re: Class of 2015 Recruiting MEGATHREAD - Twilight Edition

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The UA staff wants add two more wide receivers with the nation’s top at the position Calvin Ridley

By: Drew DeArmond AlabamaINTEL staff

K.J. Hill participated in The Opening and the Army All-American Bowl


The big storyline in Alabama recruiting tonight? The saga of North Little Rock High School wide receiver K.J. Hill. The Crimson Tide staff has had much success the last two seasons in the state of Arkansas, first signing fellow former North Little Rock running back Altee Tenpenny in 2012, who has since left school and is looking to transfer, and then last year Billy Napier did a great job securing the signature of defensive lineman Josh Frazier of Springdale, Arkansas. The Har-Ber High School standout followed Tenpenny as the second straight top prospect from the Natural state to sign with the Crimson Tide. Could lightening strike three times?

The 6-1 192-pounder had an outstanding official visit to Alabama with his family on January 16th, causing him to de-commit from the in-state Hawgs shortly after returning home that weekend. The North Little Rock star, considered the top prospect in the state, had been committed to the Razorbacks since August 29th, but admitted before pledging to Arkansas, he had been privately committed to the Crimson Tide.

As his senior season unfolded, Lane Kiffin’s success with Amari Cooper and the Bama offense continued to be of high interest to Hill, while in Bret Bielema’s second year, his Razorbacks were much-improved. The Hawgs finished 7-6 with a Texas Bowl win over the Longhorns, but offensively, Arkansas was still noy super productive at QB or wide receiver. This led to Hill continuing to be very interested in Alabama, unofficially visiting for the Irown Bowl before returning for his official visit on January 16th.

Following the de-commitment, most have felt Hill would ultimately land in Tuscaloosa, but a weekend visit last week to Ohio State has seen Urban Meyer and the Buckeyes be in a 50/50 dead heat with the Crimson Tide according to his step-father Montez Peterson. The reigning national champions have given Hill something to think about, but the key for Alabama tonight is the in-home visit with area recruiter (& position coach) Billy Napier along with head coach Nick Saban. The belief continues to be Hill wants to play in the SEC and is VERY attracted to the Tide offensive system. Also, the Tide class has a few moving parts, but spots are getting scarce.

Hill does have one weekend visit he could take to his former school Arkansas, but as of this writing, the trip seemed unlikely to happen with Alabama & Ohio State the final two. It would not surprise INTEL if Hill commits either publicly or privately after the in-home visit with Saban & Napier tonight. He has been coveted by the Crimson Tide staff throughout the process, though the door cannot be completely shut on target Terry Godwin of Hogansville, Georgia, who would have a spot no matter the circumstances but would not have any bearing on Hill. The UA staff would take both. Ridley is solid after his weekend visit this past weekend and the feeling is VERY strong that Daylon Charlot, the elite receiver from Patterson, Louisiana, who put on a show during the week of the Under Armour game, will re-join the class on signing day…stay tuned..RTR!

****Note: Tenpenny’s struggles at Alabama have not had any effect on Hill’s interest in Alabama. Sources close to North Little Rock High School tell INTEL that Altee is working out with a trainer in Las Vegas and realizes he made mistakes with a fresh start needed. Oklahoma State and Ohio State have shown interest. The former standout RB is still a very talented player who should have the opportunity to finish strong at another major Division I program.

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