📝 December Recruiting- 15 in, three committed, with roughly 8 spots left

[Tidestalker]

Whoa. I think I know where you're going here and you're talking about 2, 3 kids out of over 200 as proof?

In your opinion, who benefits here?

That's 1-1.5%, isn't it?! lol

But you know as well as I do, there are more kids who get pushed out of their "offer" late in the process. Kids who have an iron clad offer this time of year and by the end of the year when the smoke clears, Alabama or school A/B/C has bumped them down the board. It would certainly benefit those kids to be able to sign early.

And do not get me wrong - I don't blame the schools for moving on 1 bit. If a kid wants to be at a school he should commit. But at the same time it's completely disingenuous for Saban to pretend like an early signing period doesn't benefit kids. It does. Any time a kid can assure himself of a paid for education (for at least a year) and not have to worry about injury, politics, coaching changes impacting their future, yes it's beneficial.

BTW off the top of my head - Kids that Saban "Saban'd" and took some public embarrassment: Jarez Parks, OJ Smith, Taylor (RB from georgia), Darius Philon, Bradley Bozeman, the tall OLB from Hoover that ended up at Wiscy, can we add Reese Dismukes? So more than 2-3 kids.

Now if any of those kids were offered under the preface it was a grey shirt, by all means take them off the list.

 

[Google Inc.]

AL.com​

Florida running back commits to Alabama
AL.com
I want to thank all my family, friends and coaches who've supported me and helped me get this far. After 4 years playing for Armwood High School I would like to announce that I'm taking my talents to Tuscaloosa. #RTR [?] #813 pic.twitter.com/vydeqjgWYx ...
Alabama Lands Jerome FordTouchdown Alabama Magazine (press release)
Alabama football: Running back Jerome Ford commits to Tide's 2018 recruiting classMontrose Daily Press
Alabama lands 2018 RB prospect Jerome Ford out of FloridaSaturday Down South
SECcountry.com
all 8 news articles »

Continue reading...

 

[TerryP]

Yep...suspected this is where you were headed.

And do not get me wrong - I don't blame the schools for moving on 1 bit. If a kid wants to be at a school he should commit. But at the same time it's completely disingenuous for Saban to pretend like an early signing period doesn't benefit kids. It does. Any time a kid can assure himself of a paid for education (for at least a year) and not have to worry about injury, politics, coaching changes impacting their future, yes it's beneficial.

As I've said I don't see any issues with an early signing period as long as it benefits the kid. This doesn't, in any way, benefit the kids. It's still the same pressure and distractions they've always endured--the leading issue behind the proposal and passage of the rule.

What's ignored (maybe not the right word) is this is a zero sum game. It's related, in a distant sense, to those arguing about satellite camps under the guise of "kids that wouldn't get scholarships now will." True, but that also means other kids that would have, won't.

BTW off the top of my head - Kids that Saban "Saban'd" and took some public embarrassment: Jarez Parks, OJ Smith, Taylor (RB from georgia), Darius Philon, Bradley Bozeman, the tall OLB from Hoover that ended up at Wiscy, can we add Reese Dismukes? So more than 2-3 kids.

Oh, there are so many holes in this list it would take awhile to comment on each. You're missing on many, staring with the first. Jarez said to reporters on that Wednesday he was waiting to see if a spot opened up. Oh damn. He's waiting to see but it's something Saban pulled?
One of the kids you've mentioned here downright lied.

Bradley Bozeman had planned on greyshirting and found out a spot opened up so he reported earlier than planned.

If I knew OJ Smith was staring at a grey shirt I'm pretty damn sure OJ Smith knew he was headed for a gray shirt.

Reese Dismukes? Are you kidding me? He committed to Auburn almost a year before NSD of '11.

There certainly isn't an altruistic tone to your thoughts on this subject. Namely, the idea of a player wanting to attend Bama and being able to sign early so his "spot" doesn't go to someone else. But then again there is. What of that other player who proves he deserves a spot at this level and doesn't have his opportunity? What if that original player proves he doesn't deserve a spot (whether it be on the field or off the field.)

There's no easy answer. That's likely the reason the NCAA is legislating the way they do.

 

[TerryP]

I'm not going to start speculating on Bobby Brown (though my gut tells me it's going to be a hard flip for Tosh from A&M.)

For a little bit now I've been told that the staff is becoming more and more optimistic about BB. There's some thinking this is something Tosh just might pull off. I don't know ... but, here's one thing we can call positive.

It's being reported he's not signing at the ESD (is that going to become an official acronym like NSD has become?)

 

[17BAMA]

Limited scholarships and they offered this guy? What is so impressive about a 3 star running back?

 

[TUSKtimes]

Limited scholarships and they offered this guy? What is so impressive about a 3 star running back?

Let's ask Josh Jacobs? The real fallacy of recruiting is to get too caught up in the stars on the helmet. None of these players come with a guarantee policy. Most of us around here are still hoping for a Ben Davis sighting and who came to us more decorated with stars and DNA pedigree?

 

[TerryP]

What is so impressive about a 3 star running back?

He was another player that "showed out" when he was at camp this past summer.

 

[TerryP]

Reese Dismukes?

@Tidestalker This is changing the subject a tad ... or maybe a lot. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

So, I'm outside raking/vacuuming leaves up and I can't get this one off my mind. A different reason when compared to the subject of this thread.

I've been immersed in recruiting for years, right? I can remember sitting in Memphis, TN, at a friends house when he called a 900 number to listen to Penn State games. ('bout 60 bucks or so he was spending and I recall people getting pissed off about PPV games that were 20: ON TV.) It was around that time I started calling 900 numbers for recruiting.

Point being here ...

I can only think of one player that I absolutely did not want on Bama team: Dismukes. I was pretty damn vocal about it here. I remember him being the #1 ranked center in that class...want to say he was ranked #4 player in state. It didn't matter a bit because I knew what he was made of character wise.

 

[No Huddle]

Just the NCAA trying to level the playing field. The rich are in the play-offs and the kinda rich are in bowl games. Now, as everyone has mentioned, the other schools pushed to have the kids sign early. Or you can recruit the hell out of the ones you want while the others (Alabamas and the like) get ready for a game and try to recruit and somehow eat and sleep. Sounds like not enough time in the day.

 

[TerryP]

Sounds like not enough time in the day.

Paraphrased, but a quote from Saban and Cutcliffe in the last 48 hours. Some will listen. Some will call it "Saban complaining again."

 

[TUSKtimes]

I take a lot of this rhetoric to mean that coach Saban doesn't feel as threatened with losing recruits during the cherry picking season. Dabo just said he likes the ESD, maybe he doesn't like his players being able to keep all their options open for a reason. It's hard to believe that both coaches aren't doing the math on this one.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

Just the NCAA trying to level the playing field. The rich are in the play-offs and the kinda rich are in bowl games. Now, as everyone has mentioned, the other schools pushed to have the kids sign early. Or you can recruit the hell out of the ones you want while the others (Alabamas and the like) get ready for a game and try to recruit and somehow eat and sleep. Sounds like not enough time in the day.

I think it puts teams with coaching changes at a disadvantage. Much less time to salvage a class when you've just showed up.

 

[UAgrad93]

It isn't any easier on the kids. Some of these kids are going to feel even more pressure to commit and sign early as what they do signing in February. Coaches evaluate tape from a kids senior season and a kid that was being overlooked, gets a late offer while a kid that has had an offer for many months or even a year or more back slides because he already has the offer he wants.
It isn't win-win for anyone!

 

[TerryP]

Dabo just said he likes the ESD, maybe he doesn't like his players being able to keep all their options open for a reason.

Hypothetical: Would it have changed where Nkemdiche played?

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Fantastic official visit weekend

Things went really well for Alabama this weekend as evident by the two commitments- Josh Jobe, four-star cornerback from Cheshire Academy in Connecticut and Jerome Ford, three-star running back from Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida. Both were expected and predicted to choose the Crimson Tide.

There was some talk late last week of Jobe possibly waiting until February to sign, but I have gathered there wasn't any truth to that. Jobe was expected to announce during or shortly after the official visit. Jobe and his family have been on board with Alabama for a while.

Tyler Friday, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Don Bosco Prep in Ramsey, New Jersey, had a good visit along with his parents. Looks like a very good chance with him. I'm told Friday's parents really loved the structure of the program and how Coach Saban really focuses on each player as a person and not just an athlete. Alabama is in a really good position.

Casey Rogers, three-star defensive end from Old Farms Prep School in Connecticut, might possibly earn an offer in January. A lot depends on what happens this week with guys like Dominick Anderson and even Brenton Cox. Alabama likes his ability to play different positions. Alabama has a lot of interest in Rogers. Just depends on how the numbers shake out in the end.

Can Alabama sway the Peach State product?

Brenton Cox, Rivals100 defensive end from Stockbridge High School in Georgia, will announce his decision on Wednesday. The former Ohio State commitment is down to Alabama and UGA. Cox took an official visit to Alabama earlier this month. The following week he announced a decommitment from the Buckeyes. Cox took an unofficial visit to Georgia two weekends ago before returning to Athens this past weekend for an official visit.

There seems to have been a lot more confidence last week than this week from the UGA side regarding Cox. I still think most will predict UGA before Wednesday. Alabama has been in very good communication with him. I know Alabama believes it has a chance to sign him. I'm leaning towards UGA here like most everyone else, but Bama is in play.

Alabama ready for its first five-star commitment

It's amazing how all have become so accustomed to five-stars joining the Crimson Tide's class early in the process. It's December and surprised none are on the list yet. I believe it changes this week as Eyabi Anoma, five-star defensive end from St. Francis High School in Baltimore, will announce on Friday. Anoma will not graduate early, but he is expected to go ahead and sign his letter of intent. It's really just been an Alabama-Maryland battle throughout his recruitment. I expect him to choose Alabama at the end of the week.


Decisions on hold for now

A few top Tide targets who were expected to announce this week have decided to hold off until February (at least that's what we expect). Things can change in a heartbeat. Players might wake up on Wednesday morning and say they are ready to go ahead and sign. We can only go by what we are hearing at this point. Is it a good sign for Alabama ?

Jaylen Waddle, Rivals100 wide receiver from Episcopal High School in Houston, announced last week his decision to postpone his announcement. He was set to sign on December 20. I strongly believe he was set to sign with Alabama. Texas A&M is putting the full court press on the elite receiver. Alabama remains confident it can sign Waddle, but I do think it creates a little doubt with him waiting until February. Alabama will continue to push for his signature.

Penei Sewell, Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, announced last week he will sign on Wednesday. I spoke with his father last week who re-iterated those intentions. Nick Saban had an in-home visit with him on Wednesday along with Brent Key and Tosh Lupoi. Mario Cristobal was expected to have an in-home visit on Saturday night (after Oregon's loss to Boise State).

Sewell's father said on Monday he doesn't expect his son to sign on Wednesday. Sewell is not enrolling early. It gives him a little bit more time to think about his decision. He has taken his official visits and had in-home visits with head coaches.

It's a little surprising he will wait, but if you are truly torn and know you are not enrolling until June then why rush into making a decision? I still think there is a possibility he will announce. The family is supposed to speak the next two days about the possible decision. It's off for now. Alabama will likely go ahead send official scholarship papers to sign in case Sewell changes his mind.

Bobby Brown, four-star defensive tackle from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, will also wait to sign. Brown hoped to have a final decision reached by Wednesday. The Texas A&M commitment has entertained several coaches the last three weeks including Nick Saban. Tosh Lupoi has spent a lot of time with Brown and his family. Alabama really wants Brown in this class, but I think it will still take a lot for him to change his mind.

Why is he waiting? Texas A&M has yet to hire a defensive coordinator. I think Brown wants to wait to see who the Aggies hire. Will they hit it off? I've also heard the new DC will likely have input on which defensive coaches remain on the staff? Will he keep DL coach Terry Price? I think that's probably the key right there. Brown will take his time and let A&M bring in a new DC before making a final decision. Alabama will continue in heavy pursuit.

This is another reason why head coaches are not liking this early signing period. Nick Saban and others are having to gamble by going in-home in December with recruits who plan on announcing in December. They announce they will hold off from signing in December (to sign in February) thus eliminating Saban or other head coaches from visiting in January.

Ohio State likely out for Jones

Emory Jones, Rivals100 quarterback from Heard County High School in Franklin, Georgia, has been an Ohio State commitment for a long time. I've said for a while it will take a lot for him to change his mind. Alabama did a tremendous job recruiting him. He took a few unofficial visits prior to the season which he basically shrugged off as nothing more than just a trip. He then attended Alabama's season opener against Florida State in Atlanta and made three visits to Tuscaloosa during the season including an official visit. The race was on for Jones between Ohio State and Alabam. Nick Saban had an in-home visit with Jones two weeks ago. The visit seems to have gone extremely well and many thought Jones was on the verge of flipping to Alabama including Ohio State who opted to accept a commitment from Matthew Baldwin. Jones started talking to new Florida HC Dan Mullen and new FSU head coach Willie Taggart. He decided to visit both schools this past weekend.

The confidence coming out of Gainesville is extremely high on Jones. It is one of the most surprising turns I've seen in a while. Almost reminds me, in some regards, to Laremy Tunsil going to Ole Miss in 2013. I am only saying because of the sudden change- nothing more. Just that it was down to two schools for several months and all of a sudden another school, a few days prior to announcing. Maybe he sees an opportunity to start right away. Mullen does have a lot of success stories at the QB position. Urban Meyer supposedly spoke with Jones this evening. Ohio State guys are now saying he will not sign with the Buckeyes. Jones has not publicly decommitted. Expect Jones to select Florida.

Will Alabama go after another QB in January? James Foster, three-star quarterback from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, is a possible option. Alabama has been talking to him. I don't think it's definite at this time. Alabama will make the decision in January whether to give him a green light to commit. Alabama may also look around to see who else is available and possibly bring some other guys in for official visits.

What is Dominick Anderson thinking?

No one seems to know at this point. The top JuCo tight end in the country told Alabama in June his plans to commit to the Tide. Two days later he announced his commitment to Texas stunning Alabama.

There was a player a few years ago by the name of Jeffery Simmons. Most remember. He is a star defensive tackle now at Mississippi State. Simmons told multiple schools even on the morning of National Signing Day his plans to commit to their school. I remember the confidence oozing out of Oxford that year on the first Wednesday of February, but also the confidence Alabama had in landing Jeffery Simmons. UA decided not to push for other targets and started scrambling after his announcement to see if any other decent DL available.

Alabama was confused earlier this year by Anderson's decision. Alabama has been pretty confident regarding Anderson since his decommitment from Texas. Nick Saban and Tosh Lupoi visited with him last week. However, he took an official visit to Tennessee this weekend. Anderson has posted several pro-Tennessee tweets in the last few days. Expected after an official visit.

We will see what happens in the next few days. Alabama seems to have always been the favorite despite his summer commitment to Texas. I honestly don't think it will shock Alabama if he announces for any school on his list. The hope is he announces for Alabama.

I know Alabama coaches are still working top targets. Most, if not all of the coaches are still at the football facility tonight. Some decisions still expected to be made regarding which targets will receive official scholarship papers to sign. Alabama is hoping to fax all out by tomorrow. The only commitments not expected to sign this week are Quay Walker, Vernon Jackson and Michael Parker.​

1 Andrew Bone, 7 minutes ago

Recruiting - BONE: Insider Report | BamaInsider.com

 

[colbyjacks]

In the caravan... with Jay Z

Must not have been the Crimson caravan.

 

[Tidestalker]

Must not have been the Crimson caravan.

LMAO

 

[No Huddle]

Hypothetical: Would it have changed where Nkemdiche played?

Nah Robert was following his brother from the day Denzel committed. Saban and staff did not want him as bad after their visit shortly after Grayson won the State Championship.

 

[Rolltide24]

Maybe we don't get 6 5-star guys this year, doesn't mean we are necessarily in bad shape the next 2 years. Our staff has had some good luck with 3-star guys in the past. They will get good solid players. If I remember right, Clemson didn't build their recent powerhouse program with top 5 recruiting classes every year. I hate we aren't getting all te too guys let the recruiting sites, but I think we will get good hungry players.

Clemson had the following recruiting class rankings from what I could dig up. And they've turned out some great teams and stud talent.
2013- 13th
2014- 13th
2915- 4th
2916- 14th

 

[TUSKtimes]

Maybe we don't get 6 5-star guys this year, doesn't mean we are necessarily in bad shape the next 2 years. Our staff has had some good luck with 3-star guys in the past. They will get good solid players. If I remember right, Clemson didn't build their recent powerhouse program with top 5 recruiting classes every year. I hate we aren't getting all te too guys let the recruiting sites, but I think we will get good hungry players.

Clemson had the following recruiting class rankings from what I could dig up. And they've turned out some great teams and stud talent.
2013- 13th
2014- 13th
2915- 4th
2916- 14th

Why so pessimistic? We are currently #2 in the SEC on 24/7 at 16 recruits. Our points per recruit are higher than Georgia. I don't think we will be anywhere near Clemson's average ranking the last 4 years.