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

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Alabama was on the outside looking in on Jones’ recruitment at the start of the year, when the team underwent numerous coaching changes. The Tide lost defensive line coach Karl Dunbar to the Pittsburgh Steelers and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to Tennessee.

During that transition, communication, as one would expect, fell off. But the reason why Georgia led during that time had to do with the most important factor in his recruitment: communication.

“Every time I called the Georgia coaches, they would always pick up the phone,” Jones said. “I do understand that [Alabama] was trying to get new coaches and set up a schedule to settle them in. But the area recruiter was still there, and he wasn’t really picking up the phone until after the coaching change.”

That’s no longer the case now that the staff is in place. Jones feels like a major priority for the Tide, and he should. He’s one of the team’s top overall targets in the 2020 recruiting cycle.

“I know it’s just words, but they do tell me that I would be a big asset to their defense and they really want me. I can see it,” Jones said. “Every time I’m down there — and even though I’ve been there like five to seven times — the coaches treat me with the same respect and treat me like it’s my first time being down there.”

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Kevin Harris to Miami picking up steam? 

Kevin Harris, a 4-star weakside defensive end from Grayson High School (Loganville, Ga.), will announce his commitment on Tuesday. His finalists are Alabama and Miami. LSU was a contender at one point, but not anymore. He canceled an official visit to Baton Rouge this weekend.

After talking with multiple people, it seems like Miami should be considered the favorite. One thing to note with Harris: He has frequently changed his mind with his recruitment. Alabama, LSU and Miami were each considered his top school at one point. Even if he chooses Alabama on Tuesday, his recruitment is by no means over.

Miami has surged for Harris after he visited last weekend for the Hurricanes’ alumni weekend, where he spent valuable time with hundreds of former Canes players. He also has a good relationship with Miami defensive line coach Jess Simpson. Grayson coach Christian Hunnicutt was Simpson’s offensive coordinator when Simpson was coach at Buford (Ga.) High School.

“The one thing they have in common is Jess is a driven coach and Kevin is a driven player, so that’s an easy match,”  Hunnicutt told DieHards. "Jess Simpson has very few peers in regards to defensive line coaching and understanding all the intricacies of defensive line play.”

[ Ever heard of Craig Kugliowski?]

Miami is recruiting Harris as a defensive end in its 4-3 defense, while Alabama is recruiting him as a Jack linebacker in its 3-4 defense. Harris is 6-foot-4 and 218 pounds, so he will have to gain a significant amount of weight if he did end up playing on the defensive line. But the Hurricanes can pitch Harris on immediate playing time. Miami failed to sign a blue-chip prospect at the position in the 2018 class, and the team could potentially lose both starters after this season.

Harris did visit Tuscaloosa last Monday after taking an official visit to Miami, but the buzz is pointing toward the Canes. If the Tide do miss on Harris, he’ll still be recruited, because, as stated above, this recruitment is by no means over.

SEC Country will have live coverage of Harris’ commitment announcement at 5:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday. Fans can watch on our Facebook, Twitter and YouTube accounts.

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