The commitment
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has proven something to everyone today. He doesn't care how many stars or offers you have next to your name. He is going to see the players work-out, evaluate film and character. He sill make his own decision on who he wants to offer.
It happened today when Coach Saban spoke with Riley Cole, linebacker from Oneonta High School in Ala., and extended an offer. Cole, who also has offers from Wake Forest and Jacksonville State, immediately jumped on the opportunity presented by Coach Saban.
Cole has been recruited by Alabama for several months. The staff evaluated him during the spring, and invited to work-out for one day in Tuscaloosa last week with Kirby Smart. Cole was one of the top overall performers at Alabama's camp last week. He expected to receive word from Alabama this week regarding a scholarship.
He received an offer from Wake Forest on Wednesday evening. The offer was a surprise to many only because he did not have more from Power-5 conference schools. It was a big splash for Alabama to throw its name in the ring on Thursday, and an easy decision for Cole.
A quick look at some current Bama players who were offered after summer camp prior to their senior season: JK Scott, Ronnie Harrison, Brandon Kennedy, JC Hassenauer, Keith Holcombe. Amari Cooper was also offered after he performed at camp prior to his senior season.
The player
Cole was a star at Alabama's camp last week, but it wasn't the first time the coaching staff took notice. Cole was on the radar of a lot of schools as he shined during the camp circuit prior to the start of his junior season. He was first noticed at the Rivals Camp Series in Hoover in April 2014.
There are a lot of characteristics to like. He has excellent speed, instincts and overall knowledge of the game. He is quick to react and doesn't get caught up in trying to figure out what to do. He's an aggressive player, has long arms, and a lot of athletic ability. A few other things which jump out are his size (6-3, 215-pounds) and toughness.
He has a few things he can improve. He needs to continue to get stronger and add more weight. He is similar to 2014 signee Keith Holcombe. He can cover in open space, but will need to continue to develop his skills in the passing game. He had a terrific junior season accounting for 148 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The numbers
And.......just like that Alabama has 14 commitments in the 2016 class. Alabama added two linebacker commitments this week in Cole and Jaquan Yulee, four-star from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Va. It was noted earlier this week Alabama was strongly considering taking five linebackers in the 2016 class.
Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell 'Mack' Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., have a spot in the class regardless of anyone else who commits. Alabama will continue to heavily recruit both prospects with hopes not one of them decides to leave the state. AU is not a contender for Davis or Wilson. It's very possible Davis and Wilson announce a commitment to Alabama prior to the start of the season.
Erroll Thompson, three-star linebacker from Florence High School in Ala., remains a Tide target. Alabama has recruited him very hard in the last few months. His versatility to play multiple positions is also a major plus. Alabama will likely still accept his commitment if he decides for the Tide within the next two weeks.
Tre Lamar, Rivals100 linebacker from Roswell High School in Ga., is one of the few out-of-state prospects who remains a major Alabama target. Lamar has Alabama on his short list, and expected to return to Tuscaloosa in June.
There are a few other prospects recruited by Alabama including Dontavious Jackson, four-star linebacker from Elsik High School in Houston, Texas, and Elysee Mbem-Bosse, four-star linebacker from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Ga.
Alabama will likely land Davis and Wilson at some point during the recruiting cycle. They hope to add one more who they consider a special talent. Lamar and Thompson remain in that category.
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has proven something to everyone today. He doesn't care how many stars or offers you have next to your name. He is going to see the players work-out, evaluate film and character. He sill make his own decision on who he wants to offer.
It happened today when Coach Saban spoke with Riley Cole, linebacker from Oneonta High School in Ala., and extended an offer. Cole, who also has offers from Wake Forest and Jacksonville State, immediately jumped on the opportunity presented by Coach Saban.
Cole has been recruited by Alabama for several months. The staff evaluated him during the spring, and invited to work-out for one day in Tuscaloosa last week with Kirby Smart. Cole was one of the top overall performers at Alabama's camp last week. He expected to receive word from Alabama this week regarding a scholarship.
He received an offer from Wake Forest on Wednesday evening. The offer was a surprise to many only because he did not have more from Power-5 conference schools. It was a big splash for Alabama to throw its name in the ring on Thursday, and an easy decision for Cole.
A quick look at some current Bama players who were offered after summer camp prior to their senior season: JK Scott, Ronnie Harrison, Brandon Kennedy, JC Hassenauer, Keith Holcombe. Amari Cooper was also offered after he performed at camp prior to his senior season.
The player
Cole was a star at Alabama's camp last week, but it wasn't the first time the coaching staff took notice. Cole was on the radar of a lot of schools as he shined during the camp circuit prior to the start of his junior season. He was first noticed at the Rivals Camp Series in Hoover in April 2014.
There are a lot of characteristics to like. He has excellent speed, instincts and overall knowledge of the game. He is quick to react and doesn't get caught up in trying to figure out what to do. He's an aggressive player, has long arms, and a lot of athletic ability. A few other things which jump out are his size (6-3, 215-pounds) and toughness.
He has a few things he can improve. He needs to continue to get stronger and add more weight. He is similar to 2014 signee Keith Holcombe. He can cover in open space, but will need to continue to develop his skills in the passing game. He had a terrific junior season accounting for 148 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and five sacks.
The numbers
And.......just like that Alabama has 14 commitments in the 2016 class. Alabama added two linebacker commitments this week in Cole and Jaquan Yulee, four-star from Indian River High School in Chesapeake, Va. It was noted earlier this week Alabama was strongly considering taking five linebackers in the 2016 class.
Ben Davis, five-star linebacker from Gordo High School in Ala., and Lyndell 'Mack' Wilson, five-star linebacker from Carver High School in Montgomery, Ala., have a spot in the class regardless of anyone else who commits. Alabama will continue to heavily recruit both prospects with hopes not one of them decides to leave the state. AU is not a contender for Davis or Wilson. It's very possible Davis and Wilson announce a commitment to Alabama prior to the start of the season.
Erroll Thompson, three-star linebacker from Florence High School in Ala., remains a Tide target. Alabama has recruited him very hard in the last few months. His versatility to play multiple positions is also a major plus. Alabama will likely still accept his commitment if he decides for the Tide within the next two weeks.
Tre Lamar, Rivals100 linebacker from Roswell High School in Ga., is one of the few out-of-state prospects who remains a major Alabama target. Lamar has Alabama on his short list, and expected to return to Tuscaloosa in June.
There are a few other prospects recruited by Alabama including Dontavious Jackson, four-star linebacker from Elsik High School in Houston, Texas, and Elysee Mbem-Bosse, four-star linebacker from Cedar Grove High School in Ellenwood, Ga.
Alabama will likely land Davis and Wilson at some point during the recruiting cycle. They hope to add one more who they consider a special talent. Lamar and Thompson remain in that category.
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