It's been a little while since we have knocked out a good Insider Report. It's time to give you a rundown of the latest on the recruiting front.
First order of business
Alabama is allowed to have prospects at the game against Wisconsin next Saturday in Dallas. Select invites were sent out this week, and a few prospects have confirmed they will attend.
The prospects include: Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas, Devin White, four-star running back from North Webster High School in Springhill, La., and Jalen Hurts, four-star quarterback and Alabama commitment from Channelview High School in Texas. We will have more names added to the list next week.
Alabama remains in great shape with Little as we move toward the start of the season. He will announce a decision on November 24. Ole Miss is a threat, and Texas A&M won't go away. However, there is a strong belief at this point he will eventually roll with the Tide.
White remains a top running back target for Alabama. He's a massive player at 6-foot-1, 258-pounds. It's possible his role changes once he arrives on the campus of his choice (fullback, H-Back or linebacker). Alabama continues to recruit as a running back. Alabama is strongly in the mix and a major contender until the end. The decision will likely come down to Alabama and Ole Miss.
Running back remains a top priority position. Kareem Walker, five-star running back from DePaul Catholic in Wayne, N.J., and Elijah Holyfield, Rivals100 running back from Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., will likely take official visits to Alabama. However, Walker is likely to stick with his commitment to Ohio State, and it's probably an Auburn/UGA battle for Holyfield.
Alabama has started looking at running backs in junior college. B.J. Emmons, four-star running back and Alabama commitment from Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., has plenty of work to do in the classroom in order to qualify meaning another running back or two is a major need.
Mark Thompson, four-star running back from Dodge City Community College in Kansas, will take an official visit to Alabama in the fall. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound prospect is committed to Florida. He is receiving heavy attention from Alabama.
Darrell Monroe, three-star from Arizona Western in Yuma, is another running back to keep a close watch. Alabama is evaluating the 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect who is originally from Missouri. Travis Homer, three-star running back and Miami commitment from Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Fla., is also considered by Alabama.
Alabama remains in search of another tight end in the class. Devin Asiasi, four-star tight end from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., has Alabama in his top eight. He is expected to return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit. USC has been the perceived favorite for Asisa, but he has very high interest in Alabama. Steve Sarkisian's recent spotlight in the news might change up things for prospects.
Other tight ends are still pursued. Alabama is looking for bigger guys like Asiasi. Forristall definitely needs a year to put on some good weight. Nick Eubanks, three-star tight end from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., is also an option. Alabama loves his athleticism. Expect Alabama to wait to see what Asiasi decides before they take another tight end.
An abundance of receivers remain in play. The players with the best shot to land in Alabama's class right now are Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La., Cavin Ridley, four-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach High School in Fla., and A.J. Brown, four-star wide receiver from Starkville High School in Miss.
These three have been mentioned several times throughout the year as likely candidates in the class, and it remains the same. Alabama is high on Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., but grades remain a concern. Alabama will continue to monitor his progress in the classroom.
Tyler Simmons, three-star wide receiver from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga., has been high on Alabama for a few months. A decision is possibly in the near future. However, it's likely Alabama will decide to hold off from accepting a commitment. Alabama has a great chance to sign these players, and still heavily pursuing Dillon Mitchell, four-star wide receiver and Oregon commitment from White Station High School in Memphis, Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga., and Devin Duvernay, four-star wide receiver from Sachse High School in Texas.
Alabama probably has the best shot with Mitchell of these three. There is no reason to rule out Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., as a part of the class. Alabama remains optimistic he flips back before signing day. Stanford is the current favorite followed by Alabama. Some think he will sign with UGA, but Alabama remains hopeful he will rejoin the class.
One last note on the offensive side of the ball- Alabama is still actively recruiting a few quarterbacks committed elsewhere. Feleipe Franks, Rivals100 quarterback and LSU commitment from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla., remains high on the recruiting board. He is a definite take if he decided to switch his commitment. Alabama hopes to get him on campus for an official visit.
Alabama is also still in communication with Dwayne Haskins, Rivals100 quarterback and Maryland commitment from Bullis School in Potomac, Md. Shea Paterson, five-star quarterback from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., is a definite take, but he is locked in with Ole Miss. Alabama also continues to have a little interest in Logan Byrd, four-star quarterback and North Carolina commitment from Veterans High School in Kathleen, Ga.
A second quarterback in the class is not a priority, but Alabama will not turn down a great one if an opportunity.
The defensive line is a big priority. Jeffery Simmons, Rivals100 defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., had a great visit to Alabama on Saturday. Coach Saban has considered him a high priority for a long time. Alabama has a great chance to land his signature.
Simmons is a big-time player and was finally seen by one Rivals.com staff member (Jason Howell) during the summer. His stock will continue to soar as more see him during the fall and in post-season all-star games. He recorded five sacks in his team's opening win last week against Starkville.
Terrell Hall, Rivals100 defensive end from St. John's College High School in Washington D.C., spent a lot of time in Tuscaloosa this summer which ultimately led to his decommitment from Ohio State. Hall wants to play in the SEC, and Alabama is the favorite. He is a definite take for the Tide.
Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala., will announce a decision on September 4. All signs still point to Auburn. He is expected to take all five official visits including one to Alabama.
There is optimism regarding Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C. Lawrence had a great visit to Alabama earlier this summer, and expected to return for an official visit. Alabama has a great chance to land his commitment if he decides to leave the state.
The chances are fading with Rashan Gary, five-star defensive tackle from Catholic High School in Paramus, N.J. It seemed a lot of people (besides Gary) named Alabama the favorite after a visit to Tuscaloosa. Alabama may receive an official visit, but he is a long shot.
Alabama really likes Michail Carter, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga., and Rashard Lawrence, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, La. The chance of a least one of these players signing with Alabama is high. The odds are probably favoring Carter a little more (at this time).
Confidence remains high in signing Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell 'Mack' Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. Alabama would like to see both go ahead and jump on board instead of waiting until close to signing day to make a decision. The belief is both with sign with the Tide.
Alabama is also still recruiting Clemson commitment Xavier Kelly, four-star defensive end from East High School in Wichita, Kansas, and Dontavious Jackson, four-star linebacker from Elsik High School in Houston, Texas. Kelly is expected to return for an official visit despite his commitment to the Tigers.
It was a little bit of a surprise when Alabama lost Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La. Carter has been committed to Alabama for more than a year, and he never seemed to waver on his commitment. However, after a few trips to Georgia during the summer he decided to re-open his recruitment. Georgia Director of Player Personnel, Sam Petitto, is from the same area as Carter. He has been very active in helping recruit Carter for the Bulldogs.
There is a slim chance Carter rejoins the Alabama class, but Alabama continues to pursue. However, they may sign an even better cornerback in the end in Nigel Knott, the nation's No.25 overall prospect from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss. Knott will announce a decision at his Under Armour All-America game jersey presentation on September 23. He is set to visit Oregon the weekend prior to the announcement. Alabama is considered the favorite heading into September. We don't expect Knott to stay in-state.
Alabama has a shot with Florida commitment Chauncey Gardner, Rivals100 cornerback from Cocoa High School in Fla. Gardner will take an official visit to Alabama on November 6-8 (LSU weekend). He has expressed a lot of interest in Alabama since he received an offer in the spring. Gardner and Knott are very elite targets.
Nigel Warrior, Rivals100 safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., also remains a major priority for Alabama. It will require relentless pursuit as his recruitment won't come to an end anytime soon. Alabama has a shot.
Will Joshua Perry, three-star safety from Amite High School in La., remain committed to Alabama? Perry says his commitment remains strong, but will also take visits elsewhere this fall. He is very close with Shyheim Carter. It won't come as a major surprise if he does end up elsewhere.
The numbers tend to work out when signing day arrives. The number is probably around eight or nine more prospects in the class (which will include grayshirt Christian Bell). There are some who will end up elsewhere (as we have seen in years past). There are some who have work to do in the classroom.
I am not touching base on every single prospect, but players who remain strongly in the mix. Alabama is still pursuing guys like Nate Craig-Myers, five-star wide receiver from Catholic High School in Tampa, Fla., FSU commitments Keith Gavin, four-star wide receiver from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla. and Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla., along with Stanford commitment Kaden Smith, four-star tight end from Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, and Issac Nauta, five-star tight end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
First order of business
Alabama is allowed to have prospects at the game against Wisconsin next Saturday in Dallas. Select invites were sent out this week, and a few prospects have confirmed they will attend.
The prospects include: Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas, Devin White, four-star running back from North Webster High School in Springhill, La., and Jalen Hurts, four-star quarterback and Alabama commitment from Channelview High School in Texas. We will have more names added to the list next week.
Alabama remains in great shape with Little as we move toward the start of the season. He will announce a decision on November 24. Ole Miss is a threat, and Texas A&M won't go away. However, there is a strong belief at this point he will eventually roll with the Tide.
White remains a top running back target for Alabama. He's a massive player at 6-foot-1, 258-pounds. It's possible his role changes once he arrives on the campus of his choice (fullback, H-Back or linebacker). Alabama continues to recruit as a running back. Alabama is strongly in the mix and a major contender until the end. The decision will likely come down to Alabama and Ole Miss.
Running back remains a top priority position. Kareem Walker, five-star running back from DePaul Catholic in Wayne, N.J., and Elijah Holyfield, Rivals100 running back from Woodward Academy in College Park, Ga., will likely take official visits to Alabama. However, Walker is likely to stick with his commitment to Ohio State, and it's probably an Auburn/UGA battle for Holyfield.
Alabama has started looking at running backs in junior college. B.J. Emmons, four-star running back and Alabama commitment from Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., has plenty of work to do in the classroom in order to qualify meaning another running back or two is a major need.
Mark Thompson, four-star running back from Dodge City Community College in Kansas, will take an official visit to Alabama in the fall. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound prospect is committed to Florida. He is receiving heavy attention from Alabama.
Darrell Monroe, three-star from Arizona Western in Yuma, is another running back to keep a close watch. Alabama is evaluating the 6-foot-2, 220-pound prospect who is originally from Missouri. Travis Homer, three-star running back and Miami commitment from Oxbridge Academy in West Palm Beach, Fla., is also considered by Alabama.
Alabama remains in search of another tight end in the class. Devin Asiasi, four-star tight end from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., has Alabama in his top eight. He is expected to return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit. USC has been the perceived favorite for Asisa, but he has very high interest in Alabama. Steve Sarkisian's recent spotlight in the news might change up things for prospects.
Other tight ends are still pursued. Alabama is looking for bigger guys like Asiasi. Forristall definitely needs a year to put on some good weight. Nick Eubanks, three-star tight end from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., is also an option. Alabama loves his athleticism. Expect Alabama to wait to see what Asiasi decides before they take another tight end.
An abundance of receivers remain in play. The players with the best shot to land in Alabama's class right now are Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La., Cavin Ridley, four-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach High School in Fla., and A.J. Brown, four-star wide receiver from Starkville High School in Miss.
These three have been mentioned several times throughout the year as likely candidates in the class, and it remains the same. Alabama is high on Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., but grades remain a concern. Alabama will continue to monitor his progress in the classroom.
Tyler Simmons, three-star wide receiver from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga., has been high on Alabama for a few months. A decision is possibly in the near future. However, it's likely Alabama will decide to hold off from accepting a commitment. Alabama has a great chance to sign these players, and still heavily pursuing Dillon Mitchell, four-star wide receiver and Oregon commitment from White Station High School in Memphis, Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga., and Devin Duvernay, four-star wide receiver from Sachse High School in Texas.
Alabama probably has the best shot with Mitchell of these three. There is no reason to rule out Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., as a part of the class. Alabama remains optimistic he flips back before signing day. Stanford is the current favorite followed by Alabama. Some think he will sign with UGA, but Alabama remains hopeful he will rejoin the class.
One last note on the offensive side of the ball- Alabama is still actively recruiting a few quarterbacks committed elsewhere. Feleipe Franks, Rivals100 quarterback and LSU commitment from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla., remains high on the recruiting board. He is a definite take if he decided to switch his commitment. Alabama hopes to get him on campus for an official visit.
Alabama is also still in communication with Dwayne Haskins, Rivals100 quarterback and Maryland commitment from Bullis School in Potomac, Md. Shea Paterson, five-star quarterback from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., is a definite take, but he is locked in with Ole Miss. Alabama also continues to have a little interest in Logan Byrd, four-star quarterback and North Carolina commitment from Veterans High School in Kathleen, Ga.
A second quarterback in the class is not a priority, but Alabama will not turn down a great one if an opportunity.
The defensive line is a big priority. Jeffery Simmons, Rivals100 defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., had a great visit to Alabama on Saturday. Coach Saban has considered him a high priority for a long time. Alabama has a great chance to land his signature.
Simmons is a big-time player and was finally seen by one Rivals.com staff member (Jason Howell) during the summer. His stock will continue to soar as more see him during the fall and in post-season all-star games. He recorded five sacks in his team's opening win last week against Starkville.
Terrell Hall, Rivals100 defensive end from St. John's College High School in Washington D.C., spent a lot of time in Tuscaloosa this summer which ultimately led to his decommitment from Ohio State. Hall wants to play in the SEC, and Alabama is the favorite. He is a definite take for the Tide.
Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala., will announce a decision on September 4. All signs still point to Auburn. He is expected to take all five official visits including one to Alabama.
There is optimism regarding Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C. Lawrence had a great visit to Alabama earlier this summer, and expected to return for an official visit. Alabama has a great chance to land his commitment if he decides to leave the state.
The chances are fading with Rashan Gary, five-star defensive tackle from Catholic High School in Paramus, N.J. It seemed a lot of people (besides Gary) named Alabama the favorite after a visit to Tuscaloosa. Alabama may receive an official visit, but he is a long shot.
Alabama really likes Michail Carter, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga., and Rashard Lawrence, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, La. The chance of a least one of these players signing with Alabama is high. The odds are probably favoring Carter a little more (at this time).
Confidence remains high in signing Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell 'Mack' Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. Alabama would like to see both go ahead and jump on board instead of waiting until close to signing day to make a decision. The belief is both with sign with the Tide.
Alabama is also still recruiting Clemson commitment Xavier Kelly, four-star defensive end from East High School in Wichita, Kansas, and Dontavious Jackson, four-star linebacker from Elsik High School in Houston, Texas. Kelly is expected to return for an official visit despite his commitment to the Tigers.
It was a little bit of a surprise when Alabama lost Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La. Carter has been committed to Alabama for more than a year, and he never seemed to waver on his commitment. However, after a few trips to Georgia during the summer he decided to re-open his recruitment. Georgia Director of Player Personnel, Sam Petitto, is from the same area as Carter. He has been very active in helping recruit Carter for the Bulldogs.
There is a slim chance Carter rejoins the Alabama class, but Alabama continues to pursue. However, they may sign an even better cornerback in the end in Nigel Knott, the nation's No.25 overall prospect from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss. Knott will announce a decision at his Under Armour All-America game jersey presentation on September 23. He is set to visit Oregon the weekend prior to the announcement. Alabama is considered the favorite heading into September. We don't expect Knott to stay in-state.
Alabama has a shot with Florida commitment Chauncey Gardner, Rivals100 cornerback from Cocoa High School in Fla. Gardner will take an official visit to Alabama on November 6-8 (LSU weekend). He has expressed a lot of interest in Alabama since he received an offer in the spring. Gardner and Knott are very elite targets.
Nigel Warrior, Rivals100 safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., also remains a major priority for Alabama. It will require relentless pursuit as his recruitment won't come to an end anytime soon. Alabama has a shot.
Will Joshua Perry, three-star safety from Amite High School in La., remain committed to Alabama? Perry says his commitment remains strong, but will also take visits elsewhere this fall. He is very close with Shyheim Carter. It won't come as a major surprise if he does end up elsewhere.
The numbers tend to work out when signing day arrives. The number is probably around eight or nine more prospects in the class (which will include grayshirt Christian Bell). There are some who will end up elsewhere (as we have seen in years past). There are some who have work to do in the classroom.
I am not touching base on every single prospect, but players who remain strongly in the mix. Alabama is still pursuing guys like Nate Craig-Myers, five-star wide receiver from Catholic High School in Tampa, Fla., FSU commitments Keith Gavin, four-star wide receiver from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla. and Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla., along with Stanford commitment Kaden Smith, four-star tight end from Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Texas, and Issac Nauta, five-star tight end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
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