re: Class of 2027 Football Recruiting

Anything can happen, but I just cannot see that happening. Any reasonable fan would consider what CKD accomplished in year 2 as a success:
- 11 wins
- Best record in SEC play (regular season)
- Went to Atlanta for SECCG
- Made Playoffs
- Won a Playoff game
- Made the Rose Bowl

Obviously, it’s the way they lost in the postseason that diminishes the overall feel and changes the perspective of the season. I understand that point of view, but it doesn’t negate the fact that Bama beat that same UGA team on the road the first time they played. Most fans would have been ecstatic upon CKD’s hiring if they were told he would go 2-1 vs Kirby, be in Atlanta, and winning Playoff games by year 2.

Personally I believe the program is in a really good spot, and this year will be the best roster CKD has fielded at Bama.

The defense has exceeded most everyone’s expectations. 2024 was the least ppg allowed since 2017, and this past season they gave up the 2nd fewest yards in the SEC. They have been consistent at holding teams between 14-24 points while forcing multiple turnovers. Bama is undefeated under CKD when the offense has produced 23 points in a game.

I really think the offense is about to start looking like what we expected from CKD when he was hired. I think he will always need elite QB play and (every bit as importantly) elite WR play….if you go back and watch his offenses at Washington when he was 5-0 against Sark and Lanning, and you will see elite route running and tremendous ability to make plays by 3-4 different WR’s. So far, only Bernard has played up to the standard at WR that CKD needs in order to score 30 points consistently against good defenses imo.

In year 1, the WR corps consisted of a 17 year old and a transfer from Washington as their top options…..there were no Jeudy/Ruggs/Julio/Cooper/D Smith/Waddle types on the roster. I think the WR’s this year will be as good as any team in the conference this upcoming season.

Obviously I could be wrong, but I think the defense will finish top10 again in total/scoring D, Keelon Russell will be the biggest surprise in the conference, and RW will put it altogether in his 3rd and final season.

Again, I don’t think they are purposely turning down Sales/Sabb caliber players bc they prefer “diamond in the rough”/lower ranked recruits better.
I think they are budgeting the money wisely, while also still placing an emphasis on guys who want to be here for more than just a paycheck. They will sign another top-5 class next year.

The staff is trying to retain the players we already have. Ive said it here and on other boards. The staff recruits players it believes in and wants to build with them versus bringing in a new horde of freshman then not being able to give pay raises to the ones who contribute.

We are about to see a huge contribution from freshman and sophomores who will be expecting raises to stay here.

We will see a great class again next year.

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‘28 but

A lot more offers for 2028 versus 2027 as well.

Yep. Staff knows we wont lose much from this team. We could return the entire offense.

Mack might get sacked more than Ty did if he starts

While I believe Keelon has the overall skill set to win the job in the end, if Mack is the starter, I believe he will easily elude the pass rush due to his extraordinary leadership skills. It it impressive.

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The vast majority of current day recruits don't give a frick about things like history, prestige, development, playing in the best venues in the country, etc. because they can set themselves financially for life without ever making it to the NFL now.

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And there, in a nutshell, is the underlying problem. The hunger is gone. They foolishly think they can take their NIL money, live like a king, and never work again. And by the time this myth is exposed, college football will be a shadow of its former self and in shambles. Nobody wants to fix it except Saban and the schools are fighting him to keep the status quo that will be their death knell.

Austin Mack is a very good QB. Washington's QB who made it to the championship game said hed be a household name one day.

DeBoer is a QB guy. You cannot refute his success there. Hes put a QB in the NFL at every job and two of them have been highly regarded.