📝 January Recruiting

[TerryP]

Recruiting often comes down to who has the best relationships, and it seems Tennessee has the best relationship with Quay Walker right now.

The Class of 2018 Alabama commit took an official visit to Tuscaloosa, Ala., over the weekend. He’s been shaky in his commitment since the departure of defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to Tennessee and position coach Derrick Ansley to the Oakland Raiders.

Walker told SEC Country’s Chris Kirschner what he told Tennessee commit JJ Petersonduring the visit.

“I actually told JJ that it didn’t feel right at first, but things went well after meeting with the new coaches,” Walker said.

The Alabama weekend got more comfortable for Walker, but there’s no doubt he was closest to Pruitt and Ansley during his recruiting process.

Pruitt is hoping to turn that strong relationship into a Tennessee commitment on National Signing Day (Feb. 7). The Vols are transitioning into a 3-4 defensive scheme next season and the team has a big need at linebacker.

Peterson was a big get for the Vols, and he is now peer-recruiting Walker to join the class. Pruitt and Peterson have good relationships with Walker, which clearly helps the Vols’ cause and has them squarely in the hunt down the home stretch.

Alabama coach Nick Saban won’t let Walker flip to his former protégé that easily, though.

The 6-foot-4, 236-pound prospect spent a lot of 1-on-1 time with Saban. He even drove around with Saban in his luxury car.

The linebacker prospect also spoke with former Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland about the school.

“He told me that Alabama is the school that’ll get me to where I’m trying to go, and he talked to me about his career,” Walker said.

Walker is a 4-star prospect and the No. 3 outside linebacker in the class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He has the ability to come to Rocky Top and compete immediately for meaningful playing time.

The Cordelle, Ga., native will take an official visit to Auburn this upcoming weekend.

What 4-star Quay Walker told Tennessee commit JJ Peterson about his official visit

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Per Andrew Bone:

Be patient my friends. It’s what I have been saying for a long time. Some are destined to believe the class is doomed because it may not rank No. 1. These are the same people who did not believe Alabama would come back and win the national championship.

Nick Saban is getting things in place for an amazing recruiting finish in this cycle. Will Alabama finish No. 1? Probably not. Will Alabama finish with a great recruiting class? Absolutely. Will Alabama meet its needs? Yes.

What’s next? Alabama just completed one of its best recruiting weekends in recent memory. It may not have been staggering numbers like we have seen in the past, but Alabama had key targets on campus. Players UA wants to close with on February 7; players they will close with on NSD2.

Alabama rolled out the red carpet for teammates Patrick Surtain Jr, five-star cornerback, and Tyson Campbell, five-star cornerback, from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida. Both are coached by Patrick Surtain. He was interviewed by Nick Saban last week for a position on the coaching staff. Saban did not hire Surtain, but the relationship has definitely gone to another level.

Several people in Tuscaloosa and south Florida believe Alabama is the team to beat for Surtain Jr. I was told the same thing last week, but wanted to see how things went this weekend. We know how quickly things can change. Alabama is in good position with a few weeks to go before he announces a decision.

The entire family was with him this weekend. Alabama also believes it has made up a lot of ground with Campbell after the weekend. I’m not ready to say Alabama is dead even with UGA (perceived favorite). I do like Alabama’s chances better with Surtain, but I’m not ruling out both joining the Crimson Tide.

Alabama also hosted Julius Irvin, Rivals100 safety from Servite High School in Anaheim, California. Irvin received an offer from Alabama last week. I heard the visit went really well. However, I would not expect him in this class. Alabama has really put itself in strong position with Surtain and Campbell. There is also a few other defensive backs who will visit this weekend.

Isaac Taylor-Stuart, five-star cornerback from Helix High School in San Diego, and Eddie Smith, three-star cornerback from Salmen High School in Slidell, Louisiana, will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. I’m not sure if LSU commitment Kelvin Joseph, Rivals100 safety from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge, will visit.

I think Alabama leads for Surtain. I also believe Alabama gets Tyson Campbell or Isaac Taylor-Stuart. I do not expect both. Alabama is very high on Eddie Smith. I’m hearing Alabama is strongly considering three additional defensive backs. An offer on Sunday evening went to Taiyon Palmer, three-star cornerback from Archer High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Alabama will see where things stand with Eddie Smith after this weekend. Tennessee leads at the moment, but that can change.

Alabama is in great position right now with the remaining DB spots. Let's see how it ends….

Penei Sewell, Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, is expected to announce a decision this week. Yes, he was decked out in Alabama gear at the Polynesian Bowl practice one day, but I never buy into that being the school of choice. I’ve always felt he will stay closer to home. I’ve also heard there are several in his corner who prefer him to go to Alabama. There is not a particular timeframe as far as an announcement.

Numbers are definitely tight. I have heard for a very long time that Alabama will only sign three offensive linemen. Then it came down to will Alabama take Sewell or Nick Petit-Frere, five-star offensive tackle from Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Florida. The prevailing thought is only one will have a spot. I cannot see Alabama turning down Petit-Frere if Sewell decides to commit.

Petit-Frere was in Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. Things went extremely well with him and his mom. The belief is he favors Alabama. I thought things could really turn in Alabama’s favor for Petit-Frere after this past weekend. Michigan and Notre Dame are definitely still in play. He is also taking an official visit to Florida this weekend. So you always have to watch out for the home state school.

The visit could not have gone any better for Justyn Ross, five-star wide receiver from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama. Clemson has been the favorite for the last few months. I believe Alabama is dead even or has pulled ahead for the state’s No. 1 player. This is probably one that will go back-and-forth between now and signing day. Clemson won’t go away. He is also going to take a visit to Auburn. Alabama has very positive vibes after the weekend. Ross is also very comfortable in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama will host Jacob Copeland, four-star wide receiver from Escambia High School in Pensacola, this weekend. Jaylen Waddle, five-star wide receiver from Episcopal High School in Houston, has already taken his official visit to Alabama. Alabama really likes all three of these guys.

I know for the longest time it’s seemed like Waddle and Copeland were the most likely options. I believe Alabama will sign two of these players. We will see how things go with Copeland this weekend. He seems really high on Alabama. I’m leaning (based on everything I’ve heard) on Ross and Waddle being a part of this class. A lot can change between now and February 7, but that’s the general feeling as of now.

Alabama had one of its top targets on campus in Malik Langham, three-star defensive end from Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama. I am sure some will take it for granted. He is an in-state player. He is an Alabama fan. Alabama made a very late move for him when other schools have been on him for a long time. Langham moved way ahead of a lot of other DL targets after his senior season evaluation.

Yes, Alabama wanted to add Tyler Friday who announced to Ohio State. It would not have changed anything with Langham. Langham was a take regardless of what anyone else decided to do. Friday would have been a welcomed addition, but Alabama isn’t really pressing for other DL targets. Langham is the only other one Alabama wants to sign along with Tide commitment Bobby Brown, four-star defensive tackle from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas.

Brown returned to Tuscaloosa with his family on Saturday. I don’t know if he will take another unofficial visit to Texas A&M. It won’t surprise me if he does. However, he informed Alabama that he is 100-percent locked in with his decision. Alabama is extremely excited about its defensive line class with Brown, Barmore, Wynn and the likely addition of Langham.

I know many are concerned about the final outcome at linebacker. Can Alabama hang on to Quay Walker, Rivals100 linebacker from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia and Vernon Jackson, three-star linebacker from Boling High School in Texas. Is JJ Peterson, Rivals100 linebacker from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia considering a flip? Are there any other linebacker targets out there?

Walker had a great weekend in Tuscaloosa. Was it enough for Alabama to feel comfortable moving forward? I’m not sure. I don’t expect Walker to cancel his remaining visits. I think he will still take the trips. He may even flip, but Alabama gave him a lot to consider this weekend.

Vernon Jackson also had a great experience during his return visit. Jackson informed Alabama there is nothing to worry about regarding his commitment. He still wants to enjoy the visits, but he is expected to stick with the Tide. Alabama is very high on him. There is no truth to any of the rumors about Alabama trying to part ways.

Alabama gave JJ Peterson a lot to think about after his trip. He was in Tuscaloosa with his grandparents along with head coach Rush Propst. Alabama expects to visit with Peterson again this week. Peterson is still committed to Tennessee. I’m not sure if things will change. There is a feeling Alabama is in it.

Alabama will probably make a decision regarding any other potential linebacker offers later this week. Alabama feels very good about keeping Vernon Jackson on board. The Tide will meet with Walker and Peterson to get a good feel on where things stands with each. If we see a new offer extended it means Alabama doesn’t feel good or they just don’t know. It doesn’t definitely mean they are out of the mix. They are just going to have a back-up plan.

Alabama extended an offer last week to Brock Purdy, three-star quarterback from Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona. Purdy had a remarkable senior campaign and capped it off by winning the Arizona Gatorade Player of the Year. Purdy will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. It seems like Alabama is definitely in the driver’s seat to land his signature. He is a definite take and the QB Alabama has its eyes on right now. He is the only QB who can commit at this time, Purdy has started to attract more attention since his offer from Alabama.

James Foster, three-star quarterback from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, took an official visit to Alabama this past weekend. Alabama likes Foster. I’m told they are not shutting the door on him. You never know if things change with Purdy. Alabama wants a quarterback in this class.

Recruiting - BONE: Insider Report | BamaInsider.com

 

[colbyjacks]

Dang, someone is getting called out by Quay Walker! Looks like the tweet is gone. What did it say?

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Per Andrew Bone:
Final Rivals100

Eyabi Anoma is the No.7 player in the country.

Quay Walker is now the No.38 player in the country.

Jordan Davis dropped, but is still in the Rivals100 (No.86)

Nick Petit-Frère, Tyson Campbell and Jaylen Waddle are now five-stars.

More Alabama targets in the final Rivals100

8. Patrick Surtain
15. Justyn Ross
32. Isaac Taylor-Stuart
55. Kelvin Joseph
60. Penei Sewell
71. JJ Peterson
78. Tanner McKee
95. Julius Irvin

 

[bama alum]

Mmm-hmmm...

 

[TUSKtimes]

Really looks like the Pruitt move has our LB recruits is a state of flux. I will be glad to get this recruiting cycle behind us.

 

[BamaFan334]

Recruiting often comes down to who has the best relationships, and it seems Tennessee has the best relationship with Quay Walker right now.

The Class of 2018 Alabama commit took an official visit to Tuscaloosa, Ala., over the weekend. He’s been shaky in his commitment since the departure of defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt to Tennessee and position coach Derrick Ansley to the Oakland Raiders.

Walker told SEC Country’s Chris Kirschner what he told Tennessee commit JJ Petersonduring the visit.

“I actually told JJ that it didn’t feel right at first, but things went well after meeting with the new coaches,” Walker said.

The Alabama weekend got more comfortable for Walker, but there’s no doubt he was closest to Pruitt and Ansley during his recruiting process.

Pruitt is hoping to turn that strong relationship into a Tennessee commitment on National Signing Day (Feb. 7). The Vols are transitioning into a 3-4 defensive scheme next season and the team has a big need at linebacker.

Peterson was a big get for the Vols, and he is now peer-recruiting Walker to join the class. Pruitt and Peterson have good relationships with Walker, which clearly helps the Vols’ cause and has them squarely in the hunt down the home stretch.

Alabama coach Nick Saban won’t let Walker flip to his former protégé that easily, though.

The 6-foot-4, 236-pound prospect spent a lot of 1-on-1 time with Saban. He even drove around with Saban in his luxury car.

The linebacker prospect also spoke with former Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland about the school.

“He told me that Alabama is the school that’ll get me to where I’m trying to go, and he talked to me about his career,” Walker said.

Walker is a 4-star prospect and the No. 3 outside linebacker in the class, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings. He has the ability to come to Rocky Top and compete immediately for meaningful playing time.

The Cordelle, Ga., native will take an official visit to Auburn this upcoming weekend.

What 4-star Quay Walker told Tennessee commit JJ Peterson about his official visit

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Able to shed any light on that Tweet from Quay Walker? I cannot see the one at the beginning of the post and wasn't sure if I was missing something.

 

[EasyTider]

Able to shed any light on that Tweet from Quay Walker? I cannot see the one at the beginning of the post and wasn't sure if I was missing something.

Someone tweeted what was close to what is mentioned above regarding Walker's visit. The tweet said Walker supposedly texted JJ Peterson saying 'just didn't feel right' regarding his visit. Walker denied the text stating he was actually with JJ so why would he be texting that. Regardless of who said what, I stand by my sources who say Walker down to GA/UT. I too am perplexed with the struggles recruiting LBs in this class. Early PT must be important to those we targeted.

 

[Tidestalker]

Able to shed any light on that Tweet from Quay Walker? I cannot see the one at the beginning of the post and wasn't sure if I was missing something.

I kinda followed the twitter links... Carvell eventually "edited" his story and title and apologized. Pretty funny stuff

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Could this DB be the next JUCO player to shine at Alabama?
Tony Tsoukalas • BamaInsider.com@Tony_Tsoukalas

Savion Smith will look to provide experience to a young Alabama secondary this season. Photo | Kerry Bass/Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — It wasn’t quite the same caliber as Terrence Cody’s block against Tennessee, but it brought back memories all the same.

Former Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College head coach Chad Huff’s first impression of defensive back Saivion Smith didn’t come on defense. Instead, the nation’s No. 1 rated JUCO player first caught his coach’s eye on special teams doing the thing he does best: coming up when his team needed him most.

Trailing early to Itawamba Community College in last season’s opener, MGCCC was on the verge of falling behind 10-0 in the first quarter as its opponents lined up for a chip-shot field goal from 19 yards out. Field goals attempts from such distance are generally written off as an automatic three points. However, Smith had different plans.

Instead of conceding the points, the agile defender burst off the edge getting his hand on the kick to deny the score. The play ultimately swung momentum in MGCCC’s favor and ended up proving to be the difference in the Bulldogs’ 42-41 win.

"You don’t think about that at the time, but at the end of the game, him blocking that field goal was big for us," Huff said. "I look back and it was kind of like Terrence Cody blocking two field goals against Tennessee. To us, it was just as big.”

Huff knows a thing or two about Cody. He served as an offensive coordinator while the defensive tackle played for MGCCC from 2006-07, long before he became an Alabama legend. Serving as the Bulldogs head coach the past four years, Huff also coached current Alabama defensive end Isaiah Buggs, who contributed instantly last season with 51 tackles, including four for a loss with seven quarterback hurries.

This season, Huff believes he’s sent another top defender Alabama’s way as Smith looks to become the latest MGCCC success story to join the Crimson Tide.

“I think he’s got a chance to step in right away,” Huff said. “You look at Isaiah Buggs, I coached Isaiah a couple years and I thought he would contribute right away and he did. I think Savion has the same skill set and potential in the secondary as Isaiah had on the defensive line.”

Rated as the No. 80 overall recruit in the 2016 class, Smith committed to LSU where he spent his freshman season as a reserve in the Tigers' secondary. After spending last spring working with LSU’s second team, he decided to transfer to MGCCC.

The move humbled Smith. During his first few weeks on campus, he barely left his dorm, quietly keeping to himself outside of football. It was then that MGCCC defensive backs coach Steven Moore challenged him to step up as a team leader. While he recognized that Smith wasn’t satisfied playing JUCO ball, Moore reminded the star cornerback of former JUCO players such as Cam Newton who had traveled the same path.

Moore’s challenge to Smith was simple: “Get out of this dorm and show people who you are.”

The defensive back did just that, tallying 31 tackles, six pass breakups and two interceptions, one of which he returned 41 yards for a touchdown. He also recorded 716 yards on 26 kickoff returns, an average of 27.1 yards per return. More importantly, Smith learned to enjoy his time in JUCO and soon took charge of the Bulldogs’ secondary both on and off the field.

“This kid grew up and humbled himself,” Moore said. “He helped the other kids, and the other kids looked up to him. He was a leader, and I think he’s going to be a leader at Alabama.”

Alabama is hoping the junior will have the same impact this season as he joins a young secondary looking to replace five starters. Smith joined Alabama in December and helped the Crimson Tide prepare for its run in the College Football Playoff. That, along with his experience in the SEC, should go a long way toward helping compete for instant playing time next season.

“I think anytime you get a guy that’s played in major college football games before, probably knows a little more about what it takes, probably has a little more maturity," Alabama head coach Nick Saban said on Early Signing Day. “I think that’s always probably a positive for a guy in terms of his readiness to come in and play. We’re excited he’s here and excited to have the opportunity to work with him even in this time, which is a little more difficult now that we’re working on an opponent, but he’s still out there getting reps and we’re still trying to coach him and teach him what he needs to know to make a contribution.”

While Smith played cornerback at MGCCC, he possesses the size and ability to play at almost any position across Alabama’s secondary next season. Moore, who will serve as a defensive analyst at Alabama next season, described the 6-foot-1, 183-pound defensive back as a “faster, stronger” version of Alabama cornerback Levi Wallace but said he wouldn’t be surprised if Smith moved to safety given his leadership qualities and ability to read a defense.

Wherever he ends up, his former coaches expect big things to follow.

“He’s just got such a long frame. He’s athletic, he can run, has tremendous upside,” Huff said. “His ball skills are really good, but he knows the game well. He’s a fast learner, and he picks up the scheme really quick. He studies the game, and he loves to gain an edge on his opponent. He loves to play the game.”

BamaInsider.com - Could this DB be the next JUCO player to shine at Alabama?

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Per Andrew Bone:
Coaches hitting the road:

Nick Saban and Jeff Banks spent time in the Houston area on Monday.

A lot of underclassmen stops...

Kenyon Green, 2019 Rivals100 offensive tackle from Atascocita High School in Humble
Tyler Johnson, 2019 Rivals100 offensive tackle from Oak Ridge High School in Conroe
Javonne Shepherd, 2019 three-star offensive tackle from North Forest High School
Marcus Banks, 2019 three-star cornerback from Dekaney High School in Soring
Demond Demas, 2020 wide receiver from North Forest High School

All five of these players have offers from Alabama.

Alabama OL coach Brent Key visited Darnell Wright, 2019 five-star offensive tackle from Huntington, West Virginia, on Monday

Justin Ross, five-star wide receiver from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, will have an in-home visit on Thursday with Nick Saban, Mike Locksley and Josh Gattis.

Nick Saban and Burton Burns will have in-home visits on Tuesday with the prospects listed below.

Eddie Smith, three-star cornerback from Salmen High School in Slidell

Kelvin Joseph, Rivals100 safety from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge (LSU commitment)

Glenn Beal, three-star tight end from John Curtis Christian in River Ridge

Saban and Burns will also stop by Dunham High School in Baton Rouge, to see Derek Stingley, 2019 five-star cornerback.

Alabama OC Mike Locksley and new WRs coach Josh Gattis will visit Jaylen Waddle, five-star wide receiver from Episcopal High School in Houston, on Tuesday.

New Alabama DB coach Karl Scott visited Julius Irvin on Monday night.

These are the Tide's options.

These are the numbers.

Maybe LB changes to 1 in the end if Walker goes elsewhere and Peterson sticks.

Maybe Alabama decides to go with only 2 DBs instead of 3. There is a lot of debate going on right now.....

This is about as accurate as it gets.

QB (1)
Brock Purdy or James Foster

WR (2)
Justyn Ross, Jaylen Waddle, Jacob Copeland

OL (1)
Nick Petit-Frère
Penei Sewell

DL (2)
Bobby Brown
Malik Langham

LB (2)
Quay Walker
Vernon Jackson
JJ Peterson

DB (2-3)
Patrick Surtain Jr.
Tyson Campbell
Eddie Smith
Isaac Taylor-Stuart
Julius Irvin
Kelvin Joseph


So who do you go with?

Recruiting - BONE: Saban returning to Louisiana... | BamaInsider.com

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Per Andrew Bone:

If y'all happen to want my take....

QB
Brock Purdy (we'll see what happens here in regards to the offer after the visit)

WR
Justyn Ross
Jaylen Waddle

OL
Nick Petit-Frère

DL
Bobby Brown
Malik Langham

LB
Vernon Jackson
(Quay Walker is just too up in the air for me right now. I expect JJ Peterson to stick with Tennessee)

DB
Patrick Surtain Jr.
Eddie Smith
1 more.... Just don't know who it will be yet. I do expect Kelvin Jospeh to stick with LSU.
So...Campbell, ITS or Julius Irvin. Probably know a little more after the weekend.

Just how I feel right now.

Recruiting - BONE: The options.... | BamaInsider.com

 

[BamaMD]

Per Andrew Bone:

If y'all happen to want my take....

QB
Brock Purdy (we'll see what happens here in regards to the offer after the visit)

WR
Justyn Ross
Jaylen Waddle

OL
Nick Petit-Frère

DL
Bobby Brown
Malik Langham

LB
Vernon Jackson
(Quay Walker is just too up in the air for me right now. I expect JJ Peterson to stick with Tennessee)

DB
Patrick Surtain Jr.
Eddie Smith
1 more.... Just don't know who it will be yet. I do expect Kelvin Jospeh to stick with LSU.
So...Campbell, ITS or Julius Irvin. Probably know a little more after the weekend.

Just how I feel right now.

Recruiting - BONE: The options.... | BamaInsider.com

BAMA would finish with 4 of the top 15 and 5 of the top 31 per Rivals. NICE!!!!

 

[colbyjacks]

There are 8 spots, so why does he have 10 players predicted?

 

[BamaMD]

There are 8 spots, so why does he have 10 players predicted?

Brown and Jackson are already committed to BAMA. 8 remaining spots after subtracting those 2 guys.

 

[colbyjacks]

Brown and Jackson are already committed to BAMA. 8 remaining spots after subtracting those 2 guys.

Committed but not signed, so I don’t think that is correct. We have 14 signed + the 3 backcounters. That leaves us 8 to get to the 25 max.
Saban has said the number is 22. Subtract the 14 that signed and that leaves us 8.

 

[Bamabww]

Saban has said the number is 22. Subtract the 14 that signed and that leaves us 8.

Imo, there’s gonna be a blue shirt or gray shirt offer made to a couple of the guys, depending on who signs on NSD.

 

[Destiny's Child]

Imo, there’s gonna be a blue shirt or gray shirt offer made to a couple of the guys, depending on who signs on NSD.

I agree. I see a few grey shirts too because I expect some transfers after the spring game. I would look for a running back, a defensive back and possible an outside line backer to move on to different schools. Just lack of playing time and seeing the writing on the wall being the reasoning. Saban and company generally have a good idea about these guys and plans accordingly. I never worry about the numbers because he always works it to perfection.

 

[94 Grad]

I agree. I see a few grey shirts too because I expect some transfers after the spring game. I would look for a running back, a defensive back and possible an outside line backer to move on to different schools. Just lack of playing time and seeing the writing on the wall being the reasoning. Saban and company generally have a good idea about these guys and plans accordingly. I never worry about the numbers because he always works it to perfection.

Didn't we already lose a LB... the kid that was fighting on the sideline during the NC game? Are you accounting for him yet ?

 

[TerryP]

There are 8 spots, so why does he have 10 players predicted?

So he can miss on two and claim to be right on the other eight? ¯\(ツ)/¯

Just thinking back to the early part of the summer and the hand-wringing we saw from those who were worried about how this class would end up...and here we're sitting a couple of weeks from signing day and if you look at the possibilities Bama could end up with seven players ranked 5 stars.