It's been a little while since a full update on where things stand in Alabama's recruiting class. We have Q&A sessions every week, but time to dig in a little deeper.
Sterling decommits, more to come?
Do you remember in January when Alabama seemed to have more commitments from the Peach State in the Rivals100? Well that certainly died. Jake Fromm and Netori Johnson are now committed to UGA. Xavier McKinney is not expected to re-join the class after his decommitment. Aaron Sterling, a Rivals250 DT, decommitted on Sunday.
So what led to Sterling's decommitment? He was not asked to look elsewhere. Alabama did not stop recruiting him. He's not having as great a senior season as expected, but Alabama still wants him as a part of this class.
Sterling and his mother called Alabama on Sunday to let the staff know he was re-opening his recruitment. Is there some concern from his side he may not play right away? Possibly. Alabama will continue to recruit him. I'm told Sterling has the opportunity to re-join the class at least for now. We tend to not see that happen, but some cases where it does happen (Shyheim Carter).
How many more decommitments will Alabama suffer? A few quick hitters on prospects expected to take visits and where things stand in terms of their commitment.
Tua Tagovailoa: The star quarterback from Hawaii expects to take official visits to Oregon and USC. Possibly UCLA. We've heard Marcus Mariota has been talking up Oregon. Jalen Hurts starting as a true freshman might cause some concern, and will certainly used against Alabama as others try to flip him. Tua and his family have given zero indication to Alabama he is reconsidering his decision.
Najee Harris: There was early concern (months ago) Harris would eventually re-open his recruitment. Those concerns seemed are erased. The No.1 player in the country plans to take official visits, but has been adamant about his commitment to Alabama. There are no signs he plans to decommit at this time.
Brian Robinson: The local Rivals100 running back will take a few visits including one to UGA. There isn't much concern about him going elsewhere.
Jerry Jeudy: Same as Robinson though he is not local.
Alex Leatherwood: The five-star lineman will take all five official visits, but also one of Alabama's biggest recruiters behind the scenes. He seems solid with Alabama despite the visits. Alabama hasn't really had a commitment who has recruited so many players for decommit (with the exception of FSU DE Demarcus Walker). He expects to take official visits to Alabama, Michigan and Texas. USC may also receive a visit. Leatherwood is expected to attend Alabama's game against Kent State this weekend.
Kendall Randolph: Not flipping
Akial Byers: Arkansas is the only school Byers might potentially flip to. He is a local prospect for the Razorbacks and remains a top target for Coach Bielema. Alabama coaches plan to go watch him play October 7.
Gary Johnson: The top JuCo linebacker has yet to reveal his official visit plans, but he is expected to take visits including one to UGA. JuCo commitments Elliot Baker and Jhavonte Dean are on track to arrive at Alabama in January. Johnson won't arrive until the spring. Alabama typically requires its JuCo commitments to arrive in January, but making an exception for Johnson.
Chadarius Townsend: Some continue to believe Townsend will not join this class. He may take an official visit to Florida, but he will sign with Alabama. Tide coaches continue to like his athleticism and potential as a DB.
Why hasn't Wills committed?
Jedrick Wills, five-star offensive tackle from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, was set to announce a decision in August. He told several people his intentions, and reveal via Twitter possibly with a video post his commitment. He was expected to announce for Alabama.
Wills has opted to wait. Why? No one really knows. Maybe he is enjoying the recruiting process too much. He's not considered a private commitment. However, Alabama is still in great shape.. It's only a matter of time before he announces a commitment. Still look for win in favor of the Tide.
Will Alabama take another running back?
We've discussed this from time-to-time throughout the year. A third back in the class is not necessarily a must, but Alabama is not opposed to it. Former Alabama commitment Cam Akers, five-star running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi, is a 100-percent take. Alabama hoping for an official visit. Alabama is still in the race. He is actively talking to the coaches. I don't predict him to re-join the class at this time, but not going to totally rule it out just yet.
Anthony McFarland, Rivals100 running back from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, suffered a broken ankle in the early part of his senior season. Alabama had been recruiting him for several months. UA remains in contact and might take a look at where things stand at other positions. I don't expect McFarland in this class.
Still waiting on more WRs to join class
Alabama has two excellent receiver commitments in Jerry Jeudy and Tyrell Shavers. Alabama is shooting for two more to join the class. DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana, is going to become a part of Alabama's class (IMO). It's just a matter of time. He says he will wait until signing day to announce. It's probably sooner- likely at an all-star game. LSU has basically conceded with the notion he is gong to Alabama.
Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, also remains a top priority target. Other commitment,s including Mac Jones, are constantly talking with him. Auburn definitely made him think and why he's opted to delay his decision. Ruggs may not consider AU by the end of the season.
Smith has a guaranteed spot in this class. He is Alabama's No.1 WR target. Ruggs also has a spot, but things start to change the longer he waits.
Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama, has expressed increased interest in Alabama since the start of the season. The feeling inside the Alabama football complex is that he will still go out-of-state. Alabama might take Collins instead of Ruggs if Ruggs still hasn't decided at some point. That's if Collins decides he wants to commit to Alabama. Mario Cristobal plans to watch Collins play this week.
There are other receivers like Tarik Black, Rivals100 from Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, who will take official visits to Alabama. So we will keep an eye on them.
Alabama still looking to add another TE
Alabama continues to feel great about its chances with Major Tennision, four-star from Bullard High School in Texas. The former Texas commitment attended Alabama's season opening win against USC. He will return to Tuscaloosa this season, and likely put an end to his recruiting during the visit.
Wilson is really the only other OL target
I continue to see posts regarding other offensive line targets for Alabama outside of Jedrick Wills and Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle form Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York. Really the only two targets at this time. Alabama is talking to a few others and some will visit. Something might change if Wills and Wilson decide to go elsewhere, but Alabama feels good about where things sit with both.
The battle for Wilson is certainly intense with Alabama and Michigan. Hard to say one has the advantage right now. It will come down to official visits and in-home visits.
Where is the meat on the defensive line?
Alabama has one defensive line commitment (Akial Byers). All should end well in this class for UA. LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, will most likely become a part of the class. Alabama needs him. Alabama defensive line coach Karl Dunbar will watch Ray play on Friday night.
Phildarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, is a high priority target. Alabama has been more impressed with him since the start of the season. Alabama feels great about its chances with Ray and Mathis.
With five-star targets expected to go elsewhere, Alabama has really turned up its recruiting efforts in former Michigan commitment Aubrey Solomon, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia. I've mentioned Solomon has a major target for Alabama for a long time. He remains a top priority. His recruitment will come down to Alabama and UGA.
Elijah Conlifee, four-star defensive tackle from Hampton High School in Virginia, favors Alabama. He will visit at some point during the season.
Alabama wants to get these five-stars on campus- Marvin Wilson, Tyler Shelvin and Isaiah Buggs. Buggs is the only one who is guaranteed to visit. Shelvin has said he will officially visit, but at the same time has not visited Alabama since the summer of 2015.
Things can certainly change with potential coaching impacts. Alabama is not in the best shape to flip Shelvin or land Buggs at this time. We know how things can change throughout the course of the season.
Alabama extended an offer to Javon Kinlaw, three-star defensive tackle from Jones Community College in Ellisville, Mississippi on Monday. The South Carolina commitment is a big defensive lineman who stands 6-foot-5, 310-pounds. He's a name to watch these next few months especially if Alabama makes a push. This was not a Nick Saban offer. Alabama wants to see him play in person soon, and get him on campus. He's a player of strong interest though.
Big targets remains at LB
Alabama has a great linebacker class if you haven't noticed- Gary Johnson, VanDarius Cowan, Markail Benton.
Alabama feels great about where it currently stands with Jarez Parks, five-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida. Parks is recruited as an outside linebacker. Tosh Lupoi has done a terrific job recruiting him thus far. VanDarius Cowan has also done a very good job of recruiting him. I'm not saying Parks is a lock to join Alabama's class, but UA is certainly in the top 2-3. A great place at this time.
Chris Allen, four-star outside linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also remains a key target. Allen favored Alabama for a few months. He says Alabama and LSU are now tied at the top. There is a good chance Allen signs with Alabama if the Tigers continue to sputter this season.
Dylan Moses, Rivals100 linebacker from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, will take an official visit to Alabama next weekend. He has been all, but predictable throughout his recruitment. He has contacted Alabama more often in the last two months than he has all year. He will not announce a decision until December 15.
There are some others who still have high interest and recruited by Alabama- Jacob Phillips, Rivals100 linebacker from East High School in Nashville, Tennessee, Markaviest Bryant, three-star defensive end from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, Walter Grant, three-star linebacker from Cairo High School in Georgia, Nate McBride, five-star linebacker from Vidalia High School in Georgia. I don't see McBride in this this class. Don't completely rule out the others just yet especially if Bama misses on Allen and Parks.
Baron Browning, five-star linebacker from Kennedale High School in Texas, attended Alabama's win against USC. He plans to return to Alabama for a visit this fall or possibly an official visit. I don't expect Browning to join the class, but you never know if he takes an official visit.
UGA commitment Robert Beal, Rivals100 outside linebacker from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, recently reached out to Alabama about taking an official visit. He will visit, but there isn't much belief he will flip.
There are more DB targets than Shaun Wade
Each week I am asked about Shaun Wade, five-star cornerback from Trinity Christian in Jacksonville, Florida, flipping his commitment from Ohio State to Alabama. There is good reason for it. It's something we have discussed for several months as potentially happening. He has a lot of interest in Alabama. He will take an official visit. I think Alabama has a good chance, but I'm not ready to say he's going to flip. Alabama doesn't know if he will flip, but certainly hoping he does.
FSU commitment Stanford Samuels, Rivals100 Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is another big target. Samuels camped at Alabama in July, and expected to return for an official visit. Samuels also just watched FSU lose by 43 points to Louisville.
Several safeties still in the mix. I wouldn't say Alabama is the current leader for any, but certainly in the race. Official visits are key for several of these players, and coaching changes might also cause some concern for these players.
The ones who are still pursued by Alabama include Devon Hunter, Rivals100 safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, LSU commitment JaCoby Stevens, RIvals100 safety from Murfreesboro High School in Oakland, Tennessee, Ohio State commitment Isaiah Pryor, Rivals100 safety from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Todd Harris, four-star safety from Plaquemines High School in Louisiana and DeAngelo Gibbs, four-star safety from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia.
I think that's all I have for you all today....
Sterling decommits, more to come?
Do you remember in January when Alabama seemed to have more commitments from the Peach State in the Rivals100? Well that certainly died. Jake Fromm and Netori Johnson are now committed to UGA. Xavier McKinney is not expected to re-join the class after his decommitment. Aaron Sterling, a Rivals250 DT, decommitted on Sunday.
So what led to Sterling's decommitment? He was not asked to look elsewhere. Alabama did not stop recruiting him. He's not having as great a senior season as expected, but Alabama still wants him as a part of this class.
Sterling and his mother called Alabama on Sunday to let the staff know he was re-opening his recruitment. Is there some concern from his side he may not play right away? Possibly. Alabama will continue to recruit him. I'm told Sterling has the opportunity to re-join the class at least for now. We tend to not see that happen, but some cases where it does happen (Shyheim Carter).
How many more decommitments will Alabama suffer? A few quick hitters on prospects expected to take visits and where things stand in terms of their commitment.
Tua Tagovailoa: The star quarterback from Hawaii expects to take official visits to Oregon and USC. Possibly UCLA. We've heard Marcus Mariota has been talking up Oregon. Jalen Hurts starting as a true freshman might cause some concern, and will certainly used against Alabama as others try to flip him. Tua and his family have given zero indication to Alabama he is reconsidering his decision.
Najee Harris: There was early concern (months ago) Harris would eventually re-open his recruitment. Those concerns seemed are erased. The No.1 player in the country plans to take official visits, but has been adamant about his commitment to Alabama. There are no signs he plans to decommit at this time.
Brian Robinson: The local Rivals100 running back will take a few visits including one to UGA. There isn't much concern about him going elsewhere.
Jerry Jeudy: Same as Robinson though he is not local.
Alex Leatherwood: The five-star lineman will take all five official visits, but also one of Alabama's biggest recruiters behind the scenes. He seems solid with Alabama despite the visits. Alabama hasn't really had a commitment who has recruited so many players for decommit (with the exception of FSU DE Demarcus Walker). He expects to take official visits to Alabama, Michigan and Texas. USC may also receive a visit. Leatherwood is expected to attend Alabama's game against Kent State this weekend.
Kendall Randolph: Not flipping
Akial Byers: Arkansas is the only school Byers might potentially flip to. He is a local prospect for the Razorbacks and remains a top target for Coach Bielema. Alabama coaches plan to go watch him play October 7.
Gary Johnson: The top JuCo linebacker has yet to reveal his official visit plans, but he is expected to take visits including one to UGA. JuCo commitments Elliot Baker and Jhavonte Dean are on track to arrive at Alabama in January. Johnson won't arrive until the spring. Alabama typically requires its JuCo commitments to arrive in January, but making an exception for Johnson.
Chadarius Townsend: Some continue to believe Townsend will not join this class. He may take an official visit to Florida, but he will sign with Alabama. Tide coaches continue to like his athleticism and potential as a DB.
Why hasn't Wills committed?
Jedrick Wills, five-star offensive tackle from Lafayette High School in Lexington, Kentucky, was set to announce a decision in August. He told several people his intentions, and reveal via Twitter possibly with a video post his commitment. He was expected to announce for Alabama.
Wills has opted to wait. Why? No one really knows. Maybe he is enjoying the recruiting process too much. He's not considered a private commitment. However, Alabama is still in great shape.. It's only a matter of time before he announces a commitment. Still look for win in favor of the Tide.
Will Alabama take another running back?
We've discussed this from time-to-time throughout the year. A third back in the class is not necessarily a must, but Alabama is not opposed to it. Former Alabama commitment Cam Akers, five-star running back from Clinton High School in Mississippi, is a 100-percent take. Alabama hoping for an official visit. Alabama is still in the race. He is actively talking to the coaches. I don't predict him to re-join the class at this time, but not going to totally rule it out just yet.
Anthony McFarland, Rivals100 running back from DeMatha Catholic in Hyattsville, Maryland, suffered a broken ankle in the early part of his senior season. Alabama had been recruiting him for several months. UA remains in contact and might take a look at where things stand at other positions. I don't expect McFarland in this class.
Still waiting on more WRs to join class
Alabama has two excellent receiver commitments in Jerry Jeudy and Tyrell Shavers. Alabama is shooting for two more to join the class. DeVonta Smith, Rivals100 wide receiver from Amite High School in Louisiana, is going to become a part of Alabama's class (IMO). It's just a matter of time. He says he will wait until signing day to announce. It's probably sooner- likely at an all-star game. LSU has basically conceded with the notion he is gong to Alabama.
Henry Ruggs, four-star wide receiver from Lee High School in Montgomery, also remains a top priority target. Other commitment,s including Mac Jones, are constantly talking with him. Auburn definitely made him think and why he's opted to delay his decision. Ruggs may not consider AU by the end of the season.
Smith has a guaranteed spot in this class. He is Alabama's No.1 WR target. Ruggs also has a spot, but things start to change the longer he waits.
Nico Collins, five-star wide receiver from Clay-Chalkville High School in Alabama, has expressed increased interest in Alabama since the start of the season. The feeling inside the Alabama football complex is that he will still go out-of-state. Alabama might take Collins instead of Ruggs if Ruggs still hasn't decided at some point. That's if Collins decides he wants to commit to Alabama. Mario Cristobal plans to watch Collins play this week.
There are other receivers like Tarik Black, Rivals100 from Cheshire Academy in Connecticut, who will take official visits to Alabama. So we will keep an eye on them.
Alabama still looking to add another TE
Alabama continues to feel great about its chances with Major Tennision, four-star from Bullard High School in Texas. The former Texas commitment attended Alabama's season opening win against USC. He will return to Tuscaloosa this season, and likely put an end to his recruiting during the visit.
Wilson is really the only other OL target
I continue to see posts regarding other offensive line targets for Alabama outside of Jedrick Wills and Isaiah Wilson, five-star offensive tackle form Poly Prep in Brooklyn, New York. Really the only two targets at this time. Alabama is talking to a few others and some will visit. Something might change if Wills and Wilson decide to go elsewhere, but Alabama feels good about where things sit with both.
The battle for Wilson is certainly intense with Alabama and Michigan. Hard to say one has the advantage right now. It will come down to official visits and in-home visits.
Where is the meat on the defensive line?
Alabama has one defensive line commitment (Akial Byers). All should end well in this class for UA. LaBryan Ray, Rivals100 defensive end from James Clemens High School in Madison, Alabama, will most likely become a part of the class. Alabama needs him. Alabama defensive line coach Karl Dunbar will watch Ray play on Friday night.
Phildarian Mathis, three-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, Louisiana, is a high priority target. Alabama has been more impressed with him since the start of the season. Alabama feels great about its chances with Ray and Mathis.
With five-star targets expected to go elsewhere, Alabama has really turned up its recruiting efforts in former Michigan commitment Aubrey Solomon, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Lee County High School in Leesburg, Georgia. I've mentioned Solomon has a major target for Alabama for a long time. He remains a top priority. His recruitment will come down to Alabama and UGA.
Elijah Conlifee, four-star defensive tackle from Hampton High School in Virginia, favors Alabama. He will visit at some point during the season.
Alabama wants to get these five-stars on campus- Marvin Wilson, Tyler Shelvin and Isaiah Buggs. Buggs is the only one who is guaranteed to visit. Shelvin has said he will officially visit, but at the same time has not visited Alabama since the summer of 2015.
Things can certainly change with potential coaching impacts. Alabama is not in the best shape to flip Shelvin or land Buggs at this time. We know how things can change throughout the course of the season.
Alabama extended an offer to Javon Kinlaw, three-star defensive tackle from Jones Community College in Ellisville, Mississippi on Monday. The South Carolina commitment is a big defensive lineman who stands 6-foot-5, 310-pounds. He's a name to watch these next few months especially if Alabama makes a push. This was not a Nick Saban offer. Alabama wants to see him play in person soon, and get him on campus. He's a player of strong interest though.
Big targets remains at LB
Alabama has a great linebacker class if you haven't noticed- Gary Johnson, VanDarius Cowan, Markail Benton.
Alabama feels great about where it currently stands with Jarez Parks, five-star defensive end from Sebastian River High School in Florida. Parks is recruited as an outside linebacker. Tosh Lupoi has done a terrific job recruiting him thus far. VanDarius Cowan has also done a very good job of recruiting him. I'm not saying Parks is a lock to join Alabama's class, but UA is certainly in the top 2-3. A great place at this time.
Chris Allen, four-star outside linebacker from Southern Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, also remains a key target. Allen favored Alabama for a few months. He says Alabama and LSU are now tied at the top. There is a good chance Allen signs with Alabama if the Tigers continue to sputter this season.
Dylan Moses, Rivals100 linebacker from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, will take an official visit to Alabama next weekend. He has been all, but predictable throughout his recruitment. He has contacted Alabama more often in the last two months than he has all year. He will not announce a decision until December 15.
There are some others who still have high interest and recruited by Alabama- Jacob Phillips, Rivals100 linebacker from East High School in Nashville, Tennessee, Markaviest Bryant, three-star defensive end from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, Walter Grant, three-star linebacker from Cairo High School in Georgia, Nate McBride, five-star linebacker from Vidalia High School in Georgia. I don't see McBride in this this class. Don't completely rule out the others just yet especially if Bama misses on Allen and Parks.
Baron Browning, five-star linebacker from Kennedale High School in Texas, attended Alabama's win against USC. He plans to return to Alabama for a visit this fall or possibly an official visit. I don't expect Browning to join the class, but you never know if he takes an official visit.
UGA commitment Robert Beal, Rivals100 outside linebacker from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, recently reached out to Alabama about taking an official visit. He will visit, but there isn't much belief he will flip.
There are more DB targets than Shaun Wade
Each week I am asked about Shaun Wade, five-star cornerback from Trinity Christian in Jacksonville, Florida, flipping his commitment from Ohio State to Alabama. There is good reason for it. It's something we have discussed for several months as potentially happening. He has a lot of interest in Alabama. He will take an official visit. I think Alabama has a good chance, but I'm not ready to say he's going to flip. Alabama doesn't know if he will flip, but certainly hoping he does.
FSU commitment Stanford Samuels, Rivals100 Flanagan High School in Pembroke Pines, Florida, is another big target. Samuels camped at Alabama in July, and expected to return for an official visit. Samuels also just watched FSU lose by 43 points to Louisville.
Several safeties still in the mix. I wouldn't say Alabama is the current leader for any, but certainly in the race. Official visits are key for several of these players, and coaching changes might also cause some concern for these players.
The ones who are still pursued by Alabama include Devon Hunter, Rivals100 safety from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Virginia, LSU commitment JaCoby Stevens, RIvals100 safety from Murfreesboro High School in Oakland, Tennessee, Ohio State commitment Isaiah Pryor, Rivals100 safety from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, Todd Harris, four-star safety from Plaquemines High School in Louisiana and DeAngelo Gibbs, four-star safety from Grayson High School in Loganville, Georgia.
I think that's all I have for you all today....
