Who are actual takes?
Alabama is currently sitting at 21 commitments in the 2017 class. The number is certain to grow between now and September. How will the numbers shake out in the end?
There are academic casualties every year. Some players who end up falling off the board and signing elsewhere. It's going to happen with Alabama. More great players have announced earlier this year than in the past.
Alabama took more players early last year than expected. They didn't want to wait on players who planned to announce closer to signing day. Alabama could have easily afforded to wait to accept commitments from certain players until a later date.
Some have questioned if Chadarius Townsend, four-star athlete from Tanner High School in Alabama, will remain in the class. Alabama is not suggesting him to leave. He's taking additional visits, but Alabama likes Townsend. UA likes his athletic ability, and also liked how he performed at camp this summer as a defensive back.
Alabama has three of the best JuCo players in the country on the commitment list- Elliot Baker, five-star offensive tackle from College of San Francisco in California, and Gary Johnson, four-star linebacker from Dodge City Community College in Kansas and Jhavonte Dean, four-star cornerback from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Alabama wants all three of the JuCo players on campus in January.
Alabama will do what it takes to make the numbers work, but cannot take all the players they want. All the players in the current class are wanted in this class. In previous years, they have taken two-three players they weren't 100-percent sold on at this point. Not the case at this time.
Alabama sent out most official offers on Monday. These offers are not binding. Several players tweeted they received the official offer from Alabama. There is an order. Some players have the ability to commit at any time. Alabama will wait on certain players. If certain players are leaning or commit elsewhere other players on the board move up.
So which players have the ability to commit?
Quarterback
Number of commitments (2): Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones
How many more will UA sign? 0
Alabama is full at quarterback. It doesn't look like Tua or Mac will vacate the class unless something major happens.
Here's a fun fact though: Alabama loves Michigan commitment Dylan McCaffrey, Rivals100 quarterback from Valor Christian in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Yes, the younger brother of Stanford star running back, Christian McCaffrey.
Alabama cannot take him, but they sure are impressed with the future Wolverine. Who knows if he will even consider a visit to Alabama, but the staff might request a visit if Tua or Mac start to look elsewhere. Don't expect it to happen though.
Running backs
Number of commitments (2): Najee Harris, Brian Robinson
How many more will UA sign (0-1)
Alabama has two of the best running backs in the country on the commitment list including the No.1 overall. Najee Harris, five-star running back from Antioch High School in California and Brian Robinson, Rivals100 running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa.
Both prospects plan on taking visits. Harris is scheduled to visit Michigan this weekend. Harris is a top priority to Michigan. He's a top priority for a lot of schools. Alabama coaches know they will have to recruit him until signing day. Yes, Alabama feels good about keeping him. Yes, Alabama stresses about him possibly not signing
Cam Akers, Rivals100 running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi, is the only other back who is a 100-percent take at this time. Alabama is still hoping Akers returns. They are on the outside looking in, but he is likely to return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit.
Anthony McFarland, four-star running back from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, is also one Alabama really likes. He took summer school classes to work on his grades. Alabama will continue to evaluate his performance in the classroom.
Wide receivers
Number of commitments (2): Jerry Jeudy, Tyrell Shavers
How many more will UA sign (2)
DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana, will announce his decision on August 15. Alabama remains in great shape. You never know, but Alabama should add his commitment.
Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, was scheduled to announce his decision on Monday. He decided to hold off from the announcement. He released a top five of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Penn State. Ruggs has hinted for a while Alabama is where he will sign. Auburn has certainly made a strong push as a late. Alabama will wait on Ruggs despite what some may think. He has a spot in the class whenever he is ready to announce. He does not have a time limit for Alabama to move on to the next receiver.
Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama, also has the ability to commit. However, it can change with commitments from Smith and Ruggs. Alabama is on the outside for Collins at this time.
ALL other receivers are on stand-by.
Tight end
Number of commitments (1): Kedrick James
How many more will UA sign: (1)
Some question if Alabama will take two tight ends considering how tight the numbers are at this point. The plan has always been to take two in this class, and nothing has changed. What has changed with the commitment of Kedrick James, are the ones who have the ability to commit.
Major Tennison, four-star tight end from Bullard High School in Texas, and Kenmore Gamble, four-star tight end from Southridge High School in Miami, Florida, are considered the only two who have the ability to commit. Gamble is currently committed to Florida, but he is giving consideration to Alabama. The thought is Tennison will commit sooner rather than later and Alabama will complete its tight end class. Keep an eye on Gamble though if Tennision decides to wait.
Offensive line
Number of commitments (4): Alex Leatherwood, Elliot Baker, Kendall Randolph, Hunter Brannon
How many more will UA sign? (1-2)
Four offensive line commitments at this time. Will UA really take six?
Jedrick Wills, five-star offensive tackle from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, should announce a decision within the next week or two. Alabama is considered the favorite at this time.
Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle from Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York, also appears to favor Alabama at this time. He will visit Michigan this weekend. The Wolverines are considered No.2 on his list. Alabama will have a really hard time turning down Wilson if five offensive line commitments already by the time he is ready to announce.
Trey Smith, four-star offensive tackle from University School of Jackson in Tennessee, is also another certain take for Alabama. Alabama appears on the outside at this time with Tennessee and Ole Miss leading the way. Alabama is still in heavy pursuit and will take a commitment if he opted to announce today.
These are really the only real offensive line targets at this time. Other names will continue to pop up regarding visits and such, but these are really the only three. Wills will announce soon. He and Isaiah Wilson are the most likely candidates to join Alabama's class. It's possible both might join.
Defensive line
Current commitments (2): Akial Byers, Aaron Sterling
How many more will UA sign? Likely 3
LaBryan Ray, four-star defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, is one of Alabama's top overall targets. He is possibly the most important at the much needed position. Ray revealed a top six a few days ago of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Tennessee.
Ray is the No.1 priority at defensive end for Alabama. Did I happen to mention he made an under-the-radar visit to Tuscaloosa within the last two weeks with his grandmother? Ray may wait a little while before he announces a decision. It's also a good thing for Alabama to have Kyriq McDonald and Kendall Randolph on board. Those guys will recruit Ray every day.
There are three five-star defensive linemen Alabama remains heavily involved, but despite what some may think they are definitely on the outside at this time. Sure Alabama will take probably two of them if they wanted to commit, but it's a long shot right now.
Marvin Wilson, five-star defensive tackle from Episcopal High School in Houston, Tyler Shelvin, five-star defensive tackle from Notre Dame High School in Lafayette, Louisiana and Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive end from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinson, Mississippi, have committable offers. No surprise. Alabama is hoping to get all three on campus for official visits. It doesn't look good for any of them heading into the fall to sign with the Tide.
Alabama is very high on Elijah Conliffe, three-star defensive tackle from Hampton High School in Virginia. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder was a star at Alabama's camp in July where he earned a scholarship offer. He favors the Tide and has a spot.
Aubrey Solomon, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Wayne County High School in Waynesboro, Georgia, also has a committable offer. Solomon favored Alabama a few months ago before announcing a commitment to Michigan. Alabama is still heavily in pursuit.
Phidarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, has a committable offer. Mathis attended Alabama's Champions Cook Out. He has high interest in Alabama, and he is a take.
Malik Herring, Rivals100 defensive end from Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Georgia, has a committable offer. Herring is scheduled to announce a decision on August 25. It seems like the top two are Alabama and Georgia, but the feeling is he will commit to the Bulldogs.
Ryan Johnson, four-star defensive end from St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, will not have a spot forever because the numbers continue to decrease in availability.
Johnson is very similar to LaBryan Ray. Alabama needs interior guys. He's a defensive end and remains a top target.
You also have new players starting to show interest including Hunter Echols, Rivals100 defensive end from Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, who recently decommitted from UCLA. Echols is considered a take. We'll see if he makes his way to Tuscaloosa for an official visit.
Projections of LaBryan Ray, Elijah Conliffe and possibly Phidarian Mathis or Aubrey Solomon from this group of uncommitted players . A JuCo player can emerge during the season, but given all the information at this time this how it feels right now.
Linebackers
Current commitments (3): Gary Johnson, VanDarius Cowan, Markail Benton
How many more will UA sign? (1-2)
A lot of people will continue to ask about guys like Dylan Moses, Nate McBride, Baron Browning, etc.. Yes, all five-stars players who have offers from Alabama. Alabama will recruit them, but they are also going to spend more time recruiting the ones they consider just as elite and who they have a great chance to sign.
Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, spent a lot of time in Tuscaloosa this summer. He attended camps in June and July where he spent at least four days at each. He has Alabama at the top of his list. Alabama will wait for him.
Jarez Parks, five-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, is also very high on Alabama's wish list. Parks had a great visit with his mother in Tuscaloosa a few weeks ago. He is not expected to decide a while, but a spot is held when he's ready to announce. Parks is recruited as a outside linebacker and can also play 'Jack'.
A third linebacker to keep a close watch is Walter Grant, three-star from Cairo High School in Georgia. Grant is another talented prospect who attended the Champions Cook-Out. I'm told he was, from a physical standpoint, one of the most impressive players who stepped foot on Alabama's campus this summer.
Markaviest Bryant, three-star defensive end from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, also has a committable offer. Bryant has visited Alabama a few times. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound edge rusher is recruited as an outside linebacker.
Jacob Phillips, four-star linebacker from Hillsboro High School in Nashville, is right on the borderline. He is a big, inside linebacker really liked by UA. Something will probably have to happen- but he's certainly high on the board. It's just a matter of numbers.
What if Alabama's misses on all of these players? There are still others Alabama will continue to monitor throughout the fall. Monty Rice, three-star linebacker from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, remains one might receive an offer down the road.
Defensive backs
Current Commitments (3): Jhavonte Dean, Kyriq McDonald, Chadarius Townsend
How many more will UA sign? (1-2)
Alabama is very excited to have Jhavonte Dean on board. He has elite potential as any cornerback in the Tide's system. Kyriq McDonald will play safety or nickel. Chadarius Townsend has been committed to Alabama for a long time. He worked out at receiver and defensive back at camp last month. He was much better as a defensive back.
There are several defensive backs who earned offers during camp this summer. None can really commit right now. Lamont Wade, five-star cornerback from Clairton High School in Pennsylvania, is not even considered a take right now. He recently released his top eight with Alabama included.
Alabama is not going to take many additional defensive backs. There isn't a big need to especially when they are strongly in the race for Ohio State commitment Shaun Wade, five-star cornerback from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, and A.J. Terrell, five-star cornerback from Westlake High School in Atlanta.
Alabama also really likes FSU commitment Stanford Samuels, four-star cornerback from Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Samuels attended Alabama's final camp. UA wants him back on campus for an official visit.
Alabama wants to add another safety in the class. JaCoby Stevens, Rivals100 safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will announce his decision on Monday. Alabama or LSU. It looks good for LSU at this time, but Alabama won't stop recruiting him. He'll remain a priority target.
Devon Hunter, four-star safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, visited Alabama a few weeks ago. Alabama wants to snag him. He has a commitable offer at this time. Alabama is expected to receive an official visit this fall.
Former Alabama commitment Xavier McKinney, Rivals100 safety from Roswell High School in Georgia, is still on the 'take' list. McKinney decommitted from Alabama last month. He will still receive plenty of attention, but the chances are slim of him re-joining the class.
These players mentioned above are the ones are takes, and the ones Alabama will wait to see what they decide to do before making a move on someone else.
Many people were thinking Todd Harris, four-star safety from Plaquemines High School in Louisiana, was ready to commit to Alabama on Sunday. His coach orchestrated an event where he announced his commitment to his high school. It has nothing to do with one school turning him down, but plenty were thinking he was going to pick Alabama. He's not a take at this time.
Jeffrey Okudah, five-star safety from Grand Prairie High School in Texas, has not had Alabama in his top 10 for months. Not going to Alabama.
What if Shaun Wade, A.J. Terrell and a safety want to sign with Alabama? It's hard to see Alabama adding more than two additional players in the defensive backfield. All of these players are considered takes right now.
Special teams
Current Commitments (2)- Brandon Ruiz, Thomas Fletcher
How many more will UA sign? (0)
Overview
Alabama is going to make the numbers work. Some likely twists and turns before February to make it work.
Alabama is going to sign a tremendous class. Possibly the best one in the Nick Saban era. Plenty of excitement still on the horizon. It's an exciting time for Alabama fans with the No.1 ranked recruiting class in the country, and football season is here.
Alabama is currently sitting at 21 commitments in the 2017 class. The number is certain to grow between now and September. How will the numbers shake out in the end?
There are academic casualties every year. Some players who end up falling off the board and signing elsewhere. It's going to happen with Alabama. More great players have announced earlier this year than in the past.
Alabama took more players early last year than expected. They didn't want to wait on players who planned to announce closer to signing day. Alabama could have easily afforded to wait to accept commitments from certain players until a later date.
Some have questioned if Chadarius Townsend, four-star athlete from Tanner High School in Alabama, will remain in the class. Alabama is not suggesting him to leave. He's taking additional visits, but Alabama likes Townsend. UA likes his athletic ability, and also liked how he performed at camp this summer as a defensive back.
Alabama has three of the best JuCo players in the country on the commitment list- Elliot Baker, five-star offensive tackle from College of San Francisco in California, and Gary Johnson, four-star linebacker from Dodge City Community College in Kansas and Jhavonte Dean, four-star cornerback from Blinn College in Brenham, Texas. Alabama wants all three of the JuCo players on campus in January.
Alabama will do what it takes to make the numbers work, but cannot take all the players they want. All the players in the current class are wanted in this class. In previous years, they have taken two-three players they weren't 100-percent sold on at this point. Not the case at this time.
Alabama sent out most official offers on Monday. These offers are not binding. Several players tweeted they received the official offer from Alabama. There is an order. Some players have the ability to commit at any time. Alabama will wait on certain players. If certain players are leaning or commit elsewhere other players on the board move up.
So which players have the ability to commit?
Quarterback
Number of commitments (2): Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones
How many more will UA sign? 0
Alabama is full at quarterback. It doesn't look like Tua or Mac will vacate the class unless something major happens.
Here's a fun fact though: Alabama loves Michigan commitment Dylan McCaffrey, Rivals100 quarterback from Valor Christian in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Yes, the younger brother of Stanford star running back, Christian McCaffrey.
Alabama cannot take him, but they sure are impressed with the future Wolverine. Who knows if he will even consider a visit to Alabama, but the staff might request a visit if Tua or Mac start to look elsewhere. Don't expect it to happen though.
Running backs
Number of commitments (2): Najee Harris, Brian Robinson
How many more will UA sign (0-1)
Alabama has two of the best running backs in the country on the commitment list including the No.1 overall. Najee Harris, five-star running back from Antioch High School in California and Brian Robinson, Rivals100 running back from Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa.
Both prospects plan on taking visits. Harris is scheduled to visit Michigan this weekend. Harris is a top priority to Michigan. He's a top priority for a lot of schools. Alabama coaches know they will have to recruit him until signing day. Yes, Alabama feels good about keeping him. Yes, Alabama stresses about him possibly not signing
Cam Akers, Rivals100 running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi, is the only other back who is a 100-percent take at this time. Alabama is still hoping Akers returns. They are on the outside looking in, but he is likely to return to Tuscaloosa for an official visit.
Anthony McFarland, four-star running back from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, is also one Alabama really likes. He took summer school classes to work on his grades. Alabama will continue to evaluate his performance in the classroom.
Wide receivers
Number of commitments (2): Jerry Jeudy, Tyrell Shavers
How many more will UA sign (2)
DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana, will announce his decision on August 15. Alabama remains in great shape. You never know, but Alabama should add his commitment.
Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, Alabama, was scheduled to announce his decision on Monday. He decided to hold off from the announcement. He released a top five of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State and Penn State. Ruggs has hinted for a while Alabama is where he will sign. Auburn has certainly made a strong push as a late. Alabama will wait on Ruggs despite what some may think. He has a spot in the class whenever he is ready to announce. He does not have a time limit for Alabama to move on to the next receiver.
Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama, also has the ability to commit. However, it can change with commitments from Smith and Ruggs. Alabama is on the outside for Collins at this time.
ALL other receivers are on stand-by.
Tight end
Number of commitments (1): Kedrick James
How many more will UA sign: (1)
Some question if Alabama will take two tight ends considering how tight the numbers are at this point. The plan has always been to take two in this class, and nothing has changed. What has changed with the commitment of Kedrick James, are the ones who have the ability to commit.
Major Tennison, four-star tight end from Bullard High School in Texas, and Kenmore Gamble, four-star tight end from Southridge High School in Miami, Florida, are considered the only two who have the ability to commit. Gamble is currently committed to Florida, but he is giving consideration to Alabama. The thought is Tennison will commit sooner rather than later and Alabama will complete its tight end class. Keep an eye on Gamble though if Tennision decides to wait.
Offensive line
Number of commitments (4): Alex Leatherwood, Elliot Baker, Kendall Randolph, Hunter Brannon
How many more will UA sign? (1-2)
Four offensive line commitments at this time. Will UA really take six?
Jedrick Wills, five-star offensive tackle from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, should announce a decision within the next week or two. Alabama is considered the favorite at this time.
Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle from Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York, also appears to favor Alabama at this time. He will visit Michigan this weekend. The Wolverines are considered No.2 on his list. Alabama will have a really hard time turning down Wilson if five offensive line commitments already by the time he is ready to announce.
Trey Smith, four-star offensive tackle from University School of Jackson in Tennessee, is also another certain take for Alabama. Alabama appears on the outside at this time with Tennessee and Ole Miss leading the way. Alabama is still in heavy pursuit and will take a commitment if he opted to announce today.
These are really the only real offensive line targets at this time. Other names will continue to pop up regarding visits and such, but these are really the only three. Wills will announce soon. He and Isaiah Wilson are the most likely candidates to join Alabama's class. It's possible both might join.
Defensive line
Current commitments (2): Akial Byers, Aaron Sterling
How many more will UA sign? Likely 3
LaBryan Ray, four-star defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, is one of Alabama's top overall targets. He is possibly the most important at the much needed position. Ray revealed a top six a few days ago of Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, Mississippi State and Tennessee.
Ray is the No.1 priority at defensive end for Alabama. Did I happen to mention he made an under-the-radar visit to Tuscaloosa within the last two weeks with his grandmother? Ray may wait a little while before he announces a decision. It's also a good thing for Alabama to have Kyriq McDonald and Kendall Randolph on board. Those guys will recruit Ray every day.
There are three five-star defensive linemen Alabama remains heavily involved, but despite what some may think they are definitely on the outside at this time. Sure Alabama will take probably two of them if they wanted to commit, but it's a long shot right now.
Marvin Wilson, five-star defensive tackle from Episcopal High School in Houston, Tyler Shelvin, five-star defensive tackle from Notre Dame High School in Lafayette, Louisiana and Isaiah Buggs, five-star defensive end from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College in Perkinson, Mississippi, have committable offers. No surprise. Alabama is hoping to get all three on campus for official visits. It doesn't look good for any of them heading into the fall to sign with the Tide.
Alabama is very high on Elijah Conliffe, three-star defensive tackle from Hampton High School in Virginia. The 6-foot-4, 305-pounder was a star at Alabama's camp in July where he earned a scholarship offer. He favors the Tide and has a spot.
Aubrey Solomon, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Wayne County High School in Waynesboro, Georgia, also has a committable offer. Solomon favored Alabama a few months ago before announcing a commitment to Michigan. Alabama is still heavily in pursuit.
Phidarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, has a committable offer. Mathis attended Alabama's Champions Cook Out. He has high interest in Alabama, and he is a take.
Malik Herring, Rivals100 defensive end from Mary Persons High School in Forsyth, Georgia, has a committable offer. Herring is scheduled to announce a decision on August 25. It seems like the top two are Alabama and Georgia, but the feeling is he will commit to the Bulldogs.
Ryan Johnson, four-star defensive end from St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, will not have a spot forever because the numbers continue to decrease in availability.
Johnson is very similar to LaBryan Ray. Alabama needs interior guys. He's a defensive end and remains a top target.
You also have new players starting to show interest including Hunter Echols, Rivals100 defensive end from Cathedral High School in Los Angeles, who recently decommitted from UCLA. Echols is considered a take. We'll see if he makes his way to Tuscaloosa for an official visit.
Projections of LaBryan Ray, Elijah Conliffe and possibly Phidarian Mathis or Aubrey Solomon from this group of uncommitted players . A JuCo player can emerge during the season, but given all the information at this time this how it feels right now.
Linebackers
Current commitments (3): Gary Johnson, VanDarius Cowan, Markail Benton
How many more will UA sign? (1-2)
A lot of people will continue to ask about guys like Dylan Moses, Nate McBride, Baron Browning, etc.. Yes, all five-stars players who have offers from Alabama. Alabama will recruit them, but they are also going to spend more time recruiting the ones they consider just as elite and who they have a great chance to sign.
Chris Allen, four-star linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, spent a lot of time in Tuscaloosa this summer. He attended camps in June and July where he spent at least four days at each. He has Alabama at the top of his list. Alabama will wait for him.
Jarez Parks, five-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida, is also very high on Alabama's wish list. Parks had a great visit with his mother in Tuscaloosa a few weeks ago. He is not expected to decide a while, but a spot is held when he's ready to announce. Parks is recruited as a outside linebacker and can also play 'Jack'.
A third linebacker to keep a close watch is Walter Grant, three-star from Cairo High School in Georgia. Grant is another talented prospect who attended the Champions Cook-Out. I'm told he was, from a physical standpoint, one of the most impressive players who stepped foot on Alabama's campus this summer.
Markaviest Bryant, three-star defensive end from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, also has a committable offer. Bryant has visited Alabama a few times. The 6-foot-5, 230-pound edge rusher is recruited as an outside linebacker.
Jacob Phillips, four-star linebacker from Hillsboro High School in Nashville, is right on the borderline. He is a big, inside linebacker really liked by UA. Something will probably have to happen- but he's certainly high on the board. It's just a matter of numbers.
What if Alabama's misses on all of these players? There are still others Alabama will continue to monitor throughout the fall. Monty Rice, three-star linebacker from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, remains one might receive an offer down the road.
Defensive backs
Current Commitments (3): Jhavonte Dean, Kyriq McDonald, Chadarius Townsend
How many more will UA sign? (1-2)
Alabama is very excited to have Jhavonte Dean on board. He has elite potential as any cornerback in the Tide's system. Kyriq McDonald will play safety or nickel. Chadarius Townsend has been committed to Alabama for a long time. He worked out at receiver and defensive back at camp last month. He was much better as a defensive back.
There are several defensive backs who earned offers during camp this summer. None can really commit right now. Lamont Wade, five-star cornerback from Clairton High School in Pennsylvania, is not even considered a take right now. He recently released his top eight with Alabama included.
Alabama is not going to take many additional defensive backs. There isn't a big need to especially when they are strongly in the race for Ohio State commitment Shaun Wade, five-star cornerback from Trinity Christian Academy in Jacksonville, Florida, and A.J. Terrell, five-star cornerback from Westlake High School in Atlanta.
Alabama also really likes FSU commitment Stanford Samuels, four-star cornerback from Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Samuels attended Alabama's final camp. UA wants him back on campus for an official visit.
Alabama wants to add another safety in the class. JaCoby Stevens, Rivals100 safety from Oakland High School in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, will announce his decision on Monday. Alabama or LSU. It looks good for LSU at this time, but Alabama won't stop recruiting him. He'll remain a priority target.
Devon Hunter, four-star safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, visited Alabama a few weeks ago. Alabama wants to snag him. He has a commitable offer at this time. Alabama is expected to receive an official visit this fall.
Former Alabama commitment Xavier McKinney, Rivals100 safety from Roswell High School in Georgia, is still on the 'take' list. McKinney decommitted from Alabama last month. He will still receive plenty of attention, but the chances are slim of him re-joining the class.
These players mentioned above are the ones are takes, and the ones Alabama will wait to see what they decide to do before making a move on someone else.
Many people were thinking Todd Harris, four-star safety from Plaquemines High School in Louisiana, was ready to commit to Alabama on Sunday. His coach orchestrated an event where he announced his commitment to his high school. It has nothing to do with one school turning him down, but plenty were thinking he was going to pick Alabama. He's not a take at this time.
Jeffrey Okudah, five-star safety from Grand Prairie High School in Texas, has not had Alabama in his top 10 for months. Not going to Alabama.
What if Shaun Wade, A.J. Terrell and a safety want to sign with Alabama? It's hard to see Alabama adding more than two additional players in the defensive backfield. All of these players are considered takes right now.
Special teams
Current Commitments (2)- Brandon Ruiz, Thomas Fletcher
How many more will UA sign? (0)
Overview
Alabama is going to make the numbers work. Some likely twists and turns before February to make it work.
Alabama is going to sign a tremendous class. Possibly the best one in the Nick Saban era. Plenty of excitement still on the horizon. It's an exciting time for Alabama fans with the No.1 ranked recruiting class in the country, and football season is here.
