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

quote:

---

And how the heck did LSU not offer?

---

quote:

---

FIRST IN A SERIES: The first-ever Early Signing Period changed the college football recruiting landscape dramatically, with a good portion of the nation’s recruits signing with the colleges of their choice. That has left some programs searching to fill spots, opening new doors for the players who elected to wait and sign in February.

With the dead period now over and the month-long race to Feb. 7 now on, we take a look at the best available unsigned prospects at each position this week.

First up: quarterback.

---

quote:

---

James Foster

Schools in the mix: LSU, Florida State, Texas A&M, Alabama, Nebraska

The situation: The former Missouri commit is probably the hottest name on the recruiting trail at the quarterback position, with several big programs battling it out to get him on campus in January. Foster is set to visit LSU this weekend, and that could help the Tigers pull in front of the other contenders. Foster’s list of suitors has been ever-changing, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see another program come from out of nowhere to get in the mix, as well. Expect a busy month of news surrounding his recruitment.

---

quote:

---

This guy on BOL is saying Ansley is taking the DC job at Colorado State.

---

quote:

---

Alabama defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley has agreed in principle to become Colorado State’s defensive coordinator, sources tell FootballScoop.

---

quote:

---

Alabama defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley has agreed in principle to become Colorado State’s defensive coordinator, sources tell FootballScoop.

---

quote:

---

THE STORYLINE

Five-star quarterback JT Daniels has reclassified to the 2018 class, so that leaves the No. 1 spot open in the 2019 group.

Ranked second at this juncture is Charlotte (N.C.) Harding University five-star running back Quavaris Crouch, so there is some sensible thinking to believe he will take over the top spot long term.

But that is completely up for debate, especially after seeing so many top prospects at the Under Armour Future 50 event and the Army National Combine last week.

Third overall is Amite, La., five-star defensive tackle Ismael Sopsher, but he was incredibly limited at the Future 50 workout. Huntington, W.Va., offensive tackle Darnell Wright could be in the discussion. Then there are a bunch of talented receivers, including Georgia commit Jadon Haselwood, Arjei Henderson and Theo Wease.

Could five-star defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux from Westlake Village (Calif.) Oaks Christian have a chance to move up from eighth to No. 1? Or is a complete surprise in store?

With Daniels gone, Crouch is the logical choice to take over the top spot. However, with important events now concluded and a bunch of evaluation opportunities taken care of over the holidays, who has proven to be the No. 1 prospect in the 2019 class?

It could be a heated debate especially since no one has stepped up and completely commanded top billing.

---

quote:

---

SECOND TAKE: MIKE FARRELL, RIVALS.COM NATIONAL RECRUITING DIRECTOR

“It’s going to be a tough one. The 2019 class does not look like an elite one. We have Crouch at No. 2, and by default he’s likely going to bump up to No. 1 with Daniels reclassifying to the 2018 class.

“Sopsher was at the Under Armour Future 50 and he got injured in the first drill - not the first rep, but the first drill. Haselwood was there, Darnell Wright looked good at the Army Combine and we have some talented receivers. Thibodeaux looked good as well.

“There is nobody jumping out to me in this class that says they have to be No. 1. There is a lot of talent here, but that’s going to be a very interesting debate because I don’t know if Crouch is the No. 1 player in the country. Right now, I don’t know who is.”

---