There's good news and no news
Alabama snagged a pair of commitments in the last few days in Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., and Brian Robinson, 2017 four-star running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa.
The commitment from Robinson did not come as a surprise. He received a scholarship offer a few months ago and immediately became one of the Tide's prime targets in the 2017 class. The life-long Alabama fan made an early decision to join the class.
There is growing concern regarding Najee Harris, 2017 five-star running back from Antioch High School in Calif. Adam Gorney pointed out a week ago Harris is still very interested in the West Coast schools like Cal and UCLA. Distance from home is starting to play a factor in his recruitment. It will not come as a surprise if he decommits from Alabama.
The Insider Report is more of the recruits who were in Tuscaloosa for the LSU game. Several targets still remain on the recruiting board who were not at the game. However, I do have a few notes on Dexter Lawrence since he has scheduled an announcement.
The wait....
Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas, will announce a decision on Friday. A final decision? He is not enrolling early, so there is still time for schools to recruit him until signing day.
Little will announce his commitment between Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss. Most expect him to announce the decision between Alabama and Ole Miss.
Little spent a few days in Tuscaloosa with his family. He had a great visit, and left with Alabama feeling better about its chances to land the No.1 offensive lineman in the country.
Where do things stand with a decision set for tomorrow? Little has kept things very quiet since the visit. Some expect him to announce for Ole Miss, and likely some predictions for the Rebels. However, as of Thursday morning Alabama continues to feel good about landing his commitment. It doesn't mean it will happen. Stay tuned...
The Tide turning?
It seemed more of a courtesy visit at first for Isaac Nauta, five-star tight end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Alabama was not one of Nauta's original official visit dates. However, he cancelled an official visit to USC after Steve Sarkisian was fired which opened the door for a program to get his final visit. It was Alabama.
Alabama was sitting at No.5, maybe even No.6 (despite the official visit) prior to the trip to Tuscaloosa. However, Alabama has made up serious ground with the nation's No.1 tight end. Natua gave a very positive vibe to the coaching staff and even told a few people in Tuscaloosa this is where he wants to be. Nauta says his recruitment remains open. Alabama has become a serious contender.
All is quiet....
Kareem Walker, five-star running back from De Paul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J., and Chauncey Gardner, Rivals100 cornerback from Cocoa High School in Fla., were among the official visitors. No news since the visit.
Gardner spoke briefly with Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy about the visit, but not any substance. Walker has basically gone underground since the visit. I've heard both prospects have not given Alabama a vibe one way or the other since the visit, and both have been quiet since the trip.
I'll provide more information when available. There isn't anything to report with these prospects at this time.
Tough decision on horizon...
Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla., was also in Tuscaloosa this past weekend for an official visit. He has visited Alabama several times since his original commitment to Florida State. He remains committed to the Seminoles, but Alabama has given him a lot to consider.
It's hard to predict what Robinson will do. We've been told he is torn about his decision. Alabama feels very good about its chances at this time to flip him. He has been a key target for a long time for lead recruiter Tosh Lupoi.
All good...
Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss., returned to Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. He has been a regular in Tuscaloosa this fall. There was confidence in him signing with the Tide prior to the season. The confidence has become very, very strong. Knott is on the verge of adding a fifth star. Expect him to become a headliner in this class.
A must get...
Devin White, four-star running back from North Webster High School in Springhill, La., is a very important prospect for Alabama. Alabama believes he has all the physical tools to play early. He is needed in 2016 with the likely loss of Derrick Henry to the NFL.
White was very impressed with all aspects of the visit to Alabama. He traveled to Tuscaloosa with his mom. They received the red carper treatment despite the amount of prospects on campus. He is recruited by Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier who has a lot of recruiting success in Louisiana. The confidence level is high on signing the Bayou prospect. He will likely make a very late announcement.
Too many WRs on the market?
Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., surprised many with a commitment to Alabama on Saturday. It prompted some to wonder if it means Alabama does not feel good about its chances with other prospects.
Alabama accepted a commitment from Diggs, but still some things to consider. He isn't out of the doghouse yet in terms of academics. He still has some work ahead of him. He might also end up as a defensive back. Think Cyrus Jones.
Alabama is still heavily recruiting several receivers, and many they will take. Ahhmon Richards, four-star wide receiver from Wellington High School in Fla., named Alabama his favorite after the weekend visit. He is a take, and might decide sooner than later.
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., had great visits to Alabama this past weekend. The odds remain in Alabama's favor to land Ridley.
Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La., also remains very high on Alabama's recruiting board. He was scheduled to attend, but did not make the drive to Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
Confidence continues to grow in getting Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., back in the fold. It was a great visit. He has certainly given Alabama a very positive vibe throughout the last few months. There is pressure to stay home, and it will become a family decision down the road. Alabama strongly believes he wants to play football in Tuscaloosa.
Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga., also had a great time. Alabama also believes the chances increased to land his signature. Keep in kind Hardman and Robertson are close friends. They want to stay together on the next level.
Alabama will wait for now regarding a possible offer to Velus Jones, four-star wide receiver and USC commitment from Saraland High School in Ala. Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier watched Jones play last Friday, and Jones was in Tuscaloosa for the LSU game.
Alabama remains in great shape
Where does Alabama stand with Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala.? Both were in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. Davis does not claim a leader. Wilson says Alabama is still No.4 on his list behind Florida, LSU and Ole Miss.
These guys are enjoying the recruiting process. They do not want any school to consider them a lock to one program. Alabama feels great about its chances to land both prospects.
Flip another AU commitment?
Alabama has one former Auburn commitment in the 2016 class (Quinnen Williams), and will not mind adding another. Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala., was in Tuscaloosa for the LSU game. It was his second visit to Alabama this fall. He is also expected to return to Alabama for an official visit.
Alabama still has an uphill battle in order to flip Davidson. He had a great time in Tuscaloosa, and spent the majority of the trip with guys like Lyndell Wilson and Ben Davis. However, he remains committed to Auburn.
Tide turning for another former commitment?
Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La., may eventually sign with Alabama. He committed to Alabama in the summer of 2014. He decommitted this past summer with Georgia the new favorite to land his signature.
Carter has returned to Tuscaloosa a few times this fall. Things haven't been going so well in Athens especially with the rumors of Jeremy Pruitt possibly not returning next year. The momentum is back in favor of Alabama.
Will Alabama land the five-star DT?
Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C., will announce a decision on December 14. His finalists are Alabama, Clemson, Florida, North Carolina, N.C. State and Ohio State. Lawrence visited Alabama earlier this season and attended camp.
He is trying to take an official visit to Alabama prior to the announcement. However, it's likely he will take an official visit in January. A lot of positive vibes on Alabama's side regarding Lawrence. It doesn't hurt having the best defensive front in college football.
Rashard Lawrence, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, La., and Michail Carter, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga., were in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Alabama has recruited both of these prospects for a long time. Both figure to play defensive tackle (not nose) when they arrive at the next level. Strong optimism remains Alabama signs at least one of the two prospects. Both may wait to see what happens with Lawrence, and Alabama likely doing the same.
I didn't discuss any underclassmen. Feel free to ask any specific questions.
Alabama snagged a pair of commitments in the last few days in Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., and Brian Robinson, 2017 four-star running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa.
The commitment from Robinson did not come as a surprise. He received a scholarship offer a few months ago and immediately became one of the Tide's prime targets in the 2017 class. The life-long Alabama fan made an early decision to join the class.
There is growing concern regarding Najee Harris, 2017 five-star running back from Antioch High School in Calif. Adam Gorney pointed out a week ago Harris is still very interested in the West Coast schools like Cal and UCLA. Distance from home is starting to play a factor in his recruitment. It will not come as a surprise if he decommits from Alabama.
The Insider Report is more of the recruits who were in Tuscaloosa for the LSU game. Several targets still remain on the recruiting board who were not at the game. However, I do have a few notes on Dexter Lawrence since he has scheduled an announcement.
The wait....
Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas, will announce a decision on Friday. A final decision? He is not enrolling early, so there is still time for schools to recruit him until signing day.
Little will announce his commitment between Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU and Ole Miss. Most expect him to announce the decision between Alabama and Ole Miss.
Little spent a few days in Tuscaloosa with his family. He had a great visit, and left with Alabama feeling better about its chances to land the No.1 offensive lineman in the country.
Where do things stand with a decision set for tomorrow? Little has kept things very quiet since the visit. Some expect him to announce for Ole Miss, and likely some predictions for the Rebels. However, as of Thursday morning Alabama continues to feel good about landing his commitment. It doesn't mean it will happen. Stay tuned...
The Tide turning?
It seemed more of a courtesy visit at first for Isaac Nauta, five-star tight end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla. Alabama was not one of Nauta's original official visit dates. However, he cancelled an official visit to USC after Steve Sarkisian was fired which opened the door for a program to get his final visit. It was Alabama.
Alabama was sitting at No.5, maybe even No.6 (despite the official visit) prior to the trip to Tuscaloosa. However, Alabama has made up serious ground with the nation's No.1 tight end. Natua gave a very positive vibe to the coaching staff and even told a few people in Tuscaloosa this is where he wants to be. Nauta says his recruitment remains open. Alabama has become a serious contender.
All is quiet....
Kareem Walker, five-star running back from De Paul Catholic High School in Wayne, N.J., and Chauncey Gardner, Rivals100 cornerback from Cocoa High School in Fla., were among the official visitors. No news since the visit.
Gardner spoke briefly with Rivals.com Southeast recruiting analyst Rob Cassidy about the visit, but not any substance. Walker has basically gone underground since the visit. I've heard both prospects have not given Alabama a vibe one way or the other since the visit, and both have been quiet since the trip.
I'll provide more information when available. There isn't anything to report with these prospects at this time.
Tough decision on horizon...
Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla., was also in Tuscaloosa this past weekend for an official visit. He has visited Alabama several times since his original commitment to Florida State. He remains committed to the Seminoles, but Alabama has given him a lot to consider.
It's hard to predict what Robinson will do. We've been told he is torn about his decision. Alabama feels very good about its chances at this time to flip him. He has been a key target for a long time for lead recruiter Tosh Lupoi.
All good...
Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss., returned to Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. He has been a regular in Tuscaloosa this fall. There was confidence in him signing with the Tide prior to the season. The confidence has become very, very strong. Knott is on the verge of adding a fifth star. Expect him to become a headliner in this class.
A must get...
Devin White, four-star running back from North Webster High School in Springhill, La., is a very important prospect for Alabama. Alabama believes he has all the physical tools to play early. He is needed in 2016 with the likely loss of Derrick Henry to the NFL.
White was very impressed with all aspects of the visit to Alabama. He traveled to Tuscaloosa with his mom. They received the red carper treatment despite the amount of prospects on campus. He is recruited by Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier who has a lot of recruiting success in Louisiana. The confidence level is high on signing the Bayou prospect. He will likely make a very late announcement.
Too many WRs on the market?
Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., surprised many with a commitment to Alabama on Saturday. It prompted some to wonder if it means Alabama does not feel good about its chances with other prospects.
Alabama accepted a commitment from Diggs, but still some things to consider. He isn't out of the doghouse yet in terms of academics. He still has some work ahead of him. He might also end up as a defensive back. Think Cyrus Jones.
Alabama is still heavily recruiting several receivers, and many they will take. Ahhmon Richards, four-star wide receiver from Wellington High School in Fla., named Alabama his favorite after the weekend visit. He is a take, and might decide sooner than later.
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., had great visits to Alabama this past weekend. The odds remain in Alabama's favor to land Ridley.
Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La., also remains very high on Alabama's recruiting board. He was scheduled to attend, but did not make the drive to Tuscaloosa on Saturday.
Confidence continues to grow in getting Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., back in the fold. It was a great visit. He has certainly given Alabama a very positive vibe throughout the last few months. There is pressure to stay home, and it will become a family decision down the road. Alabama strongly believes he wants to play football in Tuscaloosa.
Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga., also had a great time. Alabama also believes the chances increased to land his signature. Keep in kind Hardman and Robertson are close friends. They want to stay together on the next level.
Alabama will wait for now regarding a possible offer to Velus Jones, four-star wide receiver and USC commitment from Saraland High School in Ala. Alabama wide receivers coach Billy Napier watched Jones play last Friday, and Jones was in Tuscaloosa for the LSU game.
Alabama remains in great shape
Where does Alabama stand with Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala.? Both were in Tuscaloosa on Saturday night. Davis does not claim a leader. Wilson says Alabama is still No.4 on his list behind Florida, LSU and Ole Miss.
These guys are enjoying the recruiting process. They do not want any school to consider them a lock to one program. Alabama feels great about its chances to land both prospects.
Flip another AU commitment?
Alabama has one former Auburn commitment in the 2016 class (Quinnen Williams), and will not mind adding another. Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala., was in Tuscaloosa for the LSU game. It was his second visit to Alabama this fall. He is also expected to return to Alabama for an official visit.
Alabama still has an uphill battle in order to flip Davidson. He had a great time in Tuscaloosa, and spent the majority of the trip with guys like Lyndell Wilson and Ben Davis. However, he remains committed to Auburn.
Tide turning for another former commitment?
Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La., may eventually sign with Alabama. He committed to Alabama in the summer of 2014. He decommitted this past summer with Georgia the new favorite to land his signature.
Carter has returned to Tuscaloosa a few times this fall. Things haven't been going so well in Athens especially with the rumors of Jeremy Pruitt possibly not returning next year. The momentum is back in favor of Alabama.
Will Alabama land the five-star DT?
Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C., will announce a decision on December 14. His finalists are Alabama, Clemson, Florida, North Carolina, N.C. State and Ohio State. Lawrence visited Alabama earlier this season and attended camp.
He is trying to take an official visit to Alabama prior to the announcement. However, it's likely he will take an official visit in January. A lot of positive vibes on Alabama's side regarding Lawrence. It doesn't hurt having the best defensive front in college football.
Rashard Lawrence, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, La., and Michail Carter, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga., were in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. Alabama has recruited both of these prospects for a long time. Both figure to play defensive tackle (not nose) when they arrive at the next level. Strong optimism remains Alabama signs at least one of the two prospects. Both may wait to see what happens with Lawrence, and Alabama likely doing the same.
I didn't discuss any underclassmen. Feel free to ask any specific questions.
