We will keep all recruiting notes, nuggets, etc.. within this thread throughout the weekend.
Key things to know
Alabama is currently scheduled to host nine official visitors (Number is subject to change)
Samson Okunlola, five-star offensive tackle from Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts
-First visit for Okunlola to Alabama. Can the Tide become a serious contender?
Shelton Sampson, the No. 5 receiver from from Catholic HS in Baton Rouge
-LSU looks to have the edge heading into the visit after Alabama signed the top three receivers in Louisiana last cycle.
Caleb Downs, the No. 1 safety from Mill Creek HS in Hoschton, Georgia
-Rumors are all over the place regarding Downs and which school is in the lead. We should know more after this weekend where things stand with the Tide. It's currently a tight battle with Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.
Justice Haynes, the No. 1 running back from Buford HS in Georgia
-The Georgia legacy has a close relationship with Alabama running backs coach Robert Gillespie. Still a very tough pull away from the Bulldogs.
Damon Wilson, Rivals100 defensive end from Venice HS in Florida
-Wilson has visited Alabama a few times and will visit without Tide commitment Elliot Washington. Alabama has pushed hard for Wilson.
Damari Brown, Rivals100 cornerback from American Heritage HS in Plantation, Florida
-Brown moved up the recruiting board after the spring evaluation period. A good chance to make a big move with him after signing teammate, Earl Little Jr., last year.
Makari Vickers, Rivals100 cornerback from Munroe HS in Tallahassee, Florida
-Alabama has been in great position with Vickers since the start of his recruitment. Others are pushing hard to sway him, but this trip can create a lot of separation from the pack.
Ronan Hanafin, four-star athlete from Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Massachusetts
-Hanafin has received a heavy amount of attention from Alabama since his first visit to Tuscaloosa in April. Alabama is recruiting him as a linebacker. He is held in very high regard.
Jelani Thurman, four-star tight end from Langston Hughes HS in Fairburn, Georgia
-I think we will learn more about Alabama's interest in Thurman after this weekend. There is obviously interest since he is coming in for an official, but there are a lot of tight ends recruited by the staff.
*JuCo WR Malik Benson will wrap up his official visit to Alabama on Friday. We will have an update on Benson's visit as quickly as possible.
Five-star DB taking unofficial visit with the Tide
Cormani McClain, five-star cornerback from Lakeland High School in Florida, was originally scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. He will travel to Tuscaloosa on his own dime with plans to return in the fall for his official. This is a very big visit for McClain as Alabama considers him a priority target. Many believe he will sign with the Gators, but his recruitment is far from over. Alabama was in the driver's seat after his last trip to Alabama. Can it move back into the lead after this visit?
We will see who else makes it to town this weekend on unofficial visits. Peter Woods told BamaInsider earlier this week that he may return to Tuscaloosa this weekend. We have yet to confirm if the visit will take place.
Alabama will host OL/DL camp, high school 7-on-7 tournament
I'm still working on a list of significant recruits who will compete in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. A lot going on with officials + the two football camps. Alabama commitment Yhonzae Pierre will work out. 2024 four-star quarterback Michael Van Buren is arriving on Friday. A few linemen we expect to compete in the OL/DL camp includes Daniel Calhoun, 2024 five-star offensive tackle from Centennial HS in Roswell, Georgia and Ashton Funk, 2024 three-star offensive tackle from Tompkins hS in Katy, Texas. I'll add more names during the next few days.
Commitment watch?
I am not sure we will see any commitments from the weekend visitors, but we've seen a few Tide targets schedule decision announcements this week. Wilkin Formby will announce his decision on Monday. I see this as a Bama/Ole Miss battle. I've heard the Ole Miss side feels really good, but I'm just not buying it. Alabama wants him. I'll be surprised if he picks the Rebels. Peter Woods will announce his commitment on July 8. He may have a top four, but this is a Bama/Clemson battle. Some on the Clemson side are optimistic, but I still like Alabama here. Dylan Lonergan will announce his decision on July 5. He announced the commitment date after an official to South Carolina. I think the Gamecocks are in the best postion.
I think we can watch a few others pretty closely during the next few weeks including Brayson Hubbard and Peyton Woodring. Both received offers from Alabama last week. I know it may not move the needle much as far as Alabama's team ranking, but both are wanted by the Crimson Tide. Enough said.
Key things to know
Alabama is currently scheduled to host nine official visitors (Number is subject to change)
Samson Okunlola, five-star offensive tackle from Thayer Academy in Braintree, Massachusetts
-First visit for Okunlola to Alabama. Can the Tide become a serious contender?
Shelton Sampson, the No. 5 receiver from from Catholic HS in Baton Rouge
-LSU looks to have the edge heading into the visit after Alabama signed the top three receivers in Louisiana last cycle.
Caleb Downs, the No. 1 safety from Mill Creek HS in Hoschton, Georgia
-Rumors are all over the place regarding Downs and which school is in the lead. We should know more after this weekend where things stand with the Tide. It's currently a tight battle with Alabama, Georgia and Ohio State.
Justice Haynes, the No. 1 running back from Buford HS in Georgia
-The Georgia legacy has a close relationship with Alabama running backs coach Robert Gillespie. Still a very tough pull away from the Bulldogs.
Damon Wilson, Rivals100 defensive end from Venice HS in Florida
-Wilson has visited Alabama a few times and will visit without Tide commitment Elliot Washington. Alabama has pushed hard for Wilson.
Damari Brown, Rivals100 cornerback from American Heritage HS in Plantation, Florida
-Brown moved up the recruiting board after the spring evaluation period. A good chance to make a big move with him after signing teammate, Earl Little Jr., last year.
Makari Vickers, Rivals100 cornerback from Munroe HS in Tallahassee, Florida
-Alabama has been in great position with Vickers since the start of his recruitment. Others are pushing hard to sway him, but this trip can create a lot of separation from the pack.
Ronan Hanafin, four-star athlete from Browne & Nichols School in Cambridge, Massachusetts
-Hanafin has received a heavy amount of attention from Alabama since his first visit to Tuscaloosa in April. Alabama is recruiting him as a linebacker. He is held in very high regard.
Jelani Thurman, four-star tight end from Langston Hughes HS in Fairburn, Georgia
-I think we will learn more about Alabama's interest in Thurman after this weekend. There is obviously interest since he is coming in for an official, but there are a lot of tight ends recruited by the staff.
*JuCo WR Malik Benson will wrap up his official visit to Alabama on Friday. We will have an update on Benson's visit as quickly as possible.
Five-star DB taking unofficial visit with the Tide
Cormani McClain, five-star cornerback from Lakeland High School in Florida, was originally scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. He will travel to Tuscaloosa on his own dime with plans to return in the fall for his official. This is a very big visit for McClain as Alabama considers him a priority target. Many believe he will sign with the Gators, but his recruitment is far from over. Alabama was in the driver's seat after his last trip to Alabama. Can it move back into the lead after this visit?
We will see who else makes it to town this weekend on unofficial visits. Peter Woods told BamaInsider earlier this week that he may return to Tuscaloosa this weekend. We have yet to confirm if the visit will take place.
Alabama will host OL/DL camp, high school 7-on-7 tournament
I'm still working on a list of significant recruits who will compete in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. A lot going on with officials + the two football camps. Alabama commitment Yhonzae Pierre will work out. 2024 four-star quarterback Michael Van Buren is arriving on Friday. A few linemen we expect to compete in the OL/DL camp includes Daniel Calhoun, 2024 five-star offensive tackle from Centennial HS in Roswell, Georgia and Ashton Funk, 2024 three-star offensive tackle from Tompkins hS in Katy, Texas. I'll add more names during the next few days.
Commitment watch?
I am not sure we will see any commitments from the weekend visitors, but we've seen a few Tide targets schedule decision announcements this week. Wilkin Formby will announce his decision on Monday. I see this as a Bama/Ole Miss battle. I've heard the Ole Miss side feels really good, but I'm just not buying it. Alabama wants him. I'll be surprised if he picks the Rebels. Peter Woods will announce his commitment on July 8. He may have a top four, but this is a Bama/Clemson battle. Some on the Clemson side are optimistic, but I still like Alabama here. Dylan Lonergan will announce his decision on July 5. He announced the commitment date after an official to South Carolina. I think the Gamecocks are in the best postion.
I think we can watch a few others pretty closely during the next few weeks including Brayson Hubbard and Peyton Woodring. Both received offers from Alabama last week. I know it may not move the needle much as far as Alabama's team ranking, but both are wanted by the Crimson Tide. Enough said.
