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

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WHAT'S NEXT

Many are pointing to Texas A&M as the likely destination for Banks, but Alabama is very much involved. Considering he decommitted shortly after his trip to Tuscaloosa, Tide fans have to be feeling good about their chances. Texas was also a serious option for Banks before he committed, but it remains to be seen if the 'Horns will get back in the picture.

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West Jones (Miss.) defensive lineman and Alabama commit Byron Young has been paying close attention to Alabama's hot start to the 2018 season.

And he's clearly aware of the lofty expectations legendary coach Nick Saban will have for him when he arrives on campus next year.

“I think they’re doing really good,” Young told 247Sports on Friday as he received his jersey for the All-American Bowl during a ceremony at his high school. "I think Nick Saban probably doesn’t think they’re doing too hot right now. I think they’re doing pretty good. I’ve been watching a lot of Raekwon Davis and Quinnen Williams. I’ve been watching Raekwon Davis since he’s been playing at Meridian (Miss.). He was around my brother some because they graduated at the same time.

"I think I'm more like Isaiah Buggs," he continued. "We're probably about the same size. But he's got a little bit more muscle than me because he's been at Alabama for two years. I'm similar to him. Alabama thinks I can play every single position up front."

Young is one of six defensive line commits among the 21 players currently committed in Alabama’s Class of 2019, alongside Colonia (N.J.) defensive end Antonio Alfano, Grayson (Ga.) defensive end Kevin Harris, Forest Park (Ga.) defensive end Justin Eboigbe, Troup County (Ga.) defensive end King Mwikuta, and Clay-Chalkville’s DJ Dale.

Young has been selected to play in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic in Montgomery in December, as well as the All-American Bowl in San Antonio in January.

He plans to return to high school for the spring semester and arrive at Alabama in May 2019.

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Daphne head coach Kenny King has been where Christian Williams is going.

The Trojans’ four-star senior defensive back is committed to the University of Alabama -- where King starred in the early 2000s.

King knows what it takes to be successful in the SEC.

He also knows Williams, a 6-foot-1, 182-pound cornerback, has those attributes.

“He’ll be very successful,” King said. “The biggest thing is having a good head on your shoulders and going in to learn. Humble yourself because there are a lot of guys up there with your same ability. As long as he’s humble and he goes in and puts in the work, he’ll be fine.”

Williams was recognized at Daphne’s pep rally on Friday and presented with his Under-Armour All-American jersey. He will participate in the All-Star event on Jan. 3, 2019, in Orlando. He is the third All-American in Daphne history.

“It means a lot,” King said. “When you look at it, you’ve seen great players in this game who have gone on to play big-time ball. It’s good to see it continue with Christian and to see him represent us in the Under-Armour Game. We’re excited about it.”

Though Daphne has stumbled to a 3-4 record this season heading into tonight’s home game against winless Gulf Shores, Williams has been on the top of his game in all phases.

On defense, he has eight solo tackles, 12 assists and two interceptions. On offense, he has 15 receptions for 114 yards and three touchdowns. On special teams, he has three blocked punts and a 90-yard kickoff return for a score.

“He’s done pretty much everything for us,” King said.

For his career, Williams has 68 tackles and 13 interceptions, including six returned for a TD. He also has 40 career receptions for 296 yards and 5 TDs. His is currently the sixth-rated senior recruit in the state, according to the 247 composite rankings.

“It feels great to be an All-American,” he said Friday. “It’s definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and it’s been a goal of mind for a long time. When I got invited to the Under-Armour camp, I wanted to make it a priority to be in this game.”

Williams committed to Alabama in April and said Friday he is still committed. However, he also visited LSU last week for the Georgia game.

“That was my first game day visit there,” he said. “It was fun.”

When he is not making official visits, he is watching the Crimson Tide on TV.

“They definitely have an explosive offense,” he said of top-ranked Alabama. “They are also pretty good on defense. They just have a few guys banged up in the secondary, but they will always bounce back.”

Williams is also scheduled to represent Alabama in the Alabama-Mississippi Classic on Dec. 17 in Montgomery.

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There was a buzz about this young man a year ago — when he was still in middle school.

He actually picked up his first offer when he was in the eighth grade.

Jeremiah Alexander is now a freshman at Alabaster (Ala.) Thompson and last Thursday, he picked up offers from Florida, LSU and Tennessee.

Early in the season the 6-foot-2, 218 pound defensive end was getting in for a few snaps each game, but after flashing his ability when he got in, he earned his way into the starting line up.

Since game four, Alexander has started and racked up four sacks and eight quarterback hurries. College coaches quickly noticed and big offers rolled in.

"I was surprised by each offer," said Alexander. "I got my first offer from South Alabama last season in middle school and all the offers have surprised me.

"I talked to each school about the offer and they just tell me how they like my film, how I play and things like that. It has been pretty exciting."

Being from Alabama, you'd expect Alexander to be a big fan of the Crimson Tide or Auburn, but he actually grew up a fan of another SEC school.

"I have always liked LSU. As a child, LSU was my school. I love their defense, I see their fans on TV that are always there and they have been my favorite.

"Getting that offer was great. I just love how LSU plays."

He said a lot of the same things about Florida. While Alexander has not visited the Swamp, he has spent time in the Sunshine State. He loves the environment there and the weather.

When talking about the Gators, he said the defense is what stands out to him most right now.

His first college visit came earlier this year to Alabama. He was back on the road Saturday at UAB and the Blazers offered. He does not know much about Tennessee yet, but he hopes to take a visit to Knoxville before the season ends.

Jacksonville State has also offered the 2022 defensive end, so he has five total and he will add many more. He credits his coaches at Thompson, the competition he faces each day in practice and he is focused on getting better.

"I am looking forward to being recruited and all that, but I am really just working on getting bigger, stronger and faster with my coaches and teammates.

"I look up guys I am playing with now, so I am learning from them and working hard with them. I have always dreamed of playing college football and in the NFL, so that is what I am going to work hard for."

Alexander played running back and linebacker in middle school. This is his first year ever playing defensive end and he has made a smooth transition.

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Antonio Alfano announced his verbal commitment to Alabama football on May 18 and his commitment is as strong as ever.

Alfano is a 4-Star defensive end on most recruiting sites, but one could easily make the argument that he deserves his fifth star with the performances he has put on this season. The New-Jersey native put emphasis on improving his game this off-season and his effort has shown that they are paying off. He has been a stat sheet stuffer as he is coming off a game where he had 9 tackles, 1 sack, and 2 forced fumbles in three quarters.

“I wanted to focus and hone in more on my technique and my hands,” Alfano said. “Focus on keeping my body discipline, keeping my eyes on beating the block first, and then getting to the backfield, as well as work on my jump off the ball. It was really just about working on my discipline and taking things step-by-step.”

Alabama has made the defensive front a priority in the 2019 recruiting cycle as they currently have verbal commitments from six defensive linemen. The Tide’s current defensive front has been pretty stifling this season themselves and Alfano has taken notice of Alabama’s offensive and defensive success.

“It’s almost like they are playing Madden and they have a created team with a 99 overall and everyone else is just terrible,” Alfano said.

The Alabama commit turned on the Tide’s Tennessee game and fell in the same trap that some of Alabama’s fans have fallen in this season when they attempt to watch an Alabama game a few minutes late.

“I turned the T.V. on and it’s a long touchdown pass to Waddle from Tua,” Alfano added. “I was like, oh, that’s how we starting off.”

The Tide got a commitment from Alfano on the backs of their dedication to being the absolute best.

“I always had a desire to be the best and to be the best you have to play with and train with the best,” Alfano added. “That is all Alabama does. They bring in the best players and the best competition. To beat the best you have to go against the best day and day out and go harder than you did the day before. ”

Some of Alabama’s 2019 recruiting class will sign during the early signing period and others may hold off their decision. Alfano has plans to sign and enroll early. He will most likely step foot on campus in January and will be on a mission of legendary stature.

“I want to be known as the best defensive lineman to ever step on the field and that is how I am going to leave it,” Alfano said.

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