📝 Mid October Updates

[Alabama17Tide]

1. It was a successful weekend in Tuscaloosa with several elite recruits in attendance. Things went very well with Tyreke Smith, RIvals100 defensive end from Cleveland Heights High School in Ohio. We hope to have an interview with Smith posted later today. Smith has been considered a Ohio State-USC battle.

Alabama appears to have given him a lot to consider. It's hard to say whether Alabama has a good chance with him. It's just a matter of waiting and seeing his remarks about the trip, and speaking to sources close to him. Alabama believes the visit went great.

Brenton Cox, Rivals100 defensive end from Stockbridge High School in Georgia, had a great visit to Alabama on Saturday. The good news for Alabama is he also plans to return for an official visit. Alabama has been very high on this elite pass rusher for a long time. The key was to get the Ohio State commitment on campus. He finally made it to Tuscaloosa, and loved the visit. Alabama believes it was a fantastic trip.

2. Luke Ford, Rivals100 tight end from Carterville High School in Illinois, had a lot of positive things to say about his visit to Alabama. Ford will also return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit (likely after the season). Ford named Alabama, Georgia and Michigan as his co-leaders last week. He will take official visits to UGA and Michigan. Things can easily change, but for now Alabama is in the driver's seat to land his signature.

3. Nathan Pickering, 2019 four-star defensive end from Seminary School in Mississippi, and C.J. Clark, 2019 three-star defensive tackle from North Stanly High School in New London, North Carolina, had great trips to Alabama during the weekend. Pickering earned an offer from the Crimson Tide on Saturday. Alabama considers both top targets in the 2019 class. King Mwikuta, 2019 Rivals100 linebacker from Troup County High School in LaGrange, Georgia, retuned to Alabama for the second time this fall. Mwikuta will announce his decision on December 15. Alabama remains the heavy favorite over Georgia.

4. Alabama could potentially lose Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough to the NFL draft after this season. Running back is not a major position of need in 2018. Alabama would like to add at least one back. Asa Martin, four-star from Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama, has remained in communication with the Crimson Tide since his commitment to Auburn. Martin took an unofficial visit to Alabama on Saturday. I definitely think the door will open for Alabama if a coaching change happens at Auburn. It's slightly open right now with the contact and visit. Expect Martin to return to Tuscaloosa again this season.

5. Alabama extended an offer last week to Christian Barmore, two-star offensive tackle from Neumann-Goretti High School in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Barmore is not recruited as an offensive lineman. Alabama is recruiting him to play defensive tackle. He is not considered a back-up plan, or a late offer because of Alabama missing on other targets. Barmore moved to the defensive side of the ball under a new coaching staff this fall. His film started to circulate, and made its way to the Alabama football offices. Alabama DL coach Karl Dunbar recently evaluated Barmore, and decided he was a no-brainer. He has size, strength, power and great athleticism. He is considered a definite take, and Alabama is ready to get him on campus for a visit.

6. Coynis Miller, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson-Olin High School in Bessemer, Alabama, announced his commitment to Auburn. This was not a major surprise. Alabama was No. 3 on his list for since the summer. Miller had proclaimed Florida as his favorite for a few months, but most assumed he would pick the Tigers. I don't expect anything to change with his commitment unless there is a potential coaching change. Miller may take an official visit, but he seems more like one who will commit to a school, not just a coaching staff.

7. Emory Jones, five-star quarterback from Heard County High School in Franklin, Georgia, is expected to take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Jones has visited Alabama three times since the spring. He attended Alabama's game against Florida State in Atlanta, and was also in Tuscaloosa for the game against Ole Miss a few weeks ago. Alabama has become a serious threat to flip to long time Ohio State commitment. The Buckeyes have also started reaching out to other quarterbacks in case Jones decides to flip. There is clearly a little bit of worry on that side.

8. Penei Sewell, Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah. This will mark Sewell's first visit to Alabama since June. Alabama was named the heavy favorite for Sewell after the visit. Oregon made a very strong move for him in July, and Sewell opted to hold off from making a decision. He has built a strong relationship with a few coaches in Eugene including former Alabama OL coach Mario Cristobal. There are some in Sewell's camp who are advising him to choose Alabama. This is a very big visit. Cristobal could potentially take a head coaching job if offered after this season. That is the message some in Sewell's camp have been providing to him.

9. Bobby Brown, four-star defensive tackle from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, is traveling to Tuscaloosa two weeks prior to his announcement. Brown will take an official visit to Texas A&M next weekend. It's a very close battle between Alabama, Oklahoma and Texas A&M. Brown is Alabama's top DT target, and has been since he attended the Tide's camp in June. Alabama will make sure he continues to feel like a top priority at a position of major need.

10. Another big visitor expected this weekend is Joshua Moore, four-star wide receiver from Yoakum High School in Texas. The Nebraska commitment has been heavily recruited by the Crimson Tide for a long time. He was one of a few recruits Nick Saban called while attending the first round of the NFL draft. Alabama watched Moore play a few weeks ago. Things could get very interesting with Moore if the Cornhuskers continue in a downward spiral.

1 Andrew Bone,

Recruiting - BONE: 10 recruiting thoughts | BamaInsider.com

 

[alabamajack]

With us losing a significant amount of db's going into the 2018 recruiting class, its somewhat puzzling at the lack (so far) of impact 5 star top tier players. Would love to hear opinions on how the players already on the team have progressed as well as the verbals we have so far for 2018

 

[TerryP]

7. Emory Jones, five-star quarterback from Heard County High School in Franklin, Georgia, is expected to take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Jones has visited Alabama three times since the spring. He attended Alabama's game against Florida State in Atlanta, and was also in Tuscaloosa for the game against Ole Miss a few weeks ago. Alabama has become a serious threat to flip to long time Ohio State commitment. The Buckeyes have also started reaching out to other quarterbacks in case Jones decides to flip. There is clearly a little bit of worry on that side.

I wanted to say this the other day but didn't want to get too sidetracked with so much on my plate.

Over the last month, say six week, there's been a lot of interest coming from players who are committed to other schools.

As one example, there are two quarterbacks that Bama is interested in; one committed to Ohio State and the other to Kentucky.

Emory Jones (OSU) has been to Tuscaloosa already. He's one of the players Alabama has invited to attend the Tennessee game this weekend.

Jarren Williams is committed to Kentucky and he's been in Tuscaloosa recently. Word has it that Ohio State has amped up their recruitment of Williams as of late. You put two and two together and you can see Ohio State putting together a back up plan.

Football - Homecoming '17 - The 1992 Tide team honored for their National Championship

 

[bradenob]

Not really up on who is high on our board for different positions this year.

[ALL my info is based on Rivals.com]

Always need to sign a RB- not sure who we are interested in.

Cornerback is a huge need - according to Rivals, Patrick Surtain is the #1 prospect and Nadab Joseph is #9- we need BOTH. Hard to think that will happen but we will see. Armour-Smith is ours, #17. At safety we'd love to get Kelvin Joseph (#4) out of Louisiana, but otherwise our prospects currently seem slim for anyone in the top 30.

Always need DTs - Dabo seems to get plenty, but we are only involved, as I know, for Jalen Cunningham (#14). In addition to going after Cox at DE, we are hard after Brown, and Stephon Wynn is ours (#7) but I don't know of other DE prospects we are heavily involved with. Saban's recruiting pattern continues at weak DE, since we are after Parsons (#1) and Henry (#2), and have Davis (#3) and Latu (#6) committed. We are recruiting Fox (#21) as well.

For OLBs we are hot after JJ Patterson (#3) and we have Quay Walker (#16) but I don't know of any others we are in for in the top 30. At ILB we don't seem to be in for any in the top 30.

At Offensive Tackle we are in hard for Sewell out of Utah (#4), have Tommy Brown out of Cali committed (#15), and are looking at Corvin out of tennessee (#20). At guard, I know we want Salyer out of GA (#1), like everybody, don't know if we are involved with Hill (#2) from there as well. We have Jarret Bell (#9) out of Cali, but don't know of any others we are recruiting outside of Ekiyor, the michigan commit.

Not sure what TE we will sign if we don't get Ford (#1) but no other prospects in the top 30.

At WR we have Xavier Williams (#28) and we'd love to get Justyn Ross (#2) from Phenix City. Jaylen Waddle from Houston (#17) would be a good get as well, but again, not sure we're involved with anyone else.

LOTS of USC, Georgia, tOSU, Florida, and Miami commits noted throughout. But I am not worried - if u cheat is ranked #7 and we are #33 then it's still DAMN early!

Roll Tide!!

 

[TerryP]

There's a lot in that post. I'll see if I can touch on bits and pieces throughout the day.

Always need to sign a RB- not sure who we are interested in.

Some common sense here combined with a few names.

With Brian and Najee they have two of the backs that fit the "big" role Saban likes for his RB corps. I expect the Tide to sign one of the quicker, more versatile, backs.

Those include several already committed elsewhere like Asa Martin, Chris Curry, Jerome Ford, and Devin Brumfield to name a few. (There's a kid committed to Oklahoma Bama is pursuing but I can't think of his name.)

At WR we have Xavier Williams (#28) and we'd love to get Justyn Ross (#2) from Phenix City. Jaylen Waddle from Houston (#17) would be a good get as well, but again, not sure we're involved with anyone else.

It's my understanding they look to sign three. You've touched on Waddle and based on reports from camp this summer he'd be a great steal out of Texas. There's another kid from Texas visiting this weekend, Joshua Moore, who is currently committed to Nebraska.

(Notice the trends here? Committed to, but visiting.)

A kid named Slade Bolden is one to keep an eye out on. Florida has a verbal by the name of Copeland the staff is pursuing as well.

 

[rick4bama]

Emory Jones, another one that is close by! Right across the state line.

 

[alagator]

Emory Jones, another one that is close by! Right across the state line.

He's mentioned three times in this thread! :neener_neener: You make four.

 

[BamaFan334]

Hoping we can talk Patrick Surtan to commit. LSU is the favorite, think we can jump Florida State, and hope we can get him on an official visit.

 

[TerryP]

Always need DTs - Dabo seems to get plenty, but we are only involved, as I know, for Jalen Cunningham (#14). In addition to going after Cox at DE, we are hard after Brown, and Stephon Wynn is ours (#7) but I don't know of other DE prospects we are heavily involved with. Saban's recruiting pattern continues at weak DE, since we are after Parsons (#1) and Henry (#2), and have Davis (#3) and Latu (#6) committed. We are recruiting Fox (#21) as well.

You've mentioned Wynn but let's not forget Parks who'll be starting in January. That's not to mention Jordan Davis who, with some S&C, could play the DE position.

There's a kid at IMG named Vincent who has a visit coming up. He's an OSU commit. There's another one that they have a verbal from...can't think of his name.

Tyreke Smith is another name to watch. He was in Tuscaloosa last weekend.

 

[yellowhammer86]

A couple thoughts here...LSU struggling will surely help us with targets that were leaning towards the Bayou Bengals at one time. Also, dominating Little Kirby and the pups in the SEC Championhip this year is a must if we are to be able to continue cherry picking top talent from Georgia. Lastly, our QB for the 2018 class will most likely come in the form of a flip from UK. Jarren Williams is the real deal. Watch his film if you haven't already. I'd take him over Emory Jones. In speaking to his HS coach, Alabama is really close to making this happen. If we push, he flips.

 

[Tidestalker]

Great stuff here! Thanks for posting and the following convo.

All I know is Emory Jones was Jay Z's right hand man... So he's a take in my book.

 

[bradenob]

You've mentioned Wynn but let's not forget Parks who'll be starting in January. That's not to mention Jordan Davis who, with some S&C, could play the DE position.

There's a kid at IMG named Vincent who has a visit coming up. He's an OSU commit. There's another one that they have a verbal from...can't think of his name.

Tyreke Smith is another name to watch. He was in Tuscaloosa last weekend.

Glad for the updates - I knew if I gave some detail, guys like Terry, and hopefully others, could enlighten.

I am not worried, of course - I trust the process completely. Still, all of this is very interesting, and there IS a long way to go.

 

[yellowhammer86]

Because of the numbers crunch, there won't be a number one class in Bama this year, but from all indications, we still should expect a top 5 class nationally, if not top 3.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Andrew Bone - BamaInsider.com Recruiting Analyst

1. What running backs are the Crimson Tide recruiting and who do they have the best shot with?

BONE:
Alabama is still heavily recruiting Asa Martin, four-star from Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama. The Auburn commitment had a great trip to Tuscaloosa for the Arkansas game. Expect a return visit before the end of the season. Jerome Ford, three-star from Armwood High School in Seffner, Florida, is another back heavily pursued by the Crimson Tide.

Alabama hopes to add one back in this class. A few other players committed elsewhere still in the evaluation stage include Devin Brumfield (Texas Tech) and Chris Curry (LSU). Harold Joiner, four-star from Mountain Brook High School in Alabama, has visited Alabama a few times this year. Expect him to leave the state.

The best guess as of now is Alabama will sign Ford, Brumfield or Curry. Things can certainly change with Martin if a coaching change happens in Auburn.

2. Do you foresee any of the Class of 2018 freshmen making impacts next season and if so, which players and why?

BONE:
There is no doubt Skyler DeLong, a three-star punter from Nation Ford High School in Fort Mill, South Carolina, has the best opportunity to start as soon as he steps foot on campus with the departure of JK Scott.

Alabama needs some help on the defensive interior and defensive back positions. Alabama is focused on signing top players at those positions. The opportunity to play early is there.

3. Three guys who could be next to commit, who are they?

BONE:
Saivion Smith, a four-star cornerback from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, will commit at some point. Likely the next time he visits Alabama. Bobby Brown, four-star defensive tackle from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, will announce his commitment on November 4. He is taking an official visit to Alabama this weekend.

I think someone will flip. We could see Emil Ekiyor, four-star offensive guard from Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, flip from Michigan. Alabama will host Emory Jones, five-star quarterback from Heard County in Franklin, Georgia, this weekend. The Ohio State commitment remains on possible flip watch. Florida commitment Jacob Copeland, four-star wide receiver from Escambia High School in Pensacola, has visited Alabama a few times this year.

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