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re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:07 pm to TideSaint
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:07 pm to TideSaint
Take Two: Is Patrick Surtain SEC-bound or will he pull a surprise?
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Take Two returns with a daily offering tackling a handful of issues in the college football landscape. Rivals.com National Recruiting Analyst Adam Gorney lays out the situation and then receives takes from Rivals.com National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell and an expert from the Rivals.com network.
THE STORYLINE
Five-star cornerback Patrick Surtain is the only prospect among the top 10 nationally not committed or signed and there is even more intrigue into his recruitment since he does not say much - ever.
The Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage standout said at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl that he’s planning visits to Alabama and LSU in the coming weeks and that other trips could be possible as well. Ohio State and Florida State are among the other schools involved in his recruitment.
But could a sleeper emerge before National Signing Day? What about Miami, which is pursuing American Heritage teammate Tyson Campbell, or possibly another program? It seems unlikely, but Surtain has played his recruitment so close to the vest anything could happen.
Many think the five-star cornerback will end up at LSU, a long-time favorite of Surtain’s, but what happens if his Alabama visit goes incredibly well? The Crimson Tide have certainly shown the ability to swoop in and pretty much get any recruit they want.
What becomes of the best cornerback in this class? Is he SEC-bound or is a surprise in store?
FIRST TAKE: ROB CASSIDY, RIVALS.COM SOUTHEAST RECRUITING ANALYST
“Visits mean everything in this instance, but pulling Surtain away from LSU will be tough. Florida State was once seen as the darkhorse, but the coaching change may have set the Seminoles back a bit.
“I wouldn't eliminate FSU totally, as Willie Taggart is a proven recruiter, but Alabama feels like more of a threat to the Tigers these days.”
SECOND TAKE: MIKE FARRELL, RIVALS.COM NATIONAL RECRUITING DIRECTOR
“Miami is the dark horse. I know he visited there for bowl practice and from what I understand, Florida State and LSU are the two top schools and Alabama wants him a lot. I don’t know if he’s eliminated Miami or why Miami is not being talked about more. Campbell is looking at Miami and that would be the school to keep an eye on.
“He doesn’t talk about recruiting at all, so I don’t know. If he’s going to visit Ohio State, you can never count them out. Zach Smith is recruiting him and they have a great defensive backs coach and they do great with DBs. LSU is thought to be the favorite, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if Alabama stole him away and Ohio State could be the darkhorse. If he’s interested in Miami, they’ve got to be included as well.”
This post was edited on 1/10/18 at 2:08 pm
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Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:10 pm to TideSaint
Five-star Quavaris Crouch sees a few schools that fit him well
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Five-star Quavaris Crouch took a beating this past season but he still led his Charlotte (N.C.) Harding University team to a state championship. The 2019 prospect took a break from football over the past few weeks to rejuvenate after a long season and to get a fresh take on his recruitment.
IN HIS OWN WORDS…
"Everything right now is pretty calm," Crouch said. "I'm trying to enjoy things a little more and let everything fall into place while looking at places that really fit me like Alabama, Michigan, and Clemson on the defensive side of the ball like an outside linebacker coming off the edge. It's the same way with Alabama. I could do both running back and linebacker there.
"I like Michigan a lot too but the only problem with Michigan is that it's really cold out there," he said. "To be honest though, I feel like they fit me the best because they run power with big sets personnel-wise. On defense I feel like I'd fit well too because I can play the rover position.
"I want to visit Florida, Florida State, Stanford and try to get out to those west coast schools," said Crouch. "I think I might take some official visits before the season. I'm not sure when I would want to commit."
RIVALS' REACTION...
Crouch is a phenomenally talented player and he has the inside track to get the vacant No. 1 spot in the 2019 Rivals100 after JT Daniels reclassified to the 2018 class. As a running back, Crouch has a similar style to former LSU star Leonard Fournette but is closer in size to Alabama's Bo Scarborough. With that in mind, it's easy to see why he is interested in possibly playing on offense at Alabama and Michigan. Both use power-running schemes and employ bigger running backs. Crouch has all the athletic ability to be a star on the defensive side of the ball in college but his instincts are still developing. The staffs at Alabama, Michigan, and Clemson all have experience with helping convert two-way players into defensive stars.
Crouch's recruitment, for the most part, is still taking shape but it is safe to say that these three schools will remain contenders for Crouch until the day he signs his National Letter of Intent. Florida, Florida State, Stanford, and a number of other schools will get visits from Crouch before all is said and done.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:11 pm to TideSaint
Best Available: A look at the top unsigned wide receivers
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THIRD IN A SERIES: The first-ever Early Signing Period has changed the college football recruiting landscape dramatically, with a good portion of the nation’s recruits signing with the colleges of their choice in December. 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. Today, we take a look at highest-ranked wide receivers still on the market.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:12 pm to TideSaint
So where do we stand with place kickers? Is the Bulovas the only FG kicker we have on the roster?
Any chance we go scorched earth for reliable transfer or JC guy?
Any chance we go scorched earth for reliable transfer or JC guy?
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:13 pm to TideSaint
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Justyn Ross
Schools in the mix: Clemson, Auburn, Alabama, Florida
Breakdown: Many thought Ross would be committed by now, especially considering there have been rumblings that he’s been a silent pledge to Clemson for some time. But the Early Signing Period came and went and Ross is still very much on the market. He’s set to visit Florida, Auburn and Alabama officially this month and all three schools appear to offer a path to early playing time. Will he be the next elite wide receiver to land with the Tigers in Clemson or will he be another five-star that elects to stay home with the Tide or Tigers? His January visits will be very important, with a decision likely coming Feb. 7.
Uh, where are all of these rumors?
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:14 pm to TideSaint
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Jaylen Waddle
Schools in the mix: Texas A&M, Texas, Alabama, Oregon, TCU, Florida State
Breakdown: One of the nation’s most electric players, Waddle is fresh off an impressive week at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl and his stock is at an all-time high. He had an extended flirtation with Florida State when Jimbo Fisher was at the helm, and most think that now with Fisher at Texas A&M, the Aggies are in a great position. Texas has also been a factor throughout and Alabama has viewed Waddle as one of the most important targets in this year’s class. Oregon is the wild card, and Waddle’s close relationship with Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo is the main reason the Ducks are still a factor. All of Waddle’s official visits are in the books.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:15 pm to TideSaint
SEC Spotlight: Storylines to follow as the late period approaches
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With the dead period over, it’s time for the mad dash to National Signing Day to begin and no place is that rush crazier than in the SEC. With several programs looking to fill spots and a limited number of prospects available, there are plenty of noteworthy storylines to follow. Today we breakdown five we are watching.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:16 pm to TideSaint
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HOW WILL THE TIDE CLOSE?
Alabama has finished with the No. 1 class in the Rivals.com Team Recruiting Rankings six out of the last seven years, but a little less than a month away from National Signing Day, they sit at No. 8 in the rankings. With the Crimson Tide currently over 900 points behind Georgia for the top class, a big move to No. 1 looks out of the question, so how high will they climb? There will be some real movement in their class. Can they hold onto Quay Walker? Will they land one of the two elite Florida defensive backs on their board, Patrick Surtain Jr. or Tyson Campbell? Keeping five-star in-state wide receiver Justyn Ross at home would be a great start. Many of their top targets will take it all the way to Signing Day, so we won't know just where Alabama finishes this cycle until the dust settles Feb. 7, so this will be something to watch to the end. - Simmons
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:21 pm to TideSaint
Who moved up in AL.com's revamped A-list of 2018 prospects?
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As the last month of the recruiting process for Class of 2018 prospects heats up, the AL.com A-List has been updated.
The A-List, originally published in the summer, annually ranks the state’s top senior prospects.
Among other things, the list evaluates college offers and seasonal production at the position where the prospect will play in college.
This year is a little different than past years because there already has been one signing period and many prospects did sign on Dec. 20. The second signing period starts Feb. 7.
After their senior seasons, there are some big movers on the revamped A-List and some new members. Here is a look at AL.com’s revamped A-List and the Best of the Rest for 2018.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:21 pm to TideSaint
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15. Kevontae Ruggs, OLB, Lee-Montgomery
Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 190 pounds
Original A-List ranking: Not ranked.
College status: Uncommitted, unsigned. Offers include Ole Miss, Alabama, Louisville, Maryland, West Virginia.
The skinny: The brother of Alabama freshman WR Henry Ruggs, Kevontae had 40 tackles, including 8 for a loss, to go along with four sacks. He also played wide receiver for the Generals, catching 28 passes for 572 yards and 2 TDs. He was a first-team Class 7A All-State selection as an athlete. Most predictions have him joining his brother in Tuscaloosa. He projects as either a safety or linebacker.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:22 pm to TideSaint
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14. Harold Joiner, RB, Mountain Brook
Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 215 pounds
Original A-List ranking: No. 6
College status: Uncommitted, unsigned. Offers included Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida State, UCLA, Alabama, Georgia, LSU.
The skinny: Joiner played through injuries for most of the season. He finished with 738 yards and 16 touchdowns on 136 carries for the Spartans. He also caught 18 passes. LSU looks to be the leader at this point, but Ole Miss, Auburn, Florida State and UCLA may also be in the mix.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:22 pm to TideSaint
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13. Cam Taylor, QB/ATH, Park Crossing
Height, weight: 6-foot, 190 pounds
Original A-List ranking: No. 15
College status: Uncommitted, unsigned. Offers include Missouri, Nebraska, Wake Forest, Arkansas State and Cincinnati.
The skinny: Taylor ran for 1,147 yards and 16 touchdowns for Park Crossing in 2017 and passed for 1,616 yards and 15 touchdowns. He also played safety in passing situations. He was voted a first-team athlete on the Class 6A all-state team. He committed to Missouri in June but de-committed in late October.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:23 pm to TideSaint
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12. Coynis Miller, DT, Jackson-Olin
Height, weight: 6-foot-1.5, 300 pounds
Original A-List ranking: No. 3
College status: Committed to Auburn. Not signed. Other offers include Florida, Tennessee, Alabama, Oregon, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan.
The skinny: Though clearly one of the state’s top prospects, Miller did not have a spectacular season statistically. He was credited with just 21 tackles and four sacks. He played well in the Under-Armour All-American Game last week with six stops and a sack. Miller is slated to visit Auburn (Jan. 12), Oregon (Jan. 19), Tennessee (Jan. 26) and Florida (Feb. 2) before making his final decision on NSD.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:23 pm to TideSaint
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11. Malik Langham, DE, Lee-Huntsville
Height, weight: 6-foot-5.5, 269 pounds
Original A-List ranking: Not ranked
College status: Uncommitted, unsigned. Offers include Alabama, Notre Dame, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Florida.
The skinny: Langham had a huge year to shoot into the top 15. He finished with 104 tackles, including 14 for a loss, and 11 sacks. He also forced and recovered two fumbles, recorded a safety, had a blocked punt and was credited with 23 quarterback hurries. He was a first-team Class 5A All-state selection and is a finalist for Class 5A Lineman of the Year. Langham was offered by both Alabama and Notre Dame in early December. More than 50 percent of predictions have him picking the Crimson Tide, though Vanderbilt, Tennessee and Notre Dame are all thought to have a shot as well.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:24 pm to TideSaint
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10. Alfred Thomas, DT, Sidney Lanier
Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 275 pounds
Original A-List ranking: Not ranked
College status: Uncommitted, unsigned. Offers include Georgia Tech, Louisville, Cincinnati, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Ole Miss and Missouri.
The skinny: The first-team Class 6A All-State lineman finished with 87 tackles, including 26 for a loss, and 16 sacks to jump into the revamped A-List. He is now a three-time All-State player who also played on the offensive line and at fullback for the Poets. He is a finalist for Class 6A Lineman of the Year. Georgia Tech, Louisville and South Carolina seem to be his top schools of interest at the moment.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:24 pm to TideSaint
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9. Jack West, QB, Saraland
Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 217 pounds
Original A-List ranking: No. 7
College status: Signed with Stanford.
The skinny: West had another solid season for Jeff Kelly’s Spartans. He completed 151 of 241 passes for 1,907 yards and 22 touchdowns. He was intercepted just six times. He played in both the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic and the Under Armour All-American Game. West chose Stanford over Alabama in the summer of 2016 and never wavered.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:25 pm to TideSaint
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8. Tank Jenkins, OG, Park Crossing
Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 325 pounds
Original A-List ranking: No. 10
College status: Uncommitted, unsigned. Offers include Louisville, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Auburn, Arkansas, Clemson, Florida State and Georgia.
The skinny: The three-time All-State selection had an impressive 135 pancake blocks this season in 12 games. He also graded 88 percent. He is a finalist for Class 6A Lineman of the Year for the second year in a row. Predictions in the 247 composite rankings list Louisville as the leader for his services at the moment.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:25 pm to TideSaint
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7. Andres Fox, DE, Mobile Christian
Height, weight: 6-foot-4, 245
Original A-List ranking: No. 8
College status: Signed with Stanford.
The skinny: Fox had his second straight banner season for the Leopards. He finished with 133 tackles, including 28 for a loss, and 13 sacks. He also forced seven fumbles and recovered four. He is a finalist for Class 3A Lineman of the Year. He surprised some by choosing Stanford over Alabama, Auburn and LSU and signing with the Cardinal on Dec. 20.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:25 pm to TideSaint
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6. James Foster, QB, Sidney Lanier
Height, weight: 6-foot-3, 210 pounds
Original A-List ranking: No. 11
College status: Uncommitted, unsigned. Foster has offers from LSU, Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M and Missouri among others.
The skinny: Foster ran for 503 yards and 11 touchdowns for the Poets and completed 200-of-300 passes for 2,912 yards and 31 touchdowns. He was intercepted just three times. Foster has been committed to both North Carolina and Missouri at times, but is not committed right now. Alabama, Florida State, Texas A&M and LSU seem to be recruiting him the hardest at the moment.
Posted on 1/10/18 at 2:26 pm to TideSaint
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5. Shedrick Jackson, WR, Hoover
Height, weight: 6-foot-1.5, 195 pounds
Original A-List ranking: No. 9
College status: Signed with Auburn.
The skinny: The nephew of Auburn Heisman Trophy winner Bo Jackson helped the Bucs to the last two Class 7A state titles. As a senior, he caught 41 passes for 779 yards and seven touchdowns. His refined route-running stood out during the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic practice. He is already enrolled at Auburn.
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