| RECRUIT Recruiting News: The Alabama class of 2017
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The problem is that with that average, he can only do it once. At least now we know which RB is gone. Maybe he'll bust a spin move as he passes Alpha Centauri.
Bobby Kunz
Member
Looks to be a Bama / VT battle.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Below is a list of the mid-year guys who have arrived and are enrolled.
Najee Harris, five-star running back from Antioch High School in California.
Alex Leatherwood, five-star offensive tackle from Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida.
Jerry Jeudy, five-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach High School in Florida.
Elliot Baker, five-star offensive tackle from City College of San Francisco
Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive tackle from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Tua Tagovailoa, Rivals100 quarterback from St. Louis High School in Honolulu
Dylan Moses, Rivals100 linebacker from IMG Academy in Brandenton, Florida
Tyrell Shavers, four-star wide receiver from Lewisville High School in Texas.
Major Tennison, four-star tight end from Bullard High School in Texas
Kyriq McDonald, four-star safety from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama
Chadarius Townsend, four-star athlete from Tanner High School in Alabama
Thomas Fletcher, long snapper from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Alabama is hoping to get Xavier McKinney to Tuscaloosa by February. He is finishing one class.
Najee Harris, five-star running back from Antioch High School in California.
Alex Leatherwood, five-star offensive tackle from Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida.
Jerry Jeudy, five-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach High School in Florida.
Elliot Baker, five-star offensive tackle from City College of San Francisco
Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive tackle from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Tua Tagovailoa, Rivals100 quarterback from St. Louis High School in Honolulu
Dylan Moses, Rivals100 linebacker from IMG Academy in Brandenton, Florida
Tyrell Shavers, four-star wide receiver from Lewisville High School in Texas.
Major Tennison, four-star tight end from Bullard High School in Texas
Kyriq McDonald, four-star safety from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama
Chadarius Townsend, four-star athlete from Tanner High School in Alabama
Thomas Fletcher, long snapper from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Alabama is hoping to get Xavier McKinney to Tuscaloosa by February. He is finishing one class.
BamaFan334
Member
Kendall Sheffield is heading to Ohio State. Former five-star Alabama DB moving on to Ohio State
Alabama17Tide
Member
Three weeks until NSD
These are the storylines I'm paying attention to.
Coaching staff changes
This is something the TideSports.com staff is monitoring very closely. If any changes are made these are likely to come this week. The names out there for potential coordinator positions elsewhere include Mario Cristobal, Billy Napier and Tosh Lupoi. Offensive analyst Mike Locksley's name has also been mentioned for jobs elsewhere.
Alabama might suffer a potential hit with the loss of Cristobal and Napier. Both have been elite recruiters for the Crimson Tide the last few years. Tosh Lupoi has a reputation as one of the top recruiters in the country, and helped Alabama bring in No.1 overall recruit Najee Harris in the 2017 class.
What kind of impact will the loss of any of these coaches have on the 2017 class? Alabama is still hoping to add another receiver to this class. Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, and DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana, have close relationships with Coach Napier. Napier is also Smith's area recruiting coach. It might have more of an impact on Smith with Ruggs an in-state guy.
There isn't much impact, at least in 2017, for any of Coach Cristobal's targets. However, it is interesting with the recruitment for Kedrick James, four-star tight and and Alabama commitment from La Vega High School in Waco, Texas, if Napier and Cristobal decide to leave. James suddenly loses his position coach (Cristobal) and area recruiter (Napier). James has an the only official visit to Alabama (January 20) scheduled at this time.
VanDarius Cowan, Rivals100 linebacker from Palm Beach Gardens High School in Florida, was originally going to enroll early. He will now enroll in May. Cowan scheduled an official visit to Georgia for this weekend, but announced earlier this week he is shutting down his recruitment. He will not take additional visits.
Cowan has been recruited by Coach Cristobal the last few years. He has also built a very strong bond with Tosh Lupoi. Cowan has been one of Alabama's most vocal commitments throughout the process. We don't expect any change in his status though the potential loss of Lupoi might entice him to take at least one other official visit this month.
Jarez Parks, Rivals100 defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, has kept a relatively low profile throughout much of his recruitment. Many believe Alabama has been the leader for several months. Tosh Lupoi is his lead recruiter and his future position coach at Alabama. He is recruited to play outside/Jack linebacker.
Several rumors floating around of where these coaches will go. They may know what they are going to do. They may stay in place. We will all have to wait to see end result. We will see how much of an impact it might have on the remaining targets in the class and beyond especially in south Florida where Mario Cristobal has been a game changer for the Crimson Tide the last few years. Don't expect Saban to let them go so easily though. We hear all have the option to come back.
Fall out
Which players in the current class won't sign with Alabama in February? We know it's coming. The two most discussed players likely not to sign with Alabama have been Akial Byers, four-star defensive tackle from Fayetteville High School in Arkansas, and Jhavonte Dean, four-star cornerback from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Both remain committed to Alabama at this time, but hard to imagine them signing with Alabama in February.
I've also discussed the strong possibility of Hunter Brannon, three-star center from Cullman High School in Alabama, taking a 'blue-shirt' to help with the numbers. This apparently has previously been discussed with Brannon. However, it only remains a possibility if Alabama needs additional scholarships. What if UA misses out on guys in the end? The scholarship is still there. There is no real answer on this just yet.
Markail Benton, four-star linebacker from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, is taking an official visit to Georgia this weekend. I don't expect anything to change with him.
Mac Jones, four-star quarterback from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, may take an official visit elsewhere. Oklahoma State is pushing to get a visit this month. Alabama needs quarterback depth, but one has to think if Jones will have concerns coming in with Hurts and Tua on the roster. There was a time when AJ McCarron was supposed to take a back seat to Philip Sims for three years.
Defensive line recruiting
This has certainly been one of the main topics since the beginning of the 2017 recruiting season, and there really hasn't been much change. Alabama did land a huge target in Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive tackle from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, who appeared most likely heading elsewhere throughout the year. Credit to Alabama and especially first year defensive line coach Karl Dunbar.
Alabama has Akial Byers on the commitment list, but for how long? He struggled mightily against elite competition at the Under Armour All-America game.
Aubrey Solomon, five-star defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, is probably going to take us all on a wild ride the next few weeks until he announces his college destination. Solomon says Alabama is his leader. Michigan believes it has a good chance to get him back in their class after he originally committed to the Wolverines.
Georgia was thought the favorite during much of the season prior to Solomon's official visit to Alabama. He is also taking an official visit to USC this month. I think he eventually stays in the SEC and will sign with Alabama or Georgia. I'm not giving a prediction on him yet.
Alabama remains in great shape for LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama. Alabama doesn't tend to miss on its top in-state targets especially at a critical position of need. Ray doesn't want to announce a decision until closer to signing day, and some schools like Florida and Tennessee are in the race a lot more than people think. I still expect Ray to sign with Alabama.
I keep hearing different reports on Javon Kinlaw, three-star defensive tackle from Jones County Community College in Ellisville, Mississippi, favoring Alabama. I'm not so sure it is accurate. I'm not saying he favors a different school such as South Carolina, but there is a tight battle brewing the next few weeks. Kinlaw is originally from South Carolina. He decommitted from the Gamecocks a few months ago, but still has plenty pushing him to rejoin the class. I expect he will eventually choose between Alabama and South Carolina.
Phildarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, is still out there. Mathis will likely choose between Alabama and LSU- granted if there is still a spot in the class when he is ready to decide.
A few weeks ago I was told only two defensive line spots were guaranteed in this class. That's not saying UA will not take three. Trying to see what the numbers look like in the next week or so. Alabama certainly isn't telling anyone they don't have a spot in the class. Alabama really can't even openly recruit Javon Kinlaw until January anyway.
Alabama in any danger at losing out on WR targets?
Alabama seemed destined to sign an elite receiver class in 2016 with so many great targets out there, and several who seemed to favor the Crimson Tide. We talked about how good the class projected in 2017, and it started out strong with Tyrell Shavers and Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy, a five-star, now enrolled at Alabama.
Alabama seemed poised to land DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs in August. Both set commitment dates and were expected to choose Alabama. Each had a spot despite some false rumors. Will the possibility of Napier going elsewhere have an impact? Does Alabama's struggles in the passing game the final two games of the season have any impact?
I don't think it will effect Ruggs. There have been some rumors floating around he might leave the state and sign with Florida or Florida State. I don't think Ruggs goes anywhere other than Alabama. I think his family wants him to stay in-state. It's very possible he's even told Alabama he's coming, but wants to take some official visits. I don't think he waits until signing day to announce. I think a decision might come shortly after the official visit to Alabama on January 20. Just a hunch.
There's confidence on both sides (Alabama and LSU) regarding DeVonta Smith. Bama seemed almost certain in December, but like I keep saying things can change if Napier leaves. Smith's closest relationship is with Coach Napier.
Alabama has only focused on three guys in the last six months (despite bringing a few others in for visits)- Ruggs, Smith and Nico Collins. Bama has never felt good about Collins, and haven't really pressed hard for him since landing 6-foot-6 WR Tyrell Shavers.
Alabama has not made a decision yet on another defensive back in the 2017 class. It's possible (if Marlon Humphrey announces for the NFL draft) they could push for C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami. He's really the only other player UA is recruiting. Devon Hunter, Rivals100 safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, announces his top six with Alabama included. Alabama is not pressing for him.
Some miscellaneous notes
I spoke with some sources in Tampa the days leading up to the national championship game. Alabama coaches thought they had lost Najee to Michigan. It was definitely very close. Alabama is very happy to have him on campus. It sort of made me laugh because of all the tweets I got from different Bama fans saying how 'the media' created all this drama for absolutely nothing. Well....even Alabama thought at one point he was going to Michigan.
The staff is also pretty blown away they kept Tua throughout the process based on the season Hurts had for Alabama, and potentially sitting behind him for at least two more years. Alabama also thinks it says a lot about Tua with him being an elite QB, wanted by many schools to come in and play right away with so much confidence in his ability that he stuck with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama is very excited about Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills in this class. They believe both have the same mind set as Jonah Williams did a year ago. They are coming in with belief they are the best at their position. They are mean, aggressive, big and athletic offensive linemen.
There were some offensive line recruits Alabama went after this year who seemed more concerned about playing time than anything else. There was also a lot of back-and-forth deciding on Trey Smith and Isaiah Wilson. Some coaches liked Smith more, while others were pushing for Wilson. I was told Smith had a spot if he wanted to commit. He announced for Tennessee. Wilson went to UGA. Alabama pressed for Wilson to commit back in July, but he decided to hold off. Jedrick Wills then privately committed in August which essentially put things on hold with Wilson. Other positions coaches were also trying to make sure a spot was held for one of their players instead of Bama taking six offensive linemen when it simply wasn't a necessity.
Recruiting - BONE: Recruiting home stretch (what to watch) | TideSports.com
These are the storylines I'm paying attention to.
Coaching staff changes
This is something the TideSports.com staff is monitoring very closely. If any changes are made these are likely to come this week. The names out there for potential coordinator positions elsewhere include Mario Cristobal, Billy Napier and Tosh Lupoi. Offensive analyst Mike Locksley's name has also been mentioned for jobs elsewhere.
Alabama might suffer a potential hit with the loss of Cristobal and Napier. Both have been elite recruiters for the Crimson Tide the last few years. Tosh Lupoi has a reputation as one of the top recruiters in the country, and helped Alabama bring in No.1 overall recruit Najee Harris in the 2017 class.
What kind of impact will the loss of any of these coaches have on the 2017 class? Alabama is still hoping to add another receiver to this class. Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, and DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana, have close relationships with Coach Napier. Napier is also Smith's area recruiting coach. It might have more of an impact on Smith with Ruggs an in-state guy.
There isn't much impact, at least in 2017, for any of Coach Cristobal's targets. However, it is interesting with the recruitment for Kedrick James, four-star tight and and Alabama commitment from La Vega High School in Waco, Texas, if Napier and Cristobal decide to leave. James suddenly loses his position coach (Cristobal) and area recruiter (Napier). James has an the only official visit to Alabama (January 20) scheduled at this time.
VanDarius Cowan, Rivals100 linebacker from Palm Beach Gardens High School in Florida, was originally going to enroll early. He will now enroll in May. Cowan scheduled an official visit to Georgia for this weekend, but announced earlier this week he is shutting down his recruitment. He will not take additional visits.
Cowan has been recruited by Coach Cristobal the last few years. He has also built a very strong bond with Tosh Lupoi. Cowan has been one of Alabama's most vocal commitments throughout the process. We don't expect any change in his status though the potential loss of Lupoi might entice him to take at least one other official visit this month.
Jarez Parks, Rivals100 defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, has kept a relatively low profile throughout much of his recruitment. Many believe Alabama has been the leader for several months. Tosh Lupoi is his lead recruiter and his future position coach at Alabama. He is recruited to play outside/Jack linebacker.
Several rumors floating around of where these coaches will go. They may know what they are going to do. They may stay in place. We will all have to wait to see end result. We will see how much of an impact it might have on the remaining targets in the class and beyond especially in south Florida where Mario Cristobal has been a game changer for the Crimson Tide the last few years. Don't expect Saban to let them go so easily though. We hear all have the option to come back.
Fall out
Which players in the current class won't sign with Alabama in February? We know it's coming. The two most discussed players likely not to sign with Alabama have been Akial Byers, four-star defensive tackle from Fayetteville High School in Arkansas, and Jhavonte Dean, four-star cornerback from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Both remain committed to Alabama at this time, but hard to imagine them signing with Alabama in February.
I've also discussed the strong possibility of Hunter Brannon, three-star center from Cullman High School in Alabama, taking a 'blue-shirt' to help with the numbers. This apparently has previously been discussed with Brannon. However, it only remains a possibility if Alabama needs additional scholarships. What if UA misses out on guys in the end? The scholarship is still there. There is no real answer on this just yet.
Markail Benton, four-star linebacker from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, is taking an official visit to Georgia this weekend. I don't expect anything to change with him.
Mac Jones, four-star quarterback from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida, may take an official visit elsewhere. Oklahoma State is pushing to get a visit this month. Alabama needs quarterback depth, but one has to think if Jones will have concerns coming in with Hurts and Tua on the roster. There was a time when AJ McCarron was supposed to take a back seat to Philip Sims for three years.
Defensive line recruiting
This has certainly been one of the main topics since the beginning of the 2017 recruiting season, and there really hasn't been much change. Alabama did land a huge target in Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive tackle from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, who appeared most likely heading elsewhere throughout the year. Credit to Alabama and especially first year defensive line coach Karl Dunbar.
Alabama has Akial Byers on the commitment list, but for how long? He struggled mightily against elite competition at the Under Armour All-America game.
Aubrey Solomon, five-star defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, is probably going to take us all on a wild ride the next few weeks until he announces his college destination. Solomon says Alabama is his leader. Michigan believes it has a good chance to get him back in their class after he originally committed to the Wolverines.
Georgia was thought the favorite during much of the season prior to Solomon's official visit to Alabama. He is also taking an official visit to USC this month. I think he eventually stays in the SEC and will sign with Alabama or Georgia. I'm not giving a prediction on him yet.
Alabama remains in great shape for LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama. Alabama doesn't tend to miss on its top in-state targets especially at a critical position of need. Ray doesn't want to announce a decision until closer to signing day, and some schools like Florida and Tennessee are in the race a lot more than people think. I still expect Ray to sign with Alabama.
I keep hearing different reports on Javon Kinlaw, three-star defensive tackle from Jones County Community College in Ellisville, Mississippi, favoring Alabama. I'm not so sure it is accurate. I'm not saying he favors a different school such as South Carolina, but there is a tight battle brewing the next few weeks. Kinlaw is originally from South Carolina. He decommitted from the Gamecocks a few months ago, but still has plenty pushing him to rejoin the class. I expect he will eventually choose between Alabama and South Carolina.
Phildarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, is still out there. Mathis will likely choose between Alabama and LSU- granted if there is still a spot in the class when he is ready to decide.
A few weeks ago I was told only two defensive line spots were guaranteed in this class. That's not saying UA will not take three. Trying to see what the numbers look like in the next week or so. Alabama certainly isn't telling anyone they don't have a spot in the class. Alabama really can't even openly recruit Javon Kinlaw until January anyway.
Alabama in any danger at losing out on WR targets?
Alabama seemed destined to sign an elite receiver class in 2016 with so many great targets out there, and several who seemed to favor the Crimson Tide. We talked about how good the class projected in 2017, and it started out strong with Tyrell Shavers and Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy, a five-star, now enrolled at Alabama.
Alabama seemed poised to land DeVonta Smith and Henry Ruggs in August. Both set commitment dates and were expected to choose Alabama. Each had a spot despite some false rumors. Will the possibility of Napier going elsewhere have an impact? Does Alabama's struggles in the passing game the final two games of the season have any impact?
I don't think it will effect Ruggs. There have been some rumors floating around he might leave the state and sign with Florida or Florida State. I don't think Ruggs goes anywhere other than Alabama. I think his family wants him to stay in-state. It's very possible he's even told Alabama he's coming, but wants to take some official visits. I don't think he waits until signing day to announce. I think a decision might come shortly after the official visit to Alabama on January 20. Just a hunch.
There's confidence on both sides (Alabama and LSU) regarding DeVonta Smith. Bama seemed almost certain in December, but like I keep saying things can change if Napier leaves. Smith's closest relationship is with Coach Napier.
Alabama has only focused on three guys in the last six months (despite bringing a few others in for visits)- Ruggs, Smith and Nico Collins. Bama has never felt good about Collins, and haven't really pressed hard for him since landing 6-foot-6 WR Tyrell Shavers.
Alabama has not made a decision yet on another defensive back in the 2017 class. It's possible (if Marlon Humphrey announces for the NFL draft) they could push for C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami. He's really the only other player UA is recruiting. Devon Hunter, Rivals100 safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, announces his top six with Alabama included. Alabama is not pressing for him.
Some miscellaneous notes
I spoke with some sources in Tampa the days leading up to the national championship game. Alabama coaches thought they had lost Najee to Michigan. It was definitely very close. Alabama is very happy to have him on campus. It sort of made me laugh because of all the tweets I got from different Bama fans saying how 'the media' created all this drama for absolutely nothing. Well....even Alabama thought at one point he was going to Michigan.
The staff is also pretty blown away they kept Tua throughout the process based on the season Hurts had for Alabama, and potentially sitting behind him for at least two more years. Alabama also thinks it says a lot about Tua with him being an elite QB, wanted by many schools to come in and play right away with so much confidence in his ability that he stuck with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama is very excited about Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Wills in this class. They believe both have the same mind set as Jonah Williams did a year ago. They are coming in with belief they are the best at their position. They are mean, aggressive, big and athletic offensive linemen.
There were some offensive line recruits Alabama went after this year who seemed more concerned about playing time than anything else. There was also a lot of back-and-forth deciding on Trey Smith and Isaiah Wilson. Some coaches liked Smith more, while others were pushing for Wilson. I was told Smith had a spot if he wanted to commit. He announced for Tennessee. Wilson went to UGA. Alabama pressed for Wilson to commit back in July, but he decided to hold off. Jedrick Wills then privately committed in August which essentially put things on hold with Wilson. Other positions coaches were also trying to make sure a spot was held for one of their players instead of Bama taking six offensive linemen when it simply wasn't a necessity.
Recruiting - BONE: Recruiting home stretch (what to watch) | TideSports.com
Tidestalker
Member
Great stuff!! Thanks for the updates.
Byers looked bad at the UA game but he's got a ton of potential. DL biggest need. Unless Kinlaw is a sure thing, Byers is a must if he qualifies. I'd like both.
Rugs looked terrific. Pumped for his commitment.
Leatherwood and Wills are an amazing OT combo. Throw in Randolph and that's an amazing group. I could see Wills or Randolph potentially moving inside. Either way we are in business!
Byers looked bad at the UA game but he's got a ton of potential. DL biggest need. Unless Kinlaw is a sure thing, Byers is a must if he qualifies. I'd like both.
Rugs looked terrific. Pumped for his commitment.
Leatherwood and Wills are an amazing OT combo. Throw in Randolph and that's an amazing group. I could see Wills or Randolph potentially moving inside. Either way we are in business!
Alabama17Tide
Member
Coaches hit the ground running....
Jeremy Pruitt, Karl Dunbar and Tosh Lupoi stopped by Lee County HS in Georgia this morning to see five-star DT Aubrey Solomon.
Steve Sarkisian and Brent Key will visit with Alabama commitment Mac Jones on Friday.
Alabama defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley is visiting Crimson Tide commitment Markail Benton today. Couple top 2018 targets on his stops today include in-state Rivals100 wide receivers Justyn Ross and Seth Williams.
Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier is seeing Devonta Smith, Rivals100 WR from Amite HS in Louisiana today.
Coaches will continue to recruit for the team they are a part of until they make a decision to go elsewhere.
I think it is a positive sign though to see Tosh and Napier on the road recruiting for Alabama today.
Cristobal is traveling back from Omaha today after attending the Outland Trophy banquet with Cam Robinson on Wednesday night. I've heard he is still weighing his options as of Thursday morning.
Jeremy Pruitt, Karl Dunbar and Tosh Lupoi stopped by Lee County HS in Georgia this morning to see five-star DT Aubrey Solomon.
Steve Sarkisian and Brent Key will visit with Alabama commitment Mac Jones on Friday.
Alabama defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley is visiting Crimson Tide commitment Markail Benton today. Couple top 2018 targets on his stops today include in-state Rivals100 wide receivers Justyn Ross and Seth Williams.
Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier is seeing Devonta Smith, Rivals100 WR from Amite HS in Louisiana today.
Coaches will continue to recruit for the team they are a part of until they make a decision to go elsewhere.
I think it is a positive sign though to see Tosh and Napier on the road recruiting for Alabama today.
Cristobal is traveling back from Omaha today after attending the Outland Trophy banquet with Cam Robinson on Wednesday night. I've heard he is still weighing his options as of Thursday morning.
Alabama17Tide
Member
CJ Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus HS in Miami, will visit Bama this weekend.Henderson is one to watch especially if Humphrey turns pro. I've been saying Alabama is finished at DB after McKinney committed unless Hump decided to leave.
Kinlaw announced on Twitter a few mins ago he cancelled. A little surprising after Alabama visited him today. Gamecocks trying hard not to let that one get away. I wouldn't rule out a visit to Tuscaloosa (even if it's under the radar). Sometimes recruits do that to take pressure off from other schools.
Kinlaw announced on Twitter a few mins ago he cancelled. A little surprising after Alabama visited him today. Gamecocks trying hard not to let that one get away. I wouldn't rule out a visit to Tuscaloosa (even if it's under the radar). Sometimes recruits do that to take pressure off from other schools.
TerryP
Staff
ICYMI, he's got an offer from Oregon on the table as well as an extension offer from Bama.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Alabama will watch Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, play basketball tonight before he leaves for his official visit to FSU this weekend.
Napier and Ansley will attend the game this evening.
Napier and Ansley will attend the game this evening.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Mario Cristobal is leaving Alabama to become the offensive coordinator at Oregon. Alabama loses an ace recruiter.
Impact on OT/TE recruits in 2017
You won't see any impact on this front in the 2017 class. Alex Leatherwood and Elliot Baker are enrolled. Jedrick Wills, Kendall Randolph and Hunter Brannon were recruited by Brent Key.
Major Tennison is enrolled. Kedrick James has a great relationship with Cristobal, but has expressed very little interest in visiting other programs to this point. James is also recruited by Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier.
Impact in key recruiting areas
Cristobal made a significant impact in recruiting in south Florida throughout the last few years with guys like Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, VanDarius Cowan, Daniel Wright, etc.. He has been a great recruiter in different areas such as New Jersey (Minkah Fitzpatrick) and Birmingham (Daron Payne).
I don't think we will see any change in any of the targets in his area. Jeudy is enrolled. Daniel Wright and VanDarius Cowan have yet to arrive. Both appear solid with their commitments. Cowan considered taking visits. However, he shut down his recruitment earlier this week.
Cristobal is a big loss especially in south Florida with his connections in the area and just his vast amount of knowledge about schools, coaches, area, etc...He is a very recognizable name in the area and kids whether they are in this class or 2020 know who he is and several underclassmen have already built relationships with him.
What to make of the move?
Cristobal received offers last year, and Coach Saban decided to go ahead and hire an OL coach in case he decided to leave. Coach Key is an excellent coach and held in very high regard on the recruiting front. Cristobal stayed in Tuscaloosa and Saban had two OL coaches. It was hard to imagine both staying for more than one season.
I'm not sure what Alabama will do in south Florida for the future. Key has focused more on the central part of the state. He could potentially start recruiting the area. Alabama may decide to bring in another coach with south Florida connections. Saban always has a plan (s) in place. We could possibly see Mike Locksley taking Cristobal's place in those areas.
Impact on OT/TE recruits in 2017
You won't see any impact on this front in the 2017 class. Alex Leatherwood and Elliot Baker are enrolled. Jedrick Wills, Kendall Randolph and Hunter Brannon were recruited by Brent Key.
Major Tennison is enrolled. Kedrick James has a great relationship with Cristobal, but has expressed very little interest in visiting other programs to this point. James is also recruited by Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier.
Impact in key recruiting areas
Cristobal made a significant impact in recruiting in south Florida throughout the last few years with guys like Calvin Ridley, Jerry Jeudy, VanDarius Cowan, Daniel Wright, etc.. He has been a great recruiter in different areas such as New Jersey (Minkah Fitzpatrick) and Birmingham (Daron Payne).
I don't think we will see any change in any of the targets in his area. Jeudy is enrolled. Daniel Wright and VanDarius Cowan have yet to arrive. Both appear solid with their commitments. Cowan considered taking visits. However, he shut down his recruitment earlier this week.
Cristobal is a big loss especially in south Florida with his connections in the area and just his vast amount of knowledge about schools, coaches, area, etc...He is a very recognizable name in the area and kids whether they are in this class or 2020 know who he is and several underclassmen have already built relationships with him.
What to make of the move?
Cristobal received offers last year, and Coach Saban decided to go ahead and hire an OL coach in case he decided to leave. Coach Key is an excellent coach and held in very high regard on the recruiting front. Cristobal stayed in Tuscaloosa and Saban had two OL coaches. It was hard to imagine both staying for more than one season.
I'm not sure what Alabama will do in south Florida for the future. Key has focused more on the central part of the state. He could potentially start recruiting the area. Alabama may decide to bring in another coach with south Florida connections. Saban always has a plan (s) in place. We could possibly see Mike Locksley taking Cristobal's place in those areas.
bama alum
Member
So Locksley's staying? Not going to Florida?
Bobby Kunz
Member
Alabama17Tide
Member
Ruiz visiting ASU. Family wanted him closer to home. Staff been expecting this per Andrew Bone.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Chris Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami, was the only official visitor for Alabama this weekend.
I spoke with two different sources this afternoon who told me the visit went extremely well. Bama believes they have a great chance to land the former Miami commitment.
He has a spot to commit. He is the only DB who can commit right now. Alabama is pressing a little harder for him now after Humphrey's announcement to turn pro on Friday.
Per Andrew Bone
I spoke with two different sources this afternoon who told me the visit went extremely well. Bama believes they have a great chance to land the former Miami commitment.
He has a spot to commit. He is the only DB who can commit right now. Alabama is pressing a little harder for him now after Humphrey's announcement to turn pro on Friday.
Per Andrew Bone
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