re: Class of 2017 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: Say Your Goodbyes Edition

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It's clear how much Alabama wants Lee-Montgomery four-star receiver Henry Ruggs III on the football field, but he got a look at Alabama's academic side during his official visit.

The 6-foot, 174-pound Ruggs, ranked as high as five stars by 247Sports, plans to major in computer engineering.

"I was actually able to not just see the academic side, but actually see the classes I'd be taking," Ruggs said. "I went inside the classroom to see what I'd be doing. I got to see the Engineering lab, which is a good thing.

"It was real good, just to view the classroom. The advisors there presented everything and had a very good attitude around us."

Ruggs is coming off an "eye-opening" official visit to Florida State the previous weekend. He's still in the air about officially visiting Penn State. He said he'd make a final call on that in the next day or two after talking with his parents. Penn State is the only other school that might get an official visit.

Ruggs estimated this was his fourth trip to Alabama this year. He said hanging around the recruits was his favorite part. Some commits, including quarterback Mac Jones, did their part in trying to sway him to Alabama.

"I know a lot of them from previous camps," Ruggs said. "We pretty much already had a relationship and we just got to hang out and have a good time.

"They pretty much just make jokes of everything. With everything they say, they try to trick me to say that I'm going to 'Bama, but it was fun."

Freshman linebacker Mack Wilson was Ruggs' host. Wilson is also from Montgomery. He said his mother and younger brother also enjoyed the visit.

Ruggs also heard what he needed to hear about Alabama's football plans for him.

"They presented all the opportunities I would have at the wide receiver position," Ruggs said. "(They want me) mostly as a slot receiver because of my height, but with the frame I have, it looks like I have a chance to grow a couple more inches, so I could play inside or out."

Ruggs said he plans to make his decision known on National Signing Day.

The Class 7A Back of the Year, Ruggs accounted for 20 touchdowns on 102 touches for the Generals in nine games. Ruggs had 38 catches for 639 yards and nine touchdowns, 36 carries for 446 yards and seven scores, seven kickoff returns for 352 yards and a touchdown and, forced into quarterback duty late, went 11 of 23 for 186 yards and three touchdowns.

Ruggs scored on a kickoff return in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star game and caught a 61-yard touchdown pass in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

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