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

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FRISCO, Texas -- 247Sports updated its rankings following The Opening Finals on Thursday and one of the big movers within the top 100 was Mohamoud Diabate. The Auburn (Ala.) front-seven defender, who plays on the edge well more than not, jumped up from the No. 81 overall prospect in America up to 56.

At near 6-foot-4, 220 pounds, his combination of length and athleticism makes it tough for offensive linemen to keep up at times and that ability flashed at several points over three days of intense competition among the top 40 or so trench prospects in the class of 2019 (video above). Before the competition portion of the event, Diabate clocked a 4.44-second short shuttle run in testing.

247Sports analysts on hand and tasked with charting each rep between offensive and defensive linemen had Diabate finishing the event with nine wins in 14 reps, which included battles with 247Sports Composite five-stars like Clay Webb and Alabama commitment Pierce Quick, among others. The four-star was among the most impactful edge rushers at the always-loaded event and was part of the reason for the recent rise.

"Diabate is a long ways away from a finished product, but his raw athleticism and edge speed is among the best in a class full of speedy edge rushers," 247Sports Director of Scouting Barton Simmons said. "With that skill set, he's got the upside to be really disruptive on the next level as he continues to add weight and add strength, which should come easily in college."

On the recruiting trail, Diabate has collected near 20 scholarship offers throughout the process, including a bevy in the SEC. League programs Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Florida, Texas A&M, Ole Miss and others could factor into his recruitment before all is said and done. At last check with 247Sports, the All-American Bowl selection is in no rush to bring his recruitment to a closer although a listing of top contenders for his services could become public knowledge sometime before his final prep season at Auburn High begins at the tail end of next month. Only Texas A&M and Auburn have early picks on the 247Sports Crystal Ball at this time. The Aggies hold two of the three total forecasts from industry experts.

Diabate is now considered the No. 4 outside linebacker prospect in America on 247Sports, No. 3 among all rising-senior football prospects in the state of Alabama. The industry-generated 247Sports Composite lists him No. 9 among future outside linebakers, but outside of the top 100 overall, at No. 141 among all prospects. As a junior in 2017, he paced Auburn High with 10 sacks and was a finalist for Lineman of the Year in Class 7A, the highest classification in the Yellowhammer State.

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Alabama already has 20 commitments for the Class of 2019, including three offensive linemen.

The class will likely include at least one more offensive linemen, with five-star Oxford senior Clay Webb, Darnell Wright, a five-star from Huntington, West Virginia, and 6-foot-7 1/2, 360-pound IMG Academy (Fla.) tackle Evan Neal among the top targets. Wright is the nation's No. 1-ranked offensive tackle, and Neal was once committed to Alabama.

Wright visited Alabama for A-Day, and five-star commit Pierce Quick of Hewitt-Trussville said he spent time at The Opening trying to recruit the 6-foot-6, 314-pound Wright.

"I talk to Coach Key, talk to the coaches pretty often," he said at The Opening. "We stay in touch. I'm trying to get down there, but I'm not really in a rush, rush to get down there. I like Alabama. ... It's a good program."

Ohio State seems to be the leader in Wright's recruitment, but Alabama and Tennessee remain possible destinations. He said it's important to go to a school that sends tackles to the NFL, and Alabama's last two left tackles -- Cyrus Kouandjio and Cam Robinson -- were second-round picks.

Neal, who committed to Alabama before his sophomore season but has since de-committed, looked quick and agile at The Opening and excelled in 1-on-1 drills against defensive ends. Neal said Alabama's strength and conditioning program, led by Scott Cochran, makes Alabama attractive.

"They've put plenty of offensive linemen in the NFL," Neal said at The Opening.

Webb, the state's No. 1 prospect in the Class of 2019, said he plans to commit in December and be an early enrollee. His offer list includes Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Ohio State and others.

Alabama's current offensive line commitments are 6-foot-7 Thompson tackle Amari Kight, 6-foot-5, 280-pound tackle Tanner Bowles, of Glasgow, Kentucky; and Quick, a 6-foot-5, 285-pound right tackle in high school who could easily move inside to guard in college.

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3. RANKING 2020 QBs IN ORDER OF IMPORTANCE TO THEIR TEAMS 

1. Hudson Card, Texas: Lake Travis High School produces quarterbacks, so I’m not concerned that Card played wide receiver last year while backing up Matthew Baldwin. In fact, I have seen so many elite quarterbacks emerge from playing different positions over the years and he could be the next one. His mobility and understanding of the offense could be perfect for what Tom Herman wants at quarterback in Texas and the faith they have shown in recruiting him so early speaks volumes.

2. Jack Miller, Ohio State: Miller would be No. 1 on this list if the need at quarterback were greater for Ohio State. That doesn’t mean the Buckeyes didn’t land a future star, however, as he’s one of the best the 2020 class has to offer and was recruited by everyone. But with Dwan Mathis in the mix and good depth already there, I put him second.

3. Carson Beck, Alabama: Alabama rarely goes in on quarterbacks this early, but the Crimson Tide see a lot in Beck - as do we. We just began the full evaluation process on him when he jumped at the ‘Bama offer, and he could continue what Alabama hopes is a new downfield passing tradition.

4. Drew Pyne, Notre Dame: Pyne is a good one. The big question is about his size. However, in the Irish offense they want someone who is accurate and can move and extend the play, and he can do that. He’s also very smart and getting bigger each time we see him.

5. Deuce Hogan, Iowa: Iowa doesn’t usually jump on quarterbacks really early, but the Hawkeyes love this kid and there is a lot to like. He has a great frame to fill out, solid mechanics and his best football is ahead of him. He is certainly known as a leader.

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FLORIDA - Must-get prospect: Trey Sanders 

WHY MISSING OUT WOULD STING: Florida has become the trendy pick for Sanders in recent weeks. And when you add in the fact that the nation’s top running back has a brother at the school, things seem to be coming together for Dan Mullen and his staff. If things go the other way, however, disappointment will be rampant. UF is still looking for a marquee recruiting win in its home state this cycle, as both FSU and Miami have gotten off to much hotter starts. As things stand now, Florida’s top-rated in-state commitment is offensive tackle Wardrick Wilson, who ranks outside the Rivals250. Landing Sanders, a five-star prospect, would help make a statement about UF’s ability to compete in the Sunshine State. Whiffing on him at this juncture would say, well, something much different.

WHO COULD STEAL HIM: Sanders is a former Alabama commit and says that the Crimson Tide are still very much in the hunt to land his letter of intent. That alone should scare Florida fans to some extent. Schools such as Texas, Georgia and Florida State are also involved.

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Keon Zipperer

Alabama offered Keon Zipperer in April. The Tide are hoping to get him on campus soon for a visit and so is a handful of other schools. He is showing interest in the Tide which is a win.  The Lakeland, Florida product is a physical tight end with a great pair of hands. He doesn’t have breakaway speed but makes up for it with a tenacious and powerful style of running. His aggressiveness aids him when he is called upon to block in the run game. A commitment from him would give the Tide two elite tight ends.

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CorMontae Hamilton

Alabama offered Hamilton after a great camp workout in June. One look at Hamilton and you may think he plays on the defensive side of the ball. He stands at 6-feet-1-inch and weighs 256 pounds. His size makes him an excellent weapon when its time to run the ball. He is very athletic for a guy his size. The Tide will be getting a special talent if they can land Hamilton.

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John Metchie committed to the Tide on Friday, becoming the Tide’s 19 commit in the 2019 recruiting class. Jahleel Billingsley would commit a hour later and give the Tide a total of 20 commits.

Metchie feels that Tuscaloosa is a special place and it played a huge role in his decision.

“It felt like home,” Metchie said.

It is really a big deal for Metchie to say that Alabama feels like home. He has moved quite a bit throughout his life but it is Canada where he calls home. Canada is a country filled with prideful people and Metchie feels they are behind him 100 percent.

“I feel like I have the support of my entire country behind me,” Metchie added.

Alabama has been able to produce some household names during the Saban era. Amari Cooper, Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley are the first to come to the mind of Alabama fans. Metchie knows the tradition that Alabma has at the wide out position and plans to make a name for hisself as well.

“I want to win several National Championships and become the No.1 wide receiver in the nation,” Metchie said.

Metchie is the Tide’s only wide receiver commit at the moment and he is someone Tide fans should be excited about. He is a hard worker, with an amazing story.

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