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

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Several top prospects from IMG Academy were slated to stay in Alabama this weekend after playing Hoover and take in the No. 1 Crimson Tide's game against LSU on Saturday night.

Clemson commit Xavier Thomas says he won't be one of them.

The 6-foot-3, 263-pound Thomas is a five-star recruit and the defensive end is ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the country per the 247Sports composite.

He appears on visitor lists on SEC Country, 247Sports and Rivals (check out those links for complete visitor lists that Alabama expects).

But Thomas said that while Alabama is actively recruiting him, he's heading back to Bradenton, Fla., on Saturday morning with most of his teammates.

On being listed as a potential visitor for the Alabama game, Thomas said, "A lot of people do that. They like to get clicks. They're going to do it regardless. I'm not going to get mad about it."

Thomas said Alabama, South Carolina and Ohio State are recruiting him the hardest trying to flip him, but he's extremely solid with his Clemson pledge and doesn't plan on making any other official visits. He said he'll officially visit Clemson during the weekend of Nov. 18.

"They're recruiting me," Thomas said of Alabama. "Everybody keeps recruiting me, but I'm committed to Clemson. I've been committed since April. I think it's the best school in the country."

Thomas and IMG Academy defeated Hoover 32-21 on Friday at the Hoover Met. Thomas said he was slowed by a calf injury in the second half.

Trey Sanders, a junior running back at IMG Academy who is committed to Alabama, said he will be in Tuscaloosa this weekend.

Other listed IMG Academy unofficial visitors to Alabama this weekend, per the links above:

4-star defensive lineman Stephon Wynn Jr. (Alabama commit)
5-star 2019 defensive end Nolan Smith (Georgia commit)
4-star cornerback Brendan Radley-Hiles
5-star 2019 running back Noah Cain
4-star 2019 offensive lineman Evan Neal
4-star 2020 safety Lejond Cavazos

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Top uncommitted LSU targets

Terrace Marshall Jr., 5-star WR (Bossier City, La.): A new-look top 5 hasn’t hurt LSU’s chances with the nation’s top wide receiver. LSU, Texas A&M and Texas kept their spots, while Alabama and Florida State joined the fray. During the next month the 5-star receiver will officially visit all of his top schools, including LSU on Nov. 25. Marshall is high on his relationship with the LSU coaching staff but said it will come down to how the Tigers’ offense looks. A decision will come Dec. 22.

Patrick Surtain Jr., 5-star CB (Plantation, Fla.): The nation’s No. 1 cornerback released a final 6 of LSU, Florida State, Alabama, Clemson, Ohio State and Florida. Surtain’s most-recent visit to LSU with his parents came in July. They toured the campus and got an up-close look at the academic offerings. Surtain also spent quality time with LSU players, most notably Donte Jackson and Kevin Toliver II. Surtain has named LSU as his leading school, but a commitment won’t come until National Signing Day in February. He is the top defensive target on LSU’s board.

Anthony Cook, 5-star CB (Houston): LSU holds a commitment from only one defensive back in the 2018 class. Thus, defensive backs coach Corey Raymond has been dialing up the pressure on Cook. The Army All-American was high on LSU after visiting during the Tigers’ spring game, and he has been in touch with LSU every day since. Cook made an official visit to Baton Rouge on Oct. 14 and then pushed back his commitment date. LSU has effectively asserted itself as a player for the 5-star cornerback moving forward.

Kelvin Joseph, 4-star DB (Baton Rouge, La.): Joseph de-committed from LSU on Oct. 2, a decision that came out of left field. The 4-star Baton Rouge prospect wanted to take all five of his official visits, but some schools were reluctant to allow him on campus while still committed to LSU. Joseph reopened his recruitment but maintains the Tigers as his top team. He’s already visited Florida State an will make trips to Clemson, Alabama and LSU before a decision in February. Expect Joseph to return to the Tigers’ 2018 class.

Justin Watkins, 4-star ATH (Clermont, Fla.): Watkins, another onetime LSU commitment, is bracing for a decision sometime in the next two months. LSU is one of two finalists along with the Crimson Tide. The versatile 4-star athlete is being courted at a slot receiver in the Tigers offense. In what could be a crazy twist, Watkins — who, since de-committing from LSU, has been committed to both Florida State and Texas — likely could wind up in Baton Rouge. He visited for the team’s tilt vs. Auburn. Watkins could make up his mind at some point in the next few weeks.

Justin Rogers, 4-star QB (Bossier City, La.): Louisiana’s No. 1 quarterback committed to TCU on May 31, but that has not deterred LSU coaches from continuing the press for Rogers. Though Rogers is solid with the Horned Frogs, he is keeping an open mind toward the Tigers and their new-look offense. The 4-star dual-threat quarterback will officially visit LSU on Nov. 25 alongside Marshall. Rogers is an early enrollee, so if LSU gets back in the race, it would need to impress the dual-threat prospect quickly.

Harold Joiner, 4-star RB (Birmingham, Ala.): After jumping out to an early lead and then being excluded from Joiner’s top 6, LSU again is in a strong position to land his commitment. The 4-star tailback cooled on the Tigers after they procured commitments from three running backs at the end of June, but running backs coach Tommie Robinson has worked hard to repair the relationship and put LSU in a strong position to add Joiner this fall. Joiner will save his final official visit for LSU. Alabama has made a strong push for the in-state tailback after missing on Asa Martin and Zamir White, but LSU remains the favorite.

Ja’Marr Chase, 4-star WR (New Orleans): Chase made a surprising decision to commit to Florida after attending Friday Night Lights in July, but LSU has refused to turn down its efforts for the in-state wide receiver. Chase made his way to Baton Rouge for the home opener against Chattanooga and again for the Auburn game, but the 4-star receiver seems to be leaning toward his out-of-state options. Even if he doesn’t stick with Florida, LSU will never be more than a finalist.

Devonta Jason, 4-star WR (New Orleans): Jason has been committed to Kansas since February, but a final decision won’t come until December, before he graduates and enrolls early at the university of his choosing. The elite in-state receiver visited LSU in July and enjoyed a sit-down meeting with coach Ed Orgeron and wide receivers coach Mickey Joseph. Jason returned for the Auburn game. If the Tigers’ offense impresses, they stand in a strong position.

Lawrence Keys III, 4-star WR (New Orleans): Keys has named LSU as his leading school and is in the process of scheduling his official visits. LSU should be able to pad its lead for Keys when he arrives on campus with his mother, who is playing an integral role in helping her son make an informed decision. Don’t be surprised if Keys pops to LSU after making an official visit in the fall or soon after.

Badara Traore, 4-star OL (JUCO): The No. 1 junior college offensive tackle remains a priority for offensive line coach Jeff Grimes and the Tigers’ coaching staff as they look to fortify the offensive line once K.J. Malone graduates after the 2017 season. Traore has made two official visits — to Auburn and to Texas — but a stop in Baton Rouge is expected in November. Grimes has forged a good relationship with Traore, who could be in line for immediate playing time if he chooses LSU. Expect a decision to come after Traore’s official visit to LSU.

James Foster, 3-star QB (Montgomery, Ala.): Foster secured an offer from LSU during the team’s off-week in late October, then de-committed from Missouri within 24 hours. Foster will officially visit LSU on Nov. 11 and could make a commitment soon after. The Tigers have pounced on the Alabama dual-threat quarterback and immediately surged as one of his top options. Foster is emerging as the most likely quarterback to fall to LSU in the 2018 class.

Glenn Beal, 3-star TE (New Orleans): Beal nearly picked LSU on several occasions dating back to last summer when he received his offer. As his recruitment has taken off, he has relied on patience while going through the process. Beal recently made an unofficial visit to LSU and will make another official stop Feb. 2. The priority tight end target is high on the new-look offense, and the Tigers have put themselves in a strong position to keep the 6-foot-5, 260-pound standout in-state.

Michael Williams, 3-star ATH (Baton Rouge, La.): One of the biggest unknowns in The Boot this recruiting class is Williams, who holds offers from LSU, Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Alabama, but appears to be undecided. Williams attended camp at LSU at the start of June and drew the attention of defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. They have remained in daily contact with Williams, who is in the discussion as one of LSU’s top uncommitted defensive targets. Williams has made visits to nearly every LSU home game this fall and said the Tigers are courting him the hardest.

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Yea, Aldi must have cows in the back room. They are usually much cheaper than anywhere else

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