I attended the James Clemens vs. Clay-Chalkville game on Friday night.
My thoughts on a few prospects
Kyriq McDonald, three-star safety from James Clemens High School (Alabama commitment)
McDonald had a big game on the road. He scored more points than the entire Clay-Chalkville team on the first play of the game. McDonald returned the opening kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown. He also had a 50-yard interception return for another score in the first quarter. McDonald added a 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. James Clemens defeated Clay-Chalkville 28-6.
McDonald showcased naturalfnstincts and playmaking ability. He spent most of the night lined up at safety covering the inside receivers. He made a few plays in coverage. He always seemed to be around the football. He's a great leader on the team. I have not pressed for four-stars next to his name in the past, but after seeing him play on Friday night it's warranted.
McDonald will attend Alabama's game against Kent State today.
LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School
Ray is the best recruit in the state. Yes, he's ranked No.3 on Rivals. I had him No.1 in the Tuscaloosa News in the 'Most Wanted' list released in July. He backed up my high billing. I was extremely impressed with him throughout the night. Everyone in attendance was including Alabama assistant coaches Mario Cristobal and Karl Dunbar.
Ray made several plays behind the line of scrimmage. He was chasing down ball carries from the backside. He showed off great movement working down the line. He is an impressive specimens at 6-foot-5, 260-pounds. He moves like he is 225-pounds. The sky is the limit for elite pass rusher.
I will be pushing very hard for him to move to five-star on Rivals. I was a big fan of Marlon Davidson a year ago, and made sure he remained a five-star. Davidson has backed up his ranking thus far at Auburn. I would have Ray ranked higher if they were in the same class. He reminds me of Alabama freshman Quinnen Williams. Just taller with a longer wing span and more athleticism.
Spoke with a few people close Ray last night who indicated Alabama is in great position for him.
Ray is heading to Knoxville today.
Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School
The offense just couldn't get going for Clay-Chalkville on Friday night. Collins had six catches for 68 yards. He was targeted a several other times throughout the night. He had a few drops. It was obvious they were trying to get the ball to him all night. The QB just struggled.
Collins showed some good and no-so-good things during the game. The good- He showed a little bit more explosion in the open field from what I've seen in the past. He is 6-foot-5, 200-pounds. He did a good job of getting yards after the catch. I was also a big fan of his blocking as was Mario Cristobal as I he complimented him throughout the night.
He needs to become more consistent catching the ball. There were also some plays he took himself out of the game. I'm not sure if it was fatigue or what it may have been.
I spoke to several regarding his recruitment. Most believe Michigan still has the edge. Alabama and Georgia are in it. Those are his top three schools. Alabama and Georgia were both watching him on Friday night.
My thoughts on a few prospects
Kyriq McDonald, three-star safety from James Clemens High School (Alabama commitment)
McDonald had a big game on the road. He scored more points than the entire Clay-Chalkville team on the first play of the game. McDonald returned the opening kickoff 81 yards for a touchdown. He also had a 50-yard interception return for another score in the first quarter. McDonald added a 50-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. James Clemens defeated Clay-Chalkville 28-6.
McDonald showcased naturalfnstincts and playmaking ability. He spent most of the night lined up at safety covering the inside receivers. He made a few plays in coverage. He always seemed to be around the football. He's a great leader on the team. I have not pressed for four-stars next to his name in the past, but after seeing him play on Friday night it's warranted.
McDonald will attend Alabama's game against Kent State today.
LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School
Ray is the best recruit in the state. Yes, he's ranked No.3 on Rivals. I had him No.1 in the Tuscaloosa News in the 'Most Wanted' list released in July. He backed up my high billing. I was extremely impressed with him throughout the night. Everyone in attendance was including Alabama assistant coaches Mario Cristobal and Karl Dunbar.
Ray made several plays behind the line of scrimmage. He was chasing down ball carries from the backside. He showed off great movement working down the line. He is an impressive specimens at 6-foot-5, 260-pounds. He moves like he is 225-pounds. The sky is the limit for elite pass rusher.
I will be pushing very hard for him to move to five-star on Rivals. I was a big fan of Marlon Davidson a year ago, and made sure he remained a five-star. Davidson has backed up his ranking thus far at Auburn. I would have Ray ranked higher if they were in the same class. He reminds me of Alabama freshman Quinnen Williams. Just taller with a longer wing span and more athleticism.
Spoke with a few people close Ray last night who indicated Alabama is in great position for him.
Ray is heading to Knoxville today.
Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School
The offense just couldn't get going for Clay-Chalkville on Friday night. Collins had six catches for 68 yards. He was targeted a several other times throughout the night. He had a few drops. It was obvious they were trying to get the ball to him all night. The QB just struggled.
Collins showed some good and no-so-good things during the game. The good- He showed a little bit more explosion in the open field from what I've seen in the past. He is 6-foot-5, 200-pounds. He did a good job of getting yards after the catch. I was also a big fan of his blocking as was Mario Cristobal as I he complimented him throughout the night.
He needs to become more consistent catching the ball. There were also some plays he took himself out of the game. I'm not sure if it was fatigue or what it may have been.
I spoke to several regarding his recruitment. Most believe Michigan still has the edge. Alabama and Georgia are in it. Those are his top three schools. Alabama and Georgia were both watching him on Friday night.
