re: 2020 FB Recruiting & Roster

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Is that a WilliamTaylor21 selfie?

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Arik Gilbert

Overview: A year ago it seemed like Gilbert was a stone-cold lock to Georgia, but he has seemed to get cold feet because of the Bulldogs’ lack of utilizing tight ends. Plus, others have come in hard and heavy and have really recruited Gilbert hard. Alabama is making a serious pitch to him and Gilbert is definitely listening as the Crimson Tide have emerged as probably the front-runner. Another team to watch is Clemson as the Tigers have turned it on after slow-playing Gilbert earlier in his recruitment. Tennessee is also involved - and will stay that way as long as high school teammate Harrison Bailey is committed - but that seems like a stretch at this point.

Farrell’s take: I've always thought Georgia has a better chance than many gave them here and I think they stick around, but right now it looks like Alabama has a strong lead with Clemson No. 2. Give me the Tide here but never count out Georgia unless he eliminates them.

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THE STORYLINE

Only a few months ago, it felt like Georgia was the team to beat for five-star tight end Arik Gilbert and it only made sense.

The No. 11 player nationally is from Marietta, Ga., he has developed a strong bond with the coaching staff after being on campus numerous times and it looked like this was a “when” not “if” scenario. It was almost a sure thing that Gilbert would be another five-star in this Georgia recruiting class.

However, over the last few months, Alabama has really stepped up its efforts with Gilbert and the Crimson Tide have made the tight end position a priority for years in Tuscaloosa. That could be a huge selling point for Gilbert, who is also serious about Clemson, Tennessee and possibly others.

Clemson is an interesting one since the Tigers were slow to recruit the five-star tight end but have really gone into maximum overdrive the last few months and the national champs are definitely a huge contender now.

Marietta teammate and four-star quarterback Harrison Bailey is already committed to the Vols and that could be a compelling factor in Gilbert’s recruitment as well.

Has Alabama taken a clear lead for Gilbert or do Clemson, Georgia, Tennessee and others still have a legitimate shot at landing him?

FIRST TAKE: ANDREW BONE, BAMAINSIDER.COM

“Ever since his visit to Alabama in late July, things started turning in favor of Alabama. He ended up going to the Alabama-Duke game in Atlanta and the way maybe some of the other teams like Tennessee have performed this season really helped Alabama’s chances with Gilbert.

“With Georgia, still an in-state school that’s pursuing him, and they have a few other tight end targets they’re going after. Alabama has a plan in mind of how they want to use Gilbert and it’s similar to how they used Irv Smith, that’s something that stands out to him and something he likes. As of right now, Alabama is likely in the driver’s seat. I think Clemson is right there in the mix as well and he had a great visit there recently. I think it’s more of an Alabama-Clemson battle.”

SECOND TAKE: MIKE FARRELL, RIVALS.COM

“I still think Georgia cannot be counted out. Alabama has had the momentum for some time now and I can certainly see why people feel he’s going to end up at Alabama.

“Clemson came in late and they weren’t recruiting him as hard as anybody else and Tennessee has fallen off because they’re not playing well. It comes down to Alabama, Clemson and Georgia but the more I hear, the more he doesn’t want to play at Georgia and will go to Alabama."

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Justin Flowe - Clemson
Jordan Burch - Clemson

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Xzavier Henderson, WR, Miami (Fla.) Columbus

Why he’s in the news: The 247Sports Crystal Ball is starting to trend away from Clemson for Henderson, the No. 10 receiver and No. 56 prospect overall in the Top247.

What we think will happen: This could still go a number of different ways. Alabama hosted Henderson for an official the last weekend of September and he’s been at just about every Florida home game to watch his older brother *CJ Henderson) play. Swamp247 insider Blake Alderman wrote this weekend confidence continues to grow around Gainesville for the coveted target who is also considering LSU and Georgia among others. Henderson would be a coup for Dan Mullen and his staff in this heavyweight recruiting battle. Slated to announce at the All-American Bowl on Jan. 4, look for Henderson to use all five of his allotted visits before deciding with four more still in play.

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It's supposed to be Sloth from the Goonies, but as you can see, it's an a-hole with eyes.

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