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

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Recruiting is a tough and competetive business. Programs have to stay in front of the curve with state of the art facilities. Alabama has done this arguably better than anybody else, but the one thing that has separated The Tide from the competition is the family environment that they have been able to create.

Tuscaloosa is a special place that is full of memories and no one knows that better than former Alabama football players. That is why they are constantly seen floating around Alabama’s facilities after their playing days are over.

Saban has noticed this and recently expressed that it is something that he really appreciates in Alabama’s football inaugral episode of “Shop Talk”.

“The thing I don’t get to say much that makes me feel the best is that all you guys that played over the last 11 years that I have been here, everybody likes to come back,” Saban said. “That’s the most important thing to me, that you guys enjoy coming back. That means you had great experiences here, you appreciate the people who help you here, you come back to help the next guy. That spirit makes it special.”

Recruits also notice this about Alabama and express that its one of the things that stands out to them. Many guys are searching for the place that makes them feel most like family and Alabama has strived to do just that. It’s one of the reasons why they are such a huge player in the world of recruiting.

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Are we slow playing Bentley?

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That kid Shane Lee is a monster. Remember him from watching Anomas game.

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You’re right, Bill, the state of Georgia in the 2019 class is stacked. There are 42 players rated 4 stars or better, according to the 247Sports composite. The state of Georgia hasn’t been a state that Alabama has recruited all that well recently.

Let’s break down how many players Alabama has signed from the Peach State the past 5 years:

2018: 0
2017: 1
2016: 1
2015: 3 (2 have transferred)
2014: 2

So, while the state is always loaded with top talent, Georgia isn’t one of the kindest states to Alabama. I don’t really see that changing in the 2019 class.

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Outside of those players,  Kevin Harris, a 4-star outside linebacker from Grayson (Loganville, Ga.), has Alabama in his top 3 along with LSU and Miami. I think LSU is the favorite right now. Five-star prospect  Owen Pappoe and 4-star prospects  Travon Walker and Trezmen Marshall are top targets, but Georgia is the favorite for all three.

Alabama would love to flip 5-star defensive end  Christopher Hinton, who is committed to Michigan, but that could hinge on the Wolverines’ 2018 season. If they are average once again, it’s possible Hinton could explore other options.

Names of other Georgia prospects to know are:

4-star defensive end  Justin Eboigbe
4-star inside LB Kalen DeLoach
4-star outside LB Derrick McLendon
4-star athlete Steele Chambers
4-star cornerback  Jalyn Phillips

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A name to know at LB: Kalen Deloach

We listed Bama’s  top inside linebacker targets last month. However, we didn’t name Kalen Deloach as one of them. At the time, we didn’t know how coveted Deloach was by the staff, and it’s clear the Tide have focused lots of attention on 5-star prospect Nakobe Dean and junior college prospect Lakia Henry.

But since the publishing of that story, we have learned that the Alabama staff loves Deloach’s game. And that is evidenced with how often Alabama inside linebackers coach Pete Golding is in touch with the 4-star prospect from Islands High School (Savannah, Ga.)

“They’re coming after me really hard,” Deloach told SEC Country. “You know, me and Coach Golding text almost every day. I just check in on practice and stuff to see how things are going. You know, he’s a cool coach. He’s funny too. We’ve got a good relationship. We just have fun with each other.”

Deloach visited Tuscaloosa in February for one of the team’s junior say events. He has visited numerous schools, including Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio State, South Carolina and Tennessee since his recruitment began.

The 6-foot, 200-pound prospect said he plans to release a top 5 in the summer, and those schools are the ones that likely will receive official visits this fall.

“Everything is really nice because I’m enjoying the process,” Deloach said. “I’m just going to see new places, new facilities, new coaches and build relationships. Really, all the schools are pushing. They see me coming to their program and helping their program. Most places want me to help build their program.”

Deloach, who was invited to the prestigious Opening finals camp this summer, said he plans on returning to Bama for the A-Day game on April 21. Expect Alabama to make his top 5 list.

“They’re one of the winningest programs in the whole college football nation,” Deloach said. “I could see myself playing there, getting coached by the best and winning national championships.”

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That kid Shane Lee is a monster. Remember him from watching Anomas game.

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