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Recruiting - BONE: 10 recruiting thoughts.. | BamaInsider.com
1. Alabama, in previous years, has not hit the recruiting trail during SEC Championship game week (when they are in the game of course). Alabama would much rather play in the game instead of going on the road, but it has still put the Crimson Tide a little bit behind as Nick Saban has mentioned several times in the past. Coach Saban decided to get out in front of it this year, and coaches hit the road after practice last week. I know Tosh Lupoi and Mike Locksley went to see the IMG trio (Trey Sanders, Evan Neal and Nolan Smith), Pete Golding went to Mississippi to see Nakobe Dean, Brent Key spent some time with Clay Webb and Alabama commitment Amari Kight. Joe Pannunzio went to south Florida to see Khris Bogle, Jordan Battle and Tide commitment Braylen Ingraham. Craig Kuligowski took a trip to Mississippi to see Alabama commitment Byron Young.
We are going to see a whole lot of visits the next few weeks. A lot of them are in-home. Some are just at the school. It was a big first day on the recruiting trail on Monday as several top recruits were seen by Tide coaches. I am going to update daily on the board as much as possible. Some we aren't going to know about, but hopefully the majority of visits will come to light throughout the day. Nick Saban saw Clay Webb on Monday morning followed by a trip to Mississippi to see Brandon Turnage and was expected back in Birmingham during the afternoon to send time with DJ Dale.
Alabama DB target Marcus Banks will have an in-home visit this evening (around 6:30) with Jeff Banks and Karl Scott.
2. I try to tell some of the more vocal recruiting junkies/believers who say Alabama will get everyone to let things play out each year. Never a good idea to post how players are guaranteed to end up in the class when coaches or even the recruits themselves know their destination. I’ve seen it so strongly on guys like Clay Webb, Ishmael Sopsher and Nakobe Dean this year.
There’s a big reason why we don’t say a player is a guaranteed lock during the middle of the season. A big part of it is because of coaching turnover. Now there are some instances where it doesn’t really matter. Some recruits are going to a particular school regardless of an assistant coach/position coach/recruiting coach. Some are going simply because of that reason. Remember a few years ago- Alabama fought hard to flip JaCoby Stevens from LSU. Stevens basically said if Corey Raymond (LSU DBs coach) left he would go to Alabama.
These are things we try to consider when making predictions. I try hard not to make pre-mature predictions on players. Yes, I’ll state where I think things stand (as of today), but nothing is a guarantee in the recruiting world. You just never know what may happen. Alabama had a lot of turnover this past year. A lot of fresh faces on the coaching roster. How much will it change this year? How much will it effect recruits? We really won’t know until it happens. Alabama will likely lose its OC (Mike Locksley) to Maryland. Will Golding possibly leave? Any others? I remember last year some were saying how dumb it was to spend so much time recruiting JJ Peterson when he was a stone, cold lock. Yep, that worked out. There is no sense in trying to create a false narrative. Players are not 100-percent locks. Even the ones who commit to Alabama (2x)- Dominick Anderson..
Just let it play out. Some are very good at providing great info. I always appreciate it. I also like to fact check. I can confirm or deny things pretty quickly. Info is welcomed every day on this board. I just think sometimes we get a little too far ahead of ourselves.
3. There has been some heavy speculation regarding Nolan Smith and a possible flip from Georgia since Mel Tucker accepted the head coaching job at Colorado. I'm not jumping on the train. I still expect he will sign with the Bulldogs on the 19th. He is taking an official visit to Georgia next weekend. Alabama will still have a few more visits with Smith before his final decision is reached. Like it or not Georgia's program is definitely a power. They are not on the decline. I don't expect him to flip.
So what if Nolan Smith sticks with UGA as expected? Alabama still wants to add an elite edge rusher. We've talked a lot recently about Khris Bogle favoring the Crimson Tide after his official visit. There is also some recent speculation that Kayvon Thibodeaux is favoring Alabama once again. Many have considered Oregon the favorite for Thibodeaux since his official visit to Oregon. I keep saying don't count out Tosh Lupoi here. Oregon DC Jim Leavitt could also be on the move. It may have a bigger impact on him than say Tucker's departure impact on Nolan Smith.
4. Desperate times calls for desperate measures, right? I'm absolutely stunned though by Miami's offer to Evan Neal's older brother who hasn't put on football pads in three years. Just a family member on an official visit and Miami is like "hey, come join our team too." We've seen this song and dance plenty of times in the past, but usually the sibling, relative or close friend is also actively playing the sport. Alabama has felt very good about its position with Neal. I know we've discussed Miami as the biggest threat because of his family. This kind of takes it to a different level. I don't know what kind of level it is though. Panic? Weird? Desperation? It seems to me that Miami sees Neal as a heavy lean to Alabama, and they are going to do whatever it takes to get him. I honestly do not know if this gimmick will work.
Alabama commitment Justin Eboigbe is taking an official visit to Miami this weekend. Interesting to see what all Mark Richt has in store.
5. I believe many have seen the Rivals100 Top 10 update which means the Rivals100 will release on Tuesday. Will Alabama have any big movers? How about Trey Sanders move from No. 6 to No. 2 overall in the Rivals100? Derek Stingley is a stud, but still kind of surprised he is No. 1 overall. Nolan Smith moved up to No. 5 overall. Darnell Wright is No. 6 and Kayvon Thibodeaux is No. 10.
I think we will see some big movers on Tuesday. I can't imagine Evan Neal not in the top 20. He may move up into the top 10 after the All-American game. I think most only want to know if Antonio Alfano will make the move to five-stars? Big debate here and it was a national story on Monday. I think he gets his fifth star.
Will any other Alabama targets or commitments move up in the Rivals100? Nakobe Dean has been a borderline five-star throughout his entire recruitment. Has the time finally come for him to move to five-stars? There are several Alabama commitments who had fantastic senior seasons- Taulia Tagovailoa, Brandon Turnage, DeMarrco Hellams are some of the notable guys outside of the Rivals100 who deserve some attention. I think at least one of these players makes a move into the updated Rivals100.
6. I have to admit I really don't know how it will end up at the DB position. There are four players. Two spots. Any of the four players can call Alabama right now and commit. All four have a pretty good idea on where Alabama stands- you can commit now or wait, and the spot is possibly not available.
Jeffery Carter- The Texas A&M commitment 'supposed' to be in Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. I believe the Aggies are really pushing him not to take the trip, but it's more than likely going to happen. I heard Alabama wanted to go in-home with him on Thursday, but his family said no need if they are coming this weekend. Just what I've heard. Alabama is the only other school he is considering.
Jordan Battle- The Ohio State commitment has some reservations regarding Urban Meyer and how long he will remain in Columbus. Alabama has been trying to flip him for a while. This flip seems more likely than Carter especially given the fact there are reports out there about Meyer stepping down after next season.
Marcus Banks- It definitely looks like an Alabama-Texas A&M battle. He will announce a decision on January 5. Yes, A&M will take Battle if they hang on to Carter. Still interesting to see what happens if Carter sticks. A&M will get one of the two. I don't see them losing both. It willl not surprise me if they get both though.
Noa Pola-Gates- For some reason people don't believe he is a take for Bama. The only way he isn't a take if Bama is full by the time he announces a decision. Pola-Gates will receive a visit from Alabama on Tuesday. I heard he was pressed a little during his official visit to go ahead and make a decision because of the tight numbers. I believe if he really wants to get on board he will decide within the next few weeks instead of waiting until his scheduled commitment date of January 19.
7. Nathan Pickering, four-star defensive end from Seminary High School in Mississippi, is scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing. Pickering won't announce a final decision until February. So this is likely his final time to visit Tuscaloosa. It's still possible he will return for an unofficial visit sometime in January. Alabama remains high on Pickering. The Crimson Tide really wants to close strong on the defensive line. That includes adding a few commitments and hanging on to the current ones. Ty Robinson, four-star defensive end from Higly High School in Gilbert, Arizona, will have an in-home with Alabama on Tuesday. My gut tells me Nebraska, but you never know. Alabama will really try to sell him on available playing time before he announces his decision on December 19.
8. I mentioned Nick Saban and Brent Key had a sit down with Clay Webb earlier today. Kirby Smart is scheduled to have his in-home visit with Webb this evening. Webb remains a top target for Alabama. There is still so much speculation on each side of his recruitment it's hard to know what to believe. Alabama, Clemson and Georgia all feel good about their current position with him. He won't take official visits before announcing his decision on December 10. Will his relationship with Brent Key win out in the end? I imagine guys like Pierce Quick and Paul Tyson are still heavily recruiting him to join them in Tuscaloosa. There hasn't been any leaks regarding how the in-homes with Webb have been going the last week. Georgia seems to be the most confident on him at this time, but is it just a feeling? I think Webb gives all the schools the same vibe including Alabama.
9. I still really like Alabama's chances this month with Trey Sanders. The No. 2 overall player in the country will announce his decision on December 19. I know he created some buzz last week after his official visit to Florida State. Don't get too caught up in social media posts the next few weeks. Some of you may have panic attacks! FSU actually lost its OC Walt Bell today to UMass. Alabama is in good shape here, but just to be careful the Crimson Tide is expected to bring in DJ Williams, three-star running back from Sebring High School in Florida, for an official visit this weekend. Williams had one of hell of senior season and has attracted a lot of major attention.
10. A few more quick hitters....
Nakobe Dean- I still really like Alabama's chances with Dean. I'm not ready to make a final prediction on him just yet. I think it's close. I definitely believe Georgia is a major contender. Some believe Ole Miss is creeping into the mix. He will take an official visit to LSU this weekend. I just believe it will come down to Alabama and Georgia. Will see if things change.
Keon Zipperer- Still hearing very good things in favor of the Crimson Tide. Long way to go though with official visits to Florida and Miami the next two weekends. He visited LSU this past weekend, but the Tigers are not really considered a major threat.
Taulia Tagovailoa- The Alabama commitment will play in the state championship on Wednesday against Central-Phenix City at Auburn University. There are a lot of schools pushing hard to get him to visit in the next two weeks. I thought a little bit of concern if his season ended a few weeks ago with visits and programs telling him to create his own path yada, yada, yada.., but Alabama has done a very good job of continuing to recruit him despite his commitment and time is just pretty much out.
Byron Young- The four-star defensive lineman and Alabama commitment will return to Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. LSU is pushing hard to get him on campus next weekend. Alabama hopes to get Young to shut things down after this weekend and sign on December 19. Young, as of today, does not know if he will sign this month or in February.
-I did not hit on every Alabama recruiting target. Just some of the latest news especially on players who are deciding this month.Please ask if you have a specific question regarding other Alabama targets such as Sopsher, To'oto'o, Sorrells or whoever.
1 Andrew Bone, Today at 5:20 PMWe are going to see a whole lot of visits the next few weeks. A lot of them are in-home. Some are just at the school. It was a big first day on the recruiting trail on Monday as several top recruits were seen by Tide coaches. I am going to update daily on the board as much as possible. Some we aren't going to know about, but hopefully the majority of visits will come to light throughout the day. Nick Saban saw Clay Webb on Monday morning followed by a trip to Mississippi to see Brandon Turnage and was expected back in Birmingham during the afternoon to send time with DJ Dale.
Alabama DB target Marcus Banks will have an in-home visit this evening (around 6:30) with Jeff Banks and Karl Scott.
2. I try to tell some of the more vocal recruiting junkies/believers who say Alabama will get everyone to let things play out each year. Never a good idea to post how players are guaranteed to end up in the class when coaches or even the recruits themselves know their destination. I’ve seen it so strongly on guys like Clay Webb, Ishmael Sopsher and Nakobe Dean this year.
There’s a big reason why we don’t say a player is a guaranteed lock during the middle of the season. A big part of it is because of coaching turnover. Now there are some instances where it doesn’t really matter. Some recruits are going to a particular school regardless of an assistant coach/position coach/recruiting coach. Some are going simply because of that reason. Remember a few years ago- Alabama fought hard to flip JaCoby Stevens from LSU. Stevens basically said if Corey Raymond (LSU DBs coach) left he would go to Alabama.
These are things we try to consider when making predictions. I try hard not to make pre-mature predictions on players. Yes, I’ll state where I think things stand (as of today), but nothing is a guarantee in the recruiting world. You just never know what may happen. Alabama had a lot of turnover this past year. A lot of fresh faces on the coaching roster. How much will it change this year? How much will it effect recruits? We really won’t know until it happens. Alabama will likely lose its OC (Mike Locksley) to Maryland. Will Golding possibly leave? Any others? I remember last year some were saying how dumb it was to spend so much time recruiting JJ Peterson when he was a stone, cold lock. Yep, that worked out. There is no sense in trying to create a false narrative. Players are not 100-percent locks. Even the ones who commit to Alabama (2x)- Dominick Anderson..
Just let it play out. Some are very good at providing great info. I always appreciate it. I also like to fact check. I can confirm or deny things pretty quickly. Info is welcomed every day on this board. I just think sometimes we get a little too far ahead of ourselves.
3. There has been some heavy speculation regarding Nolan Smith and a possible flip from Georgia since Mel Tucker accepted the head coaching job at Colorado. I'm not jumping on the train. I still expect he will sign with the Bulldogs on the 19th. He is taking an official visit to Georgia next weekend. Alabama will still have a few more visits with Smith before his final decision is reached. Like it or not Georgia's program is definitely a power. They are not on the decline. I don't expect him to flip.
So what if Nolan Smith sticks with UGA as expected? Alabama still wants to add an elite edge rusher. We've talked a lot recently about Khris Bogle favoring the Crimson Tide after his official visit. There is also some recent speculation that Kayvon Thibodeaux is favoring Alabama once again. Many have considered Oregon the favorite for Thibodeaux since his official visit to Oregon. I keep saying don't count out Tosh Lupoi here. Oregon DC Jim Leavitt could also be on the move. It may have a bigger impact on him than say Tucker's departure impact on Nolan Smith.
4. Desperate times calls for desperate measures, right? I'm absolutely stunned though by Miami's offer to Evan Neal's older brother who hasn't put on football pads in three years. Just a family member on an official visit and Miami is like "hey, come join our team too." We've seen this song and dance plenty of times in the past, but usually the sibling, relative or close friend is also actively playing the sport. Alabama has felt very good about its position with Neal. I know we've discussed Miami as the biggest threat because of his family. This kind of takes it to a different level. I don't know what kind of level it is though. Panic? Weird? Desperation? It seems to me that Miami sees Neal as a heavy lean to Alabama, and they are going to do whatever it takes to get him. I honestly do not know if this gimmick will work.
Alabama commitment Justin Eboigbe is taking an official visit to Miami this weekend. Interesting to see what all Mark Richt has in store.
5. I believe many have seen the Rivals100 Top 10 update which means the Rivals100 will release on Tuesday. Will Alabama have any big movers? How about Trey Sanders move from No. 6 to No. 2 overall in the Rivals100? Derek Stingley is a stud, but still kind of surprised he is No. 1 overall. Nolan Smith moved up to No. 5 overall. Darnell Wright is No. 6 and Kayvon Thibodeaux is No. 10.
I think we will see some big movers on Tuesday. I can't imagine Evan Neal not in the top 20. He may move up into the top 10 after the All-American game. I think most only want to know if Antonio Alfano will make the move to five-stars? Big debate here and it was a national story on Monday. I think he gets his fifth star.
Will any other Alabama targets or commitments move up in the Rivals100? Nakobe Dean has been a borderline five-star throughout his entire recruitment. Has the time finally come for him to move to five-stars? There are several Alabama commitments who had fantastic senior seasons- Taulia Tagovailoa, Brandon Turnage, DeMarrco Hellams are some of the notable guys outside of the Rivals100 who deserve some attention. I think at least one of these players makes a move into the updated Rivals100.
6. I have to admit I really don't know how it will end up at the DB position. There are four players. Two spots. Any of the four players can call Alabama right now and commit. All four have a pretty good idea on where Alabama stands- you can commit now or wait, and the spot is possibly not available.
Jeffery Carter- The Texas A&M commitment 'supposed' to be in Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. I believe the Aggies are really pushing him not to take the trip, but it's more than likely going to happen. I heard Alabama wanted to go in-home with him on Thursday, but his family said no need if they are coming this weekend. Just what I've heard. Alabama is the only other school he is considering.
Jordan Battle- The Ohio State commitment has some reservations regarding Urban Meyer and how long he will remain in Columbus. Alabama has been trying to flip him for a while. This flip seems more likely than Carter especially given the fact there are reports out there about Meyer stepping down after next season.
Marcus Banks- It definitely looks like an Alabama-Texas A&M battle. He will announce a decision on January 5. Yes, A&M will take Battle if they hang on to Carter. Still interesting to see what happens if Carter sticks. A&M will get one of the two. I don't see them losing both. It willl not surprise me if they get both though.
Noa Pola-Gates- For some reason people don't believe he is a take for Bama. The only way he isn't a take if Bama is full by the time he announces a decision. Pola-Gates will receive a visit from Alabama on Tuesday. I heard he was pressed a little during his official visit to go ahead and make a decision because of the tight numbers. I believe if he really wants to get on board he will decide within the next few weeks instead of waiting until his scheduled commitment date of January 19.
7. Nathan Pickering, four-star defensive end from Seminary High School in Mississippi, is scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Not sure if it’s a good or a bad thing. Pickering won't announce a final decision until February. So this is likely his final time to visit Tuscaloosa. It's still possible he will return for an unofficial visit sometime in January. Alabama remains high on Pickering. The Crimson Tide really wants to close strong on the defensive line. That includes adding a few commitments and hanging on to the current ones. Ty Robinson, four-star defensive end from Higly High School in Gilbert, Arizona, will have an in-home with Alabama on Tuesday. My gut tells me Nebraska, but you never know. Alabama will really try to sell him on available playing time before he announces his decision on December 19.
8. I mentioned Nick Saban and Brent Key had a sit down with Clay Webb earlier today. Kirby Smart is scheduled to have his in-home visit with Webb this evening. Webb remains a top target for Alabama. There is still so much speculation on each side of his recruitment it's hard to know what to believe. Alabama, Clemson and Georgia all feel good about their current position with him. He won't take official visits before announcing his decision on December 10. Will his relationship with Brent Key win out in the end? I imagine guys like Pierce Quick and Paul Tyson are still heavily recruiting him to join them in Tuscaloosa. There hasn't been any leaks regarding how the in-homes with Webb have been going the last week. Georgia seems to be the most confident on him at this time, but is it just a feeling? I think Webb gives all the schools the same vibe including Alabama.
9. I still really like Alabama's chances this month with Trey Sanders. The No. 2 overall player in the country will announce his decision on December 19. I know he created some buzz last week after his official visit to Florida State. Don't get too caught up in social media posts the next few weeks. Some of you may have panic attacks! FSU actually lost its OC Walt Bell today to UMass. Alabama is in good shape here, but just to be careful the Crimson Tide is expected to bring in DJ Williams, three-star running back from Sebring High School in Florida, for an official visit this weekend. Williams had one of hell of senior season and has attracted a lot of major attention.
10. A few more quick hitters....
Nakobe Dean- I still really like Alabama's chances with Dean. I'm not ready to make a final prediction on him just yet. I think it's close. I definitely believe Georgia is a major contender. Some believe Ole Miss is creeping into the mix. He will take an official visit to LSU this weekend. I just believe it will come down to Alabama and Georgia. Will see if things change.
Keon Zipperer- Still hearing very good things in favor of the Crimson Tide. Long way to go though with official visits to Florida and Miami the next two weekends. He visited LSU this past weekend, but the Tigers are not really considered a major threat.
Taulia Tagovailoa- The Alabama commitment will play in the state championship on Wednesday against Central-Phenix City at Auburn University. There are a lot of schools pushing hard to get him to visit in the next two weeks. I thought a little bit of concern if his season ended a few weeks ago with visits and programs telling him to create his own path yada, yada, yada.., but Alabama has done a very good job of continuing to recruit him despite his commitment and time is just pretty much out.
Byron Young- The four-star defensive lineman and Alabama commitment will return to Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. LSU is pushing hard to get him on campus next weekend. Alabama hopes to get Young to shut things down after this weekend and sign on December 19. Young, as of today, does not know if he will sign this month or in February.
-I did not hit on every Alabama recruiting target. Just some of the latest news especially on players who are deciding this month.Please ask if you have a specific question regarding other Alabama targets such as Sopsher, To'oto'o, Sorrells or whoever.
