great."

Many love the attention that comes with being a national name. Anderson isn't one. He does not like the spotlight. He loves to make plays on the field, but he likes to keep to himself and just blend in — not stand out as a recruit.

Getting this decision behind him is something he is looking forward to.

"It is a relief for me to get this over with. I am not big on the attention, so that part will be great. I will be able to focus completely on school and the team now.

"I have done a lot of thinking about this and I have made up my mind. I am ready to announce my decision Thursday."

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Have Alabama football recruiting questions? We have the answers. Join us every Wednesday for the SEC Country Alabama recruiting mailbag to discuss Crimson Tide recruiting. This week, we discuss flip targets, Alabama’s pursuit of a former LSU player and more.

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What’s the latest with Saivion Smith and how was his visit?

From @WCTideFans

Saivion Smith is one of Alabama’s top cornerback targets. Smith, who transferred from LSU over the summer, is now at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. He was expected to visit last weekend for the Arkansas game but couldn’t make it. But it’s not really a big deal. He’s visited Tuscaloosa twice since transferring from LSU and will likely return for an official visit when Alabama hosts LSU on Nov. 4.

I’ve spoken with Smith twice now since his transfer, and each time I came away with a strong impression that Alabama is at the top of his mind.

“Their play just speaks for itself. They dominate everybody,” Smith said. “I feel like their coaching staff is solid. They’re not going anywhere. They have a good academic program and support. There’s really no question marks on Alabama.

“Wouldn’t you want to play for a team that is always winning? Wouldn’t you consider playing for a team like that?”

Smith said he isn’t planning on making a commitment until he graduates from junior college this December. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see him make a decision before then, though.

Let’s just say that I would be very, very surprised if Smith isn’t playing corner for Alabama next season.

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