re: 2013 Alabama Football Recruiting Thread - DH Decommited from UGA

***The Tide’s pursuit of a quarterback has taken center stage with the May evaluation period in full swing and UA’s first June prospect camp quickly approaching. There’s a lot of optimism in the program pertaining to QB recruiting and UA expects to land a big time signal caller. The nation’s top ranked uncommitted QB, Cooper Bateman of Salt Lake City (Utah) Cottonwood will be returning to the Capstone in early June and will be joined by both parents and a coach. Bateman has a top five of UA, Auburn, Florida, LSU, and Washington. It’s worth noting that the upcoming visit would make Alabama the only one of those top five that he’s visited more than once. Additionally, the omission of in-state Utah and BYU signals Bateman has no reservations about leaving home.

***UGA commit Brice Ramsey made news yesterday when he had a 90 minute Skype conversation with Nick Saban and as a result expressed his intent to visit and consider Alabama. UA has been working Ramsey diligently since his early commitment to the Bulldogs and has certainly put its best foot forward with the Peach State’s top QB. While Ramsey is keeping his options open, it would take a lot to trump Georgia as he has very strong relationships with head coach Mark Richt and offensive coordinator Mike Bobo. While anything is possible in recruiting, look for Ramsey to stick with UGA as long as both Richt and Bobo are in Athens.

***Matthews (N.C.) Butler QB Riley Ferguson also plans to be in Tuscaloosa around the same time as Bateman and the Tide are the big favorite should they push for a commitment. Ferguson’s stock has risen a bit with some solid camp showings this spring and is one of the more talented uncommitted pro-style QB’s.

***One top target that UA has checked on this spring is the nation’s top wide receiver, Robert Foster. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Monaca (Pa.) Central Valley standout visited Tuscaloosa for A-Day and left with a great impression of the UA program. That feeling hasn’t worn off and while Foster plays all things recruiting close to the vest, sources feel it’s currently a Pitt-Alabama battle with Penn State running third. The next big step for UA’s recruitment of Foster is going to be his official visit which should take place during the season. Look for Foster’s recruitment to stretch past the season with it ultimately coming down to his desire to stay in Pennsylvania or leave home.

***UA also checked on another Western Pennsylvania five-star in Belle Vernon Area offensive tackle Dorian Johnson. The 6-foot-6, 268-pound Johnson has experienced a meteoric rise in terms of his stock with colleges and recruiting analysts alike in the last two months. Johnson loves what Alabama offers as a program and admits he was most excited by his offer from the Tide, but distance from home and his family is a huge sticking point with him. As a result, his top four consists of Pitt, Penn State, West Virginia, and Ohio State. UA will continue to work the elite left tackle prospect, but he’s going to have to get on campus in order for the Tide to have a shot at landing him.

***Speaking of offensive tackles, don’t be surprised if UA explores the JUCO ranks at the position. While no offers are out yet, it’s an option UA is considering given the depth (only 10 OL in the spring) at the position and that OT signees Brandon Greene and Brandon Hill are high ceiling/developmental types. UA’s success with JUCO prospects under Saban is well documented and worth noting and JUCO prospects are brought in to contribute rather than strictly for depth purposes.

***A source instrumental in the decision-making process of five-star small forward Devonta Pollard indicates there’s no timetable for the De Kalb (Miss.) Kemper County standout’s commitment and signing. Pollard has publicly narrowed his choices to UA, Texas, Missouri, and Georgetown. The Hoyas began to fade a few weeks ago and LSU’s hiring of Pollard’s recruiter and Mississippi native Robert Kirby certainly doesn’t help their chances (there’s no indication LSU is a contender for Pollard). It was also reported that Missouri has used its last available scholarship on Tulsa transfer Jordan Clarkson, essentially signaling the Tigers are out of the running for Pollard. UA remains cautiously optimistic in what looks to be a battle with Texas. The signing period ends on May 16, so look for Pollard to have something finalized by that time.