Quarterback
Alabama reeled in a commitment in early June from Jalen Hurts, four-star from Channelview High School in Texas. He will graduate early and enroll in January. Alabama has considered taking two quarterbacks in the 2016 class. The Tide staff has expressed interest in a few including Feliepe Franks (LSU commitment) and Dwayne Haskins (Maryland commitment). Alabama may have a hard time turning down Franks if he decided to re-open his recruitment.
Alabama is very impressed with Hurts this fall. He is having a great season, and word is the coaches feel confident about where they are at the position in this class, and can worry with other positions of need.
Running back
We've discussed for more than a year the importance of this position in the 2016 class. Alabama has two studs committed in the 2017 class, but desperately need to add talent this year.
B.J. Emmons, four-star running back from Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., is the lone commitment at the position. He is having a fantastic Alabama will need to sign at least one more running back.
Alabama feels very good about its chances with Devin White, four-star from North Webster High School in Springhill, La. White has kept things pretty quiet for the past few months. He took an official visit to Florida State this past weekend.
Kareem Walker, five-star and Ohio State commitment from De Paul Catholic in Wayne, N.J., and Miles Sanders, Rivals100 and Penn State commitment from Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pa., have remained in communication with Alabama. There is strong belief one or both of these players will take an official visit.
Abdul Adams, three-star and Michigan State commitment from Hillside High School in Durham, N.C., is another running back moving up the board. He is certainly one to watch in the coming months especially if he decides to visit.
Antonio Williams, four-star from North Stanly High School in New London, N.C., decommitted from Wisconsin on Wednesday. He has been another name on Alabama's recruiting board for a while. Not sure if he will take a visit to Alabama yet, but one to possibly watch down the road in case he decides to visit.
Wide receivers
This is another important position in this class. Alabama wants to sign at least four receivers. Already committed is T.J. Simmons, four-star from Clay-Chalkville High School in Ala.
Who are good possibilities? Cavin Ridley, four-star from Deerfield Beach High School in Fla., A.J. Brown, four-star from Starkville High School in Miss., Mykel Jones, Rivals100 from Patterson High School in La., and Keith Gavin, four-star from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla.
Alabama will welcome a commitment from any of these four prospects. However, they will not likely take all four. There is not a particular order. It's more of a first come, first serve situation with these prospects.
Devin Duvernay, Rivals100 receiver from Sachse High School in Texas, took an official visit to Alabama this past weekend. He had a great time in Tuscaloosa. He has remained in close contact throughout the year with the coaching staff. However, the belief is he will stay close to home.
Former Tide commitment Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., has remained in close contact with Alabama. He has been "very engaging" with the staff lately, and there is strong belief he will rejoin the class.
Velus Jones, four-star wide receiver from Saraland High School in Ala., is having a monster season as the go-to guy for Jack West, one of the nation's best quarterbacks in the 2018 class. Jones committed to USC several months ago, but will likely re-open his recruitment very soon.
Alabama has yet to offer Jones a scholarship, but has monitored him very closely. It's very possible an offer happens despite the amount of other receivers who have been recruited. His interest level in Alabama is high despite not having an offer.
Still recruited by Alabama are Dillon Mitchell, four-star and Oregon commitment from White Station High School in Memphis, Tenn., Trevon Diggs, four-star The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga. ,D.K. Metcalf, four-star and Ole Miss commitment from Oxford High School in Miss.
Tight end
There is a lot of excitement at Alabama regarding commitment Miller Forristall, three-star from Cartersville High School in Ga. Alabama believes his upside is tremendous, and consider him the best receiving tight end in the country. Forristall recently measured 6-foot-5, 225-pounds during a visit to Alabama. It's possible to get his weight to 250-260-pounds and develop into an NFL tight end.
Devin Asiasi, four-star from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., was once considered a USC lean. That was before his summer visit to Alabama, and return to Tuscaloosa a few weeks ago on his own dime. Alabama is considered the favorite for the West Coast product, and he will return for an official visit.
Isaac Nauta, five-star from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., announced on Sunday night he will take an official visit to Alabama on November 6. He was originally scheduled to visit USC. This seems more of a courtesy visit and a trip to a great game. Alabama has recruited him for a long time, and has worked hard to get him on campus for a visit. Alabama is still considered No.5 on his list out of his official visits.
Brendan Scales, three-star and Alabama commitment from Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Mo., is having a very good senior season. Alabama recruited him as an H-Back, but also has the ability to play another position.
Offensive line
Alabama is very excited about its offensive line class led by Jonah Williams, five-star offensive tackle from Folsom High School in Calif., and Charles Baldwin, the nation's top junior college player from ASA College in Brooklyn, N.Y. Alabama will get both of these players on campus in January.
Alabama also has commitments from Deonte Brown, four-star guard from Austin High School in Decatur, Ala., and Chris Owens, three-star guard from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas. Several other offensive linemen have been mentioned as possibilities in the class. Alabama is still recruiting other linemen, but the main focus is on Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas.
Alabama continues to feel very good about its position with the nation's top offensive lineman. He announces in November. Georgia and Ole Miss are also in hot pursuit. Alabama hopes to get him on campus next weekend, but he may visit until the LSU game.
Defense up next....
Defensive line
There is a lot of excitement about the Crimson Tide's defensive line class. A very good inside presence with Kendell Jones, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, and Raekwon Davis, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Meridian High School in Miss. Some early jitters about Davis potentially flipping, but he has been a regular in Tuscaloosa this fall. He is very strong with his commitment. He still might take other official visits.
Alabama is also very encouraged by commitment Quinnen Williams, three-star defensive tackle from Wenonah High School in Birmingham, Ala. Williams is having a fantastic senior season, and possibly in line for a jump in the rankings. He is recruited by Alabama to play defensive end.
Khalid Kareem, four-star defensive end from Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Mich., announced his decommitment from Alabama on Wednesday. This did not come as a surprise. It has been mentioned several times on TideSports how he was not expected to sign with Alabama.
Alabama was actually a little bit surprised when he announced his decision this summer. Alabama is a lot higher on some other key targets recruited for the same position. Distance from home was a factor to back away from his commitment. It was probably the best outcome for both sides.
Jeffery Simmons, Rivals100 defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., and Terrell Hall, Rivals100 defensive end from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., are heavily recruited by Alabama. The Tide staff will accept a commitment from both and a good possibility to land both. Possibly Simmons, along with A.J. Brown mentioned in the receivers section, are holding off from making commitments due to the immense amount of in-state pressure. It's best to wait until later if they decide to sign with Alabama.
Alabama feels they are in good position to land Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C. He visited Alabama during the summer and returned to Tuscaloosa for the game against Ole Miss. He is also expected to return for an official visit, and may also attend another game.
Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala., said his commitment to Auburn is at "75-percent." He will take all five official visits including one to Alabama. He attended the Tide's game against Ole Miss, and expected to return for more games this fall.
Alabama definitely has a shot with Davidson, along with other schools, if AU's season goes south.
Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end and Florida State commitment from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla., is also heavily recruited by Alabama. He returned to Tuscaloosa for the Ole Miss game. He will return for an official visit.
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., have been Alabama targets for a long time. Both have visited Tuscaloosa several times. They have not visited this season. However, Alabama is considered one of the top two or three schools for both prospects.
Linebacker
Alabama fans are probably ready for a couple of in-state prospects to go ahead and announce a decision in Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. Wilson recently listed Alabama No.4 on his list of favorites.
Alabama expects both to sign with Alabama in February. Davis has visited Alabama countless times, and has made it to Tuscaloosa three times this fall. He will return for the Tennessee and LSU games. Wilson said Alabama is No.4 on his list behind Florida (leader), LSU and Ole Miss. He spoke with Nick Saban on the phone last week.
Alabama reached out to Daelin Hayes, five-star linebacker from Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., this weekend after he decommitted from USC. It will come as a surprise if he travels to Tuscaloosa for a visit.
Other linebackers are still recruited by Alabama, but likely take Davis and Wilson. A few defensive ends mentioned above are recruited as 'Jack' linebackers like Terrell Hall and Janarius Robinson. Alabama is also bringing in grayshirt Christian Bell in January.
Cornerback
Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss., returned to Alabama on Saturday for the Arkansas game. It was his second visit to Tuscaloosa this fall. Alabama remains in very good shape. He had another great visit to Alabama on Saturday.
Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La., remains a strong possibility. The Tide's blowout win against Georgia was impressive. Many believe the momentum has shifted back in Alabama's favor. It's still a tight battle against the Bulldogs.
Safety
Nigel Warrior, Rivals100 safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., remains Alabama's top target at the position. There is a very strong feeling Alabama is the leader. He does not intend to decide any time soon.
Brandon Jones, Rivals100 safety from Nacogdoches High School in Texas, continues to mention Alabama as one of his top five schools. It will be a surprise if he picks Alabama, but he remains in the mix.
Numbers
The numbers look good at 17. UA can continue to heavily recruit many elite targets, and have an excellent chance to sign one of the nation's best classes again. I've seen different numbers thrown out there in terms of how many players Alabama will sign. Alabama will sign 25. No back counters, from what I've been told, after UA brought in Oregon State transfer, Richard Mullaney.
Khalid Kareem is likely not the only player who will fall out of the class. A couple of commitments with some grade issues who may have to look elsewhere in the coming months. Alabama's biggest focus right now in the class is the defensive line and wide receiver. Those are very important positions for Alabama to close strong.
Class of 2017
Just a few quick notes. Alabama is very excited about Jake Fromm, four-star quarterback from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Ga. Coach Saban likes him a lot. They believe his potential is very high.
Alabama is also in a great position to land three of the state's top prospects in Will Ignont, Rivals100 linebacker from Buckhorn High School in New Market, Austin Troxell, four-star offensive tackle from Madison Academy High School and Brian Robinson, four-star running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa. Maybe even some early decisions.
Alabama reeled in a commitment in early June from Jalen Hurts, four-star from Channelview High School in Texas. He will graduate early and enroll in January. Alabama has considered taking two quarterbacks in the 2016 class. The Tide staff has expressed interest in a few including Feliepe Franks (LSU commitment) and Dwayne Haskins (Maryland commitment). Alabama may have a hard time turning down Franks if he decided to re-open his recruitment.
Alabama is very impressed with Hurts this fall. He is having a great season, and word is the coaches feel confident about where they are at the position in this class, and can worry with other positions of need.
Running back
We've discussed for more than a year the importance of this position in the 2016 class. Alabama has two studs committed in the 2017 class, but desperately need to add talent this year.
B.J. Emmons, four-star running back from Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., is the lone commitment at the position. He is having a fantastic Alabama will need to sign at least one more running back.
Alabama feels very good about its chances with Devin White, four-star from North Webster High School in Springhill, La. White has kept things pretty quiet for the past few months. He took an official visit to Florida State this past weekend.
Kareem Walker, five-star and Ohio State commitment from De Paul Catholic in Wayne, N.J., and Miles Sanders, Rivals100 and Penn State commitment from Woodland Hills High School in Pittsburgh, Pa., have remained in communication with Alabama. There is strong belief one or both of these players will take an official visit.
Abdul Adams, three-star and Michigan State commitment from Hillside High School in Durham, N.C., is another running back moving up the board. He is certainly one to watch in the coming months especially if he decides to visit.
Antonio Williams, four-star from North Stanly High School in New London, N.C., decommitted from Wisconsin on Wednesday. He has been another name on Alabama's recruiting board for a while. Not sure if he will take a visit to Alabama yet, but one to possibly watch down the road in case he decides to visit.
Wide receivers
This is another important position in this class. Alabama wants to sign at least four receivers. Already committed is T.J. Simmons, four-star from Clay-Chalkville High School in Ala.
Who are good possibilities? Cavin Ridley, four-star from Deerfield Beach High School in Fla., A.J. Brown, four-star from Starkville High School in Miss., Mykel Jones, Rivals100 from Patterson High School in La., and Keith Gavin, four-star from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla.
Alabama will welcome a commitment from any of these four prospects. However, they will not likely take all four. There is not a particular order. It's more of a first come, first serve situation with these prospects.
Devin Duvernay, Rivals100 receiver from Sachse High School in Texas, took an official visit to Alabama this past weekend. He had a great time in Tuscaloosa. He has remained in close contact throughout the year with the coaching staff. However, the belief is he will stay close to home.
Former Tide commitment Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., has remained in close contact with Alabama. He has been "very engaging" with the staff lately, and there is strong belief he will rejoin the class.
Velus Jones, four-star wide receiver from Saraland High School in Ala., is having a monster season as the go-to guy for Jack West, one of the nation's best quarterbacks in the 2018 class. Jones committed to USC several months ago, but will likely re-open his recruitment very soon.
Alabama has yet to offer Jones a scholarship, but has monitored him very closely. It's very possible an offer happens despite the amount of other receivers who have been recruited. His interest level in Alabama is high despite not having an offer.
Still recruited by Alabama are Dillon Mitchell, four-star and Oregon commitment from White Station High School in Memphis, Tenn., Trevon Diggs, four-star The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga. ,D.K. Metcalf, four-star and Ole Miss commitment from Oxford High School in Miss.
Tight end
There is a lot of excitement at Alabama regarding commitment Miller Forristall, three-star from Cartersville High School in Ga. Alabama believes his upside is tremendous, and consider him the best receiving tight end in the country. Forristall recently measured 6-foot-5, 225-pounds during a visit to Alabama. It's possible to get his weight to 250-260-pounds and develop into an NFL tight end.
Devin Asiasi, four-star from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., was once considered a USC lean. That was before his summer visit to Alabama, and return to Tuscaloosa a few weeks ago on his own dime. Alabama is considered the favorite for the West Coast product, and he will return for an official visit.
Isaac Nauta, five-star from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., announced on Sunday night he will take an official visit to Alabama on November 6. He was originally scheduled to visit USC. This seems more of a courtesy visit and a trip to a great game. Alabama has recruited him for a long time, and has worked hard to get him on campus for a visit. Alabama is still considered No.5 on his list out of his official visits.
Brendan Scales, three-star and Alabama commitment from Lafayette High School in Wildwood, Mo., is having a very good senior season. Alabama recruited him as an H-Back, but also has the ability to play another position.
Offensive line
Alabama is very excited about its offensive line class led by Jonah Williams, five-star offensive tackle from Folsom High School in Calif., and Charles Baldwin, the nation's top junior college player from ASA College in Brooklyn, N.Y. Alabama will get both of these players on campus in January.
Alabama also has commitments from Deonte Brown, four-star guard from Austin High School in Decatur, Ala., and Chris Owens, three-star guard from Lamar High School in Arlington, Texas. Several other offensive linemen have been mentioned as possibilities in the class. Alabama is still recruiting other linemen, but the main focus is on Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas.
Alabama continues to feel very good about its position with the nation's top offensive lineman. He announces in November. Georgia and Ole Miss are also in hot pursuit. Alabama hopes to get him on campus next weekend, but he may visit until the LSU game.
Defense up next....
Defensive line
There is a lot of excitement about the Crimson Tide's defensive line class. A very good inside presence with Kendell Jones, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Shoemaker High School in Killeen, Texas, and Raekwon Davis, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Meridian High School in Miss. Some early jitters about Davis potentially flipping, but he has been a regular in Tuscaloosa this fall. He is very strong with his commitment. He still might take other official visits.
Alabama is also very encouraged by commitment Quinnen Williams, three-star defensive tackle from Wenonah High School in Birmingham, Ala. Williams is having a fantastic senior season, and possibly in line for a jump in the rankings. He is recruited by Alabama to play defensive end.
Khalid Kareem, four-star defensive end from Harrison High School in Farmington Hills, Mich., announced his decommitment from Alabama on Wednesday. This did not come as a surprise. It has been mentioned several times on TideSports how he was not expected to sign with Alabama.
Alabama was actually a little bit surprised when he announced his decision this summer. Alabama is a lot higher on some other key targets recruited for the same position. Distance from home was a factor to back away from his commitment. It was probably the best outcome for both sides.
Jeffery Simmons, Rivals100 defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., and Terrell Hall, Rivals100 defensive end from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C., are heavily recruited by Alabama. The Tide staff will accept a commitment from both and a good possibility to land both. Possibly Simmons, along with A.J. Brown mentioned in the receivers section, are holding off from making commitments due to the immense amount of in-state pressure. It's best to wait until later if they decide to sign with Alabama.
Alabama feels they are in good position to land Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C. He visited Alabama during the summer and returned to Tuscaloosa for the game against Ole Miss. He is also expected to return for an official visit, and may also attend another game.
Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala., said his commitment to Auburn is at "75-percent." He will take all five official visits including one to Alabama. He attended the Tide's game against Ole Miss, and expected to return for more games this fall.
Alabama definitely has a shot with Davidson, along with other schools, if AU's season goes south.
Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end and Florida State commitment from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla., is also heavily recruited by Alabama. He returned to Tuscaloosa for the Ole Miss game. He will return for an official visit.
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., have been Alabama targets for a long time. Both have visited Tuscaloosa several times. They have not visited this season. However, Alabama is considered one of the top two or three schools for both prospects.
Linebacker
Alabama fans are probably ready for a couple of in-state prospects to go ahead and announce a decision in Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala. Wilson recently listed Alabama No.4 on his list of favorites.
Alabama expects both to sign with Alabama in February. Davis has visited Alabama countless times, and has made it to Tuscaloosa three times this fall. He will return for the Tennessee and LSU games. Wilson said Alabama is No.4 on his list behind Florida (leader), LSU and Ole Miss. He spoke with Nick Saban on the phone last week.
Alabama reached out to Daelin Hayes, five-star linebacker from Skyline High School in Ann Arbor, Mich., this weekend after he decommitted from USC. It will come as a surprise if he travels to Tuscaloosa for a visit.
Other linebackers are still recruited by Alabama, but likely take Davis and Wilson. A few defensive ends mentioned above are recruited as 'Jack' linebackers like Terrell Hall and Janarius Robinson. Alabama is also bringing in grayshirt Christian Bell in January.
Cornerback
Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss., returned to Alabama on Saturday for the Arkansas game. It was his second visit to Tuscaloosa this fall. Alabama remains in very good shape. He had another great visit to Alabama on Saturday.
Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La., remains a strong possibility. The Tide's blowout win against Georgia was impressive. Many believe the momentum has shifted back in Alabama's favor. It's still a tight battle against the Bulldogs.
Safety
Nigel Warrior, Rivals100 safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., remains Alabama's top target at the position. There is a very strong feeling Alabama is the leader. He does not intend to decide any time soon.
Brandon Jones, Rivals100 safety from Nacogdoches High School in Texas, continues to mention Alabama as one of his top five schools. It will be a surprise if he picks Alabama, but he remains in the mix.
Numbers
The numbers look good at 17. UA can continue to heavily recruit many elite targets, and have an excellent chance to sign one of the nation's best classes again. I've seen different numbers thrown out there in terms of how many players Alabama will sign. Alabama will sign 25. No back counters, from what I've been told, after UA brought in Oregon State transfer, Richard Mullaney.
Khalid Kareem is likely not the only player who will fall out of the class. A couple of commitments with some grade issues who may have to look elsewhere in the coming months. Alabama's biggest focus right now in the class is the defensive line and wide receiver. Those are very important positions for Alabama to close strong.
Class of 2017
Just a few quick notes. Alabama is very excited about Jake Fromm, four-star quarterback from Houston County High School in Warner Robins, Ga. Coach Saban likes him a lot. They believe his potential is very high.
Alabama is also in a great position to land three of the state's top prospects in Will Ignont, Rivals100 linebacker from Buckhorn High School in New Market, Austin Troxell, four-star offensive tackle from Madison Academy High School and Brian Robinson, four-star running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa. Maybe even some early decisions.
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