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re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:04 am to TideSaint
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:04 am to TideSaint
quote:
SIMMONS' VIEW: NO
"Jackson has definitely flashed five-star ability, but does he play that way consistently and does he project as that type of player on the next level? There are still some questions out there. Jackson is a big body in the middle that draws a lot of attention, but does he make enough plays to be that five-star defensive tackle?
"He is strong at the point of attack and he does free up others around him, but I would like to see him make a bigger impact on a regular basis. There is no doubt that he is talented, very talented, but is he a top-20 prospect in the country? This will be a big off-season to show that he can dominate consistently."
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Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:04 am to TideSaint
The updated Rivals100 for 2020 comes out today.
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:11 am to TideSaint
Second state title in hand, Christian Harris set to play linebacker at Alabama
quote:
University Lab’s Christian Harris has done a little of everything for the Cubs during his high school career.
He demonstrated that versatility in UHigh’s 55-46 win against St. Thomas More in the Division II state title game.
Harris posted 109 all-purpose yards to go along with 3.5 tackles and a forced fumble as UHigh captured its second straight championship in his final game with the Cubs.
He’s hoping his next team will also be a championship squad as Harris flipped his commitment to Alabama from Texas A&M earlier this month.
The Tide are looking to turn the versatile four-star prospect into a linebacker — one of the few positions Harris hasn’t played.
“I’ve never really played linebacker before,” he said. “But you are only going to be as good as you’re coached you up. So, in my opinion, why not be coached by the best.”
Harris said conversions with his former teammate and current Alabama linebacker Dylan Moses helped boost his confidence in the Crimson Tide’s coaches as well ensured that he’d have a mentor as he transitioned to his new position.
“I’ll be playing the same position as Dylan Moses,” he said. “I talk to Dylan a lot so going in I get to be under his wing. And even though I might not start my freshman year, I could just learn from one of the best linebackers in the country and I’d be getting coached by the best coaches in the country.”
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:11 am to TideSaint
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:14 am to TideSaint
Lol yea but alot of people were picking Bama for Clay Webb right up until the end. We get insider info here saying we're good, over on bullpups they think they getting errybody
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:20 am to TideSaint
quote:
I just read a quote from Clay himself where he states he is going to play Guard, first, until he is comfortable playing Center.
What I posted earlier was I thought he was going with UGA based on depth chart.
Notice he said play guard until!
UGA had a senior at center flanked by two freshman on one side and two sophomores on the other.
One of the freshman at guard was the backup to the senior.So UGA lacks depth at center but will move a guard there until he comes along.
At bama he wont get up the depth chart at Guard as fast and at center with owens(SO) and Ekiyor(FR),
you have an experience edge over him playing the position.
He's got leather-wood and Brown most likely staying until there seniors along
with the rest being bigger as for who already on the depth chart.
Plus the competition he has to come in with in this deep freshman class of o linemen.
When you combine that with teams just looking for the best 5 and BAMA cross-training along the line.
(ex Willis could move to center and Webb cant play tackle).
He could be looking at minimum 2-3 years before he plays center if Owens and Ekiyor are the goods.
So counting the red shirt and he most likely being only able to play center.
I think he saw or was sold by UGA were gonna let you play guard sooner.
Will that happen or could injuries or transfer change things at bama or the kid makes himself an very good guard for his size.You bet.!
But Ive always felt he consider BAMA the longer road and being this top 5 star kid, he took the shorter path in his mind.
This post was edited on 12/11/18 at 8:24 am
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:22 am to TideSaint
Is Webb concerned about transitioning to college and having to make all the OL calls at center AND take on beasts like Q regularly? That would be my guess. It’s a lot to ask of a freshman, especially a slightly undersized one. I think he wants to get comfortable with the level of play and maybe having to up his game before he starts taking on extra responsibilities like making calls.
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:23 am to TideSaint
LINK ]No. 1 overall recruit Kayvon Thibodeaux has the secret to football-life balance (ESPN)
quote:
Most high school kids wake up in the morning to an alarm clock, set at the time of their choice, and often have the luxury of hitting the snooze button a few times. But Kayvon Thibodeaux isn't most kids.
The No. 1-ranked player in the Class of 2019, a defensive end sought by every college program in the country, rises at 5 a.m. to the sound of text message after text message from coaches trying to persuade him to pick their school.
"I'm on the West Coast and a lot of the coaches are in the East, so I'm waking up at 5 because my phone is going off," Thibodeaux said. "I get flooded with messages and then I can't even reply to the people who are trying to tell me something."
That's normal for him. That's what comes with being a 6-foot-5, 234-pound prospect from South Central Los Angeles who is one of the most talented football players in the country.
Thibodeaux has embraced being bombarded by college coaches over the phone and fans on social media and has dealt well with all the expectations and attention that come with the label of being the top prospect, but he says all that is just work.
This post was edited on 12/11/18 at 8:57 am
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:23 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
In his personal life, Thibodeaux doesn't want those closest to him to think of him as the No. 1 prospect, or an outstanding football player, but rather as their friend Kayvon who happens to excel on a football field.
"It's not even that I want a normal life, it's that that's not who I am," Thibodeaux said. "The whole facade of being the No. 1 -- if you look at me like that, you're looking at something the public has made. My football life has no impact on my regular life and how I live on a day-to-day basis."
Thibodeaux says he has a work life and a personal life; when he's playing football or handling the recruiting process, he clocks in and puts his full focus on the task, but once that's finished, he's just a regular high school kid. Most of his friends don't even talk to him about football -- unless it's Madden.
Thibodeaux's cousin Janon Curry and one of his closest friends Zeek Bishop love playing Madden after school. When the football season is over, the three use 3 to 5 p.m. to do any homework and take naps, but from 7 to 10 they are battling it out on the virtual football field.
"That is his thing, but he's the worst at it," Bishop said of Thibodeaux's Madden skills. "I'm the best, then his cousin and then him. He always plays as the defensive end, which we're like, 'We understand you're a defensive end, but you can't do that in this game.' Because he plays D-end, I just run the read option and he gets destroyed."
This post was edited on 12/11/18 at 8:37 am
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:23 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Bishop is Thibodeaux's teammate on the Oaks Christian football team, so they probably talk about football more than most of Thibodeaux's other friends, but most times he'd rather talk about politics or changing his community.
"He's a really smart guy," Bishop said, "and when you're the No. 1 football player in the country, sometimes that's all you are. He doesn't want to be seen as just a football player because he's a lot more than that."
Even throughout his recruiting process, Thibodeaux has tried to find time to pursue interests outside of football. During an official visit to Florida State, Thibodeaux also stopped by FAMU, an HBCU in Tallahassee, where he toured the university's archives that focus on African-Americans' contributions in politics, science, education, athletics and more. While on a visit to Alabama, he stopped at Birmingham's 16th Street Baptist Church, which was bombed in 1963 during the civil rights movement by members of the Ku Klux Klan.
"I know these schools have a great [football] program, but I feel like more student-athletes should go check out the history," Thibodeaux said. "There's a lot of history in the football world and college world, so every time I'm going to a place where I have an opportunity to learn some history, I like to."
Thibodeaux wants to go into journalism to be a broadcaster once his football career is over. He has also thought about becoming an attorney and talks about getting involved with his city council and helping people who don't have the platform he does.
"It's because I'm trying to change the standard of athletes," Thibodeaux said. "LeBron [James] is someone I look up to, and he set the path for setting the standard. It's not really about football. Everyone wants to be football, football, football, but what if football doesn't work out? Football is only the 0.1 percent, so we have to figure out another way to succeed other than football."
This post was edited on 12/11/18 at 8:58 am
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:23 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Making it to the NFL is still his dream, and although he might clock in and clock out, his full focus is on being the best football player he can be when he's on the field.
He knew surrounding himself with successful people would help him achieve that goal, so he and his uncle Ivan reached out to trainer Travelle Gaines, who typically trains only NFL athletes in Calabasas, California. Gaines has worked with Reggie Bush, Todd Gurley, Saquon Barkley and a handful of other top athletes in his gym, Athletic Gaines.
When he heard from Thibodeaux, he met with him and decided he would make an exception and train the No. 1 recruit because of the sacrifice he was willing to put in and how hard he was willing to work to reach his goals.
"Kayvon said, 'Whatever you want me to do, I just want to get better,' so I said, 'Be here at 6 o'clock in the morning,' and he said he'll be here every day," Gaines said. "I thought since he goes to Oaks Christian, he must live around here. Then I saw he was driving from two hours away in L.A. and leaving his house at 4 a.m., I knew he was a special kid."
Gaines has been around elite athletes but says Thibodeaux's mind and physical ability make for something he hasn't seen since he worked with Jaylen Brown, who plays for the Boston Celtics.
Thibodeaux takes his work life seriously and applies those principles to the recruiting process as well. Curry says his cousin will sometimes tell the family he's going to take a few hours in his room to himself to get some work done and take care of obligations that pertain to recruiting, calling and texting coaches, calling reporters for interviews and whatever else might be asked of him.
This post was edited on 12/11/18 at 8:44 am
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:23 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Since Curry, only six months older than Thibodeaux, doesn't play sports or know much about the recruiting process, he didn't really understand what the process entailed or how in demand his cousin really was. It wasn't until the two took visits to a few schools that Curry realized his cousin was an anomaly.
"We went to Alabama and Florida State, and it was fun to see how much these coaches say to get these recruits," Curry said. "They said so much, I don't even remember what they said. But watching that, it was like, 'Wow, you're really talented in football,' and it kind of made it all real for me."
On Dec. 15, his birthday, Thibodeaux will announce which college program he will play for -- currently he is still considering Alabama, Florida State, USC and Oregon -- and the recruiting process will become real for him, as well. After he announces and signs with that program during the Dec. 19-21 signing period, all the texts and phone calls will drop off.
He'll get to campus and will no longer be the No. 1-ranked recruit, which is fine with him. "I'm just a kid from South Central L.A. with a dream to make it to the NFL, to be successful and have a family," he said. "God has blessed me with a talent, but I just want you to look at me as that's my talent. I'm Kayvon, and football is one of my talents; I'm not Kayvon, the football player."
That means the fans singing his praises, or opposing fans cutting him down, on social media, the other football players aiming to prove they can beat the No. 1 player at an offseason camp, or critics saying his game performances weren't good enough for the top-ranked recruit. He hears it, but he doesn't allow it to consume who he is.
This post was edited on 12/11/18 at 8:54 am
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:25 am to AjA77
I think that’s a lot of complication. I think his parents being Georgia fans, his relationship with Pitman and now he is with Georgia. I’ve lived in Louisiana all my life but grew up a Bama fan and I was born in 74 so kids swill usually always follow their parents and it’s cool.
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:26 am to seanpendleton10
Why Alabama’s a lock for the No. 1 class and how the race for No. 2 could unfold
quote:
Let’s not create drama where there is none. Alabama is going to sign the No. 1 recruiting class for the 2019 cycle. A year after finishing fifth to end a seven-year streak of No. 1 classes, the Tide has rolled back to the top spot.
So this piece is more about detailing how it will happen and how the composition of Alabama’s class will help decide who finishes second and third. The Early Signing Period runs Dec. 19-21, and regular National Signing Day is Feb. 6.
Alabama’s already effectively secured the No. 1 class. The Tide could run up the score even more.
As of Tuesday morning, Alabama has 24 commitments, and 23 are rated four- or five-stars. Alabama’s only non-blue-chip commitment is a kicker.
Ten of the top 100 nationally on the 247Sports Composite are committed to the Tide. That’s ridiculous. The entire Pac-12 combined has eight top-100 commits.
Recent commitments like five-star safety Daxton Hill, of Tulsa (Okla.), who turned down the home-state Sooners and flipped from longtime favorite Michigan to pick Alabama. Alabama also has the No. 1 player in New Jersey in five-star defensive lineman Antonio Alfano. The No. 2 player in Alabama, offensive tackle Pierce Quick, is also in the fold.
Outside the top 100, I am a huge fan of Baton Rouge (La.) linebacker Christian Harris, who can cover, hit, and do it all.
But Alabama is still in the mix for a number of elite prospects. Just out of the country’s nine highest-rated uncommitted players, I have three more five-stars picking Alabama: OT Evan Neal, RB Trey Sanders, and LB Nakobe Dean.
The Tide are also in it to varying degrees on five-stars like DE Kayvon Thibodeaux, DT Ishmael Sophser, and OT Darnell Wright. Four-star DT Siaki Ika also remains a possibility, as does Marcus Banks. a four-star CB. They are considered a lock to land four-star LB Henry To’oto’o.
And the flips might not be done. Four-star safety Jordan Battle (currently committed to Ohio State) and or five-star CB Akeem Dent (Florida State) remain possible for the Tide.
Alabama has done this with a new, invigorated staff. After a slightly off cycle in 2018, Nick Saban went out and hired a team of killers on the recruiting trail. Together, they’ve been able to combat negative recruiting tied to rumors of his retirement.
The battle for second could be tight, but Georgia’s the favorite.
As of Tuesday morning, the six teams slotted No. 2 to 7 on the Composite are within 25 ratings points of each other. In theory, those teams could finish in any order.
Despite Oregon being the likely favorite for five-star Kayvon Thibodeaux, it seems unlikely the Ducks get enough other prospects to make the jump from No. 7 to No. 2.
Current No. 6 Texas is in a similar boat. The Longhorns have a strong chance to sign a top-5 class, but getting to No. 2 seems impossible.
Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs have several things working in their favor. For one, they have the lead currently in the non-Bama department. For two, they have only 19 commitments, which gives them an opportunity to add more. The prized commitment so far is Nolan Smith, an edge rusher some believe is the top player in the entire nation. Defensive lineman Travon Walker is also a star, as is interior line prospect Clay Webb.
The Bulldogs are in the running for players like Dean, Neal, and Smith, all of whom I have penciled in for the Tide. They’re a contender for Darnell Wright, the five-star OT from West Virginia.
They could regain a commitment from in-state five-star receiver Jadon Haselwood, whom I have as the top receiver in the nation. They’re also squarely in the running for elite cornerback Tyrique Stevenson. Miami is seen as the top threat for both.
If Georgia can land just three of the above-mentioned uncommitted players, it will have a strong shot of keeping the No. 2 class, giving the Bulldogs finishes of second, first, and third in the last three cycles.
If Georgia falters, Texas A&M, Clemson, or LSU could make a move.
The Aggies have 22 commitments, including 12 four- and five-stars. Offensive tackle Kenyon Green is a star in the making, tight end Baylor Cupp could be special, and cornerback Erick Young is extremely physical.
A&M could pick up four-star cornerback Marcus Banks and will have a shot at four-star defensive end Marcus Stripling. If they get both and Georgia falters, the Aggies could end up with the No. 2 class. Regardless, Texas A&M fans have to be happy with this class.
Clemson currently has 24 commitments, including 11 blue-chippers. Receivers Frank Ladson and Joe Ngata are as good a pair as any in the nation. And cornerback due Sheridan Jones and Andrew Booth are hard to beat.
And while Clemson usually takes smaller classes due to its low attrition rate, the Tigers are able to expand and take several more prospects this year. They could finish second if they get the right players. Those would be elite athlete Quavaris Crouch, four-star guard Will Putnam, four-star guard Tyler Davis, and maybe even Ole Miss running back commit Jerrion Ealy.
LSU will also have a shot. The Tigers have 20 commitments and 12 blue-chippers within that group. Many believe cornerback commit Derek Stingley is the best player in the nation, regardless of position. Running back John Emery Jr. might be the nation’s best runner, and guard Kardell Thomas is an elite offensive lineman.
And yet, the Tigers could add to the haul with some big pieces. Ishmael Sopsher, the top DT in the nation, is considered a heavy LSU lean. So are receiver Devonta Lee and cornerback Jay Ward. If the Tigers add that trio, and maybe a few other pieces, they could leap over Texas A&M and Georgia and hold off Clemson.
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:37 am to TideSaint
Where do these people get the idea that Sopsher is a Heavy LSU lean? They keep saying that over and over. I mean even die hard LSU fans are not saying that. They are hoping to land him.
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:37 am to My2Bits
quote:
Where do these people get the idea that Sopsher is a Heavy LSU lean?
Dave Aranda watched his state championship game.
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:40 am to TideSaint
I am going Sean on Sopsher 
. They are willing to take his brother and we are not . Plus if we don’t take Lee, I just think he stays home . IDK , just a hunch
. They are willing to take his brother and we are not . Plus if we don’t take Lee, I just think he stays home . IDK , just a hunch Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:44 am to TideSaint
To’oto’o is a virtual lock? I didn’t realize that or is it more bs?
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:45 am to Bear88
I am not saying he won't go to LSU.Just questioning how is he is he a Heavy Lean to LSU when most knowledgeable people are saying we lead for him. That's all.
Posted on 12/11/18 at 8:52 am to My2Bits
Well I think from the LSU side it’s because they’ve gotten bit by Bama before. I’m in the Sopsher to LSU boat. Orgeron can’t let him get away it would be a huge black eye with him being a former DL coach and them not playing well on the DL in a long time. What I hope happens is he feels like he will be better coached at Alabama and picks the Tide.
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