📝 Update on the Rivals100

[Alabama17Tide]

Najee Harris remains No.1

Alabama's top commitment Najee Harris, five-star running back from Antioch High School in California, remains in the No.1 position in the Rivals100. Tough for any player to knock Harris from the top position. It will make the second time in the Nick Saban era in Tuscaloosa Alabama has signed the No.1 player in the Rivals100 joining Da'Shawn Hand.

Harris takes an official visit to Michigan this weekend.

Yes, I expect Najee to stick with his commitment to Alabama.


Jeudy now the No.1 WR

Just wait for the complaints about the 'Bama Bump' on this one. Jeudy is now the No.1 receiver in the country, and No. 12 overall. He moved to five-stars in the last update (after his commitment). He was dominant on the field this fall. He jumped Trevon Grimes, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Joseph Lewis and Nico Collins to claim the top position. Jeudy was ranked No.26 in the Rivals100 in the August edition.

Wills, Leatherwood in top 20

Alabama's OL class is the best in the country. It will rank as one of the best ever if Bama can hold on to all three five-star commitments. Jedrick Wills (No.17) ranks just ahead of Alex Leatherwood (No.19). Some could argue Leatherwood as the top offensive lineman in the country. Both will compete in the Under Armour All-America game.


Stevens, Solomon move to five-stars

A pair of Alabama targets were moved to five-stars in the updated rankings. LSU commitment JaCoby Stevens, safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, moved up one spot to No.29 overall to earn his fifth star. Stevens took an official visit to Alabama two weekends ago. LSU remains in good shape to hang on to Stevens, but Alabama has yet to give up in its pursuit.

I've said since early spring Aubrey Solomon, defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia, was a top priority for Alabama. He moved into the Rivals100 in August, and decommitted from Michigan. He had a terrific official visit two weekends ago, and Alabama is a serious threat to Georgia. He's now a five-star.

LaBryan Ray claims top spot in Alabama

I've pushed this one for a long time even before the last update. I believe Ray is the best player in Alabama. Ray didn't get to five-stars in this update, but I believe he will with a strong performance this week in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star game, and Under Amour All-America game. Ray is No.54 overall. Alabama remains in good shape.

Collins, Parks lose fifth star

Nico Collins, wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School, dropped 36 spots, but remains in the Rivals100 (No.59). Alabama tight ends coach Mario Cristobal visited Collins last week. Alabama, Georgia and Michigan remain the top three for the in-state prospect.

Jarez Parks, defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, has consistently ranked as a five-star on Rivals. Parks dropped 25 spots in the rankings update to No.47 overall. Alabama is still in good shape.


Ruggs should be in Rivals100 (IMO)

Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, was banged up when he attended the Rivals Five-Star Challenge in Atlanta. He was coming off an ankle sprain, and did not have the same type of burst and acceleration he displayed throughout his senior season.

I have Ruggs ahead of Collins in my in-state rankings. Rivals does not see it the same, but hopefully it changes when they see him in the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star game, and U.S. Army All-American Bowl. There are several receivers in the Rivals100 including at least three who wanted to commit to Alabama. The Crimson Tide staff is holding hold out for its top target at the position.

Two top safety targets not in Rivals100

I was asked by a former coach on Alabama's staff why Ronnie Harrison (when he was in high school) was not in any All-American games. I said why do you ask? The response, "Because we (Alabama) think he's the best DB in the class. He's a first team All-American type player, and first round NFL draft pick."

Harrison has been outstanding since his arrival in Tuscaloosa, and his hit on Saturday to save a touchdown was spectacular. Harrison signed in the same class with Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kendall Sheffield and Shaun Burgess-Becker. Minkah will receive first team pre-season All-American honors. Alabama was on to something when they told me about Harrison.

JaCoby Stevens is a five-star, and he's a top target. Former Alabama commitment Xavier McKinney is No.43 in the Rivals100. McKinney remains a take for Alabama. Devon Hunter visited Alabama for the Iron Bowl. He is No.57.

A couple of players are ranked ahead of guys like McKinney and Hunter on Alabama's board including FSU commitment Daniel Wright, four-star from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and Deangelo Gibbs, four-star from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia. Both are outside the Rivals100. At least one staff member believes Wright is the best overall safety in the country.

Moses, Cowan remain steady

Alabama's highest ranked linebackers didn't see any movement in their ranking in this update. Dylan Moses is No.32 in the Rivals100. He will play in the Under Armour All-America game. He is only two spots behind five-star status.

VanDarius Cowan, certainly Alabama's most vocal commitment, remains at No.55 in the Rivals100. Cowan is likely not to move up in the final rankings due to him kicked off his high school team before the end of the season, and also removed from the U.S. Army game. While he is a great player, and should thrive in Tuscaloosa Rivals probably won't reward him with five-stars. I think it's very understandable.

I'm very interested to see Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, perform in the Under Armour game. His size is extremely impressive. We'll see how he moves and covers in space throughout the week. He may have chance to move into the Rivals100 with a great week.

Alabama still in the mix for two Rivals100 OL

Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle from Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York, and Trey Smith, four-star offensive lineman from University of School of Jackson in Tennessee, have a big difference in their ranking. Wilson is No.6 overall in the Rivals100, while Smith checks in at No.97.

Nick Saban will have an in-home visit with Smith today for one final pitch before a decision is announced on Tuesday. Tennessee and Ohio State reporters seem to think it's a Vols/Buckeyes battle. One thing you never want to do is rule out Alabama when Nick Saban has an in-home visit especially the day prior to an announcement.

Wilson seems pretty torn at the moment between Alabama and Michigan. I don't think Alabama has pushed as hard for Wilson as for Smith.

Alabama targets in Rivals100

1. Najee Harris (Alabama commitment)
2. Marvin Wilson
5. Baron Browning (Ohio State commitment, recruitment is finished)
6. Isaiah Wilson
8. Cam Akers
12. Jerry Jeudy (Alabama commitment)
16. Josh Kaindoh (visiting Alabama this weekend)
17. Jedrick Wills (Alabama commitment)
19. Alex Leatherwood (Alabama commitment)
21. Shaun Wade (Ohio State commitment)
22. Tyler Shelvin (LSU commitment)
29. JaCoby Stevens (LSU commitment)
30. Aubrey Solomon
32. Dylan Moses (Alabama commitment)
42. Stanford Samuels (FSU commitment)
43. Xavier McKinney
46. Tua Tagovailo (Alabama commitment, McKinney above Tua?)
47. Jarez Parks
48. DeVonta Smith
54. LaBryan Ray
55. VanDarius Cowan (Alabama commitment)
57. Devon Hunter
59. Nico Collins
72. Brian Robinson (Alabama commitment)
97. Trey Smith

Rivals.com

1 Andrew Bone, Today at 11:00 AM
Last edited: Today at 3:13 PM
Recruiting - BONE: Updated Rivals100 | TideSports.com

 

[BamaFan334]

Jerry Jeudy was well on his way to five stars before he committed. They run updates like 2-3 times a year, so you can understand the overlapping.

 

[alabamajack]

Best guess. Of the players still out there, who do we get?

 

[rick4bama]

Did we have anyone that chance their minds and is coming to Bama.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

It was a busy day for Trey Smith, Rivals100 offensive tackle from University School of Jackson in Tennessee, as he welcomed coaches from Alabama, Ohio State and Tennessee in his home before his announcement on Tuesday. Smith will announce tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. (CST) on ESPN.

Nick Saban, Brent Key and Billy Napier met with Smith along with his family today. Urban Meyer visited with him after Alabama. Coach Tommy Thigpen from Tennessee also met with him. Butch Jones had an in-home visit with Smith prior to his official visit to Tennessee this past weekend.

From Alabama's perspective: The visit could not have gone any better today. Coach Saban and Coach Key laid out everything. He knows he is a top priority and has been for a long time. Smith grew up a big fan of the Crimson Tide. He has admitted to cheering for them against Tennessee for several years until most recently. Alabama believes after the visit his decision can go either way. It was a situation where they felt he definitely was or wasn't choosing Alabama, so there is some possible hope remaining.

From Ohio State's perspective: There has been some rumblings from a few media members who cover the Buckeyes that Smith is leaning to Ohio State. The guys who cover the Ohio State site for Rivals believe Urban Meyer and his staff have done a really good job recruiting him. They have done just about everything possible to make him feel wanted in Columbus. However, they also believe Smith will announce for Tennessee. It's only a prediction. They do not know for certain what he will do.

From Tennessee's perspective: The Vols have been considered the favorite for several months. His sister works in the athletic department at Tennessee. Most believe that was a game changer. He's an in-state prospect who has spent a lot of time in Knoxville in the last year. He also has close relationships with several Tennessee commitments.

Smith has decided to shut it down this evening. He is not taking calls or texts. He has shut his phone off for the evening. He wants to sleep on this decision. You never know what may happen when he wakes up in the morning. You hope he makes the right decision for himself regardless of where he may choose. I am sure there are different predictions on this one. The safe one is Tennessee. I'm going with Tennessee as of tonight. Can that change by tomorrow morning or early afternoon? Yes. It happens. Things change. We hear different things.

I'm not just trying to protect myself on this prediction. Hope to give a firm idea before the announcement. This is just how I feel on it tonight based on conversations on all three sides.

Let Smith sleep on it, and we will all know his decision for sure tomorrow.

Recruiting - BONE: What I'm hearing on Trey Smith.... | TideSports.com

 

[Tidestalker]

Alabama16tide - Truly appreciate your posts. I used to really keep up on this stuff, love recruiting, but haven't had the time. This is awesome. Thanks!

 

[TUSKtimes]

Blake Barnett transfers to Arizona State

 

[BamaFan334]

"It was a situation where they felt he definitely was or wasn't choosing Alabama"

I mean, what else could it be? Ir's either us or soneone else. Well yeah.

 

[Rolltide24]

What was Trey Smith thinking picking UT? Good grief.

 

[UAgrad93]

What was Trey Smith thinking picking UT? Good grief.

Sister was hired in the athletic department a year or two ago, sort of swaying things. Saying he chose UT for their "brand" over Bama and Ohio State, dumbest comment ever! Welcome to the Champions of Life.

 

[bradenob]

Best guess. Of the players still out there, who do we get?

I think we get Kaindoh, Steven Wright, LaBryan Ray, Ruggs, Devonta Smith, Aubrey Solomon.

POSSIBLY Xavier McKinney

 

[rick4bama]

I think we get Kaindoh, Steven Wright, LaBryan Ray, Ruggs, Devonta Smith, Aubrey Solomon.

POSSIBLY Xavier McKinney

Comedian Steven Wright will be on the team next year?

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Coaches on the road:
It's a busy day in the Sunshine State....

Alex Leatherwood, five-star offensive tackle from Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida, just met with Coach Saban, Coach Key, Coach Cristobal and Coach Ansley. Coach Key is now on his way to see Jedrick Wills, five-star offensive tackle from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky. The rest of the group is staying in Florida.

Coach Saban, Coach Cristobal and Coach Ansley are on the way to see FSU commitments Stanford Samuels, Rivals100 cornerback from Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, and Daniel Wright, four-star safety from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Coach Saban and Coach Cristobal will also see Alabama commitments Jerry Jeudy, five-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach High School in Florida, and VanDarius Cowan, Rivals100 linebacker from Palm Beach Gardens High School in Florida, today.

Coach Ansley is expected to see C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami, Florida, tonight. It's the second time the staff has seen him in the last two weeks.

Bama is definitely wanting to add two more safeties and a couple of corners to this class. Very important. Derick Ansley is returning to Atlanta area on Thursday to see former commitment Xavier McKinney, Rivals100 safety from Roswell High School.
Recruiting - BONE: Nick Saban making the rounds today... | TideSports.com

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Robinson ready to join Alabama
Andrew Bone | Editor

Brian Robinson, Rivals100 running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, is ready to enroll in January. The Alabama commitment has thoroughly enjoyed watching his future team play this fall. The defending national champions are standing at 13-0 in 2016 and heading into the college football playoff.

"It's been a great season," Robinson said. "You can tell the defense comes to play every week. After watching them play last year against LSU I knew they were a championship-caliber defense. That's the same way they have looked this year.

"The offense has been improving every week. Bo (Scarbrough) is starting to step up. He is getting better every week. Jalen (Hurts) has been impressive every week. He may not have his best game some weeks, but he's still very impressive for a freshman quarterback at Alabama. Overall, the team has been great. The defense has been great. It's a championship defense. I expect them to take it all the way."

Robinson was impressive with the Tide's performance in the SEC Championship game.

"Complete domination," he said of Alabama's 54-16 win on Saturday. "From the end of the first drive to the end of the game Bama dominated. Florida got a quick score, but they really couldn't do anything else.

"They were trying to gather themselves the rest of the game. Their quarterback couldn't make any plays. We were able to stop the run, and we had a really good rushing attack. We played well upfront on both sides of the ball. Overall, it was a great game for Bama."

The Tuscaloosa native believes Alabama will prevail in their semi-final game against Washington in Atlanta.

"I am very confident in the team," Robinson said. "If Washington can't pass they won't have a chance. The rushing attack won't happen against Bama's d-line and linebackers. They will have to throw it over the top. Bama has to keep feeding Bo the ball. Just let him feel himself out in the game. I think he will have a great rushing performance."

Robinson will arrive at Alabama in January along with Rivals100 No.1 overall player Najee Harris. He looks forward to competing with his future teammate in the backfield the next few years.

"He (Harris) was on his official visit for the Auburn week," Robinson said. "We met on his official. It should be a great experience for both of us to compete. I look forward to competing with him. We will both benefit from it in the long run."

Other thoughts on his future teammates?

"I am excited about the offensive line class we have coming in," he said. "I have seen a few of those guys. We have Kendall (Randolph) down here with us this week in the all-star game (Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic). I met Jedrick (Wills) a few weeks ago on his official visit. I know (Alex) Leatherwood. They are going to fit right in."

Several programs extended scholarship offers to Robinson during his recruitment. One other SEC school did a good job recruiting him. He let it be known early he was solid with Alabama.

"Some stuff I said to the media I think pushed away a couple of schools," he said. "Georgia did a great job recruiting me. I enjoyed being recruited by them. Through the media I made it known I was a hard commitment though. It was going to take something really strong for me to pull away from Alabama."

Robinson can practice with the University of Alabama if the Tide defeats Washington on New Year's Eve. He is excited about the opportunity he has to play for his home-town school. He is also looking forward to working with running backs coach, Burton Burns.

"My mind set is just to go in and compete," Robinson said. "I want to be an early factor for the team. I want to do anything I can to help the team.

"I have a really good relationship with Coach Burns. We talk every time I go to Bama. We talk about depth and how everything is going. He's a great man. I know it's going to be tough, and he is going to push me."

Robinson looked back at his recruitment and what stood out the most.

"Basically just the fame that comes with being a stand out athlete," he said. "You see all these different schools on TV. Then you have them coming to visit you. They want you to join their program. It's a special feeling. You have all these D-1 schools wanting you to be a part of their program. It was just very special."
TideSports.com - Robinson ready to join Alabama

 

[bradenob]

Comedian Steven Wright will be on the team next year?

Lol -oops. But hey. I'm sure each recruiting class can use a little bit more humor!!

 

[BamaFan334]

Highly doubt we get McKinney. He's falling for the BS at Georgia and likes Yabo Dabo.

 

[It Takes Eleven]

How many of our commits will be early enrollees? It would be great to get them on campus to remove the suspense of NSD.

 

[rick4bama]

How many of our commits will be early enrollees? It would be great to get them on campus to remove the suspense of NSD.

Yes I'm not one that like this cap thing!

 

[BamaFan334]

How many of our commits will be early enrollees? It would be great to get them on campus to remove the suspense of NSD.

I'm most worried about getting Najee here, as him and Dylan Moses are both early enrollees. I wanna say I saw the number eight somewhere.

 

[UAgrad93]

How many of our commits will be early enrollees? It would be great to get them on campus to remove the suspense of NSD.

247 Sports has 13 listed as early enrollees!
Harris, Leatherwood, Moses, Jeudy, Tagovailoa, Cowan, Shavers, Baker, Robinson, Townsend, McDonald, Brannon, Fletcher