With 23 verbal commitments already in the Crimson Tide's No. 1 rated recruiting class, spots are filling up quickly with less than nine weeks to go until the early signing period.
Today, the main topics here are going to be some insight I've been able to gather per my sources on four of the staff's top remaining targets: Montgomery Carver (Ala.) duo of James Smith and Jaquavious Russaw, Fla DE Keon Keeley, and Fla. CB Cormani McClain.
Let's start things off with Keeley, as that is one that there seems to be some misinformation going around about in the last handful of days.
Tide Illustrated sources confirmed that Alabama is at the top of his list, and that it has been that way since he opened things up by decommitting from Notre Dame earlier in the cycle.
From what I have been told, Keeley is in no rush to make a second commitment, though. While the interviews and the media attention can be a lot to handle, Keeley is enjoying the rest of the recruiting process, and as a result those close to him do not expect him to make a decision before the calendar turns over into December.
Given his talent-level, Alabama is understandably willing to ride it out, especially given the level of confidence there is in the building about landing him in the end.
Moving onto five-star CB Cormani McClain, there's been a recent shift in his recruitment that I have not been able to dive into before today.
McClain recently announced that he plans to commit in a lengthy ceremony on October 27th at 5pm central time.
Given the timing of the decision, and the fact that Alabama has not been able to get him on campus, everything is trending towards Gainesville at the moment. There is a slim chance he visits Alabama this weekend for the Mississippi State game, but that is something that is looking less likely by the hour as the game approaches with no news out.
Per sources close to McClain and inside the state of Florida, McClain originally was one that everyone expected to wait until either right before signing day, or signing day itself to make a decision. Unlike others being discussed here, McClain has grown tired of the recruiting process, and is ready for it to be a thing of the past rather than drag it out another 1.5 months.
Not ready, as of this morning, to make a prediction yet, but as I said, all things are pointing towards Gainesville. Next edition we will go in-depth on the board at cornerback, potential new targets, and more.
I am excited to say, as we wrap this edition up, that Tide Illustrated will be in attendance at the Montgomery Carver vs. Pike Road game tonight.
We look forward to providing an update on the duo of Smith & Russaw, especially coming off of their Florida trip in which there was a significant post-visit high for Russaw.
Per sources, Florida is pitching him hard on the fact that he would have the chance to start the moment he stepped foot on campus were he to sign with the Gators. Russaw, like any other elite kid, wants to see the field, so they had his attention.
With Russaw and Smith maintaining the fact that they are a package deal, It doesn't sound as if the post-visit high was nearly as much with Smith, the talented DT.
Smith, per my sources, has Alabama at the top, and is high on the idea of being able to stay closer to home.
Both will be on campus this weekend.
TI will have in-depth updates on each of them following their game tonight, and will also be on the road in both Georgia and Texas tonight as well.
n.rivals.com
