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re: Class of 2019 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: That's a Wrap Edition
Posted on 2/14/18 at 10:33 pm to MagillaGuerilla
Posted on 2/14/18 at 10:33 pm to MagillaGuerilla
2
Posted on 2/14/18 at 11:19 pm to Cobrasize
quote:
Surge, you're doing a great job.
Surge has been doing a great job for a looong time.
Posted on 2/14/18 at 11:46 pm to MagillaGuerilla
Bama is going to spend $2 million on updating the recruiting lounge.
Posted on 2/14/18 at 11:52 pm to UASports23
quote:
Bama is going to spend $2 million on updating the recruiting lounge.
Posted on 2/15/18 at 5:28 am to MagillaGuerilla
Rhode Island? Saban has never been there. This should be a new feather in his cap. 
Posted on 2/15/18 at 6:27 am to My2Bits
2018 Recruiting class.... no worries
For the first time since 2010, the Crimson Tide didn’t have the top recruiting class in the country. In fact, Alabama didn’t even finish in the top 5; it was No. 7.
To make matters worse, Georgia — led by former Alabama DC Kirby Smart — rallied on Signing Day and finished No. 1. The Bulldogs’ 2018 class is considered one of the best of all time, finishing third in cumulative point total (323.31) behind Florida’s 2010 class (324.62) and Alabama’s 2017 class (323.87).
That has Alabama fans worried that Saban’s dominance might be coming to an end. But should they be? Absolutely not.
Here are 5 reasons Alabama shouldn’t be worried about Georgia’s recruiting title.
1. Alabama is fresh off a 7-year streak of top classes
How many SEC classes finished higher than No. 7 in the past five years?
2018: Georgia No. 1
2017: Georgia No. 3
2016: LSU No. 2, Ole Miss No. 5, Georgia No. 6
2015: Tennessee No. 4, LSU No. 5, Georgia No. 6
2014: LSU No. 2, Texas A&M No. 5, Auburn No. 6
Georgia’s recruiting title was certainly an impressive haul of players. But let’s not act like Alabama didn’t have a 7-year stretch where it finished with similar classes.
Just last year, in fact, the Tide’s class scored slightly higher.
Over that 7-year period, the Tide signed 32 5-star prospects — or 4.6 per year. Now, the number of blue chip prospects has taken a slight dip — they lost six 5-stars while only adding two in the 2018 class — but the roster is still one of the most talented in the nation.
The streak was unprecedented. There was no way it could last. That doesn’t mean Alabama won’t be right back up there next year, however.
2. The Tide didn’t have the numbers available for this class
Leading up to Signing Day, Nick Saban had mentioned multiple times that this class wasn’t going to take in as many players as usual. The four previous classes consisted of 29, 25, 24 and 26 prospects — an average of 26. That’s significantly higher than the 19 players signed in this class.
That doesn’t mean there wasn’t quality. It just wasn’t the usual amount that fans are used to seeing. To further this point, let’s compare the 2016 class to this year.
In 2016, Alabama only finished with 17 of the 25 players being ranked a 4 or 5-star prospect That’s only 68 percent of the class. This year’s class saw 14 of its 19 commitments rank in that same tier (either a 4 or 5-star prospect). That’s 73.7 percent of the class.
In one instance, the Tide finished with the No. 1 class in the country. In the other, they didn’t even finish in the top 5. That’s the sort of impact that six extra scholarship players can have on your ranking.
3. Coaching losses played a major role in down year
Alabama is used to having to replace coaches. But that doesn’t mean the impact isn’t felt when it happens.
The Tide had recently lost both coordinators — DC Jeremy Pruitt and OC Brian Daboll. In addition, they lost DBs coach Derrick Ansley — who was considered one of the team’s top recruiters.
This is only a year after losing two other OCs — Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian — along with Mario Cristobal (OL coach/assistant HC) and Billy Napier (WR coach).
That’s a lot of turnover, and it’s a major reason the Tide had a relatively down year in recruiting. In fact, let’s take a look at the average rating — and the number of 5-star prospects — from the past eight classes under Nick Saban.
2018: 92.78 (2)
2017: 93.76 (6)
2016: 92.54 (3)
2015: 93.73 (6)
2014: 93.65 (5)
2013: 93.25 (6)
2012: 93.40 (3)
2011: 92.19 (3)
Like was mentioned before, Alabama’s limited available space played a role. That’s evident by the fact that there were two classes — 2016 and 2011 — that were ranked No. 1 with lower averages than this year’s class.
Yet again, it’s important to take note of the 2016 class. That’s the one that followed the departure of Smart and Mel Tucker — two of the team’s most important recruiters.
Like this year’s class, that group didn’t feature as much star power. There were only three 5-stars compared to the Tide averaging 5.7 in the three previous years.
Despite the coaching turnover, Alabama still bounced back the following year with its best class under Saban.
4. They still addressed major needs
Alabama needed to address two key areas with this class — the secondary and the depth at edge rusher. Needless to say, they did an excellent job addressing both.
Alabama lost six of its top seven players from a secondary that helped them field the No. 6 pass defense in the country. Included in that group was Minkah Fitzpatrick — a former 5-star prospect and projected top 10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The good news is the Tide managed to replace that talent with another rare breed. Patrick Surtain Jr. — the No. 6 overall high school player — brings similar size (6-1, 199), athleticism and instincts. He’s actually the highest-rated defensive back Saban has signed. In addition to Surtain Jr., Alabama brought in four more highly recruited players in the secondary.
The Tide also managed to address any depth issues at edge rusher. Last year, the Tide saw several key pass rushers — including Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis, Anfernee Jennings and Rashaan Evans — miss time with injury.
In order to combat that problem, Alabama landed reinforcements with four new edge rushers. The group is led by Eyabi Anoma — the No. 1 weak side defensive end in the country — but the other three additions are valuable to the depth as well.
Anoma is the highest-rated defensive player Saban has signed.
5. Nick Saban is still in charge
At the end of the day, Alabama shouldn’t be worried about Georgia’s impressive haul — or anyone else’s for that matter — because they still have Saban.
He’s proven time-and-time again that he is the best in the business. Since 2008, Saban has finished with the No. 1 class 7 out of 11 times — and he has yet to bring in a class that wasn’t one of the two best in the SEC.
The gap may be closing, but the Tide still sits at the top.
For the first time since 2010, the Crimson Tide didn’t have the top recruiting class in the country. In fact, Alabama didn’t even finish in the top 5; it was No. 7.
To make matters worse, Georgia — led by former Alabama DC Kirby Smart — rallied on Signing Day and finished No. 1. The Bulldogs’ 2018 class is considered one of the best of all time, finishing third in cumulative point total (323.31) behind Florida’s 2010 class (324.62) and Alabama’s 2017 class (323.87).
That has Alabama fans worried that Saban’s dominance might be coming to an end. But should they be? Absolutely not.
Here are 5 reasons Alabama shouldn’t be worried about Georgia’s recruiting title.
1. Alabama is fresh off a 7-year streak of top classes
How many SEC classes finished higher than No. 7 in the past five years?
2018: Georgia No. 1
2017: Georgia No. 3
2016: LSU No. 2, Ole Miss No. 5, Georgia No. 6
2015: Tennessee No. 4, LSU No. 5, Georgia No. 6
2014: LSU No. 2, Texas A&M No. 5, Auburn No. 6
Georgia’s recruiting title was certainly an impressive haul of players. But let’s not act like Alabama didn’t have a 7-year stretch where it finished with similar classes.
Just last year, in fact, the Tide’s class scored slightly higher.
Over that 7-year period, the Tide signed 32 5-star prospects — or 4.6 per year. Now, the number of blue chip prospects has taken a slight dip — they lost six 5-stars while only adding two in the 2018 class — but the roster is still one of the most talented in the nation.
The streak was unprecedented. There was no way it could last. That doesn’t mean Alabama won’t be right back up there next year, however.
2. The Tide didn’t have the numbers available for this class
Leading up to Signing Day, Nick Saban had mentioned multiple times that this class wasn’t going to take in as many players as usual. The four previous classes consisted of 29, 25, 24 and 26 prospects — an average of 26. That’s significantly higher than the 19 players signed in this class.
That doesn’t mean there wasn’t quality. It just wasn’t the usual amount that fans are used to seeing. To further this point, let’s compare the 2016 class to this year.
In 2016, Alabama only finished with 17 of the 25 players being ranked a 4 or 5-star prospect That’s only 68 percent of the class. This year’s class saw 14 of its 19 commitments rank in that same tier (either a 4 or 5-star prospect). That’s 73.7 percent of the class.
In one instance, the Tide finished with the No. 1 class in the country. In the other, they didn’t even finish in the top 5. That’s the sort of impact that six extra scholarship players can have on your ranking.
3. Coaching losses played a major role in down year
Alabama is used to having to replace coaches. But that doesn’t mean the impact isn’t felt when it happens.
The Tide had recently lost both coordinators — DC Jeremy Pruitt and OC Brian Daboll. In addition, they lost DBs coach Derrick Ansley — who was considered one of the team’s top recruiters.
This is only a year after losing two other OCs — Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian — along with Mario Cristobal (OL coach/assistant HC) and Billy Napier (WR coach).
That’s a lot of turnover, and it’s a major reason the Tide had a relatively down year in recruiting. In fact, let’s take a look at the average rating — and the number of 5-star prospects — from the past eight classes under Nick Saban.
2018: 92.78 (2)
2017: 93.76 (6)
2016: 92.54 (3)
2015: 93.73 (6)
2014: 93.65 (5)
2013: 93.25 (6)
2012: 93.40 (3)
2011: 92.19 (3)
Like was mentioned before, Alabama’s limited available space played a role. That’s evident by the fact that there were two classes — 2016 and 2011 — that were ranked No. 1 with lower averages than this year’s class.
Yet again, it’s important to take note of the 2016 class. That’s the one that followed the departure of Smart and Mel Tucker — two of the team’s most important recruiters.
Like this year’s class, that group didn’t feature as much star power. There were only three 5-stars compared to the Tide averaging 5.7 in the three previous years.
Despite the coaching turnover, Alabama still bounced back the following year with its best class under Saban.
4. They still addressed major needs
Alabama needed to address two key areas with this class — the secondary and the depth at edge rusher. Needless to say, they did an excellent job addressing both.
Alabama lost six of its top seven players from a secondary that helped them field the No. 6 pass defense in the country. Included in that group was Minkah Fitzpatrick — a former 5-star prospect and projected top 10 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.
The good news is the Tide managed to replace that talent with another rare breed. Patrick Surtain Jr. — the No. 6 overall high school player — brings similar size (6-1, 199), athleticism and instincts. He’s actually the highest-rated defensive back Saban has signed. In addition to Surtain Jr., Alabama brought in four more highly recruited players in the secondary.
The Tide also managed to address any depth issues at edge rusher. Last year, the Tide saw several key pass rushers — including Christian Miller, Terrell Lewis, Anfernee Jennings and Rashaan Evans — miss time with injury.
In order to combat that problem, Alabama landed reinforcements with four new edge rushers. The group is led by Eyabi Anoma — the No. 1 weak side defensive end in the country — but the other three additions are valuable to the depth as well.
Anoma is the highest-rated defensive player Saban has signed.
5. Nick Saban is still in charge
At the end of the day, Alabama shouldn’t be worried about Georgia’s impressive haul — or anyone else’s for that matter — because they still have Saban.
He’s proven time-and-time again that he is the best in the business. Since 2008, Saban has finished with the No. 1 class 7 out of 11 times — and he has yet to bring in a class that wasn’t one of the two best in the SEC.
The gap may be closing, but the Tide still sits at the top.
Posted on 2/15/18 at 8:18 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Looks like TideWarrior may have some more work to do if Bama seriously pursues him. That kid is building quite a list of offers.
Hopefully they might paly each other in the fall and Saban can let me borrow the heli and I will fly in with the bags of cash.
Posted on 2/15/18 at 8:26 am to TidalSurge1
Nation’s No. 1 ILB says Alabama and LSU are 2 schools that would make top 5 list
quote:
Nakobe Dean high on Alabama
Alabama failed to sign an elite inside linebacker in the 2018 class. The Crimson Tide signed 3-star prospect Jaylen Moody after it was clear Vernon Jackson, JJ Peterson and Quay Walker were going to sign elsewhere.
Moody was definitely a backup option for Alabama. He was offered by the Crimson Tide during the final week leading up to National Signing Day. Signing several inside linebackers in the 2019 class is going to be important for the Tide.
Nakobe Dean is one of the top targets for Alabama. Dean, a 5-star prospect from Horn Lake (Miss.) High School, told SEC Country that if he had to make a top 5 list, Alabama and LSU would be two schools that would be on the list.
“They’re the top 2 recruiting me harder compared to the other schools,” Dean said. “I definitely get a family feel every time I go there.”
Dean has visited Tuscaloosa several times already. On his most recent visit to Tuscaloosa earlier this month, Dean had a chance to talk with the head of the engineering department.
It was a brilliant recruiting tactic for Alabama to deploy because the biggest thing he’s looking for in a school is education.
“I’m always big on education and whether they have my major,” said Dean, who is considering a future in sports medicine and engineering. “Also, it’s how they make me feel. If I feel like home, then I love it. That’s going to be big.”
The nation’s No. 1 inside linebacker said he’s in touch with Alabama every single week. Dean said he feels like he has a strong relationship with the Tide staff.
Dean will sign with his school of choice during the early signing period and enroll at whichever college he chooses in January.
Posted on 2/15/18 at 8:27 am to TidalSurge1
quote:
Alabama needs to worry about Auburn for current commit?
Brandon Turnage, a 4-star athlete from Lafayette High School (Oxford, Miss.), committed to Alabama back in December.
Alabama was not the school Turnage grew up wanting to represent. That school would be Auburn. Turnage visited Auburn earlier this month.
“You know, I grew up an Auburn fan. It’s always been my dream to visit,” Turnage told SEC Country’s Benjamin Wolk. “I’m interested. I’m considering them, I’d have to say.”
If there’s a school that can flip Turnage, there’s a clear front-runner.
Regarding his commitment to Alabama, Turnage said, "Everything, I love the campus...all the coaches, they’re really hard on their players. I saw that at camp. That played a major factor. I don’t want to be coached by a soft guy.”
This post was edited on 2/15/18 at 11:37 am
Posted on 2/15/18 at 8:35 am to TidalSurge1
Who would anyone grow up watching Auburn if they didn't have to?
This post was edited on 2/15/18 at 9:17 am
Posted on 2/15/18 at 8:37 am to TidalSurge1
Nakobe dean has to be at the top of our priority targets or not far down from. So far its looking pretty good 
Posted on 2/15/18 at 9:05 am to TidalSurge1
Elite OL achieves goal of getting an Alabama offer (BamaOnLine - VIP)
Xavier Truss will attend Alabama's Junior Day next weekend. He's never visited Alabama, but has family in Trussville (surname connection). The PSU crystal balls? “They were the first big school to talk to me. I think that’s where all the predictions came from... I think when I was interviewed back then, I spoke very highly of them. They're one of the only visits I took. I’d like to see other schools too.” Truss is a bit raw in technique, but has huge upside. HUDL
Xavier Truss will attend Alabama's Junior Day next weekend. He's never visited Alabama, but has family in Trussville (surname connection). The PSU crystal balls? “They were the first big school to talk to me. I think that’s where all the predictions came from... I think when I was interviewed back then, I spoke very highly of them. They're one of the only visits I took. I’d like to see other schools too.” Truss is a bit raw in technique, but has huge upside. HUDL
This post was edited on 2/16/18 at 9:52 am
Posted on 2/15/18 at 9:12 am to TidalSurge1
Junior day is this weekend? What does that consist of and could we get any commits?
Posted on 2/15/18 at 9:27 am to seanpendleton10
Posted on 2/15/18 at 9:43 am to TidalSurge1
Well played.......but what is Junior day exactly
Posted on 2/15/18 at 9:46 am to seanpendleton10
Juniors from high schools come and camp. They work the same drills that the Bama players do. It's advertised as a camp for high school kids but it's actually an opportunity for coaches to get a good look at the upcoming crop of high school players. Some will earn offers and you might see a commit or two but it's so far away that I don't know how much those commitments really mean.
This post was edited on 2/15/18 at 9:48 am
Posted on 2/15/18 at 10:16 am to seanpendleton10
quote:
but what is Junior day exactly
Posted on 2/15/18 at 10:33 am to CapstoneGrad06
SeanPenn learning on the fly....
Posted on 2/15/18 at 10:48 am to seanpendleton10
Please tell me that patch you are using is because you saw it online and liked it.
Junior Day giant toga party for all the 5 stars in the country
Junior Day giant toga party for all the 5 stars in the country
Posted on 2/15/18 at 11:00 am to TideWarrior
I do come here to ask questions... now i post stuff lol.
They did a stand up for 1/9 to go to Afghan in 07 I think. I was part of the training for it. It was dissolved again a few years ago I read. But their reputation in NAM was legendary so im glad I got to be part of the tradition.. somewhat
They did a stand up for 1/9 to go to Afghan in 07 I think. I was part of the training for it. It was dissolved again a few years ago I read. But their reputation in NAM was legendary so im glad I got to be part of the tradition.. somewhat
This post was edited on 2/15/18 at 11:03 am
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