📝 National Signing Day - 2018
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TUSCALOOSA — Alabama head coach Nick Saban recently hit the recruiting trail with the fervor of coaches half his age.
With in-home visits and late offers going out left and right, the Crimson Tide is in a unique — and uncommon — position leading up to National Signing Day on Wednesday, mostly because of the uncertainty of its 2018 class.
“With the early signing period, I think the assumption was it‘d kind of take away the drama in January (and February), and there wouldn’t be many questions that needed to be answered,” Hank South of 247Sports.com’s BamaOnline said this week. “And I think for most schools, that’s probably the case. … But for Alabama, this is the most dramatic signing day they’ve had since I’ve been covering (them) and probably in awhile. … I think there is some uncertainty, which is reflected by these late offers that are going out.”
Alabama, which currently has the nation’s No. 6-ranked 2018 signing class according to 247Sports’ composite team rankings, already has five members of its class on campus, including grayshirt 2017 4-star linebacker Jarez Parks. The other early enrollees include No. 1 junior college cornerback Savion Smith, four-star defensive end Stephon Wynn, four-star athlete Slade Bolden and three-star punter Skyler DeLong.
Alabama signed 10 players in the new early signing period in mid-December, including the nation’s top defensive end prospect, five-star Eyabi Anoma of Maryland. The other early signees include four-star corners Jalyn Armour-Davis and Josh Jobe; four-star defensive linemen Christian Barmore, Jordan Davis and Cameron Latu; four-star offensive linemen Tommy Brown and Emil Ekiyor; four-star receiver Xavier Williams and three-star running back Jerome Ford.
Saban said then Alabama “basically (has) eight spots left” to fill, though recruiting experts expect the Tide could add between 7 to 10 more signees with some number crunching. That would include committed 3-star tight end Michael Parker of Huntsville being a potential blueshirt candidate.
“Obviously, there’s avenues to where they could add another kid beyond the 25 via blueshirt like they’re doing with Michael Parker," South said.
Also factoring in is what happens with three current commitments — four-star linebackers Quay Walker and Vernon Jackson, as well as four-star defensive tackle Bobby Brown — who are on official visits to other colleges this weekend. Walker, of Cordele, Georgia, is in Athens, while Texas-natives Jackson and Brown are both at Texas A&M.
“It’s not often you see Alabama outside the Top 5 a week before National Signing Day, but that’s kind of the situation they’re in this year,” Rivals.com’s BamaInsider recruiting writer Andrew Bone said. “It is a little different because you only have one five-star (signee) and you’re kind of banking on all these other guys to get on board, but you really don’t know what’s going to happen with them just yet.”
Among the Tide’s top targets are four more five-star prospects, including the top-2 rated cornerbacks in American Heritage (Florida) teammates Patrick Surtain Jr. and Tyson Campbell, No. 3 cornerback Olaijah Griffin of California and No. 1-rated offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, also of Florida.
Defensive backs are vital, especially after losing its entire starting secondary, which could allow for big additions Wednesday, including the No. 1 corner.
“I think (Alabama is) in a good spot for Patrick Surtain right now,” South said. “He’s a potential Day 1 starter, I think he’s a three-and-out type player.”
Alabama hopes to sign two to three defensive backs, with Surtain Jr. and three-star corner Eddie Smith of Slidell, Louisiana — reportedly the cousin of current Tide receiver Devonta Smith — the two favorites, with four-star Isaac Taylor-Stuart of California, the No. 4 corner who visited Tuscaloosa last weekend, a potential third option.
“It’s definitely going to be a heavily scrutinized position group over these next few days,” SEC Country’s Alabama recruiting writer Chris Kirschner said this week.
Alabama appears in good position with in-state four-star receiver Justyn Ross of Phenix City, who is also considering Auburn and Clemson, as well as fellow four-star receivers Jaylen Waddle of Texas and Jacob Copeland of Florida.
“I think both those guys (Ross and Waddell) right now are probably the likely additions, but you really can’t rule out Jacob Copeland either,” South said. “He’s a big fan of Saban and really likes (offensive coordinator) Mike Locksley, and they’re really prioritizing him.”
Alabama is also in prime contention for Petit-Frere, who is considering Florida and Ohio State, and four-star guard Penei Sewell of Utah.
“Several people I’ve talked to believe Alabama is the favorite to land (Petit-Frere),” Kirschner said, “but then in recruiting, things change by the day, especially in these final few days leading up to signing day. … I don’t see any of those guys ending up at Alabama right now.”
If the Tide doesn’t sign another offensive lineman, it could allow a third defensive back to sign or make it easier to add a quarterback in this class.
With Friday’s news that four-star quarterback Brevin White of California was sticking with his commitment to Princeton, three-star Arizona product Brock Purdy appears to be the leader to potentially be that quarterback signee, though four-star dual-threat option James Foster of Montgomery is also an option.
In a down year for in-state options, Alabama is still considered the favorite to land both Ross, the state’s consensus No. 1 player, and four-star defensive end Malik Langham of Huntsville, in addition to Armour-Davis, the state’s No. 2 prospect.
Nevertheless, coaches have remained active in the days leading up to signing day, including late backup offers to three-star defensive tackle Moro Ojomo of Texas and three-star inside linebacker Jaylen Moody of South Carolina.
“It’s definitely going to be a very busy National Signing Day for Alabama,” Kirschner said.
Added South: “It should be an interesting finish.”
Bama finish should be interesting!
With in-home visits and late offers going out left and right, the Crimson Tide is in a unique — and uncommon — position leading up to National Signing Day on Wednesday, mostly because of the uncertainty of its 2018 class.
“With the early signing period, I think the assumption was it‘d kind of take away the drama in January (and February), and there wouldn’t be many questions that needed to be answered,” Hank South of 247Sports.com’s BamaOnline said this week. “And I think for most schools, that’s probably the case. … But for Alabama, this is the most dramatic signing day they’ve had since I’ve been covering (them) and probably in awhile. … I think there is some uncertainty, which is reflected by these late offers that are going out.”
Alabama, which currently has the nation’s No. 6-ranked 2018 signing class according to 247Sports’ composite team rankings, already has five members of its class on campus, including grayshirt 2017 4-star linebacker Jarez Parks. The other early enrollees include No. 1 junior college cornerback Savion Smith, four-star defensive end Stephon Wynn, four-star athlete Slade Bolden and three-star punter Skyler DeLong.
Alabama signed 10 players in the new early signing period in mid-December, including the nation’s top defensive end prospect, five-star Eyabi Anoma of Maryland. The other early signees include four-star corners Jalyn Armour-Davis and Josh Jobe; four-star defensive linemen Christian Barmore, Jordan Davis and Cameron Latu; four-star offensive linemen Tommy Brown and Emil Ekiyor; four-star receiver Xavier Williams and three-star running back Jerome Ford.
Saban said then Alabama “basically (has) eight spots left” to fill, though recruiting experts expect the Tide could add between 7 to 10 more signees with some number crunching. That would include committed 3-star tight end Michael Parker of Huntsville being a potential blueshirt candidate.
“Obviously, there’s avenues to where they could add another kid beyond the 25 via blueshirt like they’re doing with Michael Parker," South said.
Also factoring in is what happens with three current commitments — four-star linebackers Quay Walker and Vernon Jackson, as well as four-star defensive tackle Bobby Brown — who are on official visits to other colleges this weekend. Walker, of Cordele, Georgia, is in Athens, while Texas-natives Jackson and Brown are both at Texas A&M.
“It’s not often you see Alabama outside the Top 5 a week before National Signing Day, but that’s kind of the situation they’re in this year,” Rivals.com’s BamaInsider recruiting writer Andrew Bone said. “It is a little different because you only have one five-star (signee) and you’re kind of banking on all these other guys to get on board, but you really don’t know what’s going to happen with them just yet.”
Among the Tide’s top targets are four more five-star prospects, including the top-2 rated cornerbacks in American Heritage (Florida) teammates Patrick Surtain Jr. and Tyson Campbell, No. 3 cornerback Olaijah Griffin of California and No. 1-rated offensive tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere, also of Florida.
Defensive backs are vital, especially after losing its entire starting secondary, which could allow for big additions Wednesday, including the No. 1 corner.
“I think (Alabama is) in a good spot for Patrick Surtain right now,” South said. “He’s a potential Day 1 starter, I think he’s a three-and-out type player.”
Alabama hopes to sign two to three defensive backs, with Surtain Jr. and three-star corner Eddie Smith of Slidell, Louisiana — reportedly the cousin of current Tide receiver Devonta Smith — the two favorites, with four-star Isaac Taylor-Stuart of California, the No. 4 corner who visited Tuscaloosa last weekend, a potential third option.
“It’s definitely going to be a heavily scrutinized position group over these next few days,” SEC Country’s Alabama recruiting writer Chris Kirschner said this week.
Alabama appears in good position with in-state four-star receiver Justyn Ross of Phenix City, who is also considering Auburn and Clemson, as well as fellow four-star receivers Jaylen Waddle of Texas and Jacob Copeland of Florida.
“I think both those guys (Ross and Waddell) right now are probably the likely additions, but you really can’t rule out Jacob Copeland either,” South said. “He’s a big fan of Saban and really likes (offensive coordinator) Mike Locksley, and they’re really prioritizing him.”
Alabama is also in prime contention for Petit-Frere, who is considering Florida and Ohio State, and four-star guard Penei Sewell of Utah.
“Several people I’ve talked to believe Alabama is the favorite to land (Petit-Frere),” Kirschner said, “but then in recruiting, things change by the day, especially in these final few days leading up to signing day. … I don’t see any of those guys ending up at Alabama right now.”
If the Tide doesn’t sign another offensive lineman, it could allow a third defensive back to sign or make it easier to add a quarterback in this class.
With Friday’s news that four-star quarterback Brevin White of California was sticking with his commitment to Princeton, three-star Arizona product Brock Purdy appears to be the leader to potentially be that quarterback signee, though four-star dual-threat option James Foster of Montgomery is also an option.
In a down year for in-state options, Alabama is still considered the favorite to land both Ross, the state’s consensus No. 1 player, and four-star defensive end Malik Langham of Huntsville, in addition to Armour-Davis, the state’s No. 2 prospect.
Nevertheless, coaches have remained active in the days leading up to signing day, including late backup offers to three-star defensive tackle Moro Ojomo of Texas and three-star inside linebacker Jaylen Moody of South Carolina.
“It’s definitely going to be a very busy National Signing Day for Alabama,” Kirschner said.
Added South: “It should be an interesting finish.”
Bama finish should be interesting!
crimsoncorner
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AUBURN, Ala. — Malik Langham has been one of the big beneficiaries of the early signing period.
The one-time 3-star prospect didn’t have much recruiting traction midway through his senior season. By the end of it, the defensive lineman from Huntsville, Ala., had put good enough film out there to warrant a 4-star rating. That came along with late interest from several SEC programs, namely Alabama, Auburn and Florida. He took official visits to Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, as well.
Ultimately it’ll come down to the aforementioned trio.
And, quite frankly, Langham is still a little bit in shock over the upcoming decision.
“It’s been very crazy. Just being an in-state kid. First you get Alabama, then you get Auburn. Then with Florida, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, it’s been pretty crazy the last couple weeks,” Langham said after his Auburn visit.
The Tigers have made the latest push of them all.
Auburn didn’t offer until Jan. 19. In that time frame, Gus Malzahn took an in-home visit that forced Langham to alter his final official visit from Tennessee to Auburn. That alone is enough to say Auburn has a shot despite trending to Alabama prior to the visit.
All in all, the trip to the Plains lived up to expectations for the prospect who grew up an Auburn fan.
“The visit went good, talking to all the coaches and players and seeing what Auburn’s about. It was pretty good,” Langham said. “I always dreamed of coming to visit Auburn. Coming to visit really, coming to see it, it means a lot. I’ll watch the Super Bowl then I’ll talk about it over with my family to see what’s the best decision for us.”
Langham’s decision is likely to be made before his National Signing Day annoucement.
He will go public with his decision Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. CT in his high school theater. Langham expects to late each of the respective coaching staffs know prior to that announcement. In fact, Langham said it’s possible he lets coaches know as early as Monday night after he talks it over with his parents who accompanied him on the trip.
Despite the late push, the Tigers are within reach. According to my sources, Langham didn’t suggest one way or another if Auburn has a legitimate shot, but the general feeling is the Tigers did as well as they could’ve done.
“Just everything. Everything I wanted to see. It’s a home atmosphere. Coming to the place and seeing how coaches interacted with one another. It was great,” Langham said. “It means a lot to even come visit this. I’m still looking at them.”
The one-time 3-star prospect didn’t have much recruiting traction midway through his senior season. By the end of it, the defensive lineman from Huntsville, Ala., had put good enough film out there to warrant a 4-star rating. That came along with late interest from several SEC programs, namely Alabama, Auburn and Florida. He took official visits to Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, as well.
Ultimately it’ll come down to the aforementioned trio.
And, quite frankly, Langham is still a little bit in shock over the upcoming decision.
“It’s been very crazy. Just being an in-state kid. First you get Alabama, then you get Auburn. Then with Florida, Notre Dame and Vanderbilt, it’s been pretty crazy the last couple weeks,” Langham said after his Auburn visit.
The Tigers have made the latest push of them all.
Auburn didn’t offer until Jan. 19. In that time frame, Gus Malzahn took an in-home visit that forced Langham to alter his final official visit from Tennessee to Auburn. That alone is enough to say Auburn has a shot despite trending to Alabama prior to the visit.
All in all, the trip to the Plains lived up to expectations for the prospect who grew up an Auburn fan.
“The visit went good, talking to all the coaches and players and seeing what Auburn’s about. It was pretty good,” Langham said. “I always dreamed of coming to visit Auburn. Coming to visit really, coming to see it, it means a lot. I’ll watch the Super Bowl then I’ll talk about it over with my family to see what’s the best decision for us.”
Langham’s decision is likely to be made before his National Signing Day annoucement.
He will go public with his decision Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. CT in his high school theater. Langham expects to late each of the respective coaching staffs know prior to that announcement. In fact, Langham said it’s possible he lets coaches know as early as Monday night after he talks it over with his parents who accompanied him on the trip.
Despite the late push, the Tigers are within reach. According to my sources, Langham didn’t suggest one way or another if Auburn has a legitimate shot, but the general feeling is the Tigers did as well as they could’ve done.
“Just everything. Everything I wanted to see. It’s a home atmosphere. Coming to the place and seeing how coaches interacted with one another. It was great,” Langham said. “It means a lot to even come visit this. I’m still looking at them.”
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Sunday afternoon update from TI
I'll try to cut to the chase as quickly as possible in this post. As I said this past week, most of the action will take place on NSD. All I can really provide right now is a "feel" based on conversations with various sources on what might transpire.
TI contunues to feel that Alabama is in good position with standout receivers Justyn Ross of Phenix City-Central and Jaylen Waddle of Bellaire-Episcopal, TX. Obvioulsy, Texas A&M is still pushing hard on Waddle. At this moment, we think Alabama has the edge.
There are several prospects who are very hard to get a read on. OT Nicholas Petit-Frere of Tampa-Berkeley Prep, FL might be the toughest to get a feel for. Confidence in Tuscaloosa has been steady for nearly three weeks. Outside Tuscaloosa, nobody else seems to think Alabama has much chance. Some think Florida. Others think Notre or Ohio State might land him. One thing for sure, Petit-Frere is staying in regular contact with Alabama. At this stage in the process, that's usually a fairly good sign that his interest level is pretty high. Again, we are not projecting him to Alabama by any means. But it does seem like the Tide is still in play here.
We think chances are pretty solid that Alabama will land two defensive linemen. Tide commit Bobby Brown of Arlington, TX made an unofficial to A&M this weekend. We'll have to see what happens but as of early afternoon today, the feeling in Tuscaloosa was still upbeat. Huntsville-Lee star Malik Langham is definitely in the mix. We think Alabama is in very good position with River Ridge, LA star tight end/defensive end Glenn Beal. At this moment, we think Bama leads for Beal.
As TI said this week, Bama wants an inside backer. We posted a few days ago that Nick Saban's visit with Tennessee commit J.J. Peterson of Moultrie, GA on Wednesday went very well. Alabama definitely still has a shot with him. This weekend, Jaylen Moody of Conway, SC made an official to Alabama.
We think Alabama is in good position with star corners Eddie Smith of Slidell-Salmen, LA and Patrick Surtain of Plantation-American Heritage, FL. The Tide and LSU are locked in a tight battle for Surtain, but we do think Bama has a legit shot here. Alabama is also still in the mix with Georgia and Miami for Surtain's teammate, cornerback Tyson Campbell.
I'll try to cut to the chase as quickly as possible in this post. As I said this past week, most of the action will take place on NSD. All I can really provide right now is a "feel" based on conversations with various sources on what might transpire.
TI contunues to feel that Alabama is in good position with standout receivers Justyn Ross of Phenix City-Central and Jaylen Waddle of Bellaire-Episcopal, TX. Obvioulsy, Texas A&M is still pushing hard on Waddle. At this moment, we think Alabama has the edge.
There are several prospects who are very hard to get a read on. OT Nicholas Petit-Frere of Tampa-Berkeley Prep, FL might be the toughest to get a feel for. Confidence in Tuscaloosa has been steady for nearly three weeks. Outside Tuscaloosa, nobody else seems to think Alabama has much chance. Some think Florida. Others think Notre or Ohio State might land him. One thing for sure, Petit-Frere is staying in regular contact with Alabama. At this stage in the process, that's usually a fairly good sign that his interest level is pretty high. Again, we are not projecting him to Alabama by any means. But it does seem like the Tide is still in play here.
We think chances are pretty solid that Alabama will land two defensive linemen. Tide commit Bobby Brown of Arlington, TX made an unofficial to A&M this weekend. We'll have to see what happens but as of early afternoon today, the feeling in Tuscaloosa was still upbeat. Huntsville-Lee star Malik Langham is definitely in the mix. We think Alabama is in very good position with River Ridge, LA star tight end/defensive end Glenn Beal. At this moment, we think Bama leads for Beal.
As TI said this week, Bama wants an inside backer. We posted a few days ago that Nick Saban's visit with Tennessee commit J.J. Peterson of Moultrie, GA on Wednesday went very well. Alabama definitely still has a shot with him. This weekend, Jaylen Moody of Conway, SC made an official to Alabama.
We think Alabama is in good position with star corners Eddie Smith of Slidell-Salmen, LA and Patrick Surtain of Plantation-American Heritage, FL. The Tide and LSU are locked in a tight battle for Surtain, but we do think Bama has a legit shot here. Alabama is also still in the mix with Georgia and Miami for Surtain's teammate, cornerback Tyson Campbell.
EtheBamaFanatic
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Nice info
BamaFan334
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Man, this is definitely fun. I of course love a sure bet, but this is the kind of unknown with Alabama football I can handle, because if we don't win we know we still have a roster full of studs. If we do win most of these guys we can crowe a little louder and enjoy the spoils.
Hope we get Surtain, Ross, Waddle, Petite-Frere, and pull shockers with Taylor-Stewart and Peterson.
Hope we get Surtain, Ross, Waddle, Petite-Frere, and pull shockers with Taylor-Stewart and Peterson.
crimsoncorner
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EtheBamaFanatic
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Sweet Jesus!!!! I sure hope so RTR
crimsoncorner
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EtheBamaFanatic
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Makes more sense there isn't a game changer at the QB position left on the board
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