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

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It happens every year, but the 2017 national championship run proved more than ever that Alabama football isn’t afraid to rely on first-year freshmen in some of the biggest moments.

Freshmen Tua Tagovailoa, Najee Harris, Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith and Alex Leatherwood all made crucial plays that helped the Crimson Tide secure their fifth national championship in nine years.

Now, it’s time to figure out who among the 2018 newcomers could step in and fill an immediate hole for the Crimson Tide.

Patrick Surtain Jr., cornerback
Patrick Surtain Jr., the No. 1 cornerback in the country, was Alabama’s lone big splash on National Signing Day. At 6-foot-2, 192 pounds, Surtain Jr. has the potential and pedigree to step into a depleted secondary and contribute from Day 1.

His father, Patrick Surtain Sr., spent 11 years in the NFL as a defensive back, making the Pro Bowl three times.

We listed Surtain Jr., but all of Alabama’s defensive back signees will have an opportunity to compete for a spot. Outside of Deionte Thompson at one of the safety spots, every other secondary position is open.

Christian Barmore, defensive tackle
If there’s one spot Alabama where needs immediate depth, it’s along the defensive line, particularly defensive tackle with Da’Ron Payne and Josh Frazier moving on.

Christian Barmore is currently listed at 6-foot-5, 290 pounds, but he easily could add more size and strength once he starts working out with Scott Cochran. Even if he doesn’t become a full-time starter, Alabama will need depth behind top guys such as Isaiah Buggs and Raekwon Davis.

Saivion Smith, cornerback
Typically, junior college transfers are brought in to fit an immediate need. That’s the case for Saivion Smith, who steps into a situation where both of Alabama’s cornerback spots are open with Anthony Averett and Levi Wallace moving on.

If Smith can step in and lock down one side of the field, that would be a huge bonus for the 2018 defense.

Stephon Wynn, defensive lineman
Barmore and Stephon Wynn were the lone two defensive tackles Alabama signed in this class. Wynn is currently listed at 6-4, 308 pounds so he’s another big body who could provide depth early on even if he doesn’t become a full-time starter.

Jaylen Waddle, wide receiver
Jaylen Waddle could contribute at slot receiver or return man from Day 1. He’s elusive, runs well after the catch and has nice quickness. He brings a dynamic Alabama doesn’t currently have in its receivers room.

Waddle will be tough for nickel defensive backs to cover given his ability to quickly change directions. Look for him to be a dynamic playmaker throughout his career.

Skyler Delong, punter
For the first time in four years, Alabama won’t have JK Scott to help flip the field with a booming punt. Instead, freshman Skyler Delong must step up with gigantic shoes to fill.

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While many 2018 football prospects were signing their letter of intent on February 7, National Signing Day, John Plumlee was busy talking to Nick Saban over the phone.

In between calls to 2018 targets, Saban offered the 6-foot, 190 pound junior out of Hattiesburg (Miss.) Oak Grove. A few days later, Alabama's rival, Auburn offered Plumlee too. The funny thing is. They offered him to play different positions.

On Friday, Plumlee visited Auburn and before leaving, the Tigers offered him as a wide receiver. That was a first.

"I met with coach Gus Malzahn and coach [Chip] Lindsey before I left and they offered me," said Plumlee. "They know I play quarterback, but they told me that they see something special in me as a wide receiver. They think I can be like Ryan Davis is for them now and that is how they see me."

The offer did not really surprise Plumlee too much. He had been in regular contact with coach Lindsey, so he had the idea in the back of his mind that Auburn may be close to offering. It was the detail of the offer that caught him off guard.

"Them offering as a wide receiver definitely surprised me. I mean, I am open to it, but I was not expecting it. Auburn is a great school, the campus is beautiful and if I had to pick a position, I would pick quarterback, but I am open to this. "I still like Auburn and I do have interest in them. We will just see how it all plays out."

When Alabama offered, they went with more of a traditional approach — they offered Plumlee as a quarterback. Burton Burns is the are recruiter for Plumlee, so those two spoke on the phone first before Burns passed the phone to Saban.

"At first, me and coach Saban talks about Alabama and we talked about the school, then he told me that I have the opportunity to come to Alabama and he offered me," said Plumlee. "This one was more of a surprise than the Auburn offer. I did not expect this one at all. It was pretty exciting."

One of the best in Mississippi has ties to Tuscaloosa too. Plumlee's sister goes to school at Alabama, so he has been to a football game and he has been around the campus. "It is nice over there. I was at the Mercer game last season and Alabama is just a great program. Getting that offer was a big surprise, so it is a great feeling."

If you think Auburn offering Plumlee is funny. How about in-state school, Mississippi State, the Bulldogs have offered him as a defensive back. They did at first any way, but they have started to talk about quarterback some too now.

It tells you what type of athlete Plumlee is. Or does it?He is also a baseball star and he has been offered by Mississippi State and Southern Miss to play both sports on the next level. Plumlee said his position preference is quarterback, but with his love of baseball, that could change that.

"I feel like if I played quarterback in college, then it would be very hard for me to play baseball too," said Plumlee. "That is something I will have to think about. If I play another position, then it would be a little easier to play two sports in my mind. "I think that will be something I really have to think about when I make my decision."

Plumlee does not plan to make that any time soon. Florida is showing some interest, Ole Miss and North Carolina have him on their radar, so he is going to sit back, see who offers, take visits and take his time with the recruiting process. He is open to all schools at this time.

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#Alabama #RollTide is the newest offer for 2019 QB Jayden Daniels from San Bernardino (Calif.) Cajon @AndrewJBone @ArmondSr

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