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

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Per an extremely influential MS booster that knows recruiting in that state like the back of his hand, Uga has made a bit of a move, but has NOT passed Bama. We'll see how his visit with us goes in a couple weeks.

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“If he was in the Class of 2017, 2018, 2019 or 2020, he would still be the No. 1 kicker in the country,” Sailer said. “He’s that good. If I brought him to any campus of where my current college starters are, they'd be fearful of their job if Will came to compete. I will go a step further. I even believe you could put him in an NFL camp right now. He’s that good. He’s ready for the next level. That’s how special Will is. Everyone fears Will, no matter what age he is.”

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BREAKING: Judge rules there is insufficient evidence to proceed with domestic violence charges against Reuben Foster. He no longer faces those charges, seemingly clearing way for his return to the 49ers

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The last time Pickering was on campus in Tuscaloosa was for the Arkansas game. It was the first visit, however, that the four-star defender had a chance to meet the Dean of an Engineering School. Pickering will make his return to Tuscaloosa for the first time on June 2 or June 9 for camp.

“Education,” Pickering said of the message the Tide staff is working to drive home with him. “They know that education is the most important thing to me. They have a great engineering program. They were the first team that allowed me to meet with the Engineering Dean (Charles L. Karr). That was pretty exciting.”

Of the schools Pickering is hearing from most, he identified LSU, Mississippi State, and Alabama “Right now, those three schools text me every day,” he said. Still, regardless of frequency of communication, Pickering is in no rush to make a decision.

“I’m trying to wait until Signing Day, but if something happens or God tells me something different, I’m going to have to do what he tells me,” he said. “I’m trying to wait it out until Signing Day.”

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Pickering sees several positives about the Crimson Tide program and the opportunity he’d have in T-Town.

“It’s a great school,” he said. “Of course you have an excellent chance of winning a national championship, you have a great chance of getting a degree, and they have a great life after football. I know after football I can be a proud alumni of Alabama. I know they’re going to take care of me after football.

“The way they run their defense, it’s a great fit for me. They like their defensive linemen big and tall. I’d be a great fit. Then, again, education-wise, the mechanical engineering program is excellent, so I could definitely see myself fitting in there.”

As for whether Pickering feels it will be hard to leave the Magnolia State for college … “Not at all,” he said. “I feel like there are a lot of things out there in the world that I can experience, so I’m pretty sure that leaving the state won’t be a problem for me at all. I love going out and exploring things and meeting new people.”

Alabama, LSU, and USC are set to get official visits down the road, though dates have not yet been scheduled.

At 6-foot-3.5, 286 pounds, Pickering is rated the No. 4 strong-side defensive end and the No. 49 overall player in the country, per the industry-generated 247Sports Composite. Mississippi State currently holds the lead on the 247Sports Crystal Ball.

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Everyone knows LSU will do well on the recruiting trail in its home state, but what schools could come in and challenge the Tigers for some of the best? After spending three days in Louisiana and visiting more than 20 schools last week, here are five out-of-state programs based on feedback from prospects we saw that seem to have a real buzz in Louisiana.

MORE: The road trip through Louisiana

1. ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE

If you spend time at Amite (La.), then you will hear or even see Alabama. Devonta Smith caught the game-winning touchdown in the national championship game in January and he is from there.

When there last week, Rivals100 athlete Devonta Lee was wearing a Crimson Tide pullover. He has Alabama very high on his list and most feel the Tide are right there at the top with LSU. He is likely to spend time in Tuscaloosa this summer.

Five-star defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher will be back as well. When asked how many times he has visited Alabama, Sopsher said he lost count.

John Emery is a running back Alabama had its eye on last Wednesday during the Destrehan spring game. Assistant coach Joe Punnunzio had his camera on any time Emery hit the field.

A couple of young wideouts have the Tide on their early radar as well – Emery’s teammate, Quincy Brown, and Breaux Bridge (La.) playmaker Dartravion Girod. Alabama was the first school to offer Brown earlier this spring. Girod doesn’t have an offer from the Tide yet, but plans to camp there this summer.

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