Please understand these situations are extremely fluid. One day a prospect is a top priority, the next it's someone else. That's really how it is when the numbers are extremely tight. Each assistant coach is fighting for the player he has recruited for months to join the class. I've heard so many different things in the last week it's been sort of crazy. Below is what I know (or at least feel like I know based on all the conversations in the last 24 hours).
Offense
Najee Harris, five-star running back from Antioch High School in California (Alabama commitment)
Current forecast: Alabama expects to sign Nagee. Michigan believes it has a chance to flip him. I don't believe Harris has given a final indication to either staff. I think he's ready for it end. I know Alabama believes he will stick with his commitment. You just never feel completely good about it until it's official though. That's Alabama's mind set. He will most likely sign with Alabama IMO, but to think Michigan wasn't considered throughout this process is crazy.
Cam Akers, five-star running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi
Current forecast: The former Alabama commitment will not sign with the Tide. He is announcing at U.S. Army All-American game, and enrolling at his school of choice in January.
Alex Leatherwood, five-star offensive tackle from Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida (Alabama commitment)
Current forecast: Leatherwood has enjoyed his official visits. Nothing to worry about with him. He will sign with Alabama.
Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama
Current forecast: The belief remains strong on Ruggs signing with Alabama. There is conflicting info out there on the timing of his announcement. Some believe it will happen soon. Ruggs said last week he won't announce until after official visits. Alabama wants him in the class. They want to see him pop sooner than later.
DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana
Current forecast: I don't think Bama is completely out of the race for Smith just yet. There could be a situation where Bama still takes two receivers. I know the numbers are tight. Coach Napier and Coach Burns watched him play in the state championship on Saturday. He's still a wanted target in this class. LSU still does not have an OC. Time will tell, but he's still in-play.
Nico Collins, Rivals100 wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama
Current forecast: Alabama has continued recruiting Collins. UA considers him one of the top three wide receiver targets remaining on the board. Alabama and Michigan are in the lead. I don't think he signs with Bama at this time. I think once Ruggs or Smith jump on board it will completely eliminate a spot for Collins.
Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle from Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York
Current forecast: Some (Alabama staff) still consider him a top priority. I don't believe there is room at the inn based on new info. Situation where some are still fighting to get him on board, when there is simply no room. Likely Michigan, but will not completely rule out UGA. He's not going to Bama.
Defensive Targets
Aubrey Solomon, five-star defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia
Current forecast: Solomon won't announce a decision until closer to signing day. Alabama is definitely in major contention and could add him to this class. He has taken an official visit to Alabama, and Nick Saban will use his in-home visit in January. Bama coaches saw him three times prior to the dead period. Auburn and Georgia also remain in strong contention.
LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama
Current forecast: Ray is highly coveted by the Alabama coaching staff. Will he decide to wait until closer to signing day potentially cost him a spot? I don't believe so. Bama wants him, and he's the top in-state target. There are other DL targets out there Alabama hopes to sign, but Ray remains a top priority. I expect him in Alabama's class.
Phildarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana
Current forecast: I've said for a long time Mathis is highly coveted by the Crimson Tide coaching staff. It definitely remains the same. Alabama hopes to get Mathis on board. I've heard there may be some grade concerns, but something he can overcome. This is still a Bama/LSU battle. Can Bama win again in Louisiana? We'll know closer to signing day if he decides to wait that long.
Josh Kaindoh, five-star defensive end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Current forecast: Kaindoh had a very good official visit to Alabama this past weekend. He will announce a decision at the Under Armour All-America game. The former Maryland commitment has been rumored to favor FSU for a few weeks. I think Alabama is in it, but I think he ultimately signs with the Seminoles.
Chauncey Rivers, junior college defensive tackle from East Mississippi in Scooba
Current forecast: Rivers may have been a take if he wasn't a mid-year guy. It would have given Alabama a little bit longer to know about other DL prospects. Bama can't take Rivers right now with all the guys still out there higher on the board. They would have taken his commitment if Buggs would have gone elsewhere.
Javon Kinlaw, junior college defensive tackle from Jones County in Ellisville
Current forecast: Kinlaw is different from Rivers bc of his situation. He won't enroll until the spring. Alabama is very high on Kinlaw whereas Rivers was more a numbers situation. They need bodies. Kinlaw will visit Alabama in January. I expect his decision to come down to Alabama and South Carolina. He is a South Carolina native. He is definitely a top priority for the Gamecocks.
Elijah Conliffe, four-star defensive tackle from Hampton High School in Virginia
Current forecast: Conliffe impressed at Alabama's summer camp in July and earned an offer. He visited a few months ago. However, the numbers are not in his favor right now. Expect him to sign elsewhere.
Jarez Parks, Rivals100 defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida
Current forecast: All signs point to Alabama.
Deangelo Gibbs, four-star safety from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia
Current forecast: I'm not sure where some get their ideas of knowing for sure where Gibbs is going. Maybe they have good connections. I'm all for any predictions. I can't give a good prediction on him just yet. He says his top five is in no order- Bama, UGA, Tennessee, Auburn and Florida. It will come down to Bama and UGA. UGA side remains very confident. I think Alabama has definitely made a strong push, and made up a lot of ground. He will announce on January 1 at the Under Armour game.
JaCoby Stevens, five-star safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Current forecast: Nothing has really changed on Stevens. It remains a long shot for him to flip his commitment from LSU especially with him enrolling early. LSU sources believe DB coach Corey Raymond stays with the Tigers which will seal the deal for Stevens. Alabama definitely put up a good battle.
Xavier McKinney, Rivals100 safety from Roswell High School in Georgia
Current forecast: Bama is still hoping to lure McKinney back to the class. Clemson has been considered the favorite since his decommitment from Alabama. Sources on both sides believe it's very close between the Tide and Tigers.
Todd Harris, four-star safety from Plaquemines High School in Louisiana
Current forecast: Bama is still recruiting Harris. Coach Ansley met with him last week. He's a guy the staff appears to really like, but is a little behind Gibbs, McKinney and Stevens. I think they will wait to see what happens with those three before making a strong push. They could have pushed for a commitment if Daniel Wright decided to stick with FSU.
Jhavonte Dean, four-star cornerback from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas
Current forecast: I've been expecting a possible decommitment from Dean for a while. There were other cornerback targets out there like Shaun Wade and Stanford Samuels. Dean visited Arizona State last weekend, and he will visit Miami in January. They need a few cornerbacks in the class. Miami visit is big though. He is from the area, and they will push hard to flip him.
C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami, Florida.
Current forecast: Henderson is a new name who recently popped up for Alabama. UA has recruited him for a while, but has recently expressed increased interest. Alabama visited with him twice before the dead period. He visited Miami this past weekend. He will visit Alabama and Florida in January. Those are considered his top three. Henderson has a little bit of an academic hurdle. Alabama will continue to monitor, and see if there is anything he can possibly do to help qualify.
Keep in mind new names can pop up in the next month. Joshua Jacobs and Aaron Robinson were not discussed (in Alabama circle) prior to last January. Alabama will see if any other potential players out there especially in the defensive backfield. A new name might emerge on the defensive line if UA believes it will miss on some guys.
This is all I really have for you all right now.
Offense
Najee Harris, five-star running back from Antioch High School in California (Alabama commitment)
Current forecast: Alabama expects to sign Nagee. Michigan believes it has a chance to flip him. I don't believe Harris has given a final indication to either staff. I think he's ready for it end. I know Alabama believes he will stick with his commitment. You just never feel completely good about it until it's official though. That's Alabama's mind set. He will most likely sign with Alabama IMO, but to think Michigan wasn't considered throughout this process is crazy.
Cam Akers, five-star running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi
Current forecast: The former Alabama commitment will not sign with the Tide. He is announcing at U.S. Army All-American game, and enrolling at his school of choice in January.
Alex Leatherwood, five-star offensive tackle from Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida (Alabama commitment)
Current forecast: Leatherwood has enjoyed his official visits. Nothing to worry about with him. He will sign with Alabama.
Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama
Current forecast: The belief remains strong on Ruggs signing with Alabama. There is conflicting info out there on the timing of his announcement. Some believe it will happen soon. Ruggs said last week he won't announce until after official visits. Alabama wants him in the class. They want to see him pop sooner than later.
DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana
Current forecast: I don't think Bama is completely out of the race for Smith just yet. There could be a situation where Bama still takes two receivers. I know the numbers are tight. Coach Napier and Coach Burns watched him play in the state championship on Saturday. He's still a wanted target in this class. LSU still does not have an OC. Time will tell, but he's still in-play.
Nico Collins, Rivals100 wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama
Current forecast: Alabama has continued recruiting Collins. UA considers him one of the top three wide receiver targets remaining on the board. Alabama and Michigan are in the lead. I don't think he signs with Bama at this time. I think once Ruggs or Smith jump on board it will completely eliminate a spot for Collins.
Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle from Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York
Current forecast: Some (Alabama staff) still consider him a top priority. I don't believe there is room at the inn based on new info. Situation where some are still fighting to get him on board, when there is simply no room. Likely Michigan, but will not completely rule out UGA. He's not going to Bama.
Defensive Targets
Aubrey Solomon, five-star defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia
Current forecast: Solomon won't announce a decision until closer to signing day. Alabama is definitely in major contention and could add him to this class. He has taken an official visit to Alabama, and Nick Saban will use his in-home visit in January. Bama coaches saw him three times prior to the dead period. Auburn and Georgia also remain in strong contention.
LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama
Current forecast: Ray is highly coveted by the Alabama coaching staff. Will he decide to wait until closer to signing day potentially cost him a spot? I don't believe so. Bama wants him, and he's the top in-state target. There are other DL targets out there Alabama hopes to sign, but Ray remains a top priority. I expect him in Alabama's class.
Phildarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana
Current forecast: I've said for a long time Mathis is highly coveted by the Crimson Tide coaching staff. It definitely remains the same. Alabama hopes to get Mathis on board. I've heard there may be some grade concerns, but something he can overcome. This is still a Bama/LSU battle. Can Bama win again in Louisiana? We'll know closer to signing day if he decides to wait that long.
Josh Kaindoh, five-star defensive end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida
Current forecast: Kaindoh had a very good official visit to Alabama this past weekend. He will announce a decision at the Under Armour All-America game. The former Maryland commitment has been rumored to favor FSU for a few weeks. I think Alabama is in it, but I think he ultimately signs with the Seminoles.
Chauncey Rivers, junior college defensive tackle from East Mississippi in Scooba
Current forecast: Rivers may have been a take if he wasn't a mid-year guy. It would have given Alabama a little bit longer to know about other DL prospects. Bama can't take Rivers right now with all the guys still out there higher on the board. They would have taken his commitment if Buggs would have gone elsewhere.
Javon Kinlaw, junior college defensive tackle from Jones County in Ellisville
Current forecast: Kinlaw is different from Rivers bc of his situation. He won't enroll until the spring. Alabama is very high on Kinlaw whereas Rivers was more a numbers situation. They need bodies. Kinlaw will visit Alabama in January. I expect his decision to come down to Alabama and South Carolina. He is a South Carolina native. He is definitely a top priority for the Gamecocks.
Elijah Conliffe, four-star defensive tackle from Hampton High School in Virginia
Current forecast: Conliffe impressed at Alabama's summer camp in July and earned an offer. He visited a few months ago. However, the numbers are not in his favor right now. Expect him to sign elsewhere.
Jarez Parks, Rivals100 defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida
Current forecast: All signs point to Alabama.
Deangelo Gibbs, four-star safety from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia
Current forecast: I'm not sure where some get their ideas of knowing for sure where Gibbs is going. Maybe they have good connections. I'm all for any predictions. I can't give a good prediction on him just yet. He says his top five is in no order- Bama, UGA, Tennessee, Auburn and Florida. It will come down to Bama and UGA. UGA side remains very confident. I think Alabama has definitely made a strong push, and made up a lot of ground. He will announce on January 1 at the Under Armour game.
JaCoby Stevens, five-star safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Current forecast: Nothing has really changed on Stevens. It remains a long shot for him to flip his commitment from LSU especially with him enrolling early. LSU sources believe DB coach Corey Raymond stays with the Tigers which will seal the deal for Stevens. Alabama definitely put up a good battle.
Xavier McKinney, Rivals100 safety from Roswell High School in Georgia
Current forecast: Bama is still hoping to lure McKinney back to the class. Clemson has been considered the favorite since his decommitment from Alabama. Sources on both sides believe it's very close between the Tide and Tigers.
Todd Harris, four-star safety from Plaquemines High School in Louisiana
Current forecast: Bama is still recruiting Harris. Coach Ansley met with him last week. He's a guy the staff appears to really like, but is a little behind Gibbs, McKinney and Stevens. I think they will wait to see what happens with those three before making a strong push. They could have pushed for a commitment if Daniel Wright decided to stick with FSU.
Jhavonte Dean, four-star cornerback from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas
Current forecast: I've been expecting a possible decommitment from Dean for a while. There were other cornerback targets out there like Shaun Wade and Stanford Samuels. Dean visited Arizona State last weekend, and he will visit Miami in January. They need a few cornerbacks in the class. Miami visit is big though. He is from the area, and they will push hard to flip him.
C.J. Henderson, four-star cornerback from Columbus High School in Miami, Florida.
Current forecast: Henderson is a new name who recently popped up for Alabama. UA has recruited him for a while, but has recently expressed increased interest. Alabama visited with him twice before the dead period. He visited Miami this past weekend. He will visit Alabama and Florida in January. Those are considered his top three. Henderson has a little bit of an academic hurdle. Alabama will continue to monitor, and see if there is anything he can possibly do to help qualify.
Keep in mind new names can pop up in the next month. Joshua Jacobs and Aaron Robinson were not discussed (in Alabama circle) prior to last January. Alabama will see if any other potential players out there especially in the defensive backfield. A new name might emerge on the defensive line if UA believes it will miss on some guys.
This is all I really have for you all right now.
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