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

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THE SITUATION

After spending his freshman and sophomore seasons at Oradell (N.J.) Bergen Catholic and his junior season at Rahway, N.J., Alfano is knocking out his commitment prior to his senior season at Colonia, N.J. All three finalists - Alabama, Georgia and Penn State - hosted Alfano within the last month and a half, and he seemed to really enjoy his time on campus and being with the coaches. With Alfano ready to announce his decision, we ask reporters that cover each team and National Recruiting Director Mike Farrell their thoughts about where Alfano will end up.

ALABAMA

“Antonio Alfano has been recruited by Alabama for more than a year. The coaches have changed a little as a new position coach and area recruiter are now in place for the Crimson Tide. Alabama defensive line coach Craig Kuligowski is known as one of the premier position coaches in the country. His reputation for developing elite defensive linemen is a strong selling point to Alfano. The elite recruit from New Jersey also has a good relationship with former Penn State assistant coach Josh Gattis, who is now in Tuscaloosa. Alabama is pressing hard for several defensive linemen in this class. Alfano is one of the Tide’s key targets. Alabama’s track record of producing NFL talent at the position - including guys like Marcel Dareus, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Dalvin Tomlinson, A’Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed - should help the Crimson Tide haul in another top player.” – Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com

GEORGIA

“If a clear path to playing time is what Alfano is most in the market for, Georgia makes as much or more sense than anyone else in his top three. At 6-foot-4, 285 pounds, he's got the ideal size for the middle of Georgia's 3-4 alignment, and the last two classes for the Bulldogs have been lacking in depth. With the Bulldogs seeking out transfers, JUCO prospects and even project players at the defensive tackle spot, a young, hungry lineman with the chops to contribute right out of the gate would be a more-than-welcome addition and should find favor with Tray Scott and Kirby Smart quickly. Defensive line is the No. 1 need for the Bulldogs in this class, and a player of Alfano's caliber could be just what the doctor ordered.” – Jake Reuse, UGASports.com

PENN STATE

“Penn State appeared to be the favorite with Alfano throughout 2017, but things changed toward the end of last season, as James Franklin and his staff cooled on him due to off-the-field concerns. In April, he visited Penn State twice in a little over two weeks, but once it became clear that Franklin wanted to wait a bit longer before accepting a commitment, Alfano turned to Alabama and Georgia, both of which also earned visits in April. I expect him to commit to Alabama.” – Ryan Snyder, BlueWhiteIllustrated.com

THE VERDICT

“Alabama is my pick for Alfano, although he’s done a good job keeping things close to the vest. He’s got a very good relationship with the coaches and I think he’s allured by the chance to win a national title and play at the highest level.” – Mike Farrell, Rivals.com National Recruiting Director

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Rivals 250 safety Jaylen McCollough cut his list to four late Tuesday night and he is set to play in the SEC.

Alabama, Auburn, South Carolina and Tennessee are the final schools on the four-star's list and he will return to each campus this summer.

McCollough will make a decision in the coming months.

IN HIS OWN WORDS: "I just talked with my coaches friends and family and those four schools are the best fit for me," said McCollough. "I knew when I was younger that I wanted to play SEC ball. All four of these schools are top notch SEC programs."

FAMILIARITY: "I’ve visited South Carolina and Tennessee twice, Auburn once and Alabama a handful of times."

TIDE AND TIGERS: "Auburn and Alabama have been at the top of the SEC for years and they produce NFL talent every year. I have great relationships with Alabama’s coaching staff, even though Derrick Ansley left, coach Scott won’t miss a beat at Alabama. Coach Steele at Auburn is a great defensive coach and talking with him, I can see myself thriving in their defensive scheme."

GAMECOCKS: "South Carolina is on the verge of being a contender for a SEC title and also has a great defensive coaching staff."

VOLS: "I’m comfortable with the coaching staff at Tennessee and the direction they have the program headed in."

NEXT: "I will be taking visits to all these schools and camp at all of the schools this summer to try and get a better feel for my commitment in the fall. It is going to be a hard decision. I can see myself at each of these schools."

RIVALS REACTION: McCollough likely has each staff feeling they have a real chance to land him when that time comes. Some feel he has a favorite or maybe a top two, but he really seems to be torn. The visits this summer will be key in his decision. That time on the field working with position coaches and being around other commits and players on that campus could push one team over the top. All we know now is, McCollough is going to live out his dream — he will play in the SEC.

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Paul Tyson

Tyson is a guy with great size at 6-feet-4-inches and 217 pounds. He is great at play action and rolling out of the pocket as he knows how to square up his shoulders and deliver excellent throws. The most impressive thing about this guy is his ability to put the ball where only his guy can get it. This is the very reason why he only threw four interceptions and 34 touchdowns during his junior season. Tyson is also not afraid to throw the ball into tight spaces. He has on many occasions put the ball in perfect position within zone coverage. These traits should help him translate to the next level very easily.

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Hakeem Beamon has officially announced his commitment date for June 16 and Alabama is most definitely in the mix. He talked with yours truly about setting his commitment date and where Alabama currently stands.

Alabama is one of the four schools Beamon is going to consider. Fortunately for the Tide, they will get the last visit before Beamon makes his decision.

“I go to Alabama camp on the 9th and basically if things go well, I might have to make my decision,” Beamon said. “I will inform the coaches on my decision on the 10th and announce my commitment on the 16th.”

The Crimson Tide offered Beamon in January and have been able to build a relationship with him since then. There are many things that Beamon likes about Alabama.

“I like Saban’s philosophy of the game and the way that their players think,” Beamon added. “They are a really great program that expects their players to play to a certain standard.”

Alabama has remained in contact with Beamon throughout this process as he has constantly talked to the Tide’s defensive coordinator, Tosh Lupoi and Alabama’s wideout coach, Josh Gattis. He has just recently met the Tide defensive line coach, Craig Kuligowski . Beamon expressed that all of their communication has been good.

The Tide will have to battle it out with some big names to get this impressive talent as he is also taking a close look at Penn State, Ohio State and South Carolina.

Whoever gets Beamon is getting a guy with a ton of talent. He is a very aggressive defensive lineman that scratches and claws his way to the football. He is also a violent tacker that imposes his will on ball carriers.

Alabama fans should definitely be on alert for this guy as he has big plans for when he steps on the campus of his choice.

“I want to be remembered as someone that always completed and never slacked,” Beamon said. “He treated people with the utmost respect.”

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I am starting to really want Siaka Ika in this class.

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Hakeem Beamon Sets Commit Date

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Tyrion Davis ‘100%’ locked in with LSU

Fourteen months ago, Tyrion Davis’ first college offer still eluded him. He had received interest from Michigan — but only interest. A month later, the 4-star bruising tailback picked up an offer from both Alabama and LSU and committed to the in-state Tigers shortly after. Since then, he has emerged as one of the most sought-after prospects in the country for the Class of 2019.

This spring, Davis toured through the country and made unofficial visits to Oklahoma, Arkansas, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama and Louisville, among others. Considering how quickly Davis’ recruitment flipped from zero offers to 22, it’s hard to fault him for, as he says, enjoying the process. But make no mistake — those visits haven’t lessened his commitment to LSU.

“It was good and I appreciate what the coaches do. Those schools have nice facilities, nice people,” Davis told SEC Country. “I’m enjoying the process. They’re good schools, but LSU is always home. It’s always home and always feels the same and they always show the same love.”

The 6-foot-1, 230-pound downhill runner recently clocked a 4.48-second 40 time at Nike’s regional camp in North Texas and punched his ticket to The Opening Finals this summer.

A rare combination of size and speed, Davis — the No. 14-ranked running back in the country — has drawn the attention of several schools. Some will receive official visits before he signs and enrolls early with LSU, but his commitment to the Tigers last June remains as strong as it did 11 months ago.

“I’m 100 percent,” he stated. “I’m loyal and I believe in loyalty. When you commit somewhere, you stick with it.” Davis’ most recent visit to Baton Rouge came for the team’s annual spring game, and he had a chance to see the new-look offense in person.

Most notably, the 4-star back’s eyes were glued on the backfield and sophomore Clyde Edwards-Helaire, another local standout who has been in Davis’ ear for months. Both Edwards-Helaire and the LSU coaches assured Davis of the same thing.

“Clyde stepped up a lot, then we talk every day about playing with him. It’s something we’ve talked about since I was young,” Davis said. “I looked up to him when I was younger. Now, they’re telling me that: ‘We need you here, man.’ The coaches tell me how much they need me, too, and I can see it for myself. I can come in and start, and that’s the ultimate goal.”

Davis aims to get his weight down to about 220 pounds before his senior season at Southern Lab in Baton Rouge. He said he plans on taking all five of his official visits in the fall. LSU is sure to host the blue-chip back before his inks his national letter of intent in December.

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