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re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:14 pm to TideSaint
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:14 pm to TideSaint
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Arkansas would ‘probably’ fit Thompson well
Arkansas’ shift to the 3-4 defense is going to require some big bodies to play nose tackle. Recruits who fit that description are beginning to take notice.
Parkway North (St. Louis) 2018 defensive tackle Michael Thompson recently told Land of 10’s Luke Srodulski the Razorbacks have his attention.
“They’ve got big D-linemen up front,” Thompson said. “That would probably fit me a lot. I’m big.”
Thompson checks in at 6-foot-4, 290 pounds. And his assumption is correct. He’d be an ideal fit for the Razorbacks’ defensive scheme.
According to 247Sports’ composite rankings, Thompson is a 4-star recruit and the No. 75 overall prospect in his class. His position is a major priority for the Hogs as they signed just one defensive lineman in the 2017 class.
Alabama, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Ohio State and Oklahoma are also among his more than 20 offers.
LINK
I know Thompson has been high on us in the past.
This post was edited on 4/6/17 at 12:15 pm
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Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:16 pm to TideSaint
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La’Dedric Jackson released his top five schools earlier this week, and LSU was one of four SEC teams to make the cut along with Tennessee, Ole Miss and Missouri. LSU was listed in the top spot and yes, that was done purposely.
Jackson, a 3-star outside linebacker from Lanier (Ala.) High School in Montgomery, Ala., added his offer from the Tigers in early February and have quickly established themselves as the team to beat for the Yellowhammer State’s No. 21 overall recruit. That’s a credit to defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who has effectively been courting Jackson, who named LSU his early leader.
“I know that LSU is No. 1,” Jackson told SEC Country, in reference to his top five that also included N.C. State.
“It’s because I built a relationship with Coach Aranda. He just asks how I’m doing and when I’m coming up there. I told him that I love their defense and he told me that he likes my style of play. I feel like I can fit into his defensive scheme.”
LINK
Like Alfred Thomas, I imagine Jackson's top group would look very different if he held an Alabama offer.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:17 pm to TideSaint
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Key visitors Friday
Florida is expecting a big recruiting turnout Friday for the Orange & Blue Debut, including 5-star safety Tyreke Johnson from Jacksonville, Fla.
Safety is the biggest need for UF in the 2018 class and the staff landed a commitment last week from 4-star prospect C.J. Smith. Johnson, the nation’s No. 2-ranked safety in the 247Sports Composite, last visited Florida in February and had an “amazing” trip.
The Gators will host two of their top receiver targets in Jacob Copeland (Pensacola, Fla.) and Anthony Schwartz (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), who broke Jeff Demps’ 100-meter record Friday at the Florida Relays.
Copeland is the No. 2-ranked wideout in the state of Florida and took a trip to UF in January, getting some 1-on-1 time with Gators coach Jim McElwain and receivers coach Kerry Dixon II.
Offensive tackle John Campbell (Orlando, Fla.) still has a 3-star rating, but is one of the hottest recruits in the country and holds 40 offers. He likes UF’s proximity to home and will make his second visit Friday.
A pair of 4-star cornerbacks, Sevyn Banks (Orlando, Fla.) and Jordan Miner (Tampa, Fla.), will attend the spring game as well. The Gators are considered the team to beat for both prospects.
Florida’s three 2018 commitments are also scheduled to be in attendance: 4-star safety C.J. Smith (West Palm Beach, Fla.), 3-star cornerback Divaad Wilson (Miami) and 3-star wide receiver Jalynn Williams (St. Petersburg, Fla.).
Other names to know
The nation’s No. 4 inside linebacker, Dax Hollifield from Shelby, N.C., plans to be on hand for the Orange & Blue Debut. Florida offered him on March 3.
Penn State commit Trent Gordon, a 3-star cornerback from Manvel, Texas, will also attend the spring game with his teammate, 3-star linebacker Brian Johnson. The Gators offered Gordon on March 10.
Dominick Watt, a 3-star wideout from Hollywood, Fla., is visiting Friday and lists Florida as his No. 1 school. He received an offer from UF on Feb. 14.
Here are some other expected visitors:
3-star RB Lyn-J Dixon, Butler, Ga.
3-star OL Jalen Goss, Valdosta, Ga.
*2019 WR John Dunmore, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
*2019 WR Ramel Keyton, Marietta, Ga.
*2019 DE Derick Hunter, Fort Myers, Fla.
*2019 DT Antonio Alfano, Rahway, N.J.
LINK
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:27 pm to TideSaint
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Five-star K.J. Henry has reached a milestone in his recruitment. The defensive end out of Clemmons (N.C.) West Forsyth has announced a top ten of Alabama, Charlotte, Clemson, Georgia, Louisville, Ohio State, Penn State, Pittsburgh, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech. Henry gave Rivals.com and inside look at his final ten contenders.
LINK
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:28 pm to TideSaint
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IN HIS OWN WORDS…
"I think with Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State I just feel very comfortable when I'm on those campuses and talking to those coaches," Henry said. "The plans that they individually have for me, I see myself being very successful with those plans. It's no surprise that these schools made my top ten.
"For Virginia Tech, I think the more exciting factor on the offensive side of the ball grabbed my attention," he said. "With coach Foster on the defensive side Virginia Tech has a great resume of being one of the top defenses in the country each year. They are very competitive on that side of the ball. Now that they have something to equal them out on the offensive side I think that makes them a very dangerous team. Them being in my top ten means I feel like I could fit into their program.
"Talking to coach Muschamp at South Carolina this past weekend I had a chance to sit down with him and my family," said Henry. "We got to go through what he's looking for and what type of guys he is recruiting. Seeing the spring game with my own eyes, there was no doubt that there was a little bit of a struggle on the defensive line. There are no promises made in this business but there is an opportunity for me to play early and get some good stats up if I work hard and were to go there. I think that idea really intrigues me about South Carolina
"I had a great time going up to Pittsburgh, seeing that facility and getting a feel for coach Narduzzi," he said. "I was there for the Villanova game. My dad's good friend and an uncle to me, Kevin Sherman, is a coach there. I get to talk to him and we are very close. Being a family member of mine, he doesn't pressure me too much but he definitely keeps me up to date with everything. I think them being so closely related with a NFL team in the Pittsburgh Steelers is a pretty cool thing. I'm pretty sure they're the only school in the country that's that close to a NFL team. They are in the heart of the city and they played very good football this year, being the only team to beat Clemson. They must be doing something right.
"When it comes to Penn State, that's the only school in my top ten that I haven't visited," Henry said. "I'd like to get up there for a visit. Coach Franklin came down here to visit and, when I looked back at it, he was one of the only head coaches to come visit me. He's a great guy and with the resume they have as a football team and the success that they've had I thought I should give them a chance. Outside of the coaches, Micah Parsons is always in my ear. Both Pennsylvania teams are still in the hunt.
"Being closely connected with coach Galloway got me up to Louisville for a visit," he said. "It's been a while since I've been there. They're another team that has struggled on the defensive line. They had Devonte Fields this year and he was a great player. I think they're another team that could have an elite defense but struggled on the defensive line. That really plays into what I'm looking for plus the fact that I'm so close with coach Galloway. He's a great guy and has always been good to us. I was there last summer for a one day visit.
"There is nothing hidden here," said Henry. "My dad coaches at Charlotte now and I've always been a family man. That's why they're getting this chance. I'd like to see what they're going to do this year but my dad coaching there gives them a better chance than people think.
"At Georgia I have a really good relationship with the coaches," he said. "At Alabama I also have a really good relationship with the coaches and players. Clemson's fans and their players are also very close with me as well. Those are the three schools where I have the best relationships.
"The best food I've had on a visit is a tie between Alabama and Tennessee, even though they didn't make my top ten," Henry said. "I had ribs, wings, and all the stuff a high school football player wants. Tennessee had great mac and cheese and ribs. They had a little more country style stuff. That's what I'm used to in North Carolina.
"The one thing that stands out from all my visits was being at Clemson and their new facility," he said. "I was out there playing basketball and hitting golf balls. That's not something you'd think you'd be doing on a visit. Honestly I just wanted my parents to go out there to talk to coach Swinney because I had already talked to him and then I found myself in a bowling alley. I'm a kid at heart and having that little bit of flavor was definitely they most exciting part.
"I think this is going to be about which team needs the most help but at the same time can win games," said Henry. "My dad told gave me this piece of advice a long time ago. This has to be a selfish decision because I need to get my time on the field and win as well. There are lot of schools that would give me that attention so I just need to find the right school that produces wins and gets players to the NFL by, not necessarily playing them early, but getting them productive minutes while they're out there."
So like I posted earlier, he's really down to Alabama, Clemson, Georgia and Ohio State.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:29 pm to TideSaint
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RIVALS' REACTION
Henry and his family have taken a very methodical approach to his recruitment. They have the added benefit of having his father's experience and point of view to double check everything they are hearing and seeing. So far it's pretty clear that Clemson, Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State are the measuring stick by which other teams are compared. They have more to learn about Virginia Tech, South Carolina, Penn State, and Pittsburgh so there are still a lot of unknowns in Henry's recruitment. Ohio State has yet to host Henry's entire family so that will be something to keep an eye on down the road.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:33 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Greg Emerson's scholarship offer list includes powerhouse programs from across the country.
Where is he in the recruiting process?
"I haven't really narrowed it down yet, but plan on doing that pretty soon," said the 6-foot-2 ½, 296-pound Emerson. "I'll probably cut it six sometime in July."
Although he is not ready to name any top schools, there is a group that is showing the most interest.
"Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Michigan State, Ohio State, Florida State and Oregon are the schools I've been in contact with most lately," Emerson said. "Out of all the schools, Tennessee and Oregon are recruiting me the hardest."
Emerson gave a quick thought on the Volunteers and Ducks.
Tennessee: "It's great being an in-state player and getting recruited by them," Emerson said. "They show me so much love. It's not far from home and I could obviously be close to my family.
"The whole staff is recruiting me and I like they're enthusiasm. They're serious, but they also know how to have fun. I have a close relationship with coach (Butch) Jones, too, and he makes me feel at home."
Oregon: "It means a lot that a school across the country is recruiting me so hard. And growing up, that was my dream school. I always liked the uniforms and the way they played.
"I've been talking to (defensive line) coach (Joe) Salave'a a lot and we're developing a good relationship. He's told me they really want me there. Hopefully, I'll be able to visit this summer and see how I'd fit in."
Emerson will likely graduate in December and enroll in January.
LINK
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:34 pm to TideSaint
Scout's analysis of Emerson:
He ran a laser timed 40 at 4.84 at 6'3" 296 pounds. That's moving for a big man.
quote:
Emerson is an impressive athlete at his size. He is a defensive lineman who plays some tight end, but he is all defense on the next level. He lines up mainly at strongside end now, but could easily slide inside to be a quick three technique on the next level. He plays more with power and uses his size to his advantage now, so he does have to add moves off the ball and improve his pad level and technique, but he has so much potential. When you see Emerson move, it is extremely impressive. He flashes that suddenness and quickness on plays that can wow you. Consistency is what can make his great. Staying in shape with be important and improving the basics on the defensive line. He makes plays now, and he can take over a game, but it is scary to think how good he can be when it all comes together. When he progresses with his hand usage, when he plays with better leverage, and when he is only playing one side of the ball — watch out.
He ran a laser timed 40 at 4.84 at 6'3" 296 pounds. That's moving for a big man.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 12:45 pm to TideSaint
We need him.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:15 pm to RammerJammer91
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We need him.
Him and about 4 others.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:16 pm to TideSaint
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1. Taron Vincent
2. Michael Thompson
3. Robert Cooper
4. Keondre Coburn
5. Tuli Letuligasenoa
Michael Thompson is a guy I like a lot. Tuli Letuligasenoa was a beast last year when his team played Najee Harris. He was everywhere.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:38 pm to TideSaint
quote:
Top247 DE visiting Alabama tomorrow
Azeez Ojulari Highlights
Steve Wiltfong on Ojulari:
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He's a four-star and ranked No. 167 in our rankings. We're higher on him at 247Sports than our peers.
The kid is from Marietta, GA. I know Auburn just offered him yesterday.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:41 pm to TideSaint
quote:
The difference was, Ojulari now has become a coveted recruit. The 6-feet-3, 225-pound standout recorded 108 tackles and eight sacks in 2016 — and has followed that up by shining during the camp season this spring.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:43 pm to TideSaint
quote:
One of the less talked about targets in Alabama’s 2018 recruiting outlook, Richard Jibunor, is quickly building a name for himself two years into football.
The three-star athlete from Athens (Ga.) Christian by way of Nigeria, picked up an offer from the Tide in January, and since has been building a very strong relationship with the UA staff.
“I talk to Coach (Nick) Saban a lot on the phone and he really likes me,” Jibunor told the SEC Recruiting Buzz Podcast with Keith and Kipp. “He told me he wants me to commit there. He told me the ways he plans on using me. He said right now he likes my height and my speed, so they asked me what I wanted to play and I said I really want to play as a strong safety or an outside linebacker role. They said that’s what they picture me to be. They like my measurement and how physical I am. They said if you want to play as a tight end, which you have the skills to do, we’d be willing to do that too.”
Jibunor is impressed with what he’s seen from the Alabama staff thus far.
“Oh, it’s awesome,” he said. “The coaches there, they like me so much. Like Jeremy Pruitt, he was the one recruiting me at Georgia, so when he moved over to Alabama, he called me over and say, you’re my boy. He has lots to say about me and he really likes me a lot. He’s seen me from when I was like a baby my freshman year and has been really impressed in how fast I’ve learned the game and my speed and everything.”
Jibunor shed light on his decision timeline.
“I want to commit before my senior year,” he said. “I’m building a lot of relationships with different coaches from different schools. Right now I haven’t put out a list of top schools or whichever schools I’ll be visiting soon. I just want to focus on finishing this school year strong.”
At 6-foot-3, 206 pounds, Jibunor is rated the No. 39 athlete and the No. 490 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite.
Auburn is the 247Sports Crystal Ball favorite at 100 percent.
LINK
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:43 pm to TideSaint
Lil Tua officially started classes at Alabaster today.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:47 pm to TideSaint
quote:
The inaugural Top247 for the class of 2019 has arrived.
Last summer, following The Opening Finals in Oregon, we felt comfortable listing the top 100 players in the class. After another season and spring camp circuit, we’re ready to expand the list.
Kayvon Thibodeaux, the No. 1 player in our initial, shortened rankings, retains the No. 1 spot. The 6-foot-5 weak-side defensive end from California has a chance to be special given his length and edge speed. He burst onto the scene during the playoffs of his freshman season but Thibodeaux's sophomore season continued to give us reason for excitement. With his physical traits at a value position like defensive end, the Los Angeles (Calif.) Dorsey product has a chance to hold onto No. 1 throughout the process.
Right on Thibodeaux’s heels are defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher, who has the same rating (98) as Thibodeaux, outside linebacker Owen Pappoe, weak-side defensive end Nolan Smith and cornerback Akeem Dent. The top-five is entirely made up of defenders, which is the theme of the elite guys in 2019; only seven of the top-20 players hail from the offensive side of the ball.
JT Daniels, a 6-foot-2 pro-style prospect out of California quarterback factory Mater Dei, is the top quarterback in the class — so far. His numbers speak for themselves. As a sophomore Daniels threw for 4,849 yards and 67 touchdowns, completing 74 percent of his passes. He's as polished as they come at this stage in his development and he'll be the arm that the rest of the nation is chasing.
LINK
We've offered all of the Top 5.
This post was edited on 4/6/17 at 2:48 pm
Posted on 4/6/17 at 2:49 pm to TideSaint
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Alabama rolled out its latest Top247 update for the 2019 class. Here's how Alabama commit Trey Sanders, the in-state recruits and several other Tide targets fared in the latest edition.
Alabama commit:
Trey Sanders, RB, Bradenton (Fla.) IMG Academy -- No. 9 to No. 39
Alabama targets:
Owen Pappoe, OLB, Loganville (Ga.) Grayson -- No. 2 to No. 3
Clay Webb, OG, Oxford (Ala.) -- No. 29 to No. 37
Ryland Goede, TE, Acworth (Ga.) Kennesaw Mountain -- NR to No. 67
King Mwikuta, OLB, Lagrange (Ga.) Troup County -- NR to No. 70
Pierce Quick, OT, Hewitt-Trussville (Ala.) -- NR to No. 106
Mohamoud Diabate, Auburn (Ala.) -- NR to No. 111
Bo Nix, QB, Pinson Valley (Ala.) -- No. 89 to No. 131
DJ James, CB, Spanish Fort (Ala.) -- NR to No. 197
Ja'Len Sims, ILB, Birmingham (Ala.) Fultondale -- NR to 198
Taulia Tagovailoa, QB, Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson -- NR to No. 236
So Bo Nix has won MVP at both camps he has been to so far this off season, beating out every Class of 2018 prospect at both of them, and he drops 50 spots.
This post was edited on 4/6/17 at 2:51 pm
Posted on 4/6/17 at 3:14 pm to TideSaint
Steve Wiltfong put out a huge piece on the newly release Class of 2019 Top247 and recruiting buzz surrounding the top prospects. I'll summarize it the best I can.
Posted on 4/6/17 at 3:16 pm to TideSaint
DE Kayvon Thibodeaux is probably going to sign with USCw, but his coaches have history with Tosh.
If he put together a Top 5 for him it would be USCw, Oregon, Alabama, Michigan and LSU (he just visited them).
If he put together a Top 5 for him it would be USCw, Oregon, Alabama, Michigan and LSU (he just visited them).
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