📝 LSU weekend.

Official visitors
Jaylen Waddle
, Rivals100 wide receiver from Episcopal High School in Houston
Tanner McKee, Rivals100 quarterback from Centennial High School in Corona, California
Nadab Joseph, Rivals100 cornerback from Norland High School in Miami
Brandon Kaho, four-star linebacker from Reno High School in Nevada (BYU commitment)
Saivion Smith, four-star cornerback from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

Alabama commitments
Jordan Davis
, Rivals100 defensive end from Southwind High School in Memphis
Jayln Armour-Davis, four-star cornerback from St. Paul's in Mobile
Cameron Latu, four-star defensive end from Olympus High School in Salt Lake City
Slade Bolden, four-star athlete from West Monroe High School in Louisiana
Quay Walker, four-star linebacker from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia
Stephon Wynn, four-star defensive tackle from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Vernon Jackson, three-star athlete from Boling High School in Texas
Skyler DeLong, three-star punter from Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina
Trey Sanders, 2019 Rivals100 running back from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Pierce Quick, 2019 Rivals100 offensive tackle from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama

Unofficial visitors
Patrick Surtain
, five-star cornerback from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida
Xavier Thomas, five-star defensive end from IMG Academy in Brandenton, Florida (Clemson commitment)
Justyn Ross, five-star wide receiver from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama
Brenton Cox, Rivals100 defensive end from Stockbridge High School in Georgia
Kelvin Joseph, Rivals100 safety from Scotlandville High School in Baton Rouge
Eyabi Anoma, Rivals100 defensive end from St. Francis in Baltimore, Maryland
Brendan Radley-Riles, Rivals100 cornerback from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Jacob Copeland, four-star wide receiver from Escambia High School in Pensacola (Florida commitment)
Coynis Miller, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson-Olin High School in Birmingham (Auburn commitment)
Damone Clark, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge (LSU commitment)
Christian Tutt, four-star cornerback from Thomason High School in Georgia
Matthew Hill, four-star athlete from Brookwood High School in Snellville, Georgia (Auburn commitment)
Andres Fox, three-star defensive end from Mobile Christian in Alabama
Jerome Ford, three-star running back from Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida
Mike Williams, three-star defensive tackle from Dunham High School in Baton Rouge
Kevontae Ruggs, three-star linebacker from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama
Myles Mason, three-star safety from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama (Mississippi State commitment)
Nathan Latu, three-star linebacker from Olympus High School in Salt Lake City (BYU commitment)
Joseph Foucha, three-star safety from McDonough 35 High School in New Orleans
Glen Beal, three-star tight end from John Curtis in River Ridge, Louisiana

Clay Webb, 2019 five-star offensive guard from Oxford High School in Alabama
Christopher Hinton, 2019 five-star defensive end from Greater Atlanta Christian in Norcross, Georgia (Michigan commitment)
Jadon Haselwood, 2019 five-star wide receiver from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia (Georgia commitment)
Kardell Thomas, 2019 Rivals100 offensive guard from Southern Lab High School in New Orleans (LSU commitment)
Derek Stingley, 2019 Rivals100 cornerback from Dunham High School in Baton Rouge (LSU commitment)
King Mwikuta, 2019 Rivals100 linebacker from Troup County High School in LaGrange, Georgia
Owen Pappoe, 2019 Rivals100 linebacker from Grayson High School in Lawrenceville, Georgia
Noah Cain, 2019 Rivals100 running back from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Nolan Smith, 2019 Rivals100 defensive end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida (Georgia commitment)
Travon Walker, 2019 Rivals100 defensive end from Upson Lee High School in Thomaston, Georgia
Nakobe Dean, 2019 Rivals100 linebacker from Horn Lake High School in Mississippi
Akeem Dent, 2019 Rivals100 cornerback from Palm Beach Central High School in Wellington, Florida
Evan Neal, 2019 Rivals100 offensive tackle from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Nathan Pickering, 2019 four-star defensive end from Seminary School in Mississippi
Tyrion Davis, 2019 four-star running back from Southern Lab High School in New Orleans (LSU commitment)
Garrett Shreder, 2019 four-star quarterback from Charlotte Christian in North Carolina
Brandon Turnage, 2019 four-star cornerback from Lafayette High School in Oxford, Mississippi
Joseph Charleston, 2019 four-star safety from Milton High School in Georgia (Clemson commitment)
Rashad Cheney, 2019 four-star defensive end from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Georgia (Georgia commitment)
Tualia Tagovailoa, 2019 four-star quarterback from Thompson High School in Alabaster, Alabama
Maurice Hampton, 2019 four-star athlete from Memphis University School in Tennessee (LSU commitment)
Paul Tyson, 2019 three-star quarterback from Hewitt-Trussville High School in Alabama
Drew Pyne, 2020 quarterback from New Canaan High School in Connecticut
Zachary Evans, 2020 running back from North Shore High School in Houston, Texas
Brady Ward, 2020 offensive tackle from St. Paul's in Mobile, Alabama

So which players in the 2018 class expected in Tuscaloosa this weekend have the green light to commit?


Patrick Surtain
Justyn Ross
Brenton Cox
Jaylen Waddle
Eyabi Anoma
Jacob Copeland
Nadab Joseph
Kelvin Joseph
Brandon Kaho
Saivion Smith
Coynis Miller
Jerome Ford
Andres Fox

Xavier Thomas is just coming along with a big group from IMG. This is likely his only trip to Tuscaloosa.

Mike Williams is a name to watch down the road on the defensive front if Alabama misses on some other targets.

Alabama feels very good about a few players mentioned above including Waddle, Anoma, N. Joseph, Saivion Smith, Copeland, Fox, Ford and Ross.

Some continue to believe Fox does not have a spot in this class. Get that thought out of your head. He is a definite take unless something changes down the road. Alabama is pressing hard for him.

Alabama will see where they stand after this weekend with Surtain, Kelvin Joseph and Brandon Kaho. Alabama hopes to get Tyson Campbell in town, but Surtain is the only one who is currently expected.

Most consider Brenton Cox an extreme long shot to sign with Alabama. The Crimson Tide definitely believe they have a chance. The visit will mark his second trip of the season to Tuscaloosa, and he expects to return again for an official visit.

Keep in mind- These are only the names who confirmed with coaches as of Tuesday. More names will get added. Some names will likely drop off the list at the end of the week. I'll update as soon as possible.

No, I don't know if Emory Jones, Asa Martin, Dominick Anderson, Nick Petit-Frere or Josh Jobe will visit. The above names are the only ones who have at least given strong indication to Alabama they will visit this weekend.

2 Andrew Bone, Tuesday at 11:58 PM
Last edited: Yesterday at 12:06 AM

Recruiting - BONE: Alabama/LSU visitor list | BamaInsider.com
 
Out of curiosity, why would a top player like Surtain take this as an unofficial visitor? Why would he not use this as his opportunity to take an official? I can only think that the coaches would rather have him back after the season so they can put on the full court press and give him 100% of their attention. Am I wrong in assuming that? I haven't heard about him visiting campus yet, so the one time he does I was curious why it was an unofficial visit. I get Xavier Thomas simply coming to support his buddies and to get into a big game for the weekend, but guys that are seriously looking at us as a possible school I am not quite understanding.
 
That is a ton of players :shock:! How does the staff handle them all this weekend? You would think there is only so much attention these kids could receive on a visit like this.

The athletic program has a team specifically to handle their arrivals, accommodations, tours, tickets, and meetings when the Alabama players are prepping for the game. Then they let the players take the recruits out around town, and then the coaches step in after the game and such as well. Yeah, the coaches would not be able to handle all of this along with getting our boys ready to play. Would be impossible.
 
Andrew Bone - BamaInsider.com Recruiting Analyst

1. What does each official visitor bring to the table? There are five this weekend.

Jaylen Waddle, Rivals100 wide receiver from Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas

-Waddle is Alabama's top priority WR target. He is a home-run threat from anywhere on the field. Alabama is considered the favorite. Keep an eye on a possible commitment this weekend.

Tanner McKee, Rivals100 quarterback from Centennial High School in Corona, California

-McKee visited Alabama during the spring. He has a big arm and great mechanics. He won't enroll in the school of his choice until 2020 because he will take a two-year Mormon mission. He has high interest in the Crimson Tide.

Nadab Joseph, Rivals100 cornerback from Norland High School in Miami

-Joseph is expected to announce a decision very soon. A decision may happen prior to his arrival in Tuscaloosa. Alabama has been considered the favorite since the summer. He can play corner, nickel or safety.

Brandon Kaho, four-star linebacker from Reno High School in Nevada (BYU commitment)

-Kaho camped at Alabama in July. He earned an offer from Nick Saban after his performance. Alabama has a lot of interest in the inside backer. He is considered a take. Can Alabama flip another player in the 2018 cycle?

Saivion Smith, four-star safety from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

- The former LSU signee will return to Alabama this weekend. Smith is considered a heavy Alabama lean. He could easily go ahead with an announcement this weekend. Smith is a big defensive back who can play corner or safety. Smith won't enroll at the school of his choice until May.

2. Who are some guys around the nation who are on flip watch for you?

I think Alabama's best bets right now are Jacob Copeland, four-star wide receiver from Escambia High School in Pensacola, and Emory Jones, five-star quarterback from Heard County High School in Franklin, Georgia.

Alabama is recruiting several other players committed elsewhere including Brenton Cox, Rivals100 defensive end from Stockbridge High School in Georgia (Ohio State). Asa Martin, four-star running back from Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama (Auburn) and Brandon Kaho, four-star linebacker from Reno High School in Nevada (BYU).

Alabama is hoping to get some others on campus for official visits.

3. Numbers, numbers, numbers. Is it still tough to gauge how many Alabama will take from the Class of 2018?

It is always a little hairy near the end of the recruiting cycle. Alabama definitely feels good about a few particular players, but many remain in the air. What happens when there is no room and the No. 1 overall target decides to flip? (hypothetically speaking). I think we will see Alabama sign 22-23. That has been the plan.

4. Future commitment dates, what are some dates to keep eyes on?

I don't think any targets have dates scheduled right now. You can expect decisions soon including Nadab Joseph, Saivion Smith, Jacob Copeland and possibly Jaylen Waddle, to name a few.

Emory Jones will likely make a final decision in December. Penei Sewell, Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, will announce anytime between now and December.

FRIDAY FORUM - DON'T MISS | BamaInsider.com
 
for the 2018 Alabama football recruiting class this weekend? I believe so. From all I've gathered the past few days, look for Savion Smith, and possibly Nadab Joseph and/or Brandon Kaho to keep the crimson train rolling! Roll Tide guys! Beat LSU!
 
Does IMG play at Hoover this weekend?
Here you go !
Iron Bowl recruits on display in IMG Academy's win at Hoover

A portion of future Iron Bowls was represented on Friday night in IMG Academy's 32-21 win over Hoover.

IMG reels in some of the nation's top prospects and the Ascenders (7-0), ranked No. 1 nationally by Maxpreps, feature numerous five-star and four-star recruits across three classes.

Hoover (7-3) is again one of Alabama's top teams and has plenty of college prospects in their own right.

Three IMG players are committed to Alabama in defensive end Stephon Wynn, running back Trey Sanders and offensive lineman Deyavie Hammond.

Hoover receivers Shedrick Jackson and George Pickens are committed to Auburn.

Let's take a look at their performances.

IMG ACADEMY

  • Stephon Wynn: The nation's No. 113 prospect had four tackles, two for loss with a sack and a hurry. He really didn't play that much. IMG's defensive line also features five-stars Taron Vincent (Ohio State commit) and Xavier Thomas (Clemson) and rotated guys throughout the night. But we would like to have seen more of Wynn. He had back-to-back tackles for loss in the second quarter and his hurry led to an interception.
  • Trey Sanders (2019): The 5-foot-11, 215-pound junior is the No. 28 overall prospect in his class. He rushed 16 times for 58 yards and scored on runs of 4 and 3 yards. He also caught two passes for 18 yards, though one went for a loss of four. Sanders started, but Noah Cain topped 100 yards off the bench. Sanders hit some home run plays earlier this season, but couldn't find much running room against a Hoover defensive line that performed well against IMG's mammoth offensive line. Of Alabama's running backs, he looks more like Brian Robinson based on watching this game.
  • Deyavie Hammond (2019): The 6-foot-4, 320-pound Hammond started at right guard and played until the backups entered in the fourth. He looks the part and IMG ran several times to the right as he lined up next to 6-foot-8, 400-pound senior Daniel Faalele. Hammond is the nation's No. 48 overall recruit in the 2019 class.

HOOVER

  • Shedrick Jackson: The three-star recruit has been a steady force for the Bucs all season. He was guarded for most of the night by four-star corner Brendan Radley-Hiles. Jackson caught two passes for 48 yards, one a 38-yard deep pass (not against Radley-Hiles) and a 10-yard touchdown on a slant. He drew two pass interference calls. Hoover quarterback Jalen Parker didn't have much time to throw as the pocket collapsed, but Jackson was a bigger factor in the second half.
  • George Pickens (2019): The four-star junior looked like the best player on the field at times, catching seven passes for 87 yards and a 1-yard score on a fade. The 6-foot-5 Pickens is ranked No. 188 in the junior class and that number will rise. He caught four passes on the drive where he scored and all four were legit grabs. He battled inconsistency this year, being held out for disciplinary reasons in at least one game, but Pickens has a very high ceiling. Pickens also ran down an IMG player who was trying to score on a pick 6 but celebrated a bit too early. Just like he was against Spain Park, Pickens was very good tonight.

Of note, Georgia is getting a really good one in 2019 five-star defensive end Nolan Smith. Alabama is also heavily after Smith. We counted him for five tackles for loss.

Auburn commit Asa Martin, who has a chance to win Mr. Football as a senior at Austin, was at the game. He was wearing an IMG Academy jacket as he attended the school as a junior.

Uncommitted state's top prospect Justyn Ross from Central-Phenix City was also in attendance.
 
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