re: Class of 2018 Recruiting MEGATHREAD: So Long Old Friend Edition

Posted on 2/23/17 at 10:10 am to TidalSurge1

Posted by TidalSurge1

Ft Walton Beach

Member since Sep 2016

36467 posts

Posted on 2/23/17 at 10:10 am to TidalSurge1

William Barnes wants to hear from Alabama more | SEC Country

quote:
Florida has led for 4-star offensive tackle William Barnes for quite some time, and the Gators have maintained their lead even with a coaching change. Jim McElwain brought in Brad Davis to coach the offensive line, and ever since the day he was hired by Florida, Davis and Barnes have talked consistently.

That doesn’t compare to Alabama. Barnes told SEC Country at the Orlando Opening regional this past weekend that outside of offensive line coach Brent Key wishing him luck the day before the camp, he hadn’t spoken to him in at least two weeks.

The nation’s No. 10 offensive tackle from Apopka (Fla.) High School said North Carolina, his mother’s alma mater, is recruiting him the hardest with Florida in the No. 2 spot. Auburn, Florida State and Ohio State, in addition to Alabama, also are in the mix.

Barnes wants Alabama to be one of the schools coming after him the hardest.

“I would definitely like to have Alabama up there,” Barnes said.

The 6-foot-4, 312-pound prospect said his relationship with coach Key is “good,” but it doesn’t compare to the ones he has at North Carolina and Florida.

“I would like to talk to him more to have more of a relationship with him,” Barnes said.

Barnes doesn’t have a visit to Tuscaloosa planned at this time, but he’s hoping to make it back this spring or summer. He earned his Alabama offer after attending camp this past summer. While there, he spoke with Saban in depth and learned what he’s looking for in a prospective recruit, which Barnes said was not only talent but good character.

Most in the recruiting industry expect Barnes to end up at Florida because of how long he’s favored the Gators, but he’s still keeping his options open.

“That’s what people say, but I’m still looking around for the best place for me: educational-wise, football-wise and family-wise,” Barnes said. “It’s always about family because you’re going to be with that team for a little while, so it’s something you have to think about.”