Tidestalker
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No doubt. Kid loves him some Bama.
I read he's a terrific kid too... high academics & character.
📝 NATIONAL SIGNING DAY: 2017
- Thread starter TUSKtimes
- Start date
No doubt. Kid loves him some Bama.
I read he's a terrific kid too... high academics & character.
B
Bobby Kunz
Watch Smith commit here live LSU Tigers on NOLA.com | Facebook
BamaFan334
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Rolltide24
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TMI
#Bama1stWorldProblems
colbyjacks
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We also missed out on that kicker, Seiko. He was like clockwork.
Blue shirt, enroll in summer, get scholly in August but not listed as signee. Counts toward 2018 class.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Cecil Hurt: Saban took what he wanted, for the most part
Cecil Hurt | Sports Editor
Nick Saban landed another No. 1-ranked recruiting class in 2017.
Gary Cosby Jr. | The Tuscaloosa News
There is supposed to be an inherent drama in recruiting. That's part of the tremendous interest it generates among college football fans, and also part of the reason that the recruiting industry sometimes generates storylines that aren't always as compelling as they sound.
Then there's Alabama. They kill drama like the patron in the front row at "Hamilton" whose cellphone keeps constantly ringing during the performance. Ultimately, everyone watching gets fed up, but the rude guy is 6-foot-8 and 320 pounds and the ushers simply shrug their shoulders out of self-preservation.
Nothing is perfect and Nick Saban can never quite be satisfied because a class could always be better with one more guy or one more decision. But with Alabama signing yet another No. 1 class – unanimous across all the recognized services – and setting a record for ESPN 300 signees, Alabama fatigue is back. Clemson's win in the CFP Championship Game relieved the symptoms, but clearly didn't cure the national disease.
In fact, frustration is becoming the new counter-strategy. More and more, prospects are being told that they should eschew Alabama and be different. Whether they'll watch Julio Jones and Donta Hightower in the Super Bowl this Sunday and decide "you know, I don't want to end up like that" is debatable. For the most part, players want to compete and win at the highest level, which Alabama has done for a decade now. (By the way, I think there are other schools – Clemson, Florida State and Ohio State, among others – who succeeded in recruiting because of their success on the field.)
In the interest of fair play, though, let's take a quick look at how Alabama didn't quite get Every. Single. Thing that it wanted on National Signing Day.
"We wanted another corner," Saban grumbled, although it was one of his few grumbles and was in keeping with his hands-on role in the secondary. Cornerbacks are one of the premium commodities at every level, and Alabama will no doubt make them a priority next year.
There were players that Alabama didn't get. Georgia defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon ended up signing with Michigan after a recruitment that saw him change "leaders" as fast as gym socks. Cam Akers out of Mississippi, a one-time Alabama commitment, wound up at FSU, although that always seemed like it was going to be an either-or with Najee Harris. (Also, Brian Robinson of Hillcrest is going to surprise people when his turn comes.) Tre Smith signed with Tennessee, and there were others. Alabama did, for the most part, work from the top of its recruiting board, rarely relying on a contingency plan.
Also, it's not correct to say that Alabama got everyone it wanted out of Louisiana. The Crimson Tide didn't sign Emeril Lagasse, or any of the Duck Dynasty dudes, or Lil Wayne. Everyone else Alabama wanted – especially if you include Baton Rouge native Dylan Moses as the real No. 1 Louisiana prospect, despite his year at IMG Academy – Alabama signed.
Coming less than a month after the loss to Clemson, the No. 1 recruiting class didn't set off wild celebrations in Tuscaloosa. That sort of elation is usually reserved for new coaches looking to sell a fan base on the promise of the future.
For Alabama, it was more "business as usual," not to be taken for granted – too much hard work is involved for that – but as a sign that the Crimson Tide world is still on its axis.
TideSports.com - Cecil Hurt: Saban took what he wanted, for the most part
Cecil Hurt | Sports Editor
Nick Saban landed another No. 1-ranked recruiting class in 2017.
Gary Cosby Jr. | The Tuscaloosa News
There is supposed to be an inherent drama in recruiting. That's part of the tremendous interest it generates among college football fans, and also part of the reason that the recruiting industry sometimes generates storylines that aren't always as compelling as they sound.
Then there's Alabama. They kill drama like the patron in the front row at "Hamilton" whose cellphone keeps constantly ringing during the performance. Ultimately, everyone watching gets fed up, but the rude guy is 6-foot-8 and 320 pounds and the ushers simply shrug their shoulders out of self-preservation.
Nothing is perfect and Nick Saban can never quite be satisfied because a class could always be better with one more guy or one more decision. But with Alabama signing yet another No. 1 class – unanimous across all the recognized services – and setting a record for ESPN 300 signees, Alabama fatigue is back. Clemson's win in the CFP Championship Game relieved the symptoms, but clearly didn't cure the national disease.
In fact, frustration is becoming the new counter-strategy. More and more, prospects are being told that they should eschew Alabama and be different. Whether they'll watch Julio Jones and Donta Hightower in the Super Bowl this Sunday and decide "you know, I don't want to end up like that" is debatable. For the most part, players want to compete and win at the highest level, which Alabama has done for a decade now. (By the way, I think there are other schools – Clemson, Florida State and Ohio State, among others – who succeeded in recruiting because of their success on the field.)
In the interest of fair play, though, let's take a quick look at how Alabama didn't quite get Every. Single. Thing that it wanted on National Signing Day.
"We wanted another corner," Saban grumbled, although it was one of his few grumbles and was in keeping with his hands-on role in the secondary. Cornerbacks are one of the premium commodities at every level, and Alabama will no doubt make them a priority next year.
There were players that Alabama didn't get. Georgia defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon ended up signing with Michigan after a recruitment that saw him change "leaders" as fast as gym socks. Cam Akers out of Mississippi, a one-time Alabama commitment, wound up at FSU, although that always seemed like it was going to be an either-or with Najee Harris. (Also, Brian Robinson of Hillcrest is going to surprise people when his turn comes.) Tre Smith signed with Tennessee, and there were others. Alabama did, for the most part, work from the top of its recruiting board, rarely relying on a contingency plan.
Also, it's not correct to say that Alabama got everyone it wanted out of Louisiana. The Crimson Tide didn't sign Emeril Lagasse, or any of the Duck Dynasty dudes, or Lil Wayne. Everyone else Alabama wanted – especially if you include Baton Rouge native Dylan Moses as the real No. 1 Louisiana prospect, despite his year at IMG Academy – Alabama signed.
Coming less than a month after the loss to Clemson, the No. 1 recruiting class didn't set off wild celebrations in Tuscaloosa. That sort of elation is usually reserved for new coaches looking to sell a fan base on the promise of the future.
For Alabama, it was more "business as usual," not to be taken for granted – too much hard work is involved for that – but as a sign that the Crimson Tide world is still on its axis.
TideSports.com - Cecil Hurt: Saban took what he wanted, for the most part
Alabama17Tide
Member
Alabama and Saban No. 1: Again
Tommy Deas | Editor
Nick Saban checks out the trophy after winning the Peach Bowl CFP semifinal.
Gary Cosby Jr. | The Tuscaloosa News
Nick Saban is the Grinch who stole football.
The University of Alabama’s head coach has taken the mystery out of National Signing Day. By the time it rolled around on Wednesday, the Crimson Tide had all but locked up another No. 1-ranked recruiting class.
By mid-afternoon, it was obvious that UA’s signing class would not only be tops, but would end up unanimously rated as the best by every national recruiting service. It marked the eighth year in a row that at least one such service has rated Alabama’s class No. 1.
And it may be the best of them all.
UA signed seven five-star prospects – only Southern Cal has ever landed more, with eight in 2004 – and four of the top 25 in the Rivals.com rankings. The 21 ESPN300 signees are the most in any signing class, ever.
“This is a class that we're very pleased with and proud of,” Saban said. “This day is the accumulation of a lot of hard work by a lot of people. It starts out with the entire team of people that we have here at Alabama, but most specifically our coaching staff. This day is an accumulation of all the way back, in some cases, two and three years, where you evaluate guys and start to develop relationships with them. Our coaching staff did a phenomenal job in evaluation, in developing relationships and working hard to attract some of these guys here."
The drama that usually surrounds the day when high school prospects sign with colleges was at a minimum this year. In fact, a dozen incoming freshmen were already on campus and enrolled in classes, including the nation’s No. 1-rated overall player – running back Najee Harris – along with Alex Leatherwood, the No. 1-rated tackle, and Dylan Moses, the No. 2 outside linebacker.
"Coach Saban put together a remarkable class which may be his best during his tenure in Tuscaloosa,” said Tidesports.com recruiting analyst Andrew Bone. “He has seven five-stars and 18 four-stars. Alabama met needs on each side of the ball.
“The most impressive part of the class is signing top players at key positions where Alabama lost elite recruiting coaches like Mario Cristobal, Billy Napier and Bo Davis."
There were four big uncommitted names on Alabama’s board going into the day, and the Crimson Tide landed three of them: four-star defensive lineman LaBryan Ray of Madison, the state’s top prospect, four-star wideout Henry Ruggs of Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery and four-star wideout DeVonta Smith of Amite, La. Ray picked Alabama over Tennessee and Florida, Ruggs stayed in state after a strong push by Florida State and Smith chose UA over LSU.
UA missed on five-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon of Leesburg, Ga., who chose Michigan over Alabama and Georgia.
On the eve of signing day, Alabama landed an important commitment from Phidarian Mathis, a four-star defensive tackle from Monroe, La., who picked UA over LSU and TCU, giving the Crimson Tide an important pick-up at a key position.
Alabama stockpiled so much talent in this class that four-star defensive end Jarez Parks of Sebastian, Fla., agreed to delay enrollment to play at Alabama, so he doesn’t even count as part of the 2017 signing class. He elected to wait a year to play at UA despite reports that Auburn, Miami and others reached out to him after he pushed back his announcement to later in the day.
Two other important commitments, kicker Joseph Bulovas and lineman Hunter Brannon, are expected to enroll for the fall but also don’t count as 2017 signees.
When it was all said and done, Saban and Alabama didn’t leave much for the rest of the country’s programs to divide among themselves.
He’s a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
TideSports.com - Alabama and Saban No. 1: Again
Tommy Deas | Editor
Nick Saban checks out the trophy after winning the Peach Bowl CFP semifinal.
Gary Cosby Jr. | The Tuscaloosa News
Nick Saban is the Grinch who stole football.
The University of Alabama’s head coach has taken the mystery out of National Signing Day. By the time it rolled around on Wednesday, the Crimson Tide had all but locked up another No. 1-ranked recruiting class.
By mid-afternoon, it was obvious that UA’s signing class would not only be tops, but would end up unanimously rated as the best by every national recruiting service. It marked the eighth year in a row that at least one such service has rated Alabama’s class No. 1.
And it may be the best of them all.
UA signed seven five-star prospects – only Southern Cal has ever landed more, with eight in 2004 – and four of the top 25 in the Rivals.com rankings. The 21 ESPN300 signees are the most in any signing class, ever.
“This is a class that we're very pleased with and proud of,” Saban said. “This day is the accumulation of a lot of hard work by a lot of people. It starts out with the entire team of people that we have here at Alabama, but most specifically our coaching staff. This day is an accumulation of all the way back, in some cases, two and three years, where you evaluate guys and start to develop relationships with them. Our coaching staff did a phenomenal job in evaluation, in developing relationships and working hard to attract some of these guys here."
The drama that usually surrounds the day when high school prospects sign with colleges was at a minimum this year. In fact, a dozen incoming freshmen were already on campus and enrolled in classes, including the nation’s No. 1-rated overall player – running back Najee Harris – along with Alex Leatherwood, the No. 1-rated tackle, and Dylan Moses, the No. 2 outside linebacker.
"Coach Saban put together a remarkable class which may be his best during his tenure in Tuscaloosa,” said Tidesports.com recruiting analyst Andrew Bone. “He has seven five-stars and 18 four-stars. Alabama met needs on each side of the ball.
“The most impressive part of the class is signing top players at key positions where Alabama lost elite recruiting coaches like Mario Cristobal, Billy Napier and Bo Davis."
There were four big uncommitted names on Alabama’s board going into the day, and the Crimson Tide landed three of them: four-star defensive lineman LaBryan Ray of Madison, the state’s top prospect, four-star wideout Henry Ruggs of Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery and four-star wideout DeVonta Smith of Amite, La. Ray picked Alabama over Tennessee and Florida, Ruggs stayed in state after a strong push by Florida State and Smith chose UA over LSU.
UA missed on five-star defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon of Leesburg, Ga., who chose Michigan over Alabama and Georgia.
On the eve of signing day, Alabama landed an important commitment from Phidarian Mathis, a four-star defensive tackle from Monroe, La., who picked UA over LSU and TCU, giving the Crimson Tide an important pick-up at a key position.
Alabama stockpiled so much talent in this class that four-star defensive end Jarez Parks of Sebastian, Fla., agreed to delay enrollment to play at Alabama, so he doesn’t even count as part of the 2017 signing class. He elected to wait a year to play at UA despite reports that Auburn, Miami and others reached out to him after he pushed back his announcement to later in the day.
Two other important commitments, kicker Joseph Bulovas and lineman Hunter Brannon, are expected to enroll for the fall but also don’t count as 2017 signees.
When it was all said and done, Saban and Alabama didn’t leave much for the rest of the country’s programs to divide among themselves.
He’s a mean one, Mr. Grinch.
TideSports.com - Alabama and Saban No. 1: Again
Alabama17Tide
Member
Notes on the 2017 class
Quarterbacks: Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones
Bama fans seemed a little upset with the Crimson Tide lost five-star QB Jake Fromm to Georgia. Bama will lose recruits from time to time.
I honestly thought Tua would eventually flip (not sure where) because of how well Jalen Hurts played throughout the season. I just thought there was no way the Rivals100 QB (Elite 11 winner) would sign.
I never made a prediction. I thought Mac would start considering some other options once Tua was locked in. A few schools made a late run at Mac, but he was never going anywhere else.
Yes, I think Tua can come in and challenge Jalen. I think you will see a major improvement in Jalen from now until the fall with Coach Sark.
Running backs: Najee Harris, Brian Robinson
I mentioned this the other day. There was hardly anyone on Alabama's staff who thought Najee would stick with his commitment from start to finish. Alabama expected to remain in the mix. Michigan was a serious threat in the end. More so than what a lot of people want to believe. Bama did a great job led by Tosh Lupoi keeping Harris on board throughout the year. Crazy how their paths happened to cross in the Detroit airport after his official visit to Michigan.
Robinson flirted with a few schools early on in the process. Did you really think Bama was going to lose a local running back it really wanted to sign? Robinson didn't post great numbers as a senior, but he is a very talented back. He was great in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.
Wide receivers: Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs, Tyrell Shavers
Alabama missed on a few key receiver targets in the 2016 class. This was a position of significant importance to Alabama. What is most impressive UA signed every top WR target it wanted in this class. UA told Jeff Thomas (Miami), Tarik Black (Michigan) and Mark Webb (UGA) during the summer months they could not accept their commitments at the time. Jeudy and Shavers were on board, but Alabama was only taking two more WRs.
Ruggs and Smith were at the top of Alabama's wish list. Alabama felt it had a great chance to sign both. Both actually gave private commitments to Alabama prior to their scheduled announcements in August. Both cancelled their ceremonies for different reasons. However, they were never told they did not have a spot. They just wanted to wait. Alabama felt all along it could get both in the end.
Now there was some questionable moments late in the fall if Bama was going to take both. There were some on the staff fighting for players at other positions. Nick Saban gets to make the ultimate choice. He decided he wanted both. The press for both continued. It was not clear until today if Napier leaving would have an impact.
Tight ends: Major Tennison, Kedrick James
It wasn't really clear who Alabama would sign at tight end early in the process. They had a few top guys commit elsewhere in the spring. Tennison was committed to Texas, and James to Baylor. Both backed away from their early commitments prior to visiting Tuscaloosa in the summer. Tennison is more of a receiving threat, while James reminds me a lot of former Alabama TE Michael Williams.
Offensive line: Alex Leatherwood, Jedrick Wills, Elliot Baker, Kendall Randolph, Hunter Brannon (blueshirt)
We'll see if this is the best OL class in the history of Rivals a little further down the road. Alabama is very excited about this group especially Leatherwood and Wills. Baker is a five-star who could come in and contribute right away. There was never any real scare on any of these players going elsewhere. Kentucky tried to come in at the last minute to lure Wills to staying in Lexington.
Alabama did a really good job of recruiting him until the last minute. One thing I really noticed is the amount of time Brent Key spent with the OL class. He visited them every week. He didn't pass them by because they were committed. He treated all like they were uncommitted.
Defensive line: Isaiah Buggs, LaBryan Ray, Phidarian Mathis, Jarez Parks (grayshirt)
Better than expected right? Very impressed with Alabama's ability to get Isaiah Buggs and Phidarian Mathis from out-of-state especially away from LSU. Karl Dunbar deserves a lot of credit. Alabama had to get LaBryan Ray. Florida made it very interesting though in the final hours.
I'm still kind of blown away by Jarez Parks today. I, along with many of you, felt bad about his situation. He was not committed to Alabama, but his plan was to announce for the Crimson Tide. He just was unaware of the numbers situation. He really liked Florida, and Florida State, but did not have a spot available at those schools. He opted to take a grayshirt at Alabama instead.
Linebackers: Dylan Moses, VanDarius Cowan, Chris Allen, Markail Benton
Great linebacker haul for the Crimson Tide. Moses started to see his stock drop a little bit after a slow start to his season, but really picked things up and was a stud in the Under Armour All-America game. Cowan and Allen are two of the most impressive prospects in the country from a physical standpoint. Benton has suffered through a few injuries. Early on it seemed like he was trending heavily to Auburn. Some even thought he might flip today.
Benton wasn't the only one of the linebacker commitments to create some drama. Moses started his recruitment in the 8th grade. He committed to LSU in the ninth. He decommitted after his junior season. He still took a visit to LSU after his commitment to Alabama. Allen did the same. Cowan was removed from his high school team during the fall, but Alabama did an extensive investigation into everything and determined he was certainly a prospect willing to take a risk.
Defensive backs: Xavier McKinney, Daniel Wright, Kyriq McDonald, Chadarius Townsend
Coach Saban mentioned he wished UA had signed another CB or two in this class. That's what makes me think we might see Chadarius Townsend get some work in as a DB in the spring. Not many CB targets out there this year. A few who UA liked early, but committed elsewhere.
I don't see any of the safeties- McKinney, Wright or McDonald as cornerbacks. McKinney definitely surprised me, along with everyone else, when he re-committed to Alabama. That was a big get. The staff was very high on Wright for a long time (before anyone really knew about him).
McDonald balled out during the Tide's first summer camp. He earned an offer. He was not one of those players who received an offer bc of his teammate (LaBryan Ray). Some thought Townsend would fall out of the class. Alabama always liked him as an athlete. He was never on a list to stop recruiting.
Special teams: Joseph Bulovas (kicker, blueshirt), Thomas Fletcher)
Bama lucked up pretty well by getting Bulovas. Alabama took a commitment from Brandon Ruiz during the summer. UA reached out to Bulovas after Ruiz decommited. Alabama informed him of the numbers situation, and asked if he would take a blueshirt. He gladly accepted and flipped from Georgia Tech.
Bulovas, along with Fletcher, will have the opportunity to come in right away and start. Cole Mazza didn't get enough credit the four years he was in Tuscaloosa. I don't think I ever saw a bad snap during his time at Alabama. I expect Fletcher will come right in and not miss a beat.
Some notable targets throughout the year who went elsewhere
Five-star DT Aubrey Solomon (Michigan)- Kept all guessing until the end. He was a top priority target for Alabama.
Five-star LB Baron Browning (Ohio State)- The five-star LB told Alabama he was set to commit after his official visit. Then took a visit to Ohio State. The Buckeyes sent its entire staff to see him while Alabama was preparing for the SEC Champ game.
Five-star CB Shaun Wade (Ohio State)- Most assumed he would eventually flip to Alabama. He visited Tuscaloosa several times, and was a treated as a top priority. Stuck with his commitment.
Five-star RB Cam Akers (FSU)- We knew there was probably no way Bama was going to sign Najee and Akers. Akers backed away from his commitment to the Tide before the spring.
Five-star DT Marvin Wilson (FSU)- Wilson was considered an Alabama lean early in the process. Illegal contact with Bo Davis forced the the Tide's former DL coach to resign. It also basically ended Alabama's chances.
Five-star safety JaCoby Stevens (LSU)- He was Alabama's top safety target. Bama tried to sway him before his early enrollment, but no dice. Alabama, surprisingly, added Xavier McKinney back to the class.
Five-star CB AJ Terrell (Clemson)- Terrell was considered Alabama's No.1 CB target. Bama thought they took the lead for him when he camped in June. He did not show much interest in Alabama after his commitment to the Tigers. Bama did go see him play this fall.
Five-star OT Isaiah Wilson (Georgia)- I've talked to several people who have told me Wilson wanted to commit to Alabama. Bama had taken 3 five-star OT commitments (Wills was a silent). They would have taken Trey Smith because of his versatility. They loved Wilson, but could not take him because of numbers.
Five-star DE Josh Kaindoh (FSU)- Bama really got on Kaindoh late in the process. I think if UA would have pressed harder throughout the year could have potentially landed his commitment.
Five-star LB Jacob Phillips (LSU)- What if i told you Phillips tried to commit to Alabama during the summer? Woody Wommack informed me Phillips wanted to commit to Alabama back in July, but Alabama had to wait for Moses and Chris Allen (top targets) before accepting a commitment. Phillips was a four-star at the time. He stock skyrocketed during the all-star season. He originally committed to Oklahoma, but flipped to LSU.
Four-star OL Trey Smith (Tennessee)- Heavily recruited by Alabama for more than two years. Alabama held a spot until his announcement.
Four-star TE Brock Wright (Notre Dame)- Alabama loved this tight end from Texas before his commitment to Notre Dame. He was considered the top TE target prior to spring evaluations. Bama added a pair of tight ends from the Lone Star State and are very happy.
Four-star safety Deangelo Gibbs (UGA)- Bama hoped to land Gibbs or McKinney. They were in a dog fight for Gibbs until the end, but thought he was going to UGA throughout the last few weeks of his recruitment.
Four-star CB Stanford Samuels (FSU)- Alabama was very high on Samuels. UA was fighting an uphill battle. They definitely made things interesting in the fall.
Four-star LB Robert Beal (Georgia)- Beal, along with Chris Allen, were considered Alabama's top OLB/Jack targets from the get-go. UA felt very good about Beal in the spring. Once his sister decided not to head to Tuscaloosa to play volleyball (along with Beal's decision to head to IMG) the Tide lost a lot of momentum.
Four-star DE Malik Herring (Georgia)- Herring was heavily regarded by the Alabama coaching staff. They never expected him to leave Georgia though.
Four-star OL Austin Troxell (Auburn)- Bama really liked Troxell early. UA picked up some big early commitments which included Leatherwood and Netori Jonson (who flipped to UGA). UA would have accepted his commitment back in the spring, but did not pursue after his decision.
Four-star LB T.D. Moultry (Auburn)- Moultry wanted to commit to Alabama in the spring. Bama decided to wait to see what some others would do, and also wanted to see him in camp. Bama pulled in VanDarius Cowan, Gary Johnson (had to leave class bc of academics) and Markail Benton during time span. UA started recruiting Moultry again once Johnson fell out of the class, but then picked up commitments from Dylan Moses and Chris Allen. The two guys who were always at the top of the list. Moultry is great player though. Bama just couldn't take anymore LBs unless it was Baron Browning who they considered a VERY special player.
Three-star DT Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)- There were some strong rumors he was heading to Alabama after his decommitment from South Carolina. Alabama could not 'actively' recruit him until January 1. Several sources in Tuscaloosa told me an uphill battle as the Gamecocks had eliminated basically any shot for him to sign elsewhere. Some thought he was a possibility for Alabama in the last few days. He was never signing with Alabama.
Recruiting - BONE: Some final thoughts on 2017 class. | TideSports.com
Quarterbacks: Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones
Bama fans seemed a little upset with the Crimson Tide lost five-star QB Jake Fromm to Georgia. Bama will lose recruits from time to time.
I honestly thought Tua would eventually flip (not sure where) because of how well Jalen Hurts played throughout the season. I just thought there was no way the Rivals100 QB (Elite 11 winner) would sign.
I never made a prediction. I thought Mac would start considering some other options once Tua was locked in. A few schools made a late run at Mac, but he was never going anywhere else.
Yes, I think Tua can come in and challenge Jalen. I think you will see a major improvement in Jalen from now until the fall with Coach Sark.
Running backs: Najee Harris, Brian Robinson
I mentioned this the other day. There was hardly anyone on Alabama's staff who thought Najee would stick with his commitment from start to finish. Alabama expected to remain in the mix. Michigan was a serious threat in the end. More so than what a lot of people want to believe. Bama did a great job led by Tosh Lupoi keeping Harris on board throughout the year. Crazy how their paths happened to cross in the Detroit airport after his official visit to Michigan.
Robinson flirted with a few schools early on in the process. Did you really think Bama was going to lose a local running back it really wanted to sign? Robinson didn't post great numbers as a senior, but he is a very talented back. He was great in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic.
Wide receivers: Jerry Jeudy, DeVonta Smith, Henry Ruggs, Tyrell Shavers
Alabama missed on a few key receiver targets in the 2016 class. This was a position of significant importance to Alabama. What is most impressive UA signed every top WR target it wanted in this class. UA told Jeff Thomas (Miami), Tarik Black (Michigan) and Mark Webb (UGA) during the summer months they could not accept their commitments at the time. Jeudy and Shavers were on board, but Alabama was only taking two more WRs.
Ruggs and Smith were at the top of Alabama's wish list. Alabama felt it had a great chance to sign both. Both actually gave private commitments to Alabama prior to their scheduled announcements in August. Both cancelled their ceremonies for different reasons. However, they were never told they did not have a spot. They just wanted to wait. Alabama felt all along it could get both in the end.
Now there was some questionable moments late in the fall if Bama was going to take both. There were some on the staff fighting for players at other positions. Nick Saban gets to make the ultimate choice. He decided he wanted both. The press for both continued. It was not clear until today if Napier leaving would have an impact.
Tight ends: Major Tennison, Kedrick James
It wasn't really clear who Alabama would sign at tight end early in the process. They had a few top guys commit elsewhere in the spring. Tennison was committed to Texas, and James to Baylor. Both backed away from their early commitments prior to visiting Tuscaloosa in the summer. Tennison is more of a receiving threat, while James reminds me a lot of former Alabama TE Michael Williams.
Offensive line: Alex Leatherwood, Jedrick Wills, Elliot Baker, Kendall Randolph, Hunter Brannon (blueshirt)
We'll see if this is the best OL class in the history of Rivals a little further down the road. Alabama is very excited about this group especially Leatherwood and Wills. Baker is a five-star who could come in and contribute right away. There was never any real scare on any of these players going elsewhere. Kentucky tried to come in at the last minute to lure Wills to staying in Lexington.
Alabama did a really good job of recruiting him until the last minute. One thing I really noticed is the amount of time Brent Key spent with the OL class. He visited them every week. He didn't pass them by because they were committed. He treated all like they were uncommitted.
Defensive line: Isaiah Buggs, LaBryan Ray, Phidarian Mathis, Jarez Parks (grayshirt)
Better than expected right? Very impressed with Alabama's ability to get Isaiah Buggs and Phidarian Mathis from out-of-state especially away from LSU. Karl Dunbar deserves a lot of credit. Alabama had to get LaBryan Ray. Florida made it very interesting though in the final hours.
I'm still kind of blown away by Jarez Parks today. I, along with many of you, felt bad about his situation. He was not committed to Alabama, but his plan was to announce for the Crimson Tide. He just was unaware of the numbers situation. He really liked Florida, and Florida State, but did not have a spot available at those schools. He opted to take a grayshirt at Alabama instead.
Linebackers: Dylan Moses, VanDarius Cowan, Chris Allen, Markail Benton
Great linebacker haul for the Crimson Tide. Moses started to see his stock drop a little bit after a slow start to his season, but really picked things up and was a stud in the Under Armour All-America game. Cowan and Allen are two of the most impressive prospects in the country from a physical standpoint. Benton has suffered through a few injuries. Early on it seemed like he was trending heavily to Auburn. Some even thought he might flip today.
Benton wasn't the only one of the linebacker commitments to create some drama. Moses started his recruitment in the 8th grade. He committed to LSU in the ninth. He decommitted after his junior season. He still took a visit to LSU after his commitment to Alabama. Allen did the same. Cowan was removed from his high school team during the fall, but Alabama did an extensive investigation into everything and determined he was certainly a prospect willing to take a risk.
Defensive backs: Xavier McKinney, Daniel Wright, Kyriq McDonald, Chadarius Townsend
Coach Saban mentioned he wished UA had signed another CB or two in this class. That's what makes me think we might see Chadarius Townsend get some work in as a DB in the spring. Not many CB targets out there this year. A few who UA liked early, but committed elsewhere.
I don't see any of the safeties- McKinney, Wright or McDonald as cornerbacks. McKinney definitely surprised me, along with everyone else, when he re-committed to Alabama. That was a big get. The staff was very high on Wright for a long time (before anyone really knew about him).
McDonald balled out during the Tide's first summer camp. He earned an offer. He was not one of those players who received an offer bc of his teammate (LaBryan Ray). Some thought Townsend would fall out of the class. Alabama always liked him as an athlete. He was never on a list to stop recruiting.
Special teams: Joseph Bulovas (kicker, blueshirt), Thomas Fletcher)
Bama lucked up pretty well by getting Bulovas. Alabama took a commitment from Brandon Ruiz during the summer. UA reached out to Bulovas after Ruiz decommited. Alabama informed him of the numbers situation, and asked if he would take a blueshirt. He gladly accepted and flipped from Georgia Tech.
Bulovas, along with Fletcher, will have the opportunity to come in right away and start. Cole Mazza didn't get enough credit the four years he was in Tuscaloosa. I don't think I ever saw a bad snap during his time at Alabama. I expect Fletcher will come right in and not miss a beat.
Some notable targets throughout the year who went elsewhere
Five-star DT Aubrey Solomon (Michigan)- Kept all guessing until the end. He was a top priority target for Alabama.
Five-star LB Baron Browning (Ohio State)- The five-star LB told Alabama he was set to commit after his official visit. Then took a visit to Ohio State. The Buckeyes sent its entire staff to see him while Alabama was preparing for the SEC Champ game.
Five-star CB Shaun Wade (Ohio State)- Most assumed he would eventually flip to Alabama. He visited Tuscaloosa several times, and was a treated as a top priority. Stuck with his commitment.
Five-star RB Cam Akers (FSU)- We knew there was probably no way Bama was going to sign Najee and Akers. Akers backed away from his commitment to the Tide before the spring.
Five-star DT Marvin Wilson (FSU)- Wilson was considered an Alabama lean early in the process. Illegal contact with Bo Davis forced the the Tide's former DL coach to resign. It also basically ended Alabama's chances.
Five-star safety JaCoby Stevens (LSU)- He was Alabama's top safety target. Bama tried to sway him before his early enrollment, but no dice. Alabama, surprisingly, added Xavier McKinney back to the class.
Five-star CB AJ Terrell (Clemson)- Terrell was considered Alabama's No.1 CB target. Bama thought they took the lead for him when he camped in June. He did not show much interest in Alabama after his commitment to the Tigers. Bama did go see him play this fall.
Five-star OT Isaiah Wilson (Georgia)- I've talked to several people who have told me Wilson wanted to commit to Alabama. Bama had taken 3 five-star OT commitments (Wills was a silent). They would have taken Trey Smith because of his versatility. They loved Wilson, but could not take him because of numbers.
Five-star DE Josh Kaindoh (FSU)- Bama really got on Kaindoh late in the process. I think if UA would have pressed harder throughout the year could have potentially landed his commitment.
Five-star LB Jacob Phillips (LSU)- What if i told you Phillips tried to commit to Alabama during the summer? Woody Wommack informed me Phillips wanted to commit to Alabama back in July, but Alabama had to wait for Moses and Chris Allen (top targets) before accepting a commitment. Phillips was a four-star at the time. He stock skyrocketed during the all-star season. He originally committed to Oklahoma, but flipped to LSU.
Four-star OL Trey Smith (Tennessee)- Heavily recruited by Alabama for more than two years. Alabama held a spot until his announcement.
Four-star TE Brock Wright (Notre Dame)- Alabama loved this tight end from Texas before his commitment to Notre Dame. He was considered the top TE target prior to spring evaluations. Bama added a pair of tight ends from the Lone Star State and are very happy.
Four-star safety Deangelo Gibbs (UGA)- Bama hoped to land Gibbs or McKinney. They were in a dog fight for Gibbs until the end, but thought he was going to UGA throughout the last few weeks of his recruitment.
Four-star CB Stanford Samuels (FSU)- Alabama was very high on Samuels. UA was fighting an uphill battle. They definitely made things interesting in the fall.
Four-star LB Robert Beal (Georgia)- Beal, along with Chris Allen, were considered Alabama's top OLB/Jack targets from the get-go. UA felt very good about Beal in the spring. Once his sister decided not to head to Tuscaloosa to play volleyball (along with Beal's decision to head to IMG) the Tide lost a lot of momentum.
Four-star DE Malik Herring (Georgia)- Herring was heavily regarded by the Alabama coaching staff. They never expected him to leave Georgia though.
Four-star OL Austin Troxell (Auburn)- Bama really liked Troxell early. UA picked up some big early commitments which included Leatherwood and Netori Jonson (who flipped to UGA). UA would have accepted his commitment back in the spring, but did not pursue after his decision.
Four-star LB T.D. Moultry (Auburn)- Moultry wanted to commit to Alabama in the spring. Bama decided to wait to see what some others would do, and also wanted to see him in camp. Bama pulled in VanDarius Cowan, Gary Johnson (had to leave class bc of academics) and Markail Benton during time span. UA started recruiting Moultry again once Johnson fell out of the class, but then picked up commitments from Dylan Moses and Chris Allen. The two guys who were always at the top of the list. Moultry is great player though. Bama just couldn't take anymore LBs unless it was Baron Browning who they considered a VERY special player.
Three-star DT Javon Kinlaw (South Carolina)- There were some strong rumors he was heading to Alabama after his decommitment from South Carolina. Alabama could not 'actively' recruit him until January 1. Several sources in Tuscaloosa told me an uphill battle as the Gamecocks had eliminated basically any shot for him to sign elsewhere. Some thought he was a possibility for Alabama in the last few days. He was never signing with Alabama.
Recruiting - BONE: Some final thoughts on 2017 class. | TideSports.com
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