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re: Class of 2026 Football Recruiting
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:38 pm to Alabama_Fan
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:38 pm to Alabama_Fan
College football recruiting: Best 2023 classes by position
quote:
College football's 2023 recruiting cycle has come and gone, with Alabama signing the No. 1 class for the eighth time in the Nick Saban era.
The Crimson Tide locked up the No. 1-ranked prospect at four different positions, and while quarterback was not one of those, they might have brought in the most impressive group of quarterbacks this cycle.
Here, Tom VanHaaren, Tom Luginbill and Craig Haubert analyze the teams that stood out in the 2023 recruiting cycle, breaking down the schools that landed the highest-ranked prospect at each position, the schools that had the most impressive group at each position and a school with a sleeper haul.
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Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:41 pm to jatebe
Quarterback
Team with the highest-ranked QB: USC
Team with the most impressive QB haul: Alabama. The Crimson Tide didn't use the transfer portal for a quarterback to replace Bryce Young, so the coaching staff made sure they added two high school prospects in the 2023 class. Alabama is one of a few teams to add two quarterbacks and the only team with two ESPN 300 commits.
Eli Holstein is ranked No. 29 overall and the No. 5 pocket passer, while Dylan Lonergan is ranked No. 36 overall and the No. 6 pocket passer. In today's recruiting landscape, it is very difficult to land two top-40 quarterbacks in the same cycle, but Nick Saban found a way to do it. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of QBs: UCLA.
Team with the highest-ranked QB: USC
Team with the most impressive QB haul: Alabama. The Crimson Tide didn't use the transfer portal for a quarterback to replace Bryce Young, so the coaching staff made sure they added two high school prospects in the 2023 class. Alabama is one of a few teams to add two quarterbacks and the only team with two ESPN 300 commits.
Eli Holstein is ranked No. 29 overall and the No. 5 pocket passer, while Dylan Lonergan is ranked No. 36 overall and the No. 6 pocket passer. In today's recruiting landscape, it is very difficult to land two top-40 quarterbacks in the same cycle, but Nick Saban found a way to do it. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of QBs: UCLA.
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:44 pm to jatebe
Running back
Team with the highest-ranked RB: Alabama (Richard Young, No. 22). Young brings power, balance and elusiveness to avoid tackles in the hole. He is quick to press the crease and get downhill. He's a powerful back with jump-cut abilities to make people miss and avoid negative plays.
It's possible he'll find a role on special teams and rotate in with seniors Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, as well as fellow true freshman Justice Haynes, the No. 2 running back in the 2023 class. Young has the talent to play right away but must prove he can pass protect and hold on to the football, two things that can keep any freshman back off the field. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive RB haul: Alabama. Despite the departure of leading rusher Jahmyr Gibbs to the NFL, McClellan, the second-leading rusher (655 yards), returns. With him and Williams being seniors, the Crimson Tide needed to add more young talent to the room.
They were successful in signing the Nos. 1 and 2 running backs in the class. Young is a 5-11, 195-pound back out of Lehigh Acres, Florida, with speed, while Haynes is an elusive back at 5-10, 185 pounds. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of RBs: Utah.
Team with the highest-ranked RB: Alabama (Richard Young, No. 22). Young brings power, balance and elusiveness to avoid tackles in the hole. He is quick to press the crease and get downhill. He's a powerful back with jump-cut abilities to make people miss and avoid negative plays.
It's possible he'll find a role on special teams and rotate in with seniors Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams, as well as fellow true freshman Justice Haynes, the No. 2 running back in the 2023 class. Young has the talent to play right away but must prove he can pass protect and hold on to the football, two things that can keep any freshman back off the field. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive RB haul: Alabama. Despite the departure of leading rusher Jahmyr Gibbs to the NFL, McClellan, the second-leading rusher (655 yards), returns. With him and Williams being seniors, the Crimson Tide needed to add more young talent to the room.
They were successful in signing the Nos. 1 and 2 running backs in the class. Young is a 5-11, 195-pound back out of Lehigh Acres, Florida, with speed, while Haynes is an elusive back at 5-10, 185 pounds. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of RBs: Utah.
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:48 pm to jatebe
Wide receiver
Team with the highest-ranked WR: USC
Team with the most impressive WR haul: USC.
Team with a sleeper group of WRs: Nebraska
Tight end
Team with the highest-ranked TE: N/A (Duce Robinson, No. 40). Robinson, a two-sport tight end who is still unsigned.
Texas, USC, Alabama, Oregon and Georgia were determined to be finalists in January, and each has a significant need at tight end. Texas, Georgia and Alabama have carved out a nice role for the tight end position in recent years. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive TE haul: Arkansas.
Team with a sleeper group of TEs: Penn State.
Team with the highest-ranked WR: USC
Team with the most impressive WR haul: USC.
Team with a sleeper group of WRs: Nebraska
Tight end
Team with the highest-ranked TE: N/A (Duce Robinson, No. 40). Robinson, a two-sport tight end who is still unsigned.
Texas, USC, Alabama, Oregon and Georgia were determined to be finalists in January, and each has a significant need at tight end. Texas, Georgia and Alabama have carved out a nice role for the tight end position in recent years. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive TE haul: Arkansas.
Team with a sleeper group of TEs: Penn State.
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:50 pm to jatebe
Offensive line
Team with the highest-ranked OL: Miami
Team with the most impressive OL haul: Alabama. The staff has an impressive class of four ESPN 300 offensive linemen signed, including a five-star, as well as another three-star to round out the class. Saban flipped Kadyn Proctor, the No. 2 offensive tackle, from in-state Iowa before the early signing period, and he should continue the strong offensive line play we're used to seeing in Tuscaloosa.
Of the four ESPN 300 offensive linemen to sign with Alabama, none is shorter than 6-6 and none weighs less than 300 pounds. That size will be a difference-maker in the SEC. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of OLs: Texas Tech
Team with the highest-ranked OL: Miami
Team with the most impressive OL haul: Alabama. The staff has an impressive class of four ESPN 300 offensive linemen signed, including a five-star, as well as another three-star to round out the class. Saban flipped Kadyn Proctor, the No. 2 offensive tackle, from in-state Iowa before the early signing period, and he should continue the strong offensive line play we're used to seeing in Tuscaloosa.
Of the four ESPN 300 offensive linemen to sign with Alabama, none is shorter than 6-6 and none weighs less than 300 pounds. That size will be a difference-maker in the SEC. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of OLs: Texas Tech
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:51 pm to jatebe
Defensive end
Team with the highest-ranked DE: Alabama (Keon Keeley, No. 12). Keeley brings length, fluid speed and upside to develop into a force off the edge once he adds weight and strength to his 6-5, 245-pound frame.
He has natural bend and closing speed as a pass-rusher. Depending on his development, we could envision Keeley being a designated pass-rusher early on, whether it's at the strongside linebacker or the jack position behind Dallas Turner. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive DE haul: Alabama. Both Georgia and Alabama signed three ESPN 300 defensive ends, but the Tide get the nod thanks to Keeley.
He's joined by Yhonzae Pierre, the No. 8 end (No. 72 overall), and Hunter Osborne, ranked No. 28 at the position (No. 207). Georgia, meanwhile, signed the Nos. 2, 4 and 12 defensive ends, all ranked in the top 101 overall. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of DEs: Auburn.
Team with the highest-ranked DE: Alabama (Keon Keeley, No. 12). Keeley brings length, fluid speed and upside to develop into a force off the edge once he adds weight and strength to his 6-5, 245-pound frame.
He has natural bend and closing speed as a pass-rusher. Depending on his development, we could envision Keeley being a designated pass-rusher early on, whether it's at the strongside linebacker or the jack position behind Dallas Turner. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive DE haul: Alabama. Both Georgia and Alabama signed three ESPN 300 defensive ends, but the Tide get the nod thanks to Keeley.
He's joined by Yhonzae Pierre, the No. 8 end (No. 72 overall), and Hunter Osborne, ranked No. 28 at the position (No. 207). Georgia, meanwhile, signed the Nos. 2, 4 and 12 defensive ends, all ranked in the top 101 overall. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of DEs: Auburn.
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:54 pm to jatebe
Defensive tackle
Team with the highest-ranked DT: Clemson Peter Woods
Team with the most impressive DT haul: Alabama. Clemson may have had the Nos. 1 and 7 tackles in Woods and Vic Burley, but the Tide landed the Nos. 3, 4 and 19 tackles in the class.
James Smith, ranked No. 25 overall, leads the haul up front, followed by Jordan Renaud (No. 50) and Edric Hill (No. 281). Their overall defensive line haul features three top-50 prospects. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of DTs: USC.
Team with the highest-ranked DT: Clemson Peter Woods
Team with the most impressive DT haul: Alabama. Clemson may have had the Nos. 1 and 7 tackles in Woods and Vic Burley, but the Tide landed the Nos. 3, 4 and 19 tackles in the class.
James Smith, ranked No. 25 overall, leads the haul up front, followed by Jordan Renaud (No. 50) and Edric Hill (No. 281). Their overall defensive line haul features three top-50 prospects. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of DTs: USC.
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:55 pm to jatebe
Linebacker
Team with the highest-ranked LB: Alabama (Jaquavious Russaw, No. 9). Russaw reminds us of former Alabama OLB Rashaan Evans both in skill and stature. Russaw can run, plain and simple, and he is evolving as a pass rusher.
Like Keeley, Russaw could see a role at the jack position, where he would compete with senior Chris Braswell and fellow freshman Yhonzae Pierre. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive LB haul: Texas.
Team with a sleeper group of LBs: Northwestern
Team with the highest-ranked LB: Alabama (Jaquavious Russaw, No. 9). Russaw reminds us of former Alabama OLB Rashaan Evans both in skill and stature. Russaw can run, plain and simple, and he is evolving as a pass rusher.
Like Keeley, Russaw could see a role at the jack position, where he would compete with senior Chris Braswell and fellow freshman Yhonzae Pierre. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive LB haul: Texas.
Team with a sleeper group of LBs: Northwestern
Posted on 3/16/23 at 11:58 pm to jatebe
Cornerback
Team with the highest-ranked CB: Colorado Cormani McClain
Team with the most impressive CB haul: Georgia
Colorado and Alabama each had a five-star corner in their class, but the sheer number of top-300 recruits puts Georgia over the top. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of CBs: Clemson.
Team with the highest-ranked CB: Colorado Cormani McClain
Team with the most impressive CB haul: Georgia
Colorado and Alabama each had a five-star corner in their class, but the sheer number of top-300 recruits puts Georgia over the top. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of CBs: Clemson.
Posted on 3/17/23 at 12:00 am to jatebe
Safety
Team with the highest-ranked S: Alabama (Caleb Downs, No. 11). He is a smart, aggressive and instinctive defender that, pound-for-pound, may be the best overall football player in the class. He can play both safety spots and could hold up in coverage in a pinch.
With the Tide losing Jordan Battle and Brian Branch, Downs may find himself side by side with Malachi Moore for significant snaps. However, the defensive backfield is deep, so he'll have to prove his maturity early to break the lineup. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive S haul: Alabama. The Tide's class was filled with balance and top-tier talent. Downs is the nephew of former NFL Pro Bowl defensive back Dre Bly and the younger brother of former North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs.
The staff also got ESPN 300 safety Tony Mitchell, the No. 7 safety and 94 overall prospect, from in-state. Landing two top-10 players at the same position adds a ton of talent and depth to the secondary. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of safeties: TCU.
Team with the highest-ranked S: Alabama (Caleb Downs, No. 11). He is a smart, aggressive and instinctive defender that, pound-for-pound, may be the best overall football player in the class. He can play both safety spots and could hold up in coverage in a pinch.
With the Tide losing Jordan Battle and Brian Branch, Downs may find himself side by side with Malachi Moore for significant snaps. However, the defensive backfield is deep, so he'll have to prove his maturity early to break the lineup. -- Luginbill
Team with the most impressive S haul: Alabama. The Tide's class was filled with balance and top-tier talent. Downs is the nephew of former NFL Pro Bowl defensive back Dre Bly and the younger brother of former North Carolina wide receiver Josh Downs.
The staff also got ESPN 300 safety Tony Mitchell, the No. 7 safety and 94 overall prospect, from in-state. Landing two top-10 players at the same position adds a ton of talent and depth to the secondary. -- VanHaaren
Team with a sleeper group of safeties: TCU.
Posted on 3/17/23 at 9:00 am to jatebe
quote:
With the Tide losing Jordan Battle and Brian Branch, Downs may find himself side by side with Malachi Moore for significant snaps. However, the defensive backfield is deep, so he'll have to prove his maturity early to break the lineup.
I'm very interested to see how the battle (no pun intended) for the FS position shakes out in the Spring. I imagine it'll be DeVonta Smith vs. Caleb Downs with Story at SS.
Also curious if Arnold stays at CB or if Little supplants him and Arnold moves to Star (unless Moore locks that down).
Posted on 3/17/23 at 1:49 pm to Sl0thstronautEsq
No way Arnold isnt a starter at corner imo
Posted on 3/20/23 at 7:20 pm to Tide or Die87
5 star Julian Sayin with Bryce Young in Tuscaloosa today.
Posted on 3/20/23 at 8:50 pm to jatebe
If Bryce is 5'10" then I can say with confidence Julian is 6'1".
Posted on 3/21/23 at 8:19 am to TideSaint
Rivals quietly updated their Class of 2025 ranking last week while we were all interested in the basketball tournament.
2025 Rivals250
Commits/legacy/in-state prospects:
5. WR Ryan Williams (Saraland)
19. S Anquon Fegans (Alabaster)
22. DE Zion Grady (Troy)
23. DE Jared Smith (Birmingham)
26. OT Micah Debose (Prichard) - Committed to Georgia
37. RB Alvin Henderson (Elba)
61. DT Jourdin Crawford (Birmingham)
66. QB KJ Lacey (Saraland)
82. LB Keylan Moses (Baton Rouge, LA) - Dylan Moses's brother
104. WR Derick Smith (Selma)
119. ATH Na'eem Offord (Birmingham)
136. LB Jakaleb Faulk (Highland Home)
167. DE Malik Autry (Opelika) - Committed to Auburn
223. RB Anthony Rogers (Pike Road)
242. S Eric Winters (Enterprise)
2025 Rivals250
Commits/legacy/in-state prospects:
5. WR Ryan Williams (Saraland)
19. S Anquon Fegans (Alabaster)
22. DE Zion Grady (Troy)
23. DE Jared Smith (Birmingham)
26. OT Micah Debose (Prichard) - Committed to Georgia
37. RB Alvin Henderson (Elba)
61. DT Jourdin Crawford (Birmingham)
66. QB KJ Lacey (Saraland)
82. LB Keylan Moses (Baton Rouge, LA) - Dylan Moses's brother
104. WR Derick Smith (Selma)
119. ATH Na'eem Offord (Birmingham)
136. LB Jakaleb Faulk (Highland Home)
167. DE Malik Autry (Opelika) - Committed to Auburn
223. RB Anthony Rogers (Pike Road)
242. S Eric Winters (Enterprise)
Posted on 3/22/23 at 9:43 am to TideSaint
247 updated their Class of 2024 rankings yesterday. I'll post some of them, along with a couple articles, for the three people who lurk this thread on a daily basis.
Posted on 3/22/23 at 9:59 am to TideSaint
2024 Top247
Commits/targets/in-state prospects:
12. DE Jordan Ross (Birmingham)
13. DE Dylan Stewart (Washington, DC)
14. WR Perry Thompson (Foley)
19. ATH Jaylen Mbakwe (Pinson)
21. WR Cameron Coleman (Phenix City)
34. QB Julian Sayin (Carlsbad, CA)
42. LB Demarcus Riddick (Clanton) - Committed to Georgia
55. QB Air Noland (Fairburn, GA) - Supposedly want 2 QBs this class
62. LB Bradley Shaw (Hoover)
63. OT JacQawn McRoy (Pinson)
76. DL Jeremiah Beaman (Birmingham)
112. RB Kevin Riley (Northport)
153. RB J'Marion Burnette (Andalusia)
182. ATH Aeryn Hampton (Carthage, TX)
185. DE Sterling Dixon (Mobile)
189. CB A'Mon Lane (Moody) - Committed to Auburn
197. DL Kavion Henderson (Leeds) - Committed to Arkansas
201. ATH Daniel Hill (Meridian, MS)
242. WR Mario Craver (Pinson)
244. ATH Ronnie Royal (Gulf Shores)
246. CB Jayden Lewis (Anniston) - Committed to Auburn
Obviously, our number of out of state targets is significantly larger than what I posted, but these are the names I instantly recognized.
The number of in-state guys ranked in this class continues to increase with each update. Looking good overall for next year.
Commits/targets/in-state prospects:
12. DE Jordan Ross (Birmingham)
13. DE Dylan Stewart (Washington, DC)
14. WR Perry Thompson (Foley)
19. ATH Jaylen Mbakwe (Pinson)
21. WR Cameron Coleman (Phenix City)
34. QB Julian Sayin (Carlsbad, CA)
42. LB Demarcus Riddick (Clanton) - Committed to Georgia
55. QB Air Noland (Fairburn, GA) - Supposedly want 2 QBs this class
62. LB Bradley Shaw (Hoover)
63. OT JacQawn McRoy (Pinson)
76. DL Jeremiah Beaman (Birmingham)
112. RB Kevin Riley (Northport)
153. RB J'Marion Burnette (Andalusia)
182. ATH Aeryn Hampton (Carthage, TX)
185. DE Sterling Dixon (Mobile)
189. CB A'Mon Lane (Moody) - Committed to Auburn
197. DL Kavion Henderson (Leeds) - Committed to Arkansas
201. ATH Daniel Hill (Meridian, MS)
242. WR Mario Craver (Pinson)
244. ATH Ronnie Royal (Gulf Shores)
246. CB Jayden Lewis (Anniston) - Committed to Auburn
Obviously, our number of out of state targets is significantly larger than what I posted, but these are the names I instantly recognized.
The number of in-state guys ranked in this class continues to increase with each update. Looking good overall for next year.
Posted on 3/22/23 at 10:04 am to TideSaint
Updated 2024 recruiting rankings see first slate of 32 five-stars
quote:
PASS-CATCHING TALENT APLENTY
Smith is one of eight wide receivers inside our initial 32-player five-star field. Yes, that is a lot of wideouts, but recent NFL Draft history shows that the position’s value is at an all-time high. Over the past three years, 17 different wide receivers have been selected in the first round with 32 more going on Day 2.
Ryan Wingo has been sitting in five-star territory for well over a year now. He owns one of the better track profile’s in the class and is a fluid mover with high-end ball skills. The same can be said about newcomer Bryant Wesco, who was named “Alpha Dog” of a loaded Under Armour camp in Dallas a few weeks ago.
Cameron Coleman is another polarizing talent. He tested off the charts at the Under Armour camp outside of Atlanta earlier this month. So did Mike Matthews, who was previously listed as an “athlete.”
Micah Hudson might be the most polished route runner of the bunch. Perry Thompson, on the other hand, is the most physically developed of the group while Mylan Graham is a yards-after-catch machine.
Landen Thomas is one other pass catcher that earned five-star status. He’s the lone tight end in the built-out 32, but it should also be noted that it’s also looking like a very deep year at that position. So, it wouldn't be surprising if more tight ends made a case that they should be in as we gather more data.
Posted on 3/22/23 at 10:05 am to TideSaint
quote:
QUARTERBACK PICTURE REMAINS MURKY
There are just two quarterbacks ranked as five-stars: Raiola and Jadyn Davis. It’s a stark contrast to what we saw in the 2023 cycle when five different quarterbacks finished as five-stars (all of which were ranked inside the top 13), but there are plenty of signal callers knocking on the door and opinions vary on who should be slotted where.
Elijah Brown has a rock-solid resume having gone 29-1 as a starter in the esteemed Trinity League. He also has the highest completion of any arm inside the Top247, hitting on just over 70 percent of his passes. Julian Sayin, who is averaging an impressive 10.93 yards per attempt, is also pretty battle tested, owning a 21-3 record on Friday nights. Then there’s CJ Carr, who has a prototypical build and showed late in his junior season that he can work off script.
From a traits standpoint, it’s easy to get infatuated with DJ Lagway. He’s a true dual-threat option that has continued to improve as a passer, but needs to get more consistent. Two other quarterbacks in addition to Lagway have a chance to keep pushing the lead pack in Air Noland and Luke Kromenhoek. Noland has thrown more passes and touchdowns than any of his peers while Kromenhoek is a one-year starter full of potential that just hasn’t got as many reps as everyone else.
This summer’s showcase events will hopefully bring things more into focus with the quarterbacks. And of course, there are plenty of other arms outside of the ones mentioned above that we are closely tracking.
Posted on 3/22/23 at 10:10 am to TideSaint
Recruiting buzz on all 32 five-stars in the 2024 class
quote:
12) Jordan Ross | EDGE | Vestavia Hills (Ala.)
247Sports rank: 5-star | 98 rating | No. 12 Overall | No. 2 EDGE
Recruitment status: Undecided
247Sports Crystal Ball: No predictions
Measurables: 6-5 | 215
High School: Birmingham (Ala.) Vestavia
The Skinny: I think Auburn is doing a nice job in the Ross sweepstakes and he’ll be back April 8 for another experience on The Plains. Tennessee has had Ross on campus a ton and no doubt they have a great shot to land him as well. He’ll be back in Knoxville April 15. After those two, Alabama definitely impressed when he visited this winter and Georgia and LSU are two more on the books for April visits with a chance to make a move.
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