Alabama17Tide
Member
Per Andrew Bone:
Just a quick rundown of everything to watch between now and signing day.
I have talked to so many different guys who cover teams throughout the country. There are several players no one has a good feel on what they will do which leads me to believe coaches still don't have a good feel on several of these players. Keep in mind there have been kids in the past who have committed to coaches the day before signing day only to announce for another school.
I know some will get mad/upset or consider Alabama an after thought for some prospects because we don't know where they are leaning which must mean they are going elsewhere. That's just not the case at all. No one knows. It's very odd/rare this time of the year without having a good feeling on the majority of targets. It might change tomorrow.
Not much has leaked out of Texas regarding Bobby Brown, Vernon Jackson or Jaylen Waddle. There isn't anyone who has an idea on what Nick Petit-Frere will do. Quay Walker seems like he will choose Tennessee or Georgia, but Alabama is still in it. Some believe JJ Peterson is all Tennessee despite what Rush Propst said on Sunday night (it's 50-50). Campbell seems likely to sign with UGA while Surtain could go either way (No...don't go say Alabama isn't in bad shape bc they aren't. No one knows).
NSD2: Alabama key storylines
Andrew Bone • BamaInsider.com@AndrewJBone
How will Alabama close in the defensive backfield?
Patrick Surtain Jr., is a major Crimson Tide target
Alabama is in need of defensive backs in this recruiting class especially players who can compete for immediate playing time. Most outside of Tuscaloosa fail to realize the Crimson Tide lose its top six defensive backs from the national championship team. Alabama has produced a plethora of elite prospects at cornerback and safety including 2017 Jim Thorpe award winner, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Alabama signed three defensive backs in December-
Saivion Smith
,
Josh Jobe
and
Jalyn Armour-Davis
. Alabama wants to sign at least two, possibly three more on Wednesday. Alabama has some key defensive back targets still in play heading into the final days before National Signing Day.
Patrick Surtain
, five-star cornerback and
Tyson Campbell
, five-star cornerback, from American Heritage High School in Plantation Florida, have Alabama on their short list. Surtain is expected to choose between Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Miami. Most expect him to choose between Alabama and LSU. Campbell is expected to choose between Alabama and Georgia.
Eddie Smith,
three-star cornerback from Salmen High School in Slidell, Louisiana, quickly became one of the Crimson Tide's top targets after his senior season. Smith is down to Alabama, Mississippi State and Tennessee. Alabama appears in the lead to land his signature.
A few other DBs who visited Alabama in the last month include
Isaac Taylor-Stuart
, five-star cornerback from Helix High School in San Diego, California, and
Olajiah Griffin
, five-star cornerback from Mission Viejo High School in California. Both prospects are high on schools in the SEC. Alabama and Tennessee are strongly in the mix for both prospects. USC is also very high on the list.Can the Crimson Tide add two more five-star receivers?
Five-star WR Justyn Ross to stay in-state?
Alabama is aiming to close with two of the best receivers in the country this week.
Jaylen Waddle
, five-star from Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas, and
Justyn Ross
, five-star from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, have been on Alabama's priority list for a long time. The Tide seems to have turned for Ross who has favored Clemson since the early part of his senior season.
The Tigers are definitely in the race for the state's No. 1 player. However, Alabama has re-gained some momentum after a thrilling overtime victory in the national championship game and after Ross took an official visit to Alabama. It remains a tight race.
Waddle has been considered Alabama's to lose for several months. Texas A&M has challenged the Crimson Tide since Jimbo Fisher became the head coach in College Station. The Aggies have been heavily recruiting Waddle. This has become a much closer recruiting battle than Alabama had hoped, and it could go either way. Alabama hopes to add the Texas receiver to the class. Texas A&M hoped Waddle would visit this past weekend, but he did not visit.
Jacob Copeland,
four-star from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, also remains in the mix for Alabama. The former Florida commitment took an official visit to Gainesville this past weekend. It appears he will choose between Alabama and Florida. He also has Florida State and Tennessee in his top four.Will Alabama lose commitments?
Bobby Brown will announce a final decision on signing day
Alabama is hoping to add more players on Wednesday, and definitely not lose any already on the commitment list. The Crimson Tide will likely lose a commitment or two in the next few days. Three Alabama commitments took visits elsewhere this past weekend.
Quay Walker
, Rivals100 linebacker from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, has been on shaky ground with his commitment for several months. He has taken all of his official visits and appears down to three schools. Walker visited Georgia this past weekend. Some believe he will choose between Georgia and Tennessee. He remains committed to Alabama at this point. The chances appear low of him sticking with the Tide.
Bobby Brown
, four-star defensive tackle from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, decommitted from Texas A&M on December 20. He committed to Alabama on December 22. Brown returned to Tuscaloosa with several family members on January 20 to celebrate the national championship victory. Brown has received immense pressure to stay home and jump back on board with the Aggies. He was in College Station on Saturday and Sunday. He is expected to announce a final decision on Wednesday.
Vernon Jackson
, three-star linebacker from Boling High School in Texas, was also in College Station this past weekend for an official visit to Texas A&M. Many consider the Aggies the biggest threat to lure him away. He also visited Alabama, Texas and TCU in January. Alabama hopes to keep Jackson on board. He is definitely receiving heavy pressure to remain in his home state.Can Alabama flip JJ?
JJ Peterson remains committed to Tennessee
Nick Lucero/Rivals.com
JJ Peterson
, Rivals100 linebacker from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia, has been one of the Crimson Tide's top targets for a while. He was recruited by Alabama's former defensive coordinator who helped the Volunteers land his commitment in early January.
Nick Saban and Tosh Lupoi have been in discussions with Peterson in the last month trying to persuade him to flip from the Volunteers to the defending national champions. Peterson took an official visit to Alabama during the Tide's championship celebration weekend.
Most expect Peterson to stick with the Volunteers because of his relationship with the former Tide coach. He doesn't talk with the media too often and might surprise on signing day.
Alabama hoping for one more OL
Nick Petit-Frère is keeping everyone guessing.
Nick Lucero/Rivals.com
Alabama signed two offensive linemen in December. The plan/hope is to sign one more on Wednesday. No one seems to know which way
Nick Petit-Frere
, five-star offensive tackle from Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Florida, is leaning as of Monday. The No. 1 offensive tackle in the country took an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend.
One thing that might hurt the Buckeyes if Greg Schiano possibly takes the defensive coordinator position with the New England Patriots. Schiano has been the lead recruiter for the Buckeyes in pursuit of Petit-Frere. The five-star took official visits to Alabama and Florida in January. He visited Michigan and Notre Dame during the season.
Penei Sewell,
Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, also had Alabama on his short list since the summer. Sewell expects to reveal his decision on Wednesday. There has been a lot of back-and-forth between staying close to home or possibly playing in the SEC. The general feeling is he will end up at Oregon or Utah.Who else has a chance to become a part of Alabama's class?
Alabama in good shape with Malik Langham
Chad Simmons
Malik Langham
, four-star defensive end from Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, will announce his decision around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He took an official visit to Auburn this past weekend after receiving an offer from the Tigers a few weeks ago. Langham has been heavily recruited by Alabama since receiving an offer in December.
Glenn Beal
, three-star tight end from John Curtis Christian in River Ridge, Louisiana, took an official visit to Alabama two weekends ago. Talk seems to have amped up in regards to Beal possibly joining the Tide's class. Beal is a big lineman who could play on either side of the ball. He is also strongly considering Texas A&M and Ole Miss.
Jaylen Moody,
two-star linebacker from Conway High School in South Carolina, took an official visit to Alabama this past weekend. Alabama wants to sign another inside linebacker.
It appears Alabama will not take a quarterback in this class. Possibly a last minute change of plans as
Brock Purdy,
three-star from Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, and
James Foster,
three-star from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, will welcome scholarship papers from Alabama.
Just a quick rundown of everything to watch between now and signing day.
I have talked to so many different guys who cover teams throughout the country. There are several players no one has a good feel on what they will do which leads me to believe coaches still don't have a good feel on several of these players. Keep in mind there have been kids in the past who have committed to coaches the day before signing day only to announce for another school.
I know some will get mad/upset or consider Alabama an after thought for some prospects because we don't know where they are leaning which must mean they are going elsewhere. That's just not the case at all. No one knows. It's very odd/rare this time of the year without having a good feeling on the majority of targets. It might change tomorrow.
Not much has leaked out of Texas regarding Bobby Brown, Vernon Jackson or Jaylen Waddle. There isn't anyone who has an idea on what Nick Petit-Frere will do. Quay Walker seems like he will choose Tennessee or Georgia, but Alabama is still in it. Some believe JJ Peterson is all Tennessee despite what Rush Propst said on Sunday night (it's 50-50). Campbell seems likely to sign with UGA while Surtain could go either way (No...don't go say Alabama isn't in bad shape bc they aren't. No one knows).
NSD2: Alabama key storylines
Andrew Bone • BamaInsider.com@AndrewJBone
How will Alabama close in the defensive backfield?
Patrick Surtain Jr., is a major Crimson Tide target
Alabama is in need of defensive backs in this recruiting class especially players who can compete for immediate playing time. Most outside of Tuscaloosa fail to realize the Crimson Tide lose its top six defensive backs from the national championship team. Alabama has produced a plethora of elite prospects at cornerback and safety including 2017 Jim Thorpe award winner, Minkah Fitzpatrick.
Alabama signed three defensive backs in December-
Saivion Smith
,
Josh Jobe
and
Jalyn Armour-Davis
. Alabama wants to sign at least two, possibly three more on Wednesday. Alabama has some key defensive back targets still in play heading into the final days before National Signing Day.
Patrick Surtain
, five-star cornerback and
Tyson Campbell
, five-star cornerback, from American Heritage High School in Plantation Florida, have Alabama on their short list. Surtain is expected to choose between Alabama, Clemson, LSU and Miami. Most expect him to choose between Alabama and LSU. Campbell is expected to choose between Alabama and Georgia.
Eddie Smith,
three-star cornerback from Salmen High School in Slidell, Louisiana, quickly became one of the Crimson Tide's top targets after his senior season. Smith is down to Alabama, Mississippi State and Tennessee. Alabama appears in the lead to land his signature.
A few other DBs who visited Alabama in the last month include
Isaac Taylor-Stuart
, five-star cornerback from Helix High School in San Diego, California, and
Olajiah Griffin
, five-star cornerback from Mission Viejo High School in California. Both prospects are high on schools in the SEC. Alabama and Tennessee are strongly in the mix for both prospects. USC is also very high on the list.Can the Crimson Tide add two more five-star receivers?
Five-star WR Justyn Ross to stay in-state?
Alabama is aiming to close with two of the best receivers in the country this week.
Jaylen Waddle
, five-star from Episcopal High School in Houston, Texas, and
Justyn Ross
, five-star from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, have been on Alabama's priority list for a long time. The Tide seems to have turned for Ross who has favored Clemson since the early part of his senior season.
The Tigers are definitely in the race for the state's No. 1 player. However, Alabama has re-gained some momentum after a thrilling overtime victory in the national championship game and after Ross took an official visit to Alabama. It remains a tight race.
Waddle has been considered Alabama's to lose for several months. Texas A&M has challenged the Crimson Tide since Jimbo Fisher became the head coach in College Station. The Aggies have been heavily recruiting Waddle. This has become a much closer recruiting battle than Alabama had hoped, and it could go either way. Alabama hopes to add the Texas receiver to the class. Texas A&M hoped Waddle would visit this past weekend, but he did not visit.
Jacob Copeland,
four-star from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida, also remains in the mix for Alabama. The former Florida commitment took an official visit to Gainesville this past weekend. It appears he will choose between Alabama and Florida. He also has Florida State and Tennessee in his top four.Will Alabama lose commitments?
Bobby Brown will announce a final decision on signing day
Alabama is hoping to add more players on Wednesday, and definitely not lose any already on the commitment list. The Crimson Tide will likely lose a commitment or two in the next few days. Three Alabama commitments took visits elsewhere this past weekend.
Quay Walker
, Rivals100 linebacker from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, has been on shaky ground with his commitment for several months. He has taken all of his official visits and appears down to three schools. Walker visited Georgia this past weekend. Some believe he will choose between Georgia and Tennessee. He remains committed to Alabama at this point. The chances appear low of him sticking with the Tide.
Bobby Brown
, four-star defensive tackle from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas, decommitted from Texas A&M on December 20. He committed to Alabama on December 22. Brown returned to Tuscaloosa with several family members on January 20 to celebrate the national championship victory. Brown has received immense pressure to stay home and jump back on board with the Aggies. He was in College Station on Saturday and Sunday. He is expected to announce a final decision on Wednesday.
Vernon Jackson
, three-star linebacker from Boling High School in Texas, was also in College Station this past weekend for an official visit to Texas A&M. Many consider the Aggies the biggest threat to lure him away. He also visited Alabama, Texas and TCU in January. Alabama hopes to keep Jackson on board. He is definitely receiving heavy pressure to remain in his home state.Can Alabama flip JJ?
JJ Peterson remains committed to Tennessee
Nick Lucero/Rivals.com
JJ Peterson
, Rivals100 linebacker from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia, has been one of the Crimson Tide's top targets for a while. He was recruited by Alabama's former defensive coordinator who helped the Volunteers land his commitment in early January.
Nick Saban and Tosh Lupoi have been in discussions with Peterson in the last month trying to persuade him to flip from the Volunteers to the defending national champions. Peterson took an official visit to Alabama during the Tide's championship celebration weekend.
Most expect Peterson to stick with the Volunteers because of his relationship with the former Tide coach. He doesn't talk with the media too often and might surprise on signing day.
Alabama hoping for one more OL
Nick Petit-Frère is keeping everyone guessing.
Nick Lucero/Rivals.com
Alabama signed two offensive linemen in December. The plan/hope is to sign one more on Wednesday. No one seems to know which way
Nick Petit-Frere
, five-star offensive tackle from Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Florida, is leaning as of Monday. The No. 1 offensive tackle in the country took an official visit to Ohio State this past weekend.
One thing that might hurt the Buckeyes if Greg Schiano possibly takes the defensive coordinator position with the New England Patriots. Schiano has been the lead recruiter for the Buckeyes in pursuit of Petit-Frere. The five-star took official visits to Alabama and Florida in January. He visited Michigan and Notre Dame during the season.
Penei Sewell,
Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, also had Alabama on his short list since the summer. Sewell expects to reveal his decision on Wednesday. There has been a lot of back-and-forth between staying close to home or possibly playing in the SEC. The general feeling is he will end up at Oregon or Utah.Who else has a chance to become a part of Alabama's class?
Alabama in good shape with Malik Langham
Chad Simmons
Malik Langham
, four-star defensive end from Lee High School in Huntsville, Alabama, will announce his decision around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday. He took an official visit to Auburn this past weekend after receiving an offer from the Tigers a few weeks ago. Langham has been heavily recruited by Alabama since receiving an offer in December.
Glenn Beal
, three-star tight end from John Curtis Christian in River Ridge, Louisiana, took an official visit to Alabama two weekends ago. Talk seems to have amped up in regards to Beal possibly joining the Tide's class. Beal is a big lineman who could play on either side of the ball. He is also strongly considering Texas A&M and Ole Miss.
Jaylen Moody,
two-star linebacker from Conway High School in South Carolina, took an official visit to Alabama this past weekend. Alabama wants to sign another inside linebacker.
It appears Alabama will not take a quarterback in this class. Possibly a last minute change of plans as
Brock Purdy,
three-star from Perry High School in Gilbert, Arizona, and
James Foster,
three-star from Sidney Lanier High School in Montgomery, will welcome scholarship papers from Alabama.
