Quick notes
Alabama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal will stop to see Rashan Gary, five-star defensive tackle from Paramus Catholic in N.J., on Wednesday. There is some buzz about a possible visit to Alabama next weekend. Alabama will attempt to get Gary on campus, but a major uphill climb for the No.1 player in the Rivals100. Alabama is going to recruit top players until the end regardless if they express much interest. Burton Burns made a few trips to Louisiana to see Leonard Fournette after he committed to LSU. Lane Kiffin visited Roc Thomas even though he was solid to Auburn.
B.J. Emmons, four-star running back from Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., did not receive the results he needed from the latest ACT attempt. He is still seeking an additional point higher, and will have another opportunity to re-take the test in February. Alabama remains hopeful he will qualify.
Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., will visit Maryland this weekend. He was in Tuscaloosa last weekend on an unofficial visit, and may return on January 29 for an official visit. Diggs still has some work to do in the classroom. Maryland is making a very strong push, and believes they can get him in school. Those close to Diggs believe he still has a long way to go academically, and may go to a junior college.
Jawon Pass, four-star quarterback from Carver High School in Columbus, Ga., will visit Alabama on Thursday. The news made some headlines, but don't look too much into the visit. Pass is not a take for Alabama. He was recruited by Alabama for a while. Lane Kiffin invited him in for an official visit, but Nick Saban is not expected to take a commitment from Pass.
Jeffrey McCulloch, four-star linebacker from Aldine Davis High School in Houston, Texas, will not visit Alabama this weekend. McCulloch scheduled his official visit a few weeks ago, but was asked to change the visit to January 29. McCulloch declined the request and said he is no longer interested in Alabama. It doesn't seem to bother Alabama and not going to pursue.
Another RB?
Emmons will sign with Alabama, and continue to focus on a higher ACT score in order to qualify. Alabama understands this is a battle it will have to take on for the next few months. Another running back is needed in this class. The hope has been for LaMical Perine, four-star from Theodore High School in Ala., to visit and eventually flip his commitment from Florida to Alabama.
Perine is not on that path. Alabama is hoping to bring him in this weekend for an official visit, but Perine is telling reporters he will return to Florida this weekend for an unofficial visit. Alabama continues to recruit with hopes of getting him on campus before signing day, but the odds continue to fade.
D'Vaughn Pennamon, four-star running back and Ole Miss commitment from Manuel High School in Texas, has also been recruited heavily by Alabama for the past few months. He is confirmed to visit Alabama this weekend and will visit Ole Miss next weekend. Alabama will have to make one heck of an impression for him to consider flipping. Nick Saban visited Pennamon on Wednesday morning.
Amir Rasul, four-star running back from Coral Gables High School in Fla., took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. The Florida State commitment received an offer from Alabama in December. He remains firm with his commitment to the Seminoles.
Alabama is in need of a running back and the numbers are currently not in its favor. Emmons has some work to do in the classroom, and the UA staff will need to flip a player mentioned above to have a second back in the class. It's very likely Alabama will target a graduate transfer if another back is not added by signing day.
Impressive LBs coming to town
Alabama is bringing in four five-stars and a four-star this weekend for official visits: Ben Davis, from Gordo High School in Ala., Lyndell Wilson, from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., Mique Juarez, from North High School in Torrance, Calif., Terrell Hall, from St. John's College in Washington, D.C., and Dontavious Jackson, four-star from Elsik High School in Houston.
Davis, Wilson and Jackson are recruited by Alabama as inside backers, and Juarez and Hall are recruited as outside backers. Davis, the Alabama legacy and No.5 prospect in the Rivals100, has Georgia at the top of his list followed by Alabama. He is very high on Notre Dame following the official visit last weekend. He will visit Auburn on January 29 before a final decision on signing day.
The odds remain in Alabama's favor for Davis despite UGA as his proclaimed favorite. Wilson says it's a tight race between Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Alabama has a big opportunity this weekend with former Carver star and Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton likely serving as Wilson's host.
Jackson has been recruited heavily by Alabama since his summer camp performance. His stock has steadily been on the rise, and he finished No.168 in the Rivals250. His finalists are Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Texas. Alabama was once considered the favorite. Texas has also long been considered the team to beat. FSU has also made a strong push. It appears these are the three schools battling at this point.
Alabama wants to add an outside linebacker like Juarez or Hall to the class. UA considers both at the top of the position. Juarez recently added Alabama in his top three along with UCLA and Ole Miss. Hall has expressed heavy interest in Alabama two visits to Tuscaloosa in the summer. Most believe Maryland may have a slight edge, but Alabama might make a very strong move for him this weekend.
Jaleel Laguins, four-star linebacker from Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Ga., recently received an offer from Alabama. The UGA commitment is scheduled to visit Tuscaloosa this weekend. We'll see if the visit actually takes places because Alabama is trying to trim the list of visitors.
The next Julio? Amari? Ridley?
Alabama wasn't often discussed as a wide receiver school prior to Julio Jones. Julio's success attracted other top receivers to Tuscaloosa like Biletnikoff winner Amari Cooper. Cooper attracted more elite receivers like former five-star Calvin Ridley who was a freshman All-American this past fall.
Alabama has three receivers committed in T.J. Simmons, four-star from Clay-Chalkville High School in Ala., Trevon Diggs, four-star from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., and Tyler Simmons, three-star from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga. Two more players at the position seems like a likely scenario.
Eyes are on Diggs since he takes an official visit to Maryland this weekend. Simmons took an official visit to Georgia last weekend, but appears solid with Alabama. He will return to Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit.
Alabama had on campus last weekend A.J. Brown, Rivals100 wide receiver from Starkville High School in Miss., and Keith Gavin, four-star from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla. The staff received positive vibes from both prospects after their trip to Tuscaloosa. Both have been at the top of Alabama's wish list for a long time.
It appears both will wait until signing day to announce a decision. Brown will visit Cal this weekend, and Ole Miss next week. Gavin will take an official visit to Florida State this weekend. Alabama has been a major threat to sway Brown away from his home state, but possibly too much pressure. The better odds are on Gavin signing with Alabama.
Alabama brings in Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., and Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga., this weekend for official visits. Robertson is a former Alabama commitment, and Hardman has Alabama at the top of his list.
Alabama appears in better position with Robertson though his recruitment may go beyond signing day. Robertson and Hardman are recruited by Alabama as athletes. Those close to Robertson believe he will sign with Alabama.
Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La., took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. Ahmmon Richards, four-star from Wellington High School in Fla., will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Korey Banks, three-star and North Carolina commitment from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Ga., is scheduled to visit Alabama next weekend.
Tyler Vaughns, five-star wide receiver from Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Calif., will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The USC commitment has expressed interest in Alabama for several months, but this is his first visit to Tuscaloosa.
Drake Davis, four-star wide receiver and LZSU commitment from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. He has expressed interest in Alabama, but it is very unlikely he flips his commitment.
Finishing strong on the D-Line
Alabama will give it one more shot with Rashan Gary (mentioned above). He's worth trying to receive an official visit.
Some names to focus on down the home stretch, and a few are scheduled to visit Alabama this weekend. Jonathan Kongbo, five-star defensive end from Arizona Western Community College in Yuma, Jeffery Simmons, five-star defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., Michail Carter, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga., and Kobe Jones, three-star defense tackle from Starkville High School in Miss.
Kongbo recently decommitted from Tennessee. He had an in-home visit with Nick Saban on Monday. He has high interest in Alabama. He is certainly one to watch this weekend. Simmons has been on the Tide's wish list for a long time. Alabama will need to make a lasting impression this weekend to steal him away from his home state on signing day. Ole Miss continues to feel confident regarding Simmons, but Alabama is very much in the race and still has a good feeling to lure him away.
Carter has listed Alabama and Georgia as his top two schools for more than a year. He visited Clemson last weekend. He will take his final visit to Georgia on January 29. Alabama will try to press for a commitment from Carter since the need for another defensive tackle in the class.
Jones received an offer from Alabama after a great performance at the Tide's camp. He remains a possibility. He is also teammates with top Alabama WR target A.J. Brown. Alabama will likely wait to see what happens with a few other defensive line targets before making a hard push for Jones.
Jamar King, three-star defensive tackle from Mendocino Community College in Ukiah, Calif., will take an official visit to Alabama on January 29. King visited Ohio State last weekend. He has family in Alabama including Tuscaloosa. It makes sense for the 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman to sign with Alabama. Nick Saban had an in-home visit with King on Monday.
Raekwon Davis, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Meridian High School in Miss., created a stir on Sunday when it was reported he flipped to Mississippi State. He denied the reports saying he is still committed to Alabama. Many believe Davis will eventually flip to the Bulldogs, but Alabama is working hard to keep him on board. He is scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama on January 29.
Derrick Brown, five-star defensive tackle from Lanier High School in Sugar Hill. Ga., took an official visit to Alabama in December. Alabama appeared to have gained a lot of momentum after the visit. However, the momentum seems to have died down a little. He visited Auburn last weekend, and will head to Georgia this weekend. He will take a final visit to Tennessee before announcing a final decision on signing day. He has also taken an official visit to Mississippi State. It's an extremely tight race, but Alabama is likely trailing at this time. Can UA turn things around before signing day? We'll see.
Connor Murphy, four-star defensive end from Brophy Prep in Phoenix, Ariz., will take an official visit to Alabama next weekend. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound prospect recently received an offer from Alabama. He received a visit from Alabama outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi on Monday. Murphy visited USC this past weekend, and will visit Michigan this weekend.
Close strong at DB
It didn't look good for a while for Alabama to sign a great defensive back class. It appears the momentum has shifted.
Jared Mayden, four-star cornerback from Sachse High School in Texas, took an official visit to Alabama last weekend, and has become a top priority target for the coaching staff. Jeremy Pruitt is very high on Mayden (a recent Oregon decommitment). Alabama appears the favorite prior to his visit to Oklahoma. He is definitely wanted by UA.
Alabama was considered the heavy favorite for Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss, for the past few months. He made several trips to trips to Tuscaloosa during the fall, and appeared on the verge of announcing a commitment. Alabama had a few key departures on the staff in defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and defensive backs coach Mel Tucker who both went to Athens.
Knott received a visit from Nick Saban on Tuesday at his high school. He remains a top priority target for Alabama. He is receiving a lot of in-state pressure, but Alabama is still in good position to land the Rivals100 member. He will visit Alabama this weekend.
Shyheim Carter, four-star cornerback from Kentwood High School in La., was once considered a solid commitment to Alabama. He decommitted in the summer with all eyes on Georgia. He really likes Coach Jeremy Pruitt, and had a relationship with director of player personnel Sam Petito. Pruitt and Petito are now in Tuscaloosa.
Carter will return to Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. He visited Miami last weekend, and scheduled to visit Ole Miss on January 29. It's hard to gauge what Carter will do since he has kept things pretty quiet. Alabama still has a little bit of ground to make it up despite his relationship with the Tide coaches.
Jack Jones, five-star cornerback from Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif., received an offer from Alabama in December. He took an official visit last weekend. He had a great time in Tuscaloosa, but the chances of him leaving the West Coast remain slim. USC is in the best position to land his signature.
Nigel Warrior, Rivals100 safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Warrior remains a priority recruit for the Crimson Tide. Tennessee has come on very strong for Warrior in the last few months. Georgia is also in the mix. We'll know more about where things stand with Warrior and Alabama after this weekend. Alabama is a little behind.
Is another OT in the cards?
Alabama has four offensive line commitments with three who have arrived for early enrollment (Jonah Williams, Charles Baldwin, Chris Owens). Alabama is still recruiting a few offensive tackles, and it's not out of the question UA adding another one by signing day.
Alabama welcomes Landon Dickerson, Rivals100 offensive tackle from South Caldwell High School in Hudson, N.C., and Scott Lashley, three-star offensive tackle from West Point High School in Miss., to campus this weekend. Lashley has been recruited by Alabama for several months. The interest in Dickerson has increased in the past few months.
It's possible, but not likely Alabama signs another offensive lineman in this class.
Another TE?
Alabama is still recruiting tight ends. The position is not considered a priority though.
Devin Asiasi, Rivals100 from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., Nick Eubanks, four-star from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., and Irvin Smith, three-star and Texas A&M commitment from Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, La., are still recruited by Alabama.
Eubanks took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. Asiasi has visited Alabama a few times, but not expected to return for an official visit. Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin visited Asiasi on Tuesday. Smith is expected to visit Alabama next weekend.
Alabama has a pair of tight end commitments in Miller Forristall (early enrollee) and Brendan Scales. Forristall is a pass catching tight end while Scales is more of an H-Back. It's hard to imagine Alabama taking another tight end in this class, but we will continue to watch the players mentioned.
Other names to watch
Vosean Joseph, three-star linebacker from Norland High School in Miami, Fla. (Florida commitment) Quick hitter: Joseph has high interest in Alabama after his official visit last weekend. UA will see where it stands with the top linebacker targets arriving in Tuscaloosa this weekend before making a solid push for Joseph.
Jamel Cook, three-star athlete from Central High School in Miami, Fla. (FSU commitment) Quick hitter: Cook is a talented athlete who is recruited at safety by Alabama. He is currently scheduled to visit Alabama this weekend.
Sci Martin, three-star defensive end from McDonough 35 High School in New Orleans, La. (TCU commitment) Quick hitter: Martin took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. He will visit LSU this weekend. There is a good chance he flips his commitment. It's unlikely he will flip to Alabama.
Jaquan Yulee, four-star linebacker from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Va. Quick hitter: Yulee recently decommitted from Alabama which surprised some in Tuscaloosa. He will return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit on January 29 even though Alabama has not gone all out to get him back in the class.
Dejon Harris, three-star linebacker from Ehret High School in Marrero, La. (Arkansas commitment) Quick hitter: Harris will take an official visit to Alabama next weekend. A lot depends on how Alabama feels about Ben Davis, Lyndell Wilson and/or Dontavious Jackson to determine if a push for Harris.
Current picks
My best guess as of TODAY: Keith Gavin, Demetris Robertson, Ben Davis, Mack Wilson, Jonathan Kongbo, Jared Mayden, Nigel Knott, Michail Carter, Jamar King. Surprise: Jeffery Simmons.
I think Alabama will end up losing: Raekwon Davis and Trevon Diggs.
*I've mentioned A.J. Brown as a strong possibility in this class. His recruitment is going to come down to the wire. Alabama feels good about its position with Brown, but come signing day I believe Ole Miss will be the choice.
Alabama offensive line coach Mario Cristobal will stop to see Rashan Gary, five-star defensive tackle from Paramus Catholic in N.J., on Wednesday. There is some buzz about a possible visit to Alabama next weekend. Alabama will attempt to get Gary on campus, but a major uphill climb for the No.1 player in the Rivals100. Alabama is going to recruit top players until the end regardless if they express much interest. Burton Burns made a few trips to Louisiana to see Leonard Fournette after he committed to LSU. Lane Kiffin visited Roc Thomas even though he was solid to Auburn.
B.J. Emmons, four-star running back from Freedom High School in Morganton, N.C., did not receive the results he needed from the latest ACT attempt. He is still seeking an additional point higher, and will have another opportunity to re-take the test in February. Alabama remains hopeful he will qualify.
Trevon Diggs, four-star wide receiver from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., will visit Maryland this weekend. He was in Tuscaloosa last weekend on an unofficial visit, and may return on January 29 for an official visit. Diggs still has some work to do in the classroom. Maryland is making a very strong push, and believes they can get him in school. Those close to Diggs believe he still has a long way to go academically, and may go to a junior college.
Jawon Pass, four-star quarterback from Carver High School in Columbus, Ga., will visit Alabama on Thursday. The news made some headlines, but don't look too much into the visit. Pass is not a take for Alabama. He was recruited by Alabama for a while. Lane Kiffin invited him in for an official visit, but Nick Saban is not expected to take a commitment from Pass.
Jeffrey McCulloch, four-star linebacker from Aldine Davis High School in Houston, Texas, will not visit Alabama this weekend. McCulloch scheduled his official visit a few weeks ago, but was asked to change the visit to January 29. McCulloch declined the request and said he is no longer interested in Alabama. It doesn't seem to bother Alabama and not going to pursue.
Another RB?
Emmons will sign with Alabama, and continue to focus on a higher ACT score in order to qualify. Alabama understands this is a battle it will have to take on for the next few months. Another running back is needed in this class. The hope has been for LaMical Perine, four-star from Theodore High School in Ala., to visit and eventually flip his commitment from Florida to Alabama.
Perine is not on that path. Alabama is hoping to bring him in this weekend for an official visit, but Perine is telling reporters he will return to Florida this weekend for an unofficial visit. Alabama continues to recruit with hopes of getting him on campus before signing day, but the odds continue to fade.
D'Vaughn Pennamon, four-star running back and Ole Miss commitment from Manuel High School in Texas, has also been recruited heavily by Alabama for the past few months. He is confirmed to visit Alabama this weekend and will visit Ole Miss next weekend. Alabama will have to make one heck of an impression for him to consider flipping. Nick Saban visited Pennamon on Wednesday morning.
Amir Rasul, four-star running back from Coral Gables High School in Fla., took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. The Florida State commitment received an offer from Alabama in December. He remains firm with his commitment to the Seminoles.
Alabama is in need of a running back and the numbers are currently not in its favor. Emmons has some work to do in the classroom, and the UA staff will need to flip a player mentioned above to have a second back in the class. It's very likely Alabama will target a graduate transfer if another back is not added by signing day.
Impressive LBs coming to town
Alabama is bringing in four five-stars and a four-star this weekend for official visits: Ben Davis, from Gordo High School in Ala., Lyndell Wilson, from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., Mique Juarez, from North High School in Torrance, Calif., Terrell Hall, from St. John's College in Washington, D.C., and Dontavious Jackson, four-star from Elsik High School in Houston.
Davis, Wilson and Jackson are recruited by Alabama as inside backers, and Juarez and Hall are recruited as outside backers. Davis, the Alabama legacy and No.5 prospect in the Rivals100, has Georgia at the top of his list followed by Alabama. He is very high on Notre Dame following the official visit last weekend. He will visit Auburn on January 29 before a final decision on signing day.
The odds remain in Alabama's favor for Davis despite UGA as his proclaimed favorite. Wilson says it's a tight race between Alabama, Florida and Georgia. Alabama has a big opportunity this weekend with former Carver star and Alabama linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton likely serving as Wilson's host.
Jackson has been recruited heavily by Alabama since his summer camp performance. His stock has steadily been on the rise, and he finished No.168 in the Rivals250. His finalists are Alabama, Florida, Florida State and Texas. Alabama was once considered the favorite. Texas has also long been considered the team to beat. FSU has also made a strong push. It appears these are the three schools battling at this point.
Alabama wants to add an outside linebacker like Juarez or Hall to the class. UA considers both at the top of the position. Juarez recently added Alabama in his top three along with UCLA and Ole Miss. Hall has expressed heavy interest in Alabama two visits to Tuscaloosa in the summer. Most believe Maryland may have a slight edge, but Alabama might make a very strong move for him this weekend.
Jaleel Laguins, four-star linebacker from Oconee County High School in Watkinsville, Ga., recently received an offer from Alabama. The UGA commitment is scheduled to visit Tuscaloosa this weekend. We'll see if the visit actually takes places because Alabama is trying to trim the list of visitors.
The next Julio? Amari? Ridley?
Alabama wasn't often discussed as a wide receiver school prior to Julio Jones. Julio's success attracted other top receivers to Tuscaloosa like Biletnikoff winner Amari Cooper. Cooper attracted more elite receivers like former five-star Calvin Ridley who was a freshman All-American this past fall.
Alabama has three receivers committed in T.J. Simmons, four-star from Clay-Chalkville High School in Ala., Trevon Diggs, four-star from The Avalon School in Gaithersburg, Md., and Tyler Simmons, three-star from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga. Two more players at the position seems like a likely scenario.
Eyes are on Diggs since he takes an official visit to Maryland this weekend. Simmons took an official visit to Georgia last weekend, but appears solid with Alabama. He will return to Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit.
Alabama had on campus last weekend A.J. Brown, Rivals100 wide receiver from Starkville High School in Miss., and Keith Gavin, four-star from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla. The staff received positive vibes from both prospects after their trip to Tuscaloosa. Both have been at the top of Alabama's wish list for a long time.
It appears both will wait until signing day to announce a decision. Brown will visit Cal this weekend, and Ole Miss next week. Gavin will take an official visit to Florida State this weekend. Alabama has been a major threat to sway Brown away from his home state, but possibly too much pressure. The better odds are on Gavin signing with Alabama.
Alabama brings in Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga., and Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga., this weekend for official visits. Robertson is a former Alabama commitment, and Hardman has Alabama at the top of his list.
Alabama appears in better position with Robertson though his recruitment may go beyond signing day. Robertson and Hardman are recruited by Alabama as athletes. Those close to Robertson believe he will sign with Alabama.
Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La., took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. Ahmmon Richards, four-star from Wellington High School in Fla., will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Korey Banks, three-star and North Carolina commitment from Sandy Creek High School in Tyrone, Ga., is scheduled to visit Alabama next weekend.
Tyler Vaughns, five-star wide receiver from Bishop Amat High School in La Puente, Calif., will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The USC commitment has expressed interest in Alabama for several months, but this is his first visit to Tuscaloosa.
Drake Davis, four-star wide receiver and LZSU commitment from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. He has expressed interest in Alabama, but it is very unlikely he flips his commitment.
Finishing strong on the D-Line
Alabama will give it one more shot with Rashan Gary (mentioned above). He's worth trying to receive an official visit.
Some names to focus on down the home stretch, and a few are scheduled to visit Alabama this weekend. Jonathan Kongbo, five-star defensive end from Arizona Western Community College in Yuma, Jeffery Simmons, five-star defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss., Michail Carter, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga., and Kobe Jones, three-star defense tackle from Starkville High School in Miss.
Kongbo recently decommitted from Tennessee. He had an in-home visit with Nick Saban on Monday. He has high interest in Alabama. He is certainly one to watch this weekend. Simmons has been on the Tide's wish list for a long time. Alabama will need to make a lasting impression this weekend to steal him away from his home state on signing day. Ole Miss continues to feel confident regarding Simmons, but Alabama is very much in the race and still has a good feeling to lure him away.
Carter has listed Alabama and Georgia as his top two schools for more than a year. He visited Clemson last weekend. He will take his final visit to Georgia on January 29. Alabama will try to press for a commitment from Carter since the need for another defensive tackle in the class.
Jones received an offer from Alabama after a great performance at the Tide's camp. He remains a possibility. He is also teammates with top Alabama WR target A.J. Brown. Alabama will likely wait to see what happens with a few other defensive line targets before making a hard push for Jones.
Jamar King, three-star defensive tackle from Mendocino Community College in Ukiah, Calif., will take an official visit to Alabama on January 29. King visited Ohio State last weekend. He has family in Alabama including Tuscaloosa. It makes sense for the 6-foot-5, 285-pound lineman to sign with Alabama. Nick Saban had an in-home visit with King on Monday.
Raekwon Davis, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Meridian High School in Miss., created a stir on Sunday when it was reported he flipped to Mississippi State. He denied the reports saying he is still committed to Alabama. Many believe Davis will eventually flip to the Bulldogs, but Alabama is working hard to keep him on board. He is scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama on January 29.
Derrick Brown, five-star defensive tackle from Lanier High School in Sugar Hill. Ga., took an official visit to Alabama in December. Alabama appeared to have gained a lot of momentum after the visit. However, the momentum seems to have died down a little. He visited Auburn last weekend, and will head to Georgia this weekend. He will take a final visit to Tennessee before announcing a final decision on signing day. He has also taken an official visit to Mississippi State. It's an extremely tight race, but Alabama is likely trailing at this time. Can UA turn things around before signing day? We'll see.
Connor Murphy, four-star defensive end from Brophy Prep in Phoenix, Ariz., will take an official visit to Alabama next weekend. The 6-foot-7, 255-pound prospect recently received an offer from Alabama. He received a visit from Alabama outside linebackers coach Tosh Lupoi on Monday. Murphy visited USC this past weekend, and will visit Michigan this weekend.
Close strong at DB
It didn't look good for a while for Alabama to sign a great defensive back class. It appears the momentum has shifted.
Jared Mayden, four-star cornerback from Sachse High School in Texas, took an official visit to Alabama last weekend, and has become a top priority target for the coaching staff. Jeremy Pruitt is very high on Mayden (a recent Oregon decommitment). Alabama appears the favorite prior to his visit to Oklahoma. He is definitely wanted by UA.
Alabama was considered the heavy favorite for Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss, for the past few months. He made several trips to trips to Tuscaloosa during the fall, and appeared on the verge of announcing a commitment. Alabama had a few key departures on the staff in defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and defensive backs coach Mel Tucker who both went to Athens.
Knott received a visit from Nick Saban on Tuesday at his high school. He remains a top priority target for Alabama. He is receiving a lot of in-state pressure, but Alabama is still in good position to land the Rivals100 member. He will visit Alabama this weekend.
Shyheim Carter, four-star cornerback from Kentwood High School in La., was once considered a solid commitment to Alabama. He decommitted in the summer with all eyes on Georgia. He really likes Coach Jeremy Pruitt, and had a relationship with director of player personnel Sam Petito. Pruitt and Petito are now in Tuscaloosa.
Carter will return to Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit. He visited Miami last weekend, and scheduled to visit Ole Miss on January 29. It's hard to gauge what Carter will do since he has kept things pretty quiet. Alabama still has a little bit of ground to make it up despite his relationship with the Tide coaches.
Jack Jones, five-star cornerback from Poly High School in Long Beach, Calif., received an offer from Alabama in December. He took an official visit last weekend. He had a great time in Tuscaloosa, but the chances of him leaving the West Coast remain slim. USC is in the best position to land his signature.
Nigel Warrior, Rivals100 safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga., will take an official visit to Alabama this weekend. Warrior remains a priority recruit for the Crimson Tide. Tennessee has come on very strong for Warrior in the last few months. Georgia is also in the mix. We'll know more about where things stand with Warrior and Alabama after this weekend. Alabama is a little behind.
Is another OT in the cards?
Alabama has four offensive line commitments with three who have arrived for early enrollment (Jonah Williams, Charles Baldwin, Chris Owens). Alabama is still recruiting a few offensive tackles, and it's not out of the question UA adding another one by signing day.
Alabama welcomes Landon Dickerson, Rivals100 offensive tackle from South Caldwell High School in Hudson, N.C., and Scott Lashley, three-star offensive tackle from West Point High School in Miss., to campus this weekend. Lashley has been recruited by Alabama for several months. The interest in Dickerson has increased in the past few months.
It's possible, but not likely Alabama signs another offensive lineman in this class.
Another TE?
Alabama is still recruiting tight ends. The position is not considered a priority though.
Devin Asiasi, Rivals100 from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif., Nick Eubanks, four-star from American Heritage High School in Plantation, Fla., and Irvin Smith, three-star and Texas A&M commitment from Brother Martin High School in New Orleans, La., are still recruited by Alabama.
Eubanks took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. Asiasi has visited Alabama a few times, but not expected to return for an official visit. Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin visited Asiasi on Tuesday. Smith is expected to visit Alabama next weekend.
Alabama has a pair of tight end commitments in Miller Forristall (early enrollee) and Brendan Scales. Forristall is a pass catching tight end while Scales is more of an H-Back. It's hard to imagine Alabama taking another tight end in this class, but we will continue to watch the players mentioned.
Other names to watch
Vosean Joseph, three-star linebacker from Norland High School in Miami, Fla. (Florida commitment) Quick hitter: Joseph has high interest in Alabama after his official visit last weekend. UA will see where it stands with the top linebacker targets arriving in Tuscaloosa this weekend before making a solid push for Joseph.
Jamel Cook, three-star athlete from Central High School in Miami, Fla. (FSU commitment) Quick hitter: Cook is a talented athlete who is recruited at safety by Alabama. He is currently scheduled to visit Alabama this weekend.
Sci Martin, three-star defensive end from McDonough 35 High School in New Orleans, La. (TCU commitment) Quick hitter: Martin took an official visit to Alabama last weekend. He will visit LSU this weekend. There is a good chance he flips his commitment. It's unlikely he will flip to Alabama.
Jaquan Yulee, four-star linebacker from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Va. Quick hitter: Yulee recently decommitted from Alabama which surprised some in Tuscaloosa. He will return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit on January 29 even though Alabama has not gone all out to get him back in the class.
Dejon Harris, three-star linebacker from Ehret High School in Marrero, La. (Arkansas commitment) Quick hitter: Harris will take an official visit to Alabama next weekend. A lot depends on how Alabama feels about Ben Davis, Lyndell Wilson and/or Dontavious Jackson to determine if a push for Harris.
Current picks
My best guess as of TODAY: Keith Gavin, Demetris Robertson, Ben Davis, Mack Wilson, Jonathan Kongbo, Jared Mayden, Nigel Knott, Michail Carter, Jamar King. Surprise: Jeffery Simmons.
I think Alabama will end up losing: Raekwon Davis and Trevon Diggs.
*I've mentioned A.J. Brown as a strong possibility in this class. His recruitment is going to come down to the wire. Alabama feels good about its position with Brown, but come signing day I believe Ole Miss will be the choice.
