| RECRUIT Recruiting News: The Alabama class of 2017
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TerryP
Staff
Alabama17Tide
Member
Billy Napier is in Arkansas today seeing Crimson Tide commitment Akial Byers, four-star defensive tackle from Fayetteville High School.
Derek Ansley is heading back to see Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, play basketball tonight. Oh and a few other guests which includes Nick Saban and Steve Sarkisian. They will also have an in-home visit with Ruggs today.
Derek Ansley is heading back to see Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, play basketball tonight. Oh and a few other guests which includes Nick Saban and Steve Sarkisian. They will also have an in-home visit with Ruggs today.
BamaFan334
Member
Moses got his fifth star back in the Final Rivals Rankings today. Najee finished #1 and held off Marvin Wilson and Cam Akers, and Leatherwood finished 4th and actually received some discusdion for #1.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Final Rivals 100
Najee Harris remains No.1
Harris may have been outperformed by Cam Akers in the U.S. Army All-American game, but the analysts view rankings as a whole. They don't just base it off one game or even a few games. Harris, in a lot of eyes, is a special talent who doesn't come around too often. Akers certainly made a strong push. He finished No.3 overall in the Rivals100.
Leatherwood claims top OL spot
I personally thought Alex Leatherwood would have been the No.1 OL months ago after a dominant spring and summer camp circuit. The analysts needed one more all-star event to evaluate and he didn't disappoint. Leatherwood jumped from No.19 to No.4 overall in the final rankings. He takes the No.1 offensive line spot. Isaiah Wilson was previously the No.1 OL. He fell to No.19 overall.
Jeudy, Wills fall, remain five-star
I don't think it was anything based on their performance in the all-star games which caused Jeudy and Wills to fall in the final rankings. It was more so of others having great weeks, and seasons which allowed them to move above the Alabama commitments.
Jerry Jeudy falls from the No.1 wide receiver to No.3 behind Donovan Peoples- Jones and Tee Higgins. Jeudy is still No. 19 overall in the Rivals100. Jedrick Wills only fell eight spots. He is No.25 overall in the Rivals100.
Moses back to five-stars
Most fans disagreed when Moses fell from five-stars. Other sites had him as a five-star, some as high as No.2 in the country. Some of that was likely based on hype IMO. Moses was great in the Under Armour All-America game. He had a great week, and finished as a five-star. He is No.32 in the Rivals100. I thought he could have moved up a little higher, but let's be honest most fans, recruits don't worry about the overall number. It's all about the number of stars.
LaBryan Ray moves up, but not enough
There can be some disagreement. I thought LaBryan Ray, the No.1 recruit in Alabama, did enough to warrant five-star status. He was dominant throughout the week in Orlando at the Under Armour All-America game. He also had a great senior season. I assume it was just hard on the analysts to move others down. It's been a while since the No.1 recruit in the state wasn't ranked five-stars. So I have to disagree. He moved up nine spots to No.45 overall. Still, not too bad. Some will complain.
Ruggs outside Rivals100
I know Ruggs moved up from where he was previously ranked, but did not make the final Rivals100. This is another one I can disagree with the analysts. Ruggs had a sensational senior season (only his second year playing HS football). He also scored a touchdown in the U.S. Army All-American game.
His production and performance was pretty quiet throughout the week in San Antonio until the game. I have him as my No.2 player in Alabama. Rivals analysts have Brian Robinson and TaDarian Moultry ahead of him. Robinson and Moultry made the Rivals100. Ruggs remains a high four-star.
Final Rivals100 (Tide Targets)
1. Najee Harris (Alabama commitment)
4. Alex Leatherwood (Alabama commitment)
19. Jerry Jeudy (Alabama commitment)
25. Jedrick Wills (Alabama commitment)
31. Aubrey Solomon
32. Dylan Moses (Alabama commitment)
40. Xavier McKinney (Alabama commitment)
42. DeVonta Smith
45. LaBryan Ray
53. Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama commitment)
67. VanDarius Cowan (Alabama commitment)
82. Brian Robinson (Alabama commitment)
Recruiting - BONE: Final Rivals100 | TideSports.com
Najee Harris remains No.1
Harris may have been outperformed by Cam Akers in the U.S. Army All-American game, but the analysts view rankings as a whole. They don't just base it off one game or even a few games. Harris, in a lot of eyes, is a special talent who doesn't come around too often. Akers certainly made a strong push. He finished No.3 overall in the Rivals100.
Leatherwood claims top OL spot
I personally thought Alex Leatherwood would have been the No.1 OL months ago after a dominant spring and summer camp circuit. The analysts needed one more all-star event to evaluate and he didn't disappoint. Leatherwood jumped from No.19 to No.4 overall in the final rankings. He takes the No.1 offensive line spot. Isaiah Wilson was previously the No.1 OL. He fell to No.19 overall.
Jeudy, Wills fall, remain five-star
I don't think it was anything based on their performance in the all-star games which caused Jeudy and Wills to fall in the final rankings. It was more so of others having great weeks, and seasons which allowed them to move above the Alabama commitments.
Jerry Jeudy falls from the No.1 wide receiver to No.3 behind Donovan Peoples- Jones and Tee Higgins. Jeudy is still No. 19 overall in the Rivals100. Jedrick Wills only fell eight spots. He is No.25 overall in the Rivals100.
Moses back to five-stars
Most fans disagreed when Moses fell from five-stars. Other sites had him as a five-star, some as high as No.2 in the country. Some of that was likely based on hype IMO. Moses was great in the Under Armour All-America game. He had a great week, and finished as a five-star. He is No.32 in the Rivals100. I thought he could have moved up a little higher, but let's be honest most fans, recruits don't worry about the overall number. It's all about the number of stars.
LaBryan Ray moves up, but not enough
There can be some disagreement. I thought LaBryan Ray, the No.1 recruit in Alabama, did enough to warrant five-star status. He was dominant throughout the week in Orlando at the Under Armour All-America game. He also had a great senior season. I assume it was just hard on the analysts to move others down. It's been a while since the No.1 recruit in the state wasn't ranked five-stars. So I have to disagree. He moved up nine spots to No.45 overall. Still, not too bad. Some will complain.
Ruggs outside Rivals100
I know Ruggs moved up from where he was previously ranked, but did not make the final Rivals100. This is another one I can disagree with the analysts. Ruggs had a sensational senior season (only his second year playing HS football). He also scored a touchdown in the U.S. Army All-American game.
His production and performance was pretty quiet throughout the week in San Antonio until the game. I have him as my No.2 player in Alabama. Rivals analysts have Brian Robinson and TaDarian Moultry ahead of him. Robinson and Moultry made the Rivals100. Ruggs remains a high four-star.
Final Rivals100 (Tide Targets)
1. Najee Harris (Alabama commitment)
4. Alex Leatherwood (Alabama commitment)
19. Jerry Jeudy (Alabama commitment)
25. Jedrick Wills (Alabama commitment)
31. Aubrey Solomon
32. Dylan Moses (Alabama commitment)
40. Xavier McKinney (Alabama commitment)
42. DeVonta Smith
45. LaBryan Ray
53. Tua Tagovailoa (Alabama commitment)
67. VanDarius Cowan (Alabama commitment)
82. Brian Robinson (Alabama commitment)
Recruiting - BONE: Final Rivals100 | TideSports.com
TerryP
Staff
It's far too early to call that.
What goes against that notion is a few of the UGA mods have CB'd Solomon to Michigan. Mansell made the comment he didn't know what Solomon would do but he was going to CB him to Michigan anyway. Notice the dates of Adams' and Mansell's picks.
planomateo
Member
^^ tweeting recruits, I really don't understand folks who do this.
BamaFan334
Member
Yeah, a grown man pleading with a 16-18 year old to come to their school is as pathetic as it gets. I enjoy watching everything unfold, learn about the future of the sport, and chum it up on here with y'all, but it is beyond pathetic actually reaching out and touching these recruits like this. I don't buy the whole "superfan" or undying love for tmyour school crap, it's simply because your life is boring and have to tap a kid to get your jollies.
TerryP
Staff
Having seen how LSU fans react when one of their in-state players decide to leave the state ... this doesn't shock me, at all.
What I found funny was him attributing the Tide's success directly to playes from Louisiana. In 2016 there were as many signed from California as Louisiana. It was the same in 2015 with the Tide getting more out of Texas and Tennessee than Lousiana. 2014 had four with only two contributing now. 2013 had two with only one contributing.
You can't do the impossible. These explanations on why so and so is better than someone else is nothing more than an educated guess. Harris vs Akers, Smith vs Leatherwood vs Wilson, could just as easily be 10 other players that grade out in college and prove they were the true best of the best. I'm always thankful we have so many naturally blessed athletes right now who are in the conversation. Bama fans know darn well what happens when you put enough of those guys together.
Got to see Ruggs a cpl times already this year against Enterprise, kid is a freak of nature athletically... but hes on a b-ball team full of them. They never stop running up and down the court, it makes you tired just watching it.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Per Andrew Bone, Tidesports.com
Too many people think because someone is not in the top 100 the player isn't any good. ANY player ranked four-stars are good/great. Just an FYI.
When I push for a five-star ranking on someone I look at the recruit as a potential day 1 starter, or great chance to be an NFL first round draft selection. Anyone in the Rivals100 is considered about the same. I think anyone who is in the Rivals100 can make an argument for five-stars.
I don't think Rivals analysts base their rankings off of where Alabama coaches rank a recruit.
Also keep in mind regarding rankings on particular sites- The national analysts from Rivals live in the northeast and Cali with regional analysts throughout the country. The national analyst for one site lives in Nashville. I believe that's still in the Southeast. I think Southeast guys will tend to get more love. Not saying they are wrong or that it's a bad thing. I see three five-stars from Alabama on another site. I LIVE in Alabama and I only pressed for ONE five-star this year.
A few years ago Rivals was blasted for not having Matt Elam a five-star. There was just nothing that said that player is a five-star talent other than Alabama wants him. The Alabama coaches actually laughed when they heard he was five-star. They certainly didn't think he was. They thought he could have been a big run stopper. Not sure it has worked out well at Kentucky.
People sometimes look at rankings and think "well since Alabama wants him he must be a five-star" Sometimes analysts also get caught up in that.
There are a lot of players in the 2017 class Alabama wish they could have landed, but didn't. There are guys in the class they don't consider five-stars. Players UA is still recruiting they don't consider five-star talents, but elite players.
I definitely believe Ruggs is UA's top remaining WR target, and he's been a top target for a long time. Some on here didn't even think he was a take prior to his senior season, and that UA was wasting their time.
Alabama might consider Ruggs a five-star. He's ranked 125 on Rivals. That doesn't mean he's a bad player. It doesn't mean Rivals is wrong, and others are right. We'll know in about 3-4 years. That's usually a good time to start discussing rankings.
Too many people think because someone is not in the top 100 the player isn't any good. ANY player ranked four-stars are good/great. Just an FYI.
When I push for a five-star ranking on someone I look at the recruit as a potential day 1 starter, or great chance to be an NFL first round draft selection. Anyone in the Rivals100 is considered about the same. I think anyone who is in the Rivals100 can make an argument for five-stars.
I don't think Rivals analysts base their rankings off of where Alabama coaches rank a recruit.
Also keep in mind regarding rankings on particular sites- The national analysts from Rivals live in the northeast and Cali with regional analysts throughout the country. The national analyst for one site lives in Nashville. I believe that's still in the Southeast. I think Southeast guys will tend to get more love. Not saying they are wrong or that it's a bad thing. I see three five-stars from Alabama on another site. I LIVE in Alabama and I only pressed for ONE five-star this year.
A few years ago Rivals was blasted for not having Matt Elam a five-star. There was just nothing that said that player is a five-star talent other than Alabama wants him. The Alabama coaches actually laughed when they heard he was five-star. They certainly didn't think he was. They thought he could have been a big run stopper. Not sure it has worked out well at Kentucky.
People sometimes look at rankings and think "well since Alabama wants him he must be a five-star" Sometimes analysts also get caught up in that.
There are a lot of players in the 2017 class Alabama wish they could have landed, but didn't. There are guys in the class they don't consider five-stars. Players UA is still recruiting they don't consider five-star talents, but elite players.
I definitely believe Ruggs is UA's top remaining WR target, and he's been a top target for a long time. Some on here didn't even think he was a take prior to his senior season, and that UA was wasting their time.
Alabama might consider Ruggs a five-star. He's ranked 125 on Rivals. That doesn't mean he's a bad player. It doesn't mean Rivals is wrong, and others are right. We'll know in about 3-4 years. That's usually a good time to start discussing rankings.
Alabama17Tide
Member
Alabama targets/commitments in final Rivals250
118. Jarez Parks, four-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida
120. Nico Collins, four-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama
125. Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama
147. Markail Benton, four-star linebacker from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama (Alabama commitment)
151. Phidarian Mathis, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana
152. Tyrell Shavers, four-star wide receiver from Lewisville High School in Texas (Alabama commitment)
162. Mac Jones, four-star quarterback from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida (Alabama commitment)
167. Daniel Wright, four-star safety from Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida (Alabama commitment)
216. Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge (Alabama commitment)
223. Chadarius Townsend, four-star athlete from Tanner High School in Alabama (Alabama commitment)
226. C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami
248. Kendall Randolph, four-star offensive tackle from Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama (Alabama commitment)
-I made my comments regarding Ruggs on Monday. I am disappointed he did not make the Rivals100. I do believe he is a top 100 guy. He did move up 48 spots from his previous ranking.
-Jarez Parks and Nico Collins fell out of the Rivals100. I don't disagree. Bama still has a good chance to sign Parks. I don't expect Collins in this class.
-Phidarian Mathis made a big move inside the Rivals250 after spending all year as a three-star. He visits Alabama this weekend.
-I thought Chris Allen had a good chance to move up in the rankings. The national guys wanted to see him throughout the week in Orlando, and he was hurt.
-Kendall Randolph moves back inside the Rivals250.
Recruiting - BONE: Rivals250 | TideSports.com
118. Jarez Parks, four-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida
120. Nico Collins, four-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama
125. Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama
147. Markail Benton, four-star linebacker from Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama (Alabama commitment)
151. Phidarian Mathis, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana
152. Tyrell Shavers, four-star wide receiver from Lewisville High School in Texas (Alabama commitment)
162. Mac Jones, four-star quarterback from The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida (Alabama commitment)
167. Daniel Wright, four-star safety from Boyd Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes, Florida (Alabama commitment)
216. Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge (Alabama commitment)
223. Chadarius Townsend, four-star athlete from Tanner High School in Alabama (Alabama commitment)
226. C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami
248. Kendall Randolph, four-star offensive tackle from Bob Jones High School in Madison, Alabama (Alabama commitment)
-I made my comments regarding Ruggs on Monday. I am disappointed he did not make the Rivals100. I do believe he is a top 100 guy. He did move up 48 spots from his previous ranking.
-Jarez Parks and Nico Collins fell out of the Rivals100. I don't disagree. Bama still has a good chance to sign Parks. I don't expect Collins in this class.
-Phidarian Mathis made a big move inside the Rivals250 after spending all year as a three-star. He visits Alabama this weekend.
-I thought Chris Allen had a good chance to move up in the rankings. The national guys wanted to see him throughout the week in Orlando, and he was hurt.
-Kendall Randolph moves back inside the Rivals250.
Recruiting - BONE: Rivals250 | TideSports.com
TerryP
Staff
Is it me or does this a contridiction? On one hand, he's pushing for a 5-Star ranking for him (expects him to contribute in his first year as one example) but on the other hand it'll be four years before we know if his ranking was/is correct?
TerryP
Staff
Target, but top target? To me it certainly appears the staff has been recruiting Ruggs and DeVonta Smith equally. I still believe the Tide lands both WR's.
As mentioned with the decommittment of Ruiz ... this looks like the opportunity for the Tide to open up one more slot for a guy like CJ Henderson. ICYMI, CJ was on campus for an official this past weekend.
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