re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition

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Relationship with Auburn DL coach stands out to top DE

FOREST PARK, Ga. — For Justin Eboigbe, it’s box-checking season.

The 6-foot-5, 260-pound defensive end isn’t in a rush to make his college decision. He has a flexible timeline, but at this rate Eboigbe (pronounced: e-boy-be) expects his decision will run through the fall so he can take official visits. So the spring and summer is about Eboigbe evaluating each of the schools courting him.

His list — which has grown exponentially since the Rising Stars all-star game in Atlanta — includes Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Mississippi State, Florida, Miami, Tennessee, Notre Dame and many others.

It is now time for Eboigbe to create his checklist and figure out which schools fit him best.

“I’m closer to the middle than the end. I’m still trying to figure things out. I’m still trying to go on visits. I’m still trying to see where I’ll take my official visits. I’m really just weighing my options right now,” Eboigbe told SEC Country.

“There is going to be a point in time where I narrow it down, but there’s a couple schools I’m waiting on: USC, Ohio State and LSU. … It’s been somewhat crazy trying to just figure out where I’m going to spend the next three-to-four years after my last year of high school.”

The boxes, in no particular order, that the Forest Park High School star wants checked by his college of choice: strong relationship with his position coach; a place where he feels “comfortable” on and off the field; a program with a winning history; and a school close enough for his family to attend games.

Auburn immediately checks the position-coach box, which is the factor about which Eboigbe speaks most passionately. Eboigbe said his four most tight-knit coaching relationships are with Florida defensive line coach Sal Sunseri, Clemson defensive line coach Todd Bates, Georgia defensive line coach Tray Scott and Auburn defensive line coach Rodney Garner.

When Eboigbe visited the Plains on Feb. 17, his interaction with Garner made an impression.

“Having conversation with Coach Garner and Coach [Kevin] Steele was just great. They’re great guys,” Eboigbe said. “I have a better relationship with Coach Garner because he’s my position coach. He’s an old-fashioned guy that has been around for a long time and has seen basically everything that you can see.

“He’s one of the most proven D-line coaches in the nation, has had plenty of guys go to the draft. But it’s more about life than football when you’re talking to him.”

Eboigbe has taken five college visits since his recruitment took off. He’s been to Auburn, Alabama, Georgia, Clemson and Tennessee. Eboigbe said he didn’t have a favorite from that group, but all five stand out. He wanted to make it clear that those schools are the ones on his mind because he’s taken visits.

But based on that, he at least feels a sense of comfort at Auburn.

The proximity-to-home factor works in the Tigers’ favor, as well. It’s only an hour and a half from Forest Park to Auburn, which was on Eboigbe’s radar at an early age. He self-identifies as a Tigers fan growing up because his interest in college football was kicked off by the success of the 2010 football team led by Cam Newton.

It won’t be a major factor in his decision, but Eboigbe admitted that the Tigers’ special place in his heart will play a small role.

“I started watching college football right at the Cam Newton time, so that’s where it started. But I continued to like and want the success of Auburn with Nick Marshall and Tre Mason and so on. That was one of my favorite teams in sports and college football,” Eboigbe said.

“It factors in somewhat, but not really. You can like somewhere, but it may not be the most comfortable situation. But running out to Jordan-Hare Stadium thinking I grew up watching TV and seeing past players who I liked so much were doing this exact same thing — that was cool.”

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Tidbits on Faatui Tuitele, Kenyon Green

LSU hosted a pair of 5-star linemen on Tuesday: Kenyon Green and Faatui Tuitele, the No. 2-ranked offensive and defensive tackles in the 2019 class, respectively.

Last weekend, the team hosted a handful of elite in-state prospects, most notably 5-star defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher, 5-star cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. and 4-star wide receivers Trey Palmer and Devonta Lee. Coach Ed Orgeron and Co. followed that up by bringing Tuitele and his family to campus Tuesday. The 2019 All-American watched the front seven players work out from the sideline with his eyes glued on another Hawaii native, Breiden Fehoko, who after sitting out last year as a transfer is practicing as the starting left defensive end.

I’m told Tuitele’s visit went great. After taking in practice, he went through the routine photo shoot and had closed-door meetings with Orgeron and defensive coordinator Dave Aranda. It’s important to note Aranda’s West Coast ties. He’s a native of California and attended Cal Lutheran. He’s been a defensive coordinator at Cal Lutheran and at Hawaii, so his experience recruiting the island cannot be overlooked.

Tuitele left Baton Rouge on Wednesday and is heading to Oklahoma (Thursday) and Texas (Saturday).

Also Tuesday, Green made his first visit to LSU since de-committing from the Tigers in December. That was due to the increased attention he was receiving from other coaching staffs. Former offensive line coach Jeff Grimes’ decision to accept the offensive coordinator position at BYU was not as much of a factor.

Green, whose first offer came from LSU, named a top three of Alabama, Texas A&M and Oklahoma last month at Nike’s The Opening regional in Katy, Texas. He’s made visits to both A&M and Oklahoma in recent weeks. Green also made it a point to mention LSU and Texas as top contenders. Green visited Texas last Saturday before making his way to LSU for what I’m told is a three-day visit, which includes his birthday.

During the part of practice open to the media Tuesday, Green was fixated on first-year LSU offensive line coach James Cregg, who was working with the interior linemen. Cregg was outwardly vocal and intense, which grabbed Green’s attention. I noticed Green smiling because last month he raved about Cregg’s passion and how hard he works.

“It’s a good vibe from Coach Cregg,” Green told SEC Country. “He’s a great coach. I looked up who he’s put in the NFL and who he’s coached and it’s pretty good. He’s a great man, he’s a hard worker and he can sell you anything. He’s a good talker.”

Sources on the LSU side have maintained a good amount of confidence in regard to Green’s possible return to the 2019 class. Of course, this is Green’s first taste of Cregg, who is making a strong early impression but needs to continue to foster a relationship with the 5-star tackle. Green is very familiar with the sights and sounds of LSU’s campus, as well as Orgeron, which works in the Tigers’ favor.

Green, a 2019 Under Armour All-American, is expected to release a top 10 soon. LSU is sure to make the cut, but don’t be surprised if the Tigers crack his less-publicized top three or four. Texas A&M is pegged as the favorite, and for good reason, but do not discount the Tigers.

Green has conveyed to SEC Country that he may want to commit and end his recruitment earlier than most elite prospects. A decision could come as early as the summer, ahead of his senior campaign.

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Three schools have emerged as frontrunners for four-star quarterback  Cade McNamara - Michigan, USC and Alabama.

The Reno (Nev.) Damonte Ranch who had been committed to Notre Dame said he would like to take his official visits during the spring and have his decision done by the start of his senior season.

The Wolverines are definitely a player. “Over the course of the last two months since they offered me, it’s been a really good process,” McNamara said last weekend at the Rivals 3 Stripe Camp presented by adidas. “I’ve developed a really good relationship with coach (Jim) Harbaugh and I’m still receiving calls every week and just staying in touch right now.

“I loved it when I took my visit they put me through a little bit of a quarterback workout when it came to the weight room and he did it with me. I love his competitive spirit and he’s definitely a great guy... Right now, I have a really good relationship with coach Harbaugh, probably my strongest right now of all the schools I’m looking at.”

The four-star quarterback has also built a good bond with the USC coaches. He’s already visited with the Trojans and he doesn’t seem to be concerned at all that five-star QB JT Daniels reclassified to the 2018 class to immediately compete for the starting job.

“USC I visited there as well,” McNamara said. “I get mail just about every day from USC. They’re pushing really hard for me and I’ve developed a really good relationship with coach (Bryan) Ellis, coach Tee Martin and coach (Clay) Helton as well. (Daniels is) not going to affect my decision. I actually work out with JT so I have a good feel for him as a player.”

As for the Alabama quarterback situation, McNamara said he feels his game closely mirrors Tua Tagovailoa’s and that he’ll watch how that plays out with Jalen Hurts and Tagovailoa through this offseason.

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College coaches covet Quavaris Crouch because of his ability to be a difference-maker on either side of the ball. So we’ll dive into that first.

As a junior, Crouch racked up 3,142 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns in helping lead Charlotte (N.C.) Harding University to a 4-A state championship. It was the school’s first title since 1953 and naturally Crouch was the game’s Most Valuable Player. The state’s Gatorade Player of the Year also tallied 42 tackles and 14 sacks when used in a limited role on defense.

Crouch has five-star traits whether you want to utilize him out of the backfield or as a pass rusher. Much like fellow 2019 recruit Bru McCoy, versatility is the name of the game. Crouch’s high school coach Sam Greiner compared the 6-foot-3, 238-pound Crouch to Leonard Fournette or Derrick Henry when describing his skills as a running back, but likes him even more as a Von Miller-type rushing off the edge as an outside linebacker.

“He’s no doubt the best running back in the country and if he chose to play running back in college he’d be a Heisman Candidate and probably win the Heisman,” Greiner boasted. “But to be honest with you, his ball get-off was so great last year, he didn’t play a ton of defense and I’m not just saying this, he could be the next Lawrence Taylor, he’s that special off the ball.”

Quite the praise. Turn on the tape, and you see Crouch’s skills immediately. He is that unique blend of size, power and strength with the football in his hands, running through or by tacklers. On defense he’s certainly twitchy and violent. All the top programs in the country have extended a scholarship.

Which takes us to the other reason why college programs yearn to sign Crouch. In the last week multiple college staffers have told 247Sports that besides all the freakish physical ability Crouch shows on film, the 247Sports Composite five-star recruit impresses with his want-to, his work ethic, his leadership qualities, desire and mentality towards the game.

Crouch used his first paycheck from his first job nearly two years ago to buy mini hurdles at Dick’s Sporting Goods to put in time on his footwork. A young man of strong faith who last week spoke to an elementary school about his journey as a “kid from the mud,” Crouch views himself as a work in progress including his development on the football field. “He’s a special guy,” Greiner said. “He’s always working on his craft. His greatest asset is his heart, his passion.”

The first time Greiner met Crouch was the summer before his ninth grade year. “I asked him where he was transferring from,” Greiner laughed. “He said this is my first year, I’m a freshman. He was 190 pounds of muscle. Power cleaned 275 the first day and he had never cleaned before. He’s already gifted in so many areas.”

Crouch was basically a Day 1 starter and was a bright spot on a football team that went 1-10 that year, averaging over six yards per carry. As Crouch progressed, so did Harding University, winning five games two seasons ago and then going 14-1 last fall and hoisting a lot of hardware along the way.

“I told everyone during his freshman year he was going to be one of the best players in the country and everyone laughed at me,” Greiner said. “I was a new coach and we were one of the worst teams but I had been around NFL players before and good teams before. His willingness not to be satisfied, he wears his team on his sleeve, he feels if the team fails it was because of him and he always wants to work. He’s always grinding and it’s special to watch.”

In my opinion, Crouch’s recruitment has a Clemson feel to it. “Clemson is going bonkers right now,” Greiner described of the Tigers’ approach. "Michigan, Clemson, LSU, N.C. State, Tennessee - they have something brewing over there, South Carolina has always been there, Florida and Georgia are in the mix too. It will be all about the relationships and he believes God will lead him where he should go.”

With that, Greiner said Crouch won’t narrow his list of choices till the summer. Crouch’s offer list is appropriately a who’s who of college football programs. It might be worth noting his older brother, Malik Dunlap, signed with NC State his past cycle. He's the No. 18 player in the class of 2019 according to the 247Sports Composite and the No. 2 athlete.

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It wasn't two weeks before 2019 four-star defensive end Jaren Handy opened back up his recruitment on Thursday after committing to LSU on March 3 during a Junior Day visit. The New Augusta (Miss.) Perry Central standout said on Twitter that he felt he rushed his decision and would be reopening his recruitment.

"LSU will remain one of my top schools," Handy wrote in his tweet. "I still got love and respect for you guys. I wanna give a special thanks to coach DJ and the whole coaching staff on giving me this opportunity. I'm going to trust the recruiting process and BE SURE to not rush anything! With all that being said, I want to announce my de-commitment from Louisiana State University."

Handy committed to LSU on a Junior Day visit in large part because of the relationship with defensive line coach Dennis Johnson and head coach Ed Orgeron. "His (Orgeron's) message to me when he sat down with me and my family was if I go there, he would treat me like a son and I'd get a good education and get to play football," Handy said at the time.

The 6-5, 260-pound lineman ranks as the No. 73 overall prospect in the country, No. 7 strongside defensive end and No. 6 overall prospect in Mississippi. The 247Sports Crystal Ball has three picks in for Handy to land in Oxford, Miss. with Ole Miss. Stick with Geaux247 for the latest on LSU football recruiting.

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Looking at these lists, Birmingham went from a black hole of talent over the last 15 years to the epicenter of talent in the state.

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Justin Eboigbe in no rush to make his decision 

Justin Eboigbe (pronounced E-boy-be) made his first visit to Alabama last month for the team’s junior day event. It was a big recruiting visit for Eboigbe because the 4-star defensive end from Forest Park (Ga.) High School left with a scholarship offer.

“It was huge getting that offer from Nick Saban and Coach [Tosh] Lupoi,” Eboigbe told SEC Country. “It meant a lot to get that from the national champions. Knowing how many people came from that school, they only want the best of the best.”

The offer also was big for Eboigbe and his family because of his connection to the program. “A lot of my family members are Alabama fans,” Eboigbe said. “Since a lot of my family is from Alabama, they grew up Alabama fans.”

That’s going to keep the Tide in the mix until Eboigbe makes his decision. He said he hears from DL coach Craig Kuligowski and DC Tosh Lupoi on a weekly basis. The consistency that Alabama has shown over the years in producing top talent and competing for championships is what intrigues him the most about the program.

But that’s not going to be the reason for why he chooses any school when it comes time to make his decision. “I’m looking for chemistry with the coaches and with the players,” Eboigbe said. “I want to find that feel where I can leave home and feel comfortable being there.”

Right now, the school that might have an edge in that category for the nation’s No. 9 strongside defensive end is Georgia. Eboigbe said he’s constantly talking to Bulldogs defensive line coach Tray Scott and coach Kirby Smart.

The Bulldogs also started recruiting Eboigbe a bit earlier in the year than the Tide. While that relationship with Alabama is still building, the one he has with the Georgia staff is formed.

“Georgia started recruiting me earlier in the year,”  Eboigbe told Jeff Sentell of DawgNation. “As opposed to Alabama coming in later. I don’t get as much contact and calls from the coaches at Alabama as I hear from the coaches at Georgia.

“I haven’t spoken to Coach Saban yet as much as I have spoken to Coach Smart.” But that’s because the offer was just extended to Eboigbe just a few weeks ago. He had been in communication with Lupoi, who told him that he wanted him to visit Tuscaloosa to get a feel for the school and talk to Saban in person.

That conversation with Saban resonated with Eboigbe. “He was just telling me about life and going to the school,” he said. “He was saying how they hold their players accountable. That’s what a lot of former and present players talk about. They are going to get the best out of you,” said Eboigbe, who plans to study sports management in college.

What might be the Tide’s advantage over the Dogs goes back to his family ties to the state of Alabama. His grandmother, to whom he’s very close, lives in the Yellowhammer State. “She’s really been there for me a lot in my life. She’s been right there for me with my mother.”

Eboigbe said he believes both Alabama and Georgia are going to get official visits from him at a later date.

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BamaOnLine reported earlier this week that four-star defensive end Noah Potter was a name to watch this spring, and on Thursday evening the Mentor (Ohio) product landed an offer from Alabama.

At 6-foot-5, 250 pounds, Potter holds a number of offers, including Georgia, Notre Dame, and Ohio State, among others.

The Buckeyes are trending on the 247Sports Crystal Ball at 100 percent based off of 15 predictions.

Potter is rated the No. 19 strong-side defensive end and the No. 233 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite.

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Calera sophomore Jayson Jones, a 6-foot-6 1/2, 325-pound sophomore, has spent his high school career as an offensive lineman.

But this fall, Calera coach Andrew Zow said, Jones will likely move to the defensive line and play on offense only when needed. that's welcome news for Jons.

"That's what I love," Jones said. "I love defense."

It appears he has a bright future as a defensive lineman.

College coaches project the massive 16-year-old as an interior defensive lineman in college, and 247sports selected him as the state's top 2020 prospect this week when it released national rankings for the Class of 2020.

Jones -- no relation to, but sometimes confused with, the 2020 Fultondale quarterback with the same name -- checks in at No. 28 nationally. That places him as the No. 1 player in Alabama and among the nation's 5-star prospects.

What was Jones' reaction when he saw the 247sports list earlier this week?

"I had two reactions to best honest. Do you want the calm one or the excited one?" he said. "The calm one, I understand a lot of kids don't get the opportunity I get. You've got to take it in and be blessed with what you have. You put in the work and you deserve it.

The excited one? "I ran from the locker room to Coach Zow's office and back to the locker room and back to Coach Zow's office to explain it. Then, I fell out."

Zow emphasized that Jones is only 16 years-old and still developing as a player.

"He loves defense," said Zow, the former Alabama quarterback entering his third season as Calera's head coach. "He wants to be a dominant defensive lineman. He works hard. He's unbelievable as a character kid. ... His goal is to be one of the best players in the country, and he's on his way to that."

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