Status update
1. What will Najee do?
There is a song by the Talking Heads called Crosseyed and Painless. Phish does an outstanding version of this song. The chorus reads, "I'm still waiting...I'm still waiting....I'm still waiting." Daily questions regarding the No.1 player in the Rivals100.
Most on the Alabama side feel Harris will stick with the Tide. Most on the Michigan side believe he will flip.
We don't know if Harris will announce a decision or just enroll. He's kept his recruitment very low key, even though it's very public regarding the schools of interest. He may keep things quiet until he enrolls, and it seems both sides remain optimistic on his future choice. Will an in-state program possibly keep him away from the Crimson Tide or Wolverines? Maybe, but not likely.
Patience. We are all still waiting.
2. Who will fall out of the class?
Let's go ahead and end this speculation- Alabama will not sign 29-30 players in the 2017 class as some have projected. Alabama can back count possibly two. Another possible 'blueshirt' or 'grayshirt' candidate in the class.
Jhavonte Dean, four-star cornerback from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas, has taken visits to Arizona State and Utah. Dean informed TideSports last week he remains committed to Alabama. He will take an official visit to Miami in JanuaryHe is originally from south Florida, and there is belief he could flip to the Hurricanes.
Hunter Brannon, three-star offensive guard from Cullman High School in Alabama, has been informed of a possible blueshirt if needed. Brannon does not seem to have an issue with the likely scenario.
Akial Byers, four-star defensive tackle from Fayetteville High School in Arkansas, is still working on his academics with hopes of cleaning up a few areas before signing day. It's possible another player or two with some grade issues.
Mac Jones, four-star quarterback from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, isn't likely to flip. However, he may consider taking official visits to Missouri and Oklahoma State. Possibly a few more in January if the last ditch effort to enroll early at Alabama is not allowed (by his high school).
Najee Harris was mentioned above. So it goes without saying his name remains on the potential list of players who could fall out of the class. We still expect him to sign with Alabama until he proves otherwise.
3. How many additional defensive linemen?
Varying opinions as to how many defensive linemen Alabama will sign in 2017. Alabama wants to sign at least two more (even with knowledge of Byers' academic situation).
It's really no secret the top two players on Alabama's wish list- I've been saying it for a long time.
Aubrey Solomon, five-star defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, and
LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison. Alabama.
Ray appears likely to sign with Alabama. Solomon, on the other hand, is a little harder to gauge. He's a former Michigan commitment who was once considered a strong Georgia lean. Alabama, Auburn and even Florida all believe in a chance to land his commitment.
Alabama is still heavily recruiting
Javon Kinlaw, three-star defensive tackle from Jones County Community College in Ellisville, Mississippi, and
Phildarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana. Alabama is probably waiting to see what happens with Solomon and Ray before deciding on the other two.
Kinlaw is a little higher on the recruiting board. The former South Carolina commitment has a lot of interest in Alabama. He will visit Alabama in January. Bama might decide to push for a third defensive lineman when all is said and done. These are definitely two to keep in mind as possibilities in the class.
Some will consider Jarez Parks, Rivals100 defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, as a defensive line target. He is recruited more as an outside linebacker/rush end. Similar to what Rashaan Evans or Tim Williams was recruited to play.
Expect
Josh Kaindoh, five-star defensive end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, to announce for FSU on Friday.
Parks remains a high priority target for Alabama, and one US will gladly accept in this class. Will it change with more players added to the commitment list? Possibly, but for now he remains a take and one we expect in this class.
4. Will Alabama add another defensive back?
Word to the wise- don't believe every rumor out there. A week ago, rumors spread like wildfire Alabama was on the verge of flipping
JaCoby Stevens, five-star safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Why? Because LSU defensive backs coach Corey Raymond was leaving the Tigers.
Not sure exactly where the rumors originated, but it certainly got a lot of attention. It was revealed on Monday Corey Raymond signed a new multi-year contract with LSU. Alabama has yet to give up on the possibility of flipping Stevens. It doesn't appear destined to happen.
Deangelo Gibbs, four-star safety from Grayson High School in Logaville, Georgia, and
Xavier McKinney, Rivals100 safety from Roswell High School in Georgia, have been the most discussed defensive backfield targets outside of Stevens in the last few weeks.
Some believe Gibbs is favoring Alabama. Most sources in Georgia still believe he signs with the Bulldogs. He will announce his decision on January 1. McKinney, a former Alabama commitment, is expected to decide between Clemson and Alabama.
I've heard different things regarding both of these prospects to which school a parent favors. I think the better shot is with Gibbs, but also hearing Alabama has yet to rule out the possibility of any of the three. UA will take one.
I'm not sure if Alabama will press for another defensive back considering the numbers.
Devon Hunter, Rivals100 safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, is not signing with Alabama. Alabama might press for someone else if Marlon Humphrey decides to not return for his senior year.
C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami, and Todd Harris, four-star safety from Plaquemines High School in Louisiana, remain in-play.
5. Will Bama snag Ruggs and Smith?
It's starting to look more like a possibility of Alabama signing
Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, and
DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana. Going for two in this class.
This is not a situation where Bama is trying to sign two receivers. They will take Ruggs and Smith. Ruggs and Smith have always been very high on the wish list.
Nico Collins, four-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama, is also liked by the coaching staff. Alabama is keeping in touch with Collins, but we know who the priorities are right now. If Alabama can get one or even both UA will not press for Collins (who is likely going to Michigan).
Smith sported some LSU gloves in the state championship. Marlon Humphrey wore FSU gloves throughout his senior season Bama believes its in good position with Smith. The same goes for Ruggs, but Florida has put forth a good effort in recruiting him.
1 Andrew Bone,
Recruiting - BONE: Five burning questions | TideSports.com
