📝 OL 2012 Recruits-Should This Be Priority?

[bamalaw1983]

Far be it from me to criticize the recruiting of CNS. However it appears based on last year's performance and thru the first game this season, we are not a dominant offensive line like we were in 2009. I know we signed CK (#1 ranked OL) last year but we have only 1 OL commitment for 2012, Brandon Greene. Shouldn't the OL be more of a priority this year, especially since this is apparently an outstanding recruiting year for offensive linemen? We have 18 commitments, 1 OL and all I hear about are the defensive prospects we are recruiting. We are three deep at linebacker, do we really need Kwon Alexander (LB) more than Vadal Alexander (OL)? Given our outstanding defense and conservative play-calling, it would seem to me that OL would be as valuable a position as quarterback. I think we need to sign at least two more quality OL in this class.

 

[psychojoe]

We have seven to go to be at our limit for this year, and I would be surprised if we didn't go after 2 0r 3 more. Of course Vlachos is the only senior, so even if Jones opts to leave after his junior year (eligibility wise) we will still have a good supply of young linemen. If we can get the quality we want get it this go around,go for it, if not get it next year. IMO corners are a bigger priority for this class, even though we already have a great one committed.

 

[bamalaw1983]

Usually OL require a redshirt year before they see significant playing time. Our present roster lists John Michael Boswell and Alfred McCullough as Seniors along with William Vlachos. We certainly under appreciated James Carpenter, Drew Davis and Mike Johnson as we do all great offensive linemen. Any reason to think Barrett Jones leaves early? I am not convinced that he is an early round pick. I think several of our highly touted juniors will be back, as last year was more of an aberration with Mark and Julio clearly being first round picks. I just don't see Barrett Jones, Dre Kirkpatrick or Robert Lester being rated that highly.

 

[psychojoe]

Of the ones you mentioned, if Dre has a big season he goes early. I am not so sure about Lester, I really think he comes back. We are pretty well fixed at safety with Lester, Jarrick Williams, Perry and Clinton-Dix, plus the Williams kid coming in. At corner if Dre goes we lose him and Menzie, and I think Phelon Jones is a senior as well.

I agree with your earlier point about Alexander. Even losing Upshaw, Hightower and Harris we are still deep and talented at lb, and already have three lb commits. We may run out of room for lbs because of the more pressing needs elsewhere. I'd like another receiver, for example, and we will certainly take Golden if he wants to come. Add a couple of OL and we are at 22. Numbers are getting tight.

 

[rammerjammer]

Hightower is a JR. He got a year of eligibility back.

 

[LBS]

Hightower is a JR. He got a year of eligibility back.

Unless he gets hurt, Hightower is gone. Other than Barron, who on this defense full of NFL prospects would go before him? And would see this defense only having one drafted?

265lb Multi-year starter in a Sadan defense will find a place somewhere quickly.

 

[bamalaw1983]

Glad to see us sign OT Brandon Hill. With knee injuries to the two Kouandjio brothers it would be great if we could sign one more offensive lineman. Does Bama offer Kyron Samuel (Chris's nephew) as a center or is he considered too short at 6'. Good bloodlines, a little undersized like Vlachos.