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Posted on 5/30/12 at 7:37 am to MrBiriwa
There aren’t too many better looking sophomores out West than La Mirada (Calif.) two-way standout Tyler Luatua. The athlete is already past the double digit offer mark and has a close connection to one SEC powerhouse.
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Tyler Luatua plays both tight end and outside linebacker for the Gauchos and at 6-3, 215 pounds, definitely looks the part of a national, blue chip athlete. While watching a recent Matador practice, you couldn’t help but notice Luatua on both sides of the ball.
He’s a rangy outside linebacker who can really rush the passer on defense. At tight end, Luatua is about as natural a pass catcher as you’ll see and he runs like a deer.
“I prefer offense and that’s where most of the schools are recruiting me for,” Luatua said. “Right now my offers are from UCLA, Colorado, Nebraska, Florida State, Miami, Alabama, Arizona State, Ole Miss, Ohio State, Utah, Vanderbilt and Washington State.
“I’m also hearing from a lot of other Pac 12 schools like California, Oregon and USC. All of those schools have come by to watch us practice this spring and it has been pretty cool so far. It’s fun to look out and see all these schools watching us, a new school comes by every day.”
Luatua’s older brother Issac is a redshirt freshman offensive guard at Alabama and the Tide will be a major player in this one.
“I like Alabama a lot,” Luatua said. “I would love to go out there and play with him if I can. I like the idea of staying closer to home too though so I’m not really sure what I’m going to do right now.
“My top schools are probably Alabama, USC, Utah and BYU. I have no idea when I’ll make my decision. I’m still just a sophomore so it probably won’t be any time soon. I’ll take some visits first before I commit anywhere.”
Posted on 5/30/12 at 7:37 am to MrBiriwa
742
Posted on 5/30/12 at 7:41 am to TideSaint
The University of Alabama is moving up the list for several elite athletes, and others are close to announcing their college decision. The latest news and notes looks at several prospects on the Tide's recruiting board.
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Peach Stater favors Tide
Brendan Langley, four-star cornerback from Kell High School in Marietta, Ga., had Alabama in the lead early in the recruiting process. The UGA Bulldogs pulled ahead for a brief period, but the latest news does not even include the home-state school. This will likely change again before signing day in February. Langley announced a new top three in order led by Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound defensive back will visit Tuscaloosa next week.
Flipping
Derrick Henry, five-star running back from Yulee High School in Fla., is a commitment to UGA. He has already said, "Alabama is the better fit" after breaking down the differences between the two schools. Henry will visit Tuscaloosa next week with a decision expected shortly after the trip.
More than one
Two quarterbacks in the class of 2013 for the Tide class is expected after the transfer of Phillip Sims to Virginia. National 100 signal caller Cooper Bateman committed in mid-May. Alabama will have several quarterbacks in Tuscaloosa this summer for camp.
Parker McLeod, three-star quarterback from Walton High School in Marietta, Ga., received an offer from Alabama last week. He is also teammates with Alabama commitment Tyren Jones. McLeod plans to visit Tuscaloosa next Monday.
Take two
Josh McNeil, National 100 tight end from Hillside High School in Durham, N.C., travels to Tuscaloosa this weekend for his first-ever visit to Tuscaloosa. He plans to announce a decision in July. His other trips in June include stops at Georgia, Ohio State, Florida and Miami. McNeil named a top 12, but these are the schools considered the frontrunners. Alabama has a commitment from the No. 2 tight end in the country, O.J. Howard.
Hunt for No. 1
Robert Foster, five-star wide receiver from Central Valley High School in Monoca, Pa., visited Tuscaloosa in April for the Tide’s A-Day game. He plans to return to Alabama in the fall for an official visit. Pittsburgh is likely the biggest competition. The Panthers signed the state’s top recruit a year ago in five-star running back Russel Shell.
Anything is possible
Marquez White, three-star cornerback from Northview High School in Dothan, Ala., has watched his offer list increase this spring. Alabama has shown interest with an official offer expected at summer camp. White decided not to wait on Alabama. He was offered last week by Florida State and committed later the same day. He still plans to camp in Tuscaloosa. #Whatwillhedo if an offer comes through from head coach Nick Saban?
Off the board
Ethan Pocic, four-star offensive tackle from Lemont, Ill., committed to the LSU Tigers on Tuesday.
Posted on 5/30/12 at 7:43 am to TideSaint
Matthew Thomas called the last month "crazy", but he is enjoying it. Get the latest on this elite athlete as he breaks down his top five schools.
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"It was pretty crazy this spring with coaches coming through every day," Matthew Thomas told Scout. "They were out here when we practiced outside, they were in the gym when we had to stay inside because of the weather, and they have just been around every day."
That is how it is for about six weeks in the spring when you are a national prospect.
Thomas likes the fact that he is being recruited by schools across the country and he is listening to what the coaches have to say, but he admits the recruiting process is a little stressful.
"I have fun with it and I enjoy it, but it goes both ways for me. There is some stress in there too and the main thing is everyone in my ear telling me different things.
"People try to get in my head and it is not just coaches, but other people too. I am going to listen as much as I can, but I have to stay focused, and make the decision myself."
The 6-foot-4, 210 pound five-star out of Miami grew up a fan of the local school, but he said that has to be pushed aside now.
"It was all about 'The U' when I was little, but I grew out of that. I loved UM when I was little, but I cannot just pick them because of that. I like their academics and they are still Miami, so they are still in the running, but I would not say they are my leader."
A former Hurricane who works for Al Golden is the primary recruiter for Thomas now.
"I talk to Coach [Michael] Barrow from Miami and we talk about once a week. He tells me how I could help them, how I remind him of himself when he got to Miami, and we have a good relationship."
Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, and Louisville along with Miami round out Thomas' top five at this time.
Thomas shares his thoughts about the other four schools high on his list.
"Alabama is always in the national spotlight and they are competing for championships each year it seems like. They also breed top linebackers, so I really like that about them too.
"I really the college town FSU is in. I would get a lot of support in Tallahassee and I really like their history.
"I have family in the state of Georgia, so they have told me a lot about Georgia football. They tell me how it so big there, they put guys in the NFL too, and I like them.
"Louisville runs a similar defense to ours here at Booker T. and I like that. There coaches have been telling me how they would use me and how I could really help them. It would be good to go to play in a defense I am used to."
Miami is the only school Thomas has visited so far this year. He may visit Alabama this summer, but he does not plan to travel much until the fall.
"I am going to get out during the season some and take some visits and I will definitely be taking my five official visits before I make my decision," said the no. 19 prospect in America.
He is not ruling out a decision before Signing Day.
Decision could come before Signing Day if he feels ready. "I want to find a place I can find home. I want to go where I relate to the guys well and just feel at home.
"If I get that feeling before Signing Day, then I will commit, but if I don't, I will just wait. It will be about my gut-feeling."
Posted on 5/30/12 at 8:45 am to TideSaint
Just realized I put 715 instead of 751 for our next committment.
Oh well, i'll be the optimist in this bitch.
Oh well, i'll be the optimist in this bitch.
Posted on 5/30/12 at 8:46 am to Chadaristic
Roll Damn Tide
This post was edited on 6/2/12 at 6:10 pm
Posted on 5/30/12 at 8:49 am to Chadaristic
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Josh McNeil ?@BIBTY_12
Just ready for this weekend going to Alabama no girls no school just me and football.... *Looks at watch*
Posted on 5/30/12 at 8:56 am to Chadaristic
Doesnt sound like Thomas is going to commit anywhere anytime soon.
Saw the tackiest bumper sticker ever this morning. Said "I'm only speeding because I really have to poop"
Saw the tackiest bumper sticker ever this morning. Said "I'm only speeding because I really have to poop"
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:04 am to TreyAnastasio
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:08 am to TreyAnastasio
quote:
Said "I'm only speeding because I really have to poop"
:turtlehead:
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:09 am to Chadaristic
Im rock hard right now
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:09 am to TideSaint
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RB Eddie Lacy: Alabama (6-0, 220)
What I like…
Lacy has improved his pad level.
• There was a noticeable improvement to his comfort level as a runner from 2010 to 2011.
• Ran with much more patience in 2011.
• Showcased the ability to pick his way through traffic inside, decipher information and press space quickly.
• Ran with a much lower pad level, especially toward the edge compared to 2010 allowing him to break more tackles and slip more defenders.
• Showcased a wider, more balanced base in 2011 picking his way through contact and was much more sharp/sudden when asked to quickly change directions.
• Displays a good initial first step when pressing the hole.
• Exhibits the wiggle to routinely side step or spin out of the first tackle.
• Runs hard with good power and base. Is tough to bring down initially through contact and can accelerate right through arm tackles.
• Routinely falls forward. Runs hard, lowers pad level and consistently finishes through contact.
• Is a no non-sense type runner. Is willing to take what the defense give him, lower his head and run his legs through contact.
• Possesses the natural power to push the pile and keep offenses ahead of the chains.
• Showcases more straight-line speed than given credit for in the open field. Displays a slight second gear for big guy as he can catch defenders off guard and outrun angles in space.
• Put in the work behind a pair of first round running backs at Alabama in Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson. Knows how to be patient and improve even when no one is watching.
What I didn’t like
• Still allows pad level to get upright at times when pressing the edge, which negates his initial burst and speed to the corner.
• Will let the ball get away from his frame once he gets into space and has put the ball on the ground.
• Always played second fiddle and despite his great size and power, hasn’t proven he can carry the load yet.
• Routinely took advantage of pounding the rock fresh vs. softened up defenses, needs to prove he can be effective when every SEC defense is gunning to stop him.
• Possesses the size/balance to pass protect, but needs to prove he can be effective holding up on 3rd down.
• Isn’t a real dynamic lateral athlete, has the foot quickness/balance to side step defenders, but isn’t overly sudden/quick in the open field.
• Lacks elite speed, more of a high 4.4/low 4.5 guy.
Overall…
In my view, right now Eddie Lacy would rank behind both Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram as an NFL prospect. However, that certainly doesn’t mean this guy can’t be a first round pick.
Lacy doesn’t have the type of lateral quickness that Ingram had or the combination of speed/power possessed by Richardson. Nevertheless, he runs hard, can grind out yards, slip tackles and gives you some big play ability in the open field.
He needs to prove he can be just as effective as the starter with every SEC defense gunning for him as he was as a reserve in 2012. But, if he can do that, Lacy looks like a starting caliber NFL back to me.
LINK
This post was edited on 5/30/12 at 9:10 am
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:11 am to TreyAnastasio
Is that the only Saban one? Seemed like it cut off.
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:13 am to Chadaristic
For those interested in my NCAA road to Glory plight as RB Tyren Jones and the clusterfrick that just happened this morning after I lost the SEC CG (in 2013 with Tyren as a Jr 
) in 7 OT game to UGA 
Here ya go --> LINK
) in 7 OT game to UGA Here ya go --> LINK
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:14 am to TreyAnastasio
quote:
Saw the tackiest bumper sticker ever this morning. Said "I'm only speeding because I really have to poop"
My friend got out of a ticket because of this. He actually pulled into his driveway when the cop pulled him over.
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:15 am to TreyAnastasio
quote:
Is that the only Saban one? Seemed like it cut off.
It's the only one they have as of right now. Maybe they'll load some more.
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:44 am to Chadaristic
I didnt realize the men golf NC was at Riviera CC. Thats a bucket list course for me.
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:55 am to TreyAnastasio
I wish I was good at golf.
Posted on 5/30/12 at 9:57 am to Chadaristic
I wish I was better. Good enough to compete at some level.
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