re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition

Posted on 1/26/15 at 12:40 pm to AllBamaDoesIsWin

Posted by TideSaint

Hill Country

Member since Sep 2008

76001 posts

Posted on 1/26/15 at 12:40 pm to AllBamaDoesIsWin

quote:
The latest chapter of Bleacher Report’s CFB 200 series will focus on a position that has transformed markedly in recent years: outside linebacker.

Players at that position now have to be physical enough to be stout against the run and athletic enough to bring heat off the edge as pass-rushers or even drop into coverage against receivers and tight ends.

Admittedly, that package of skills is difficult to find.

However, the 2015 class of linebackers—headlined by 5-star Texas commitment Malik Jefferson—is filled with deep and athletic talent who can be effective against the run and the pass.

Bleacher Report broke down the 2015 outside-linebacker class, grading them on their abilities in key metrics such as tackling (25 points), strength (20 points), run defense (15 points), pass coverage (15 points) and football IQ (25 points). The cumulative figures from those traits resulted in our overall grade of each prospect.

How does the 2015 group of outside linebackers stack up to one another?

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Posted by TideSaint

Hill Country

Member since Sep 2008

76001 posts

Posted on 1/26/15 at 12:40 pm to TideSaint

quote:
11. 4-star Adonis Thomas

Height/Weight: 6’4”, 229 lbs

High School: Central Gwinnett High, Lawrenceville, Ga.

247 Ranking: No. 11 OLB/No. 171 overall

Bleacher Report Score: 92/100

Committed to: Alabama on Dec. 8, 2014

Adonis Thomas shocked some in the recruiting community when he committed to Florida over Alabama back in August.

However, as the Gators slumped during the season and Will Muschamp's future grew cloudier, many Florida commitments started to look around—including Thomas.

Eventually, Thomas committed to the Tide—who remained aggressive in their pursuit of Thomas after his initial commitment—in December.

Bleacher Report Analysis

Thomas’ best asset is his versatility. What separates him from other linebackers in the 2015 class is his ability in pass coverage. He can run with speedy receivers and he’s also adept at coming off the edge in pass-rush situations. Look for him to play in one of the inside-linebacker spots at Alabama, similar to the role that former Tide All-American C.J. Mosley occupied during his time in Tuscaloosa.