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

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Defensive line is a major priority of the Tide’s in the 2019 cycle. Without Cheney, the Tide has five defensive linemen committed in Antonio Alfano, Justin Eboigbe, DJ Dale, Braylen Ingraham, and Byron Young.

Beyond who Alabama currently has committed, which is about as stout a group as you'll find in one class across the country, the Tide continues to recruit several elite prospects in the trenches.

Quick hitters on other names to know include:

Ishmael Sopsher, 5-star DT, Amite (La.) -- The No. 1 defensive tackle in the country is high on Alabama and LSU, among others. He won't make a decision until February, though.

Siaki "Apu" Ika, 4-star DT, Salt Lake City (Utah) East -- A one-time BYU commit, Ika backed off that pledge last spring after visiting Tuscaloosa. He plans to be back for the Iron Bowl.

Ty Robinson, 4-star SDE, Gilbert (Ariz.) Higley -- Robinson will make his inaugural visit to Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl. Nebraska and USC are the biggest competition.

Jaquaze Sorrells, 4-star SDE, Winter Park (Fla.) -- At one point it looked like South Carolina was in the driver's seat. Alabama is keeping it interesting.

Marcus Stripling, 4-star SDE, Houston (Texas) Mayde Creek -- Texas A&M is considered the favorite but Alabama is likely a close second.

Nathan Pickering, 4-star SDE, Seminary (Miss.) -- Mississippi State commit -- Pickering said Alabama was his second choice behind the Bulldogs after a visit earlier this year. He plans to return for the Iron Bowl next month.

Jaren Handy, 4-star SDE, Hattiesburg (Miss.) -- Auburn commit -- Handy says he hears from Alabama every day. He also considers the Tide the biggest threat to his commitment to Auburn.

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What exactly was the Saban rule that was passed by the ncaa several years ago to keep him from going out and recruiting. Seeing the LSU coach at the Thompson game the other night made me wonder how or why he could be there. Apparently there are certain times when the head coach can go out in public?

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The Saban Rule
Perhaps one of the biggest challenges that Saban has faced was the NCAA football rule changes in 2008. The rule changes restrict head coaches from evaluating recruits on the road, during the spring evaluation period. Also, it limits coaches from “checking up,” on players with their teachers, coaches, and counselors. This rule is best known as the “Saban Rule,” because it was made with his recruiting methods in mind.

Urban Meyer and Pete Carroll were also not thrilled about the change. The reason for the dislike? College Coaches want to assess every aspect of their prospective student-athletes. If they can’t talk with people who know the athlete, it’s harder to get to know that athlete and their family.

“I think it’s ridiculous that we’re doing what we’re doing,” Saban said. “When you’re talking about developing relationships and knowing players and meeting guidance counselors and talking to principals and all those kind of things, I think we’ve put ourselves at a tremendous disadvantage in terms of evaluation.

“I think we’ve really limited ourselves by what we’ve done, and I totally disagree with it.”

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