The Alabama coaching staff has recruited an abundance of talent. Below are some key recruits the staff has really turned the heat on in the last few weeks. They have clearly recruited these players for a while, but these players have received heavy, heavy attention for the staff in the last week prior to the dead period.
The only problem is they can't fit all of these players in the class.
(alphabetical order)
Devin Asasi, four-star tight end from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif.
Quick thought: Asasi received a visit from Alabama assistant coach Tosh Lupoi last week. He has taken two trips to Alabama on his own dime, and still plans to officially visit.
A.J. Brown, four-star wide receiver from Starkville High School in La.
Quick thought: Brown had a dominant Alabama/Mississippi All-Star week proving why Alabama has him as a top target. Alabama remains strongly in the mix, but Ole Miss and Mississippi State won't go down easily.
Derrick Brown, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Lanier High School in Sugar Hill, Ga.
Quick thought: Alabama made a very strong move with Brown this past weekend. The Crimson Tide may have the edge, but still a lot of time left before his recruitment comes to an end.
Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala. (Auburn commitment)
Quick thought: Time is not on Alabama's side for Davidson as he is set to enroll in January. Nick Saban had an in-home visit with Davidson on Sunday night. He said at the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic, "I want to visit Alabama no matter what before I enroll. I have to get there." Auburn's DC hire can play a major factor.
Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala.
Quick thought: Can you name the last in-state LB coveted by Alabama and/or Auburn to leave the state? The Tide legacy is building some recruiting drama, but will shock the country if he signs anywhere other than Alabama.
Michail Carter, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga.
Quick thought: Carter has remained relatively quiet for the past few months. It doesn't mean schools haven't recruited him very hard. Alabama remains a strong contender. It will surprise many if he doesn't choose between Alabama and Georgia.
Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La.
Quick thought: Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt had an in-home visit with Carter on Sunday. It's unclear where things stand for Carter as Georgia was considered the heavy favorite. He has remained quiet on the media front.
Keith Gavin, four-star wide receiver from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla.
Quick thought: Alabama is making a very strong push for the big receiver. Things continue to look very good for the Crimson Tide.
Terrell Hall, five-star defensive end from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C.
Quick thought: Alabama has been the favorite for Hal for the past few months. The Crimson Tide has slipped a little with Kirby Smart's departure to UGA. Hall took an official visit to FSU this past weekend. The Noles are thought to be in good shape, but he will take official visits including one to Alabama in January before making a decision.
Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga.
Quick thought: Can Pruitt steal Hardman away from the Bulldogs? He will put Alabama in position to do so. However, most still believe UGA is the team to beat. A better feel after he takes his official visit in January.
Dontavious Jackson, four-star linebacker from Elsik High School in Houston, Texas
Quick thought: Jackson gave the Alabama coaching staff strong indication two weeks ago he was on the verge of announcing a decision. Alabama would have gladly accepted as he remains a key target. Nick Saban and Bo Davis visited Jackson last week. He take an official visit to Alabama in January.
Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La.
Quick thought: Jones was on the verge of announcing a commitment to Alabama in August. However, he decided to wait until after taking all of his official visits. He had an in-home visit last week with Alabama assistants Billy Napier and Burton Burns. Jones could lose a spot in the class if he decides to wait as others like Keith Gavin, Cavin Ridley and Tyler Simmons close in on making a decision.
Jonathan Kongbo, four-star defensive end from Arizona Western in Yuma (Tennessee commitment)
Quick thought: Alabama offered Kongbo a week ago. Defensive line coach Bo Davis visited him, and Nick Saban will visit in January. Kongbo expects to take an official visit to Alabama in January.
Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C.
Quick thought: Lawrence will announce a decision on Monday at 2:30 (CST). He is expected to choose between Clemson and N.C. State. Alabama has been a finalist.
Rashard Lawrence, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, La.
Quick thought: Lawrence has also been relatively quiet on media front in the past few months. Alabama coaches visited him last week. He is a top target for the staff. He will likely choose Alabama or LSU.
Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas
Quick thought: All has been quiet on the Little front since he decided to hold off from announcing a decision. Ole Miss remains the team to beat. Alabama has two incoming offensive tackles (Jonah Williams, Charles Baldwin). The staff may make a stronger push for Little once Williams and Baldwin arrive in January.
Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss.
Quick thought: Alabama continues the full court press on Knott. Alabama remains in great shape with their top CB target.
Eddy Pineiro, three-star kicker from ASA College in Miami, Fla. (Alabama commitment)
Quick thought: The Alabama commitment had a great official visit this past weekend in Tuscaloosa. He will sign his LOI this week. The decision is down to Alabama and Florida. Alabama has made their case for the big leg. It's all up to Pineiro at this juncture.
LaMical Perine, four-star running back from Theodore High School in Ala. (Florida commitment)
Quick thought: There is some belief Alabama is in better shape with Perine than he shows. Think T.J. Yeldon. Burton Burns has visited Perine twice in the past two weeks including an in-home on Sunday. Perine will likely take an official visit to Alabama in January. Alabama is making a very strong push for the in-state back.
Isaac Nauta, five-star tight end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Quick thought: Nauta will release final three on December 20. Alabama has a good chance to make the cut. Coach Saban visited Nauta last week, and met with his father in Buford. Sources close to Nauta still believe Georgia is the heavy favorite.
Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga.
Quick thought: Nick Saban and Billy Napier had an in-home visit with Robertson last week. Alabama strongly remains in the mix for Robertson. It will come down to Alabama and Georgia.
Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla. (FSU commitment)
Quick thought: Alabama has been making a push for Robinson for several months. He took an official visit to Alabama in November. Tosh Lupoi has recruited him very hard. Tough to call if Alabama can flip him in the next few weeks, but they are working hard to make it happen.
Ahmmon Richards, four-star wide receiver from Wellington High School in Fla.
Quick thought: Richards named Alabama his leader after he attended the LSU game in Tuscaloosa. He does not claim a favorite at this time. Auburn and Miami are strongly in the mix for the former Hurricane commitment.
Cavin Ridley, four-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach High School in Fla.
Quick thought: Ridley took an official visit to South Carolina this past weekend. Alabama remains the favorite. Coach Saban, Coach Cristobal and Coach Napier had an in-home visit with Ridley last week. He will announce at the Under Armour All-America game. Ridley also has high interest in South Carolina and Tennessee.
Jeffery Simmons, Rivals100 defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss.
Quick thought: Simmons has been a major recruiting target for a long time. Alabama hopes he can withstand the in-state pressure. The staff remains confident they can sign Simmons in February.
Tyler Simmons, three-star wide receiver from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga.
Quick thought: Coach Saban made quite an impression last week when he arrived at Simmons high school via helicopter prior to the college football awards show in Orlando. Simmons is leaning towards Alabama.
Nigel Warrior, four-star safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga.
Quick thought: Alabama remains in the top three for Warrior. The staff likes their position with Warrior, but Georgia and Tennessee (legacy) are major threats. Warrior is highly coveted by Alabama, and they believe he can make a major impact.
Devin White, four-star running back from North Webster High School in Springhill, La.
Quick thought: Alabama assistants Billy Napier and Burton Burns visited White on Thursday. He remains a target, and will take an official visit to Alabama in January. Alabama will continue to monitor his situation off-the-field.
Mack Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala.
Quick thought: Coach Saban had an in-home visit with Wilson on Sunday. He remains highly coveted by the coaching staff. Florida leads (according to Wilson), but this race is extremely tight. Alabama will have a great chance to win him over in January.
*Montana State quarterback transfer Dakota Prukop will announce a decision this afternoon/evening. He will decide between Alabama and Oregon. An 'official' offer from Alabama was not on the table as of Sunday evening, but could change at some point today.
Then there are some who say they will visit Alabama in January. We won't know where things stand with Alabama until after the visits, and likely after some prospects above have made their decision.
Mique Juarez, five-star linebacker from North High School in Torrance, Calif.
Sam Bruce, Rivals100 wide receiver from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Miami commitment)
Landon Dickerson, Rivals100 offensive tackle from South Caldwell High School in Hudson, N.C.
D'Vaughn Pennamon, three-star running back from Manvel High School in Texas
So which ones would you take to close out the class?
The only problem is they can't fit all of these players in the class.
(alphabetical order)
Devin Asasi, four-star tight end from De La Salle High School in Concord, Calif.
Quick thought: Asasi received a visit from Alabama assistant coach Tosh Lupoi last week. He has taken two trips to Alabama on his own dime, and still plans to officially visit.
A.J. Brown, four-star wide receiver from Starkville High School in La.
Quick thought: Brown had a dominant Alabama/Mississippi All-Star week proving why Alabama has him as a top target. Alabama remains strongly in the mix, but Ole Miss and Mississippi State won't go down easily.
Derrick Brown, Rivals100 defensive tackle from Lanier High School in Sugar Hill, Ga.
Quick thought: Alabama made a very strong move with Brown this past weekend. The Crimson Tide may have the edge, but still a lot of time left before his recruitment comes to an end.
Marlon Davidson, five-star defensive end from Greenville High School in Ala. (Auburn commitment)
Quick thought: Time is not on Alabama's side for Davidson as he is set to enroll in January. Nick Saban had an in-home visit with Davidson on Sunday night. He said at the Alabama/Mississippi All-Star Classic, "I want to visit Alabama no matter what before I enroll. I have to get there." Auburn's DC hire can play a major factor.
Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala.
Quick thought: Can you name the last in-state LB coveted by Alabama and/or Auburn to leave the state? The Tide legacy is building some recruiting drama, but will shock the country if he signs anywhere other than Alabama.
Michail Carter, four-star defensive tackle from Jackson High School in Ga.
Quick thought: Carter has remained relatively quiet for the past few months. It doesn't mean schools haven't recruited him very hard. Alabama remains a strong contender. It will surprise many if he doesn't choose between Alabama and Georgia.
Shyheim Carter, Rivals100 cornerback from Kentwood High School in La.
Quick thought: Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt had an in-home visit with Carter on Sunday. It's unclear where things stand for Carter as Georgia was considered the heavy favorite. He has remained quiet on the media front.
Keith Gavin, four-star wide receiver from Wakulla High School in Crawfordville, Fla.
Quick thought: Alabama is making a very strong push for the big receiver. Things continue to look very good for the Crimson Tide.
Terrell Hall, five-star defensive end from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C.
Quick thought: Alabama has been the favorite for Hal for the past few months. The Crimson Tide has slipped a little with Kirby Smart's departure to UGA. Hall took an official visit to FSU this past weekend. The Noles are thought to be in good shape, but he will take official visits including one to Alabama in January before making a decision.
Mecole Hardman, five-star athlete from Elbert County High School in Bowman, Ga.
Quick thought: Can Pruitt steal Hardman away from the Bulldogs? He will put Alabama in position to do so. However, most still believe UGA is the team to beat. A better feel after he takes his official visit in January.
Dontavious Jackson, four-star linebacker from Elsik High School in Houston, Texas
Quick thought: Jackson gave the Alabama coaching staff strong indication two weeks ago he was on the verge of announcing a decision. Alabama would have gladly accepted as he remains a key target. Nick Saban and Bo Davis visited Jackson last week. He take an official visit to Alabama in January.
Mykel Jones, Rivals100 wide receiver from Patterson High School in La.
Quick thought: Jones was on the verge of announcing a commitment to Alabama in August. However, he decided to wait until after taking all of his official visits. He had an in-home visit last week with Alabama assistants Billy Napier and Burton Burns. Jones could lose a spot in the class if he decides to wait as others like Keith Gavin, Cavin Ridley and Tyler Simmons close in on making a decision.
Jonathan Kongbo, four-star defensive end from Arizona Western in Yuma (Tennessee commitment)
Quick thought: Alabama offered Kongbo a week ago. Defensive line coach Bo Davis visited him, and Nick Saban will visit in January. Kongbo expects to take an official visit to Alabama in January.
Dexter Lawrence, five-star defensive tackle from Wake Forest High School in N.C.
Quick thought: Lawrence will announce a decision on Monday at 2:30 (CST). He is expected to choose between Clemson and N.C. State. Alabama has been a finalist.
Rashard Lawrence, four-star defensive tackle from Neville High School in Monroe, La.
Quick thought: Lawrence has also been relatively quiet on media front in the past few months. Alabama coaches visited him last week. He is a top target for the staff. He will likely choose Alabama or LSU.
Greg Little, five-star offensive tackle from Allen High School in Texas
Quick thought: All has been quiet on the Little front since he decided to hold off from announcing a decision. Ole Miss remains the team to beat. Alabama has two incoming offensive tackles (Jonah Williams, Charles Baldwin). The staff may make a stronger push for Little once Williams and Baldwin arrive in January.
Nigel Knott, Rivals100 cornerback from Germantown High School in Madison, Miss.
Quick thought: Alabama continues the full court press on Knott. Alabama remains in great shape with their top CB target.
Eddy Pineiro, three-star kicker from ASA College in Miami, Fla. (Alabama commitment)
Quick thought: The Alabama commitment had a great official visit this past weekend in Tuscaloosa. He will sign his LOI this week. The decision is down to Alabama and Florida. Alabama has made their case for the big leg. It's all up to Pineiro at this juncture.
LaMical Perine, four-star running back from Theodore High School in Ala. (Florida commitment)
Quick thought: There is some belief Alabama is in better shape with Perine than he shows. Think T.J. Yeldon. Burton Burns has visited Perine twice in the past two weeks including an in-home on Sunday. Perine will likely take an official visit to Alabama in January. Alabama is making a very strong push for the in-state back.
Isaac Nauta, five-star tight end from IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.
Quick thought: Nauta will release final three on December 20. Alabama has a good chance to make the cut. Coach Saban visited Nauta last week, and met with his father in Buford. Sources close to Nauta still believe Georgia is the heavy favorite.
Demetris Robertson, five-star athlete from Savannah Christian School in Ga.
Quick thought: Nick Saban and Billy Napier had an in-home visit with Robertson last week. Alabama strongly remains in the mix for Robertson. It will come down to Alabama and Georgia.
Janarius Robinson, Rivals100 defensive end from Bay High School in Panama City, Fla. (FSU commitment)
Quick thought: Alabama has been making a push for Robinson for several months. He took an official visit to Alabama in November. Tosh Lupoi has recruited him very hard. Tough to call if Alabama can flip him in the next few weeks, but they are working hard to make it happen.
Ahmmon Richards, four-star wide receiver from Wellington High School in Fla.
Quick thought: Richards named Alabama his leader after he attended the LSU game in Tuscaloosa. He does not claim a favorite at this time. Auburn and Miami are strongly in the mix for the former Hurricane commitment.
Cavin Ridley, four-star wide receiver from Deerfield Beach High School in Fla.
Quick thought: Ridley took an official visit to South Carolina this past weekend. Alabama remains the favorite. Coach Saban, Coach Cristobal and Coach Napier had an in-home visit with Ridley last week. He will announce at the Under Armour All-America game. Ridley also has high interest in South Carolina and Tennessee.
Jeffery Simmons, Rivals100 defensive end from Noxubee County High School in Macon, Miss.
Quick thought: Simmons has been a major recruiting target for a long time. Alabama hopes he can withstand the in-state pressure. The staff remains confident they can sign Simmons in February.
Tyler Simmons, three-star wide receiver from McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Ga.
Quick thought: Coach Saban made quite an impression last week when he arrived at Simmons high school via helicopter prior to the college football awards show in Orlando. Simmons is leaning towards Alabama.
Nigel Warrior, four-star safety from Peachtree Ridge High School in Suwanee, Ga.
Quick thought: Alabama remains in the top three for Warrior. The staff likes their position with Warrior, but Georgia and Tennessee (legacy) are major threats. Warrior is highly coveted by Alabama, and they believe he can make a major impact.
Devin White, four-star running back from North Webster High School in Springhill, La.
Quick thought: Alabama assistants Billy Napier and Burton Burns visited White on Thursday. He remains a target, and will take an official visit to Alabama in January. Alabama will continue to monitor his situation off-the-field.
Mack Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala.
Quick thought: Coach Saban had an in-home visit with Wilson on Sunday. He remains highly coveted by the coaching staff. Florida leads (according to Wilson), but this race is extremely tight. Alabama will have a great chance to win him over in January.
*Montana State quarterback transfer Dakota Prukop will announce a decision this afternoon/evening. He will decide between Alabama and Oregon. An 'official' offer from Alabama was not on the table as of Sunday evening, but could change at some point today.
Then there are some who say they will visit Alabama in January. We won't know where things stand with Alabama until after the visits, and likely after some prospects above have made their decision.
Mique Juarez, five-star linebacker from North High School in Torrance, Calif.
Sam Bruce, Rivals100 wide receiver from St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. (Miami commitment)
Landon Dickerson, Rivals100 offensive tackle from South Caldwell High School in Hudson, N.C.
D'Vaughn Pennamon, three-star running back from Manvel High School in Texas
So which ones would you take to close out the class?
