📝 Updates for the last week of January with numbers becoming limited for the Tide.

[Alabama17Tide]

Per Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com

This is from Sam Spiegelman who is dialed in down in Louisiana and covers the LSU site.

Just got off the phone with source in Amite. Here is the latest on Ishmael Sopsher, Devonta Lee and Rodney Sopsher ahead of this official visit weekend
Both Nick Saban and LSU went in-home with the Sopshers this weekend. After Saban and Pete Golding went in-home on Wednesday, there was a waning confidence that Sopsher would wind up at Alabama. That is no longer the case

I am told that as the family travels to Tuscaloosa, Ala., for their OV this weekend, there is a growing sense that both Sopsher's mom and dad are on board for the Tide. They believe this is the ideal landing spot if Sopsher wants to eventually develop into a first-round NFL pick.

LSU still feels good and they are assured the final OV before NSD. Orgeron has made Sopsher and Amite a priority, but this is a fluid situation. LSU is exploring other DL at the time, like Byong Young, Charles Moore and Nathan Pickering, and is working feverishly on adding at least one DL to their 2019 class.

Right now, my guess is on Alabama.

Recruiting - BONE: The latest on Sopsher as he travels to Tuscaloosa | BamaInsider.com

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[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

saw this on the Bama recruiting page on the rant.

Jared Harrison-Hunte opted to take a 2nd OV to Miami instead of Bama this weekend according to Andrew Ivins (InsideTheU). Ivins CBd him to Miami; Penn St and Temple mods followed suit.

Mark him off the wish list/B list/if we can't get him then lets take him list

 

[UAgrad93]

I believe Nathan Pickering visits next weekend. If he shows up, that will be HUGE since it is the last weekend before NSD.

 

[TerryP]

Mark him off the wish list/B list/if we can't get him then lets take him list

It's more of a "wasn't on a list." If a practical reason is needed there never was room within the scholarship cap number. Another reason is the depth that's there already. There's no doubt he'd 'shirt if he were to sign. Setting that aside, he's coming in to a line that looks to be Ray, Barmore, Alfano, and Young (committed, unsigned.)

I'm seeing the last signees being one defensive guy for sure (whom I believe to be Young.) Nothing would suprise me with Sopsher. It's another LSU story with their staff making a strong, albeit a bit late, pitch. I love Pickering visiting, but what's been said, read, or seen that gives any indication he's headed anywhere but Starkville?

We're seeing a lot of headlines about Florida State--does that affect a guy like Fuller?

FWIW, I'd think a guy like Sorrells is higher on the staff's board Harrison-Hunte.

No matter what, this is a really good defensive line depth year for the fall...adding to it is just icing on the ol' cake.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Mark him off the wish list/B list/if we can't get him then lets take him list

It's more of a "wasn't on a list." If a practical reason is needed there never was room within the scholarship cap number. Another reason is the depth that's there already. There's no doubt he'd 'shirt if he were to sign. Setting that aside, he's coming in to a line that looks to be Ray, Barmore, Alfano, and Young (committed, unsigned.)

I'm seeing the last signees being one defensive guy for sure (whom I believe to be Young.) Nothing would suprise me with Sopsher. It's another LSU story with their staff making a strong, albeit a bit late, pitch. I love Pickering visiting, but what's been said, read, or seen that gives any indication he's headed anywhere but Starkville?

We're seeing a lot of headlines about Florida State--does that affect a guy like Fuller?

FWIW, I'd think a guy like Sorrells is higher on the staff's board Harrison-Hunte.

No matter what, this is a really good defensive line depth year for the fall...adding to it is just icing on the ol' cake.

I think what we say in the last two Bama games was anything but good depth on the defense period. Ovah at my house their is redlights flashing as far as the defense for the 2019 version of The King. Even the starters we have returning are suspect.

33 99 89 32 15 2.....is there anybody in that group that you consider a great player? I see a bunch of just good players and not one great player.

 

[TerryP]

I think what we say in the last two Bama games was anything but good depth on the defense period. Ovah at my house their is redlights flashing as far as the defense for the 2019 version of The King. Even the starters we have returning are suspect.

We're specifically discussing the defensive line here.

In the incoming class, there's a total of eight--to date. There's another six on the line right now.

Ray, Mathis, Davis, Barmore, Musika, Wynn, Alfono, Dale, Egoigbe, Ingraham...when we start adding guys that can play an end (versus the DT/E in the 3-4) we could add Harris, Mwikuta, and Bogle perhaps.

I'm seeing one more sure, and a possibility of two more along the line...a good 10-12 man rotation.

33 99 89 32 15 2.....is there anybody in that group that you consider a great player? I see a bunch of just good players and not one great player.

The same was said last season and the line ended up being one of the better performing units on the team. From what I've learned we're looking at several who have made a lot of progress over the last season.

Here's the point I keep in mind. If you're not on the correct page when fall camp begins you're not going to get in the rotation the majority of the time unless something--like and injury--changes the dynamics. If you recall, when DH was injured they pulled LB's shirt.

That is a lot of potential, sprinkled in with some proven talent, going into spring camp.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

I think what we say in the last two Bama games was anything but good depth on the defense period. Ovah at my house their is redlights flashing as far as the defense for the 2019 version of The King. Even the starters we have returning are suspect.

We're specifically discussing the defensive line here.

In the incoming class, there's a total of eight--to date. There's another six on the line right now.

Ray, Mathis, Davis, Barmore, Musika, Wynn, Alfono, Dale, Egoigbe, Ingraham...when we start adding guys that can play an end (versus the DT/E in the 3-4) we could add Harris, Mwikuta, and Bogle perhaps.

I'm seeing one more sure, and a possibility of two more along the line...a good 10-12 man rotation.

33 99 89 32 15 2.....is there anybody in that group that you consider a great player? I see a bunch of just good players and not one great player.

The same was said last season and the line ended up being one of the better performing units on the team. From what I've learned we're looking at several who have made a lot of progress over the last season.

Here's the point I keep in mind. If you're not on the correct page when fall camp begins you're not going to get in the rotation the majority of the time unless something--like and injury--changes the dynamics. If you recall, when DH was injured they pulled LB's shirt.

That is a lot of potential, sprinkled in with some proven talent, going into spring camp.

Potential means they ain't worth a shite yet

 

[colbyjacks]

Pretty bold words there. Don’t be so Chicken little. Quinnen Williams had a lot of potential going into last year. It worked out just fine.

 

[EasyTider]

I realize some may be concerned that he’s made of glass at this point, but 24 is most certainly special. Chris Allen will also be a difference maker and with the recruiting and playing time for new secondary, we’ll have to be much improved in backend?

Don’t bury us just yet.

 

[mando]

I think the Defense will be better this year. Mainly due to getting really good injured players back (Lewis, Allan and Diggs mainly) and I think the secondary will be better since we have some experience coming back and not having to replace the whole secondary.

D-Line development and depth will be key for sure.

 

[footballer]

What is the difference in having potential and not playing and having potential and playing? All our players on the roster have potential, else they would not be here.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

Recruiting - BONE: Sunday evening note regarding official visitors | BamaInsider.com

OK, so we don’t have any interviews with the four players who visited, but I have talked with enough contacts today to get a little feedback.

Henry To’oto’o: Heard the visit could not have gone any better. His family is fully on board with Alabama. This decision is up to him. Was the relationship with Tosh Lupoi a major factor? I’m told many are waiting to see. He seems to really like Alabama regardless of Tosh. It all up in the air. Nick Saban will have a final in-home visit with To’oto’o and his family this week.

Ishmael Sopsher: Most of you saw the post on Friday regarding the LSU site feeling Alabama is in the driver’s seat for his signature. Many have been saying Alabama for a while with Sopsher. The visit went really well. Does Alabama believe he is a done deal? Absolutely not. He has an official visit to LSU next weekend. Expect LSU to go all out to win his signature a few days before signing day. This one may go back and forth. I don’t think it’s over by a long shot. I do think Alabama is in good position, but the last visit to LSU can easily change things.

Javonne Shepherd: I said last week how surprised I was that Shepherd was even visiting Alabama. He was in Tuscaloosa on Saturday and Sunday. Shepherd isn’t one who likes to talk. I’m not sure we will hear much from him. What I have been told is Alabama will take him if he wants to commit. Another thing I’ve also been told is to quit worrying about numbers. It will all work itself out. Alabama does have four-five spots. It will figure everything out once players make decisions. Alabama believes it is strongly in the race here after the weekend. I am surprised if it happens. You never know.

Brett Seither: He is possibly the only player we speak with out of this group regarding the official visit. The other three just don’t talk that often. Seither also had a fantastic visit to Alabama. He sent me a text saying the visit was awesome. It’s hard to know exactly what he’s thinking as far as his top overall school. Bama will take him. However, he’s been recruited by Alabama for about three-four weeks. We will have a interview with him. Hopefully by tomorrow.

Reminder Alabama will host these players next weekend:
Daniel Heimuli
Nathan Pickering
Jerrion Ealy
Quashon Fuller
Jaquaze Sorrells

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[TerryP]

Ishmael Sopsher: Most of you saw the post on Friday regarding the LSU site feeling Alabama is in the driver’s seat for his signature. Many have been saying Alabama for a while with Sopsher. The visit went really well. Does Alabama believe he is a done deal? Absolutely not. He has an official visit to LSU next weekend. Expect LSU to go all out to win his signature a few days before signing day. This one may go back and forth. I don’t think it’s over by a long shot. I do think Alabama is in good position, but the last visit to LSU can easily change things.

Bone is pointing to one LSU site, others have used the phrase "multiple sources" when talking about LSU improving their position last week. Reports were all leading that way going into this visit.

Henry To’oto’o: Heard the visit could not have gone any better. His family is fully on board with Alabama. This decision is up to him. Was the relationship with Tosh Lupoi a major factor? I’m told many are waiting to see. He seems to really like Alabama regardless of Tosh. It all up in the air. Nick Saban will have a final in-home visit with To’oto’o and his family this week

Washington's a school that's popped in late.

It's these in home visits with some players I'd love to be in on. They're taking what I call the Evans approach and laying out specifically how you'll he'll be used and how he can get there quickly. A pitch for playing time. Ol' Jeremy...not a bad recruiter there and he's in this.

 

[Alabama17Tide]

BamaInsider.com - Where things stand with the final Alabama targets

Per Andrew Bone, BamaInsider.com

Jerrion Ealy: Alabama swing a late surprise this recruiting season? The two-sport star will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The Crimson Tide seems to have picked up a little momentum with Ealy due to his relationship with running backs coach Charles Huff (previously at Mississippi State). Alabama will have the final weekend with the former Ole Miss commitment. Baseball still remains a very possible option for his future.

Will Bogle stick with his commitment? That is a question since former Alabama defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi departed Tuscaloosa. Bogle, who favored Miami for most of his recruitment, took an official visit to Florida this past weekend. He will take an unofficial visit to Miami this weekend. He was recruited by Charles Kelly (Tennessee) and Sal Sunseri (Florida) who are both now at Alabama. He is not a lock to sign with Alabama, but he isn't a lock to flip. So the coming days are interesting for the elite pass rusher.

Sopsher has been a tough recruitment to follow. Many felt Alabama was the early favorite for his signature. He then started saying he will only go to the school offering his brother, Rodney (JuCo). Rodney reclassified to the 2020 class. It's a non-factor at this time. Sopsher was in Tuscaloosa with his family this past weekend and will give LSU the final visit this weekend. He has an outstanding relationship with Coach Orgeron. LSU will go all-in hoping to push things in the Tigers favor.

There is all sorts of information on To'oto'o as he prepares to make his final decision next week. Some thought Alabama was out after Tosh Lupoi left to become the defensive line coach of the Cleveland Browns. To'oto'o visited Alabama this past weekend. All his questions were answered. His family is very high on the Crimson Tide. Nick Saban and Pete Golding will have an in-home visit this week. He may take an official visit to Washington this weekend, but it still feels like an Alabama vs. Tennessee battle. Alabama will continue to press hard for his signature.

It's always a tough pull with players from the Magnolia State, and Alabama has held strong to the commitment since last summer. Mississippi State seems like the school which has a chance to flip him. However, Alabama just landed the Bulldogs defensive line coach, Brian Baker. The move for Baker should help Alabama in keeping Young on board. He also has a very good relationship with Sal Sunseri. Young will take an official visit to LSU this weekend.

Pickering has posted on social media a few times in the last few days regarding his commitment status and to commit to a school and not a coach. It was likely a pro-tweet for Mississippi State as the Crimson Tide snagged its defensive line coach (Baker). Pickering was in Starkville this past weekend and will give Alabama his final official visit this week. He has said for the last few months Alabama is a school with a chance to flip him. The Crimson Tide, despite the addition of Baker, is likely a long shot.

The chances of Alabama signing another defensive back after adding five in the early signing period looked very slim. Williams remains on the Alabama commitment list, but is not expected to sign with the Tide. He has taken official visits this month to Miami and Texas A&M. He will take an official visit to LSU this weekend. He will not take an official visit to Alabama which is a good indication the sides will part ways.

Heimuli has seen increased interest from Alabama in the last month. He was the defensive MVP in the Polynesian Bowl played earlier this month. He was previously recruited by Tosh Lupoi, but has seen Pete Golding take control of his recruitment in the last few weeks. Many believe Washington is the favorite to land Heimuli's signature. He visited the Huskies this past weekend. He will take a final official visit to Alabama this weekend.

Sorrells has been on Alabama's radar for a long time. He visited in the summer and decided to hold off from announcing a commitment in August. Most expected him to commit to South Carolina. The Gamecocks remain the favorite to land his signature next week, but Alabama remains involved. He took an official visit to Penn State this past weekend. He visits Alabama this week. A lot depends on how how Alabama pushes for him. There are two defensive line spots open. One is for Byron Young (an Alabama commitment).

Fuller will take his final official visit to Alabama this weekend. The four-star lineman visited Florida State this past weekend. There was some hope in Tallahassee he would shut down his recruitment after the visit, but he is still set on traveling to Tuscaloosa on Friday. Alabama remains in need of defensive linemen in this class. Alabama wants Fuller on campus this weekend, spend time with him and go from there.

Shepherd was an interesting name on the Alabama official visit list this past weekend. He arrived in Tuscaloosa on Saturday after taking an official visit to Georgia. He was at Alabama on Saturday and Sunday. The visit to Alabama apparently went very well. Shepherd is tough to predict. He doesn't talk much to the media and has kept pretty quiet this month. Alabama will accept a commitment from him if he wants to flip. The biggest competition for the Longhorns may however be Texas A&M.

Robinson did not sign early and there was some thought he would end up elsewhere after Mike Locksley left Alabama to become the head coach at Maryland. Robinson has just been letting time go by until signing day. He has decided not to take any additional visits. He had an in-home visit with new Alabama running backs coach Charles Huff last week. He is solid with his commitment and will sign with the Tide next Wednesday.

The fast-rising tight end took an official visit to Alabama this past weekend. Seither has seen his stock rise since the end of his senior season. Alabama extended an offer three weeks ago. Nick Saban, joined by tight ends coach Jeff Banks, had an in-home visit with Seither last week. He released a top five a few days ago which included Alabama, Georgia, Michigan State, Penn State and TCU. The decision for the Maryland native may come down to Alabama and Georgia.

 

[EasyTider]

 

[TUSKtimes]

So this Bogle fellow is giving me flashbacks of another Bobby Brown or the safety that recently committed and flipped a few days later to Michigan. I hear Aubrey Solomon also left the Wolverines after only one season. Sometimes less is just more.

 

[UAgrad93]

I wouldn't put too much stock into that tweet. His TL is loaded with information about middle school kids. Clemson hasn't had a coach to see him and he didn't even take an official. Mom really likes and wants her son at BAMA. She even said as much in an interview. Now Diaz may throw some shit together this weekend at Miami but they are considered the closest threat.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

These 15 minutes of fame shows aren't enough.

 

[EasyTider]

Bogle will flip to Miami if he indeed does flip.

I’d said 60/40 Miami right now.

 

[JoseyWalesTheOutlaw]

Pickering has canceled his OV to Bama......mark him off your list if you're playing from home. NSD could be really quiet around T-town. Hopefully the guys that committed minus the kid from Daphne will sign and one LBer.