Just want to provide you all with an overview of where things stand position-by-position. I may have missed a player or two, but this is the majority of the Tide's top targets.
Quarterback
Alabama remains very much in the thick of things with Arch Manning. I am not sure why some were under the impression that he eliminated Alabama. The Mannings don't do many interviews. Manning had not talked to anyone about his recruitment in a few months until Monday when he confirmed Alabama, Georgia and Texas will receive official visits. Sometimes it's message board speculation or predictions. It can also stem from predictions rolling in on other quarterbacks (Eli Holstein) to Alabama. Most making predictions or writing stories about Manning have no idea what he will do. It's a complete toss-up, but what we do know Alabama is still a top contender.
I do expect Alabama will sign Manning or Eli Holstein. Sure, they will take both. I also don't think either one is worried about the other. It’s a big surprise if they signed with the same school. Both will visit Alabama in June. I don't expect Alabama will turn down Holstein if he wants to commit before Manning makes a decision. That's how highly regarded Holstein is for the Tide. Just be patient and let this play out during the next few months.
Alabama also remains very interested in Dylan Lonergan. The Georgia QB has visited Alabama several times including this spring. He wants to play football and baseball in college. It's an option on the table at most schools. Alabama is likely to wait on Holstein and Manning to make a decision before taking another quarterback, but the staff is recruiting Lonergan and will continue.
Running back
The majority of running back talk has centered on Richard Young. Many have predicted him to Alabama, but even if the Crimson Tide holds a slight lead there is still a long way to go in his recruitment including all of his official visits. Young isn't the only back recruited by Alabama. He is just the one who seems most likely.
Alabama will get an official visit from Justice Haynes and likely one from Rueben Owens in June. Haynes is scheduled to visit Alabama on June 18-20. He is a Georgia legacy. Most expect him to stay in-state. He has high interest in Alabama. Crazier things have also happened. We'll have a better idea after the officials if Alabama has any chance to sway him away from the Bulldogs.
Another back to watch is Jeremiyah Love from St. Louis. I'm hearing the staff is very high on him and expect a visit sometime in June. I also believe he has a green light to jump on board. Definitely one to start following. A few others who Alabama likes, but still need to see in camp includes Kalib Hicks, who visited earlier this year, Dontavius Braswell and Daylan Smothers.
Wide receiver
This is a position a little more wide open right now. A lot of names, but not really sure who ends up in this class. We were in similar situation last year. We weren't even talking about guys like Kobe Prentice, Shazz Preston, Aaron Anderson or Kendrick Law last spring. There is a good idea of the top candidates, but more will emerge during the summer. We'll see players move up/down the recruiting board.
We have discussed a lot of the top targets for months- Brandon Inniss, Shelton Sampson, Hykeem Williams, Jalen Hale, Malik Benson (JuCo), Karmello English Aidan Mizell. I know Alabama is working to get DeAndre Moore in for an official. The staff has visited others like Cole Adams, Bryson Rodgers (Ohio State commitment) and Devin Hyatt this spring. Alabama has high interest in Jacobe Johnson and Micah Tease from Oklahoma. The biggest for those guys is returning to camp and determining if they will play on offense or defense.
Tyler Williams just included Alabama in his top 10. There is interest, but he also needs to attend camp. I really like where Alabama stands with Benson. I think he is probably the most likely (right now), but we know things can quickly change. I think Alabama will knock it out of the park with Inniss when he visits in early June. Hale has visited Alabama multiple times and speaks with the coaches more than once a week.
The Crimson Tide extended an offer to Andy Jean from Miami on Tuesday afternoon. The staff will still like to see him in camp next month. Miami commitment Robby Washington has been high on the Alabama board for several months. We'll see if Alabama can talk Washington into visiting Tuscaloosa this summer. Have to think NIL deals coming out of South Beach have factored into some early decisions. Former UGA commitment Daquayvious Sorey included Alabama in his top eight on Wednesday. He still needs to camp.
I don't expect Alabama to sign a big receiver class. Probably three, but the number can change depending on the situation. These are the main recruits we are following until summer camp begins.
Tight end
Alabama signed three tight ends in the 2022 class- Amari Niblack, Elijah Brown and Danny Lewis Jr. It also added a JuCo TE last week from Miles Kitselman. The depth has improved, but Alabama is still looking for additional talent at the position. Expect at least one tight end in the 2023 class, and possibly two. Riley Williams will make the way from Oregon to Tuscaloosa on June 3-5 for his first official visit.
Duce Robinson, the No. 1 tight end in the country, visited Alabama this spring. He will likely return for an official visit at some point. He is not in any rush to make a decision. Baseball will also play a vital role in his decision. Walker Lyons considered a visit to Alabama's spring game, but visited Ohio State instead. Communication has remained very strong on both sides. Lyons has visited Alabama twice and expects to return next month.
Will Randle is teammates with Arch Manning. There has been plenty of talk the two will go to the same school, but that seems more 50/50. Randle has a lot of interest in Alabama. He has visited Tuscaloosa 2-3 times and will return next month. He doesn't talk much to the media, but we know Alabama is strongly in the mix.
Jackson Bowers included Alabama in his recent top seven after receiving an offer this spring. Jelani Thurman is one the Tide wants to see in camp. Olsen Henry received an offer from Alabama during his spring visit with the Tide. However, he still needs to attend one of the Tide's camps and have a great performance before NIck Saban will accept a commitment.
Alabama continues to recruit a few who are currently committed elsewhere including Luke Hasz (Arkansas), Cooper Flanagan (Notre Dame), Lawson Luckie (UGA) and Brett Norfleet (Mizzou), Flanagan and Hasz have indicated they will likely visit Alabama in June. Both have been seen by Alabama this spring. Luckie said he expects Alabama to attend his spring game. He is a Georgia legacy so it's hard to imagine he will flip, but did visit Alabama earlier this year.
Offensive line
Alabama wants to add at least five offensive linemen in this class. The good news, despite not having any commitments at the position, all the Tide's targets remain in-play. Austin Siereveld committed to Ohio State last week, but as I mentioned he did not have a green light to commit to Alabama. The staff informed the Ohio lineman NIck Saban needs to see him camp before accepting a commitment. He still may visit in June.
I still believe Alabama is in great shape for the two in-state targets- Wilkin Formby and Ryqueze McElderry. I thought McElderry would have re-opened his recruitment by now, but he remains committed to Georgia. I still think it's only a matter of time. Formby is an Alabama legacy and has visited several times this year. Ole Miss has made him feel like a top priority. He also likes Auburn. I think there is a good chance he jumps on board after his official visit with Alabama on June 10-12.
We will see a few other major targets in town next month as the top two offensive tackles in the country, Kadyn Proctor and Francis Mauigoa, will visit on June 10-12. Proctor visited Alabama last June. This will mark the first visit to Alabama for Mauigoa. Olaus Alinen is also scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama the same weekend. I predict Alinen to Alabama.
Myles McVay has scheduled an official visit for October 8-9. He is also working on a return visit sometime in June. I think it’s successful if Alabama can sign two of the three.
There are some other offensive linemen out there who Alabama wants to see more or at least return to campus to see where they stand. Those players include Ian Reed, Payton Kirkland, Clay Wedin and Zechariah Owens. I am sure some more will move up the list after summer camp. These are just the main ones to focus on at this time.
Defensive line
We have talked about this defensive line class as a whole for almost a year. Alabama only signed three defensive linemen in the 2022 class. Alabama has yet to add any defensive linemen in this class, but they seem in a very good position for several and who knows what may happen after visits in June and July. I probably feel the most confident right now with Peter Woods, Kelby Collins, Jordan Renaud and Elijah Davis.
Woods, Collins and Davis are life-long Alabama fans. It's a little surprising Woods has yet to commit, but he wants to enjoy official visits before making a decision. It will surprise me if this goes beyond July/August. Collins isn't in a major rush. It could happen before the season. I remain confident he will eventually select Alabama.
Davis will take his first trip to Alabama in June. He is coached by former Alabama DL Brandon Deaderick at East Mississippi. Davis told me earlier this week Alabama is recruiting him the hardest. Renaud was close to committing to Alabama after A-Day, but decided to hold off in order to take a few summer visits. This will likely come down between Alabama and Oklahoma. He can play the Jack or grow into playing defensive end.
Now this is where things start to get a little harder to predict.....
Jayden Wayne has been on the Tide's radar since last June when he participated in camp. He has returned on two other occasions and planning a visit to Alabama in June. The staff has talked to him a lot in the last few months about playing tight end. Defense is still an option. Alabama OLB coach Coleman Hutzler visited Wayne two weeks ago. Alabama likes Wayne a lot- as an athlete. I don't think they have fully determined where he will play, but he has a green light to commit.
There are three other in-state defensive end who have Alabama on their short list: Tomarrion Parker, Keldric Faulk and Hunter Osborne. Faulk's stock has moved up recently after Alabama went to see him twice during the spring evaluation period. Osborne has also made a strong impression on Alabama. Parker has been high on the Tide's board for several months. You don't want to have to turn down, but how many will Alabama take? I think it's still up in the air.
Osborne seems most likely to join Alabama's class if they decide to put on the full court press after June. A lot of evaluations next month regardless if a player has the green light to commit. It's easy to move up or down the board based on camp performance. It will surprise if Bama doesn't add one from the group (Parker, Faulk, Osborne).
Damon Wilson, teammates with Alabama commitment Elliot Washington, remains very high on the recruiting board. Expect to see him back in Tuscaloosa in June. Rueben Bain has family connections at Miami, but Alabama will make things very tough for him. He has visited Alabama twice and plans to return next month. Bain recorded 29.5 sacks during his junior season.
We will see other defensive linemen in T-Town this summer including five-star David Hicks and in-state target James Smith. Hicks visited Alabama last summer. Alabama will need to make up significant ground with Hicks (if he visits). Smith will wait until December to announce a decision. He announced a top 11 on Sunday, but the top schools in the race include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, USC, Texas and Texas A&M. I think it comes down to Alabama and Georgia in the end.
Jordan Hall, Stephiylan Green and Xzavier McLeod have said they will visit Alabama sometime next month. Hall has received a heavy amount of attention from the Tide. All three have received visits from Alabama this spring. The biggest thing for Alabama is just getting these guys to work out in front of Coach Saban in camp. Enow Etta has been in a lot of contact with Freddie Roach, but still needs to attend camp before Alabama makes a serious push.
Edric Hill confirmed on Tuesday that he will take an official visit to Alabama on June 24-26. Hill received an offer from Alabama in November and attended Junior Day earlier this year. Alabama has increased its efforts in Hill after evaluating him this spring. We are told he has made a big move up the Tide's board. I can see him in this class.
Linebacker
I am interested to see how the rest of the linebacker class pans out in the next few months. Alabama has one commitment in Yhonzae Pierre. We will see two of Alabama's top linebacker targets visit in early June with Malik Bryant and Ronan Hanafin scheduled to return to Tuscaloosa. Alabama currently sits at the top for Bryant heading into summer officials (commitment date is July 23). Hanafin is highly regarded by the Alabama staff.
Qua Russaw announced a top 11 on Sunday. He will wait until the early signing period in December to announce a decision. Alabama will remain in his top 2-3 until the very end. Anthony Hill, the top inside linebacker in the country, will take an official visit to Alabama on June 10-12. Hill has not visited Alabama since last spring. Alabama is on the outside looking in, but getting an official is a major plus and the staff can make up a lot of ground.
We've seen several others visit Alabama this spring including Derrion Gullette, Ole Miss commitment Suntarine Perkins, Troy Bowles and Raul Aguirre. All are targets for the Tide with Aguirre, Gullette and Perkins as more likely candidates for the Tide. Aguiree will take an official visit on June 10-12. Gullette is very high on Alabama's recruiting board. The biggest hurdle is getting him out of Texas.
Perkins received an offer earlier this year from Alabama (after his commitment to the Rebels). He has expressed a lot of interest in Alabama including a trip to Tuscaloosa during spring practice. He plans on visiting Alabama again in June. Bai Jobe also visited Alabama during the spring, but will need to come back for camp.
Jaiden Ausberry participated in Alabama's camp last summer. Alabama recently attended his practice. I am hearing the staff's interest in Ausberry continues to grow. He will likely return for camp next month. I think there is a good chance we begin to see a major push after the next evaluation. Alabama recently offered Semaj Bridgeman from Philadelphia. The Tide recruited his former teammate, Enai White, last cycle. The hope is that he will come to camp.
Alabama was hoping to get Nycholas Harbor on campus this spring, but track events sidelined him from taking many trips. There is still hope he will visit. Michigan and USC seem to have his attention. We will see if he schedules a visit. Alabama remains in close contact with a few other edge rushers in Notre Dame commitment Keon Keeley, Matayo Uiagalelei and Colton Vasek.
Keeley visited Alabama in late January. He is still talking to Alabama and working on a return trip to Tuscaloosa. Uiagalelei visited Alabama in April. He also camped at Alabama last summer. There is definitely a lot of interest, but many believe he will stay on the West Coast. Alabama appears as a strong contender. His father, Dave, is a big Nick Saban fan. Expect Alabama to receive at least one more visit from Uiagalelei before he makes a decision.
Defensive back
I am going to start off with the two Alabama DB commitments- Jahlil Hurley and Elliot Washington. There has been plenty of speculation this spring after Hurley visited Auburn, and Washington visited Michigan State that flips were about to take place. Washington has since squashed those rumors and said his commitment to Alabama remains firm. He may enjoy more visits this summer, but he has re-affirmed to the Crimson Tide his commitment is solid.
Many expected Hurley to flip to Auburn after multiple visits to the Plains this spring. Hurley tweeted a few weeks ago how he was not doing any interviews. I know some are certain he will flip, and I think there was a time when it was certainly about to happen. I don't know what's going on in Hurley's mind, but have heard his family prefers Alabama. I think there is a little more confidence on the Alabama side the will stick, but this one probably is not over until December.
(This is not about a particular recruit. Just in general- the NIL stuff in the last several months has been pretty wild (wild west). A LOT of top recruits have been receiving promises on significant NIL deals. Some schools get more of the spotlight- A&M, Texas, USC, Miami, etc.., but plenty of other NIL Collectives from various programs are doing the same thing. It's hard to predict what a recruit will do when significant $ for NIL is being tossed around to these kids.
It looks like a crackdown on booster-led NIL Collectives will happen, but I am sure most will figure out a way around it for the big money deals to continue. NIL was created for college athletes IN college, not to lure top recruits and get them deals before they ever step foot on campus. You are naive to think it wasn't going to go in that direction. I am probably more surprised at how quickly and how big these NIL deals have become especially for HS kids. Just a completely different world we live in now.)
Cormani McClain, the top cornerback in the country, had Alabama at the top of his list after a spring visit to Tuscaloosa. It's now a very tight race between Alabama and Florida. McClain will return to Alabama next month. There is definitely a lot of pressure to go to Florida, but don't concede him to the Gators just yet. This is a major battle between the two. I remember a few years ago when everyone wanted to concede Terrion Arnold to UF or UGA or Pat Surtain II to LSU.
I don't want to say the door is completely closed yet on AJ Harris because he is in communication with the staff. He also attended the A-Day game. I consider him a long shot, but we'll see if he makes it back to T-Town next month. Tony Mitchell is another in-state star has named multiple schools as his favorite in the last six months (Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M). Alabama is still recruiting him, but if another DB or two decide to jump on board before he makes a decision a spot in the Tide's class may no longer be available.
Alabama appears in very good shape for Makari Vickers who is expected to drop his top schools later this month. Vickers will return to Tuscaloosa in June, and we may see a commitment happen before the start of his senior season. I predict Vickers to Bama. Malik Muhammad is another top out-of-state cornerback high on the wish list. Muhammad has visited Alabama three times this year. I think it comes down between Alabama and Texas A&M.
Caleb Downs, the No. 1 safety in the country, is scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama on June 17-19. I think Alabama has a slight lead, but it's close. He is very high on Georgia and Ohio State. Alabama remains in heavy contact with Notre Dame safety commitment Peyton Bowen. I definitely expect him to visit Alabama this summer.
We've seen some DB offers in the last few months- Jakeem Jackson, Bryce Thornton, Warren Roberson, Jaremiah Anglin, Christian Gray, All of these guys still need to attend camp. I haven't heard as much about Joenel Aguero as I did a few months ago. We'll see if he visits, but it appears both sides are fading a little on each other. I have heard the interest has picked up more with Damari Brown. He looked very solid when the staff went to evaluate him this spring. His former teammate, Earl Little Jr., is likely in his ear every day about Alabama.
There are a lot of 'athletes' who will get evaluated during camp. So we might see some guys listed at receiver moved to the defensive backfield. We might see a DB move to offense. Just have to wait for camps to begin to get a solid idea. I definitely expect an incredible amount of prospects to visit throughout the summer; many we are not even discussing yet.
Quarterback
Alabama remains very much in the thick of things with Arch Manning. I am not sure why some were under the impression that he eliminated Alabama. The Mannings don't do many interviews. Manning had not talked to anyone about his recruitment in a few months until Monday when he confirmed Alabama, Georgia and Texas will receive official visits. Sometimes it's message board speculation or predictions. It can also stem from predictions rolling in on other quarterbacks (Eli Holstein) to Alabama. Most making predictions or writing stories about Manning have no idea what he will do. It's a complete toss-up, but what we do know Alabama is still a top contender.
I do expect Alabama will sign Manning or Eli Holstein. Sure, they will take both. I also don't think either one is worried about the other. It’s a big surprise if they signed with the same school. Both will visit Alabama in June. I don't expect Alabama will turn down Holstein if he wants to commit before Manning makes a decision. That's how highly regarded Holstein is for the Tide. Just be patient and let this play out during the next few months.
Alabama also remains very interested in Dylan Lonergan. The Georgia QB has visited Alabama several times including this spring. He wants to play football and baseball in college. It's an option on the table at most schools. Alabama is likely to wait on Holstein and Manning to make a decision before taking another quarterback, but the staff is recruiting Lonergan and will continue.
Running back
The majority of running back talk has centered on Richard Young. Many have predicted him to Alabama, but even if the Crimson Tide holds a slight lead there is still a long way to go in his recruitment including all of his official visits. Young isn't the only back recruited by Alabama. He is just the one who seems most likely.
Alabama will get an official visit from Justice Haynes and likely one from Rueben Owens in June. Haynes is scheduled to visit Alabama on June 18-20. He is a Georgia legacy. Most expect him to stay in-state. He has high interest in Alabama. Crazier things have also happened. We'll have a better idea after the officials if Alabama has any chance to sway him away from the Bulldogs.
Another back to watch is Jeremiyah Love from St. Louis. I'm hearing the staff is very high on him and expect a visit sometime in June. I also believe he has a green light to jump on board. Definitely one to start following. A few others who Alabama likes, but still need to see in camp includes Kalib Hicks, who visited earlier this year, Dontavius Braswell and Daylan Smothers.
Wide receiver
This is a position a little more wide open right now. A lot of names, but not really sure who ends up in this class. We were in similar situation last year. We weren't even talking about guys like Kobe Prentice, Shazz Preston, Aaron Anderson or Kendrick Law last spring. There is a good idea of the top candidates, but more will emerge during the summer. We'll see players move up/down the recruiting board.
We have discussed a lot of the top targets for months- Brandon Inniss, Shelton Sampson, Hykeem Williams, Jalen Hale, Malik Benson (JuCo), Karmello English Aidan Mizell. I know Alabama is working to get DeAndre Moore in for an official. The staff has visited others like Cole Adams, Bryson Rodgers (Ohio State commitment) and Devin Hyatt this spring. Alabama has high interest in Jacobe Johnson and Micah Tease from Oklahoma. The biggest for those guys is returning to camp and determining if they will play on offense or defense.
Tyler Williams just included Alabama in his top 10. There is interest, but he also needs to attend camp. I really like where Alabama stands with Benson. I think he is probably the most likely (right now), but we know things can quickly change. I think Alabama will knock it out of the park with Inniss when he visits in early June. Hale has visited Alabama multiple times and speaks with the coaches more than once a week.
The Crimson Tide extended an offer to Andy Jean from Miami on Tuesday afternoon. The staff will still like to see him in camp next month. Miami commitment Robby Washington has been high on the Alabama board for several months. We'll see if Alabama can talk Washington into visiting Tuscaloosa this summer. Have to think NIL deals coming out of South Beach have factored into some early decisions. Former UGA commitment Daquayvious Sorey included Alabama in his top eight on Wednesday. He still needs to camp.
I don't expect Alabama to sign a big receiver class. Probably three, but the number can change depending on the situation. These are the main recruits we are following until summer camp begins.
Tight end
Alabama signed three tight ends in the 2022 class- Amari Niblack, Elijah Brown and Danny Lewis Jr. It also added a JuCo TE last week from Miles Kitselman. The depth has improved, but Alabama is still looking for additional talent at the position. Expect at least one tight end in the 2023 class, and possibly two. Riley Williams will make the way from Oregon to Tuscaloosa on June 3-5 for his first official visit.
Duce Robinson, the No. 1 tight end in the country, visited Alabama this spring. He will likely return for an official visit at some point. He is not in any rush to make a decision. Baseball will also play a vital role in his decision. Walker Lyons considered a visit to Alabama's spring game, but visited Ohio State instead. Communication has remained very strong on both sides. Lyons has visited Alabama twice and expects to return next month.
Will Randle is teammates with Arch Manning. There has been plenty of talk the two will go to the same school, but that seems more 50/50. Randle has a lot of interest in Alabama. He has visited Tuscaloosa 2-3 times and will return next month. He doesn't talk much to the media, but we know Alabama is strongly in the mix.
Jackson Bowers included Alabama in his recent top seven after receiving an offer this spring. Jelani Thurman is one the Tide wants to see in camp. Olsen Henry received an offer from Alabama during his spring visit with the Tide. However, he still needs to attend one of the Tide's camps and have a great performance before NIck Saban will accept a commitment.
Alabama continues to recruit a few who are currently committed elsewhere including Luke Hasz (Arkansas), Cooper Flanagan (Notre Dame), Lawson Luckie (UGA) and Brett Norfleet (Mizzou), Flanagan and Hasz have indicated they will likely visit Alabama in June. Both have been seen by Alabama this spring. Luckie said he expects Alabama to attend his spring game. He is a Georgia legacy so it's hard to imagine he will flip, but did visit Alabama earlier this year.
Offensive line
Alabama wants to add at least five offensive linemen in this class. The good news, despite not having any commitments at the position, all the Tide's targets remain in-play. Austin Siereveld committed to Ohio State last week, but as I mentioned he did not have a green light to commit to Alabama. The staff informed the Ohio lineman NIck Saban needs to see him camp before accepting a commitment. He still may visit in June.
I still believe Alabama is in great shape for the two in-state targets- Wilkin Formby and Ryqueze McElderry. I thought McElderry would have re-opened his recruitment by now, but he remains committed to Georgia. I still think it's only a matter of time. Formby is an Alabama legacy and has visited several times this year. Ole Miss has made him feel like a top priority. He also likes Auburn. I think there is a good chance he jumps on board after his official visit with Alabama on June 10-12.
We will see a few other major targets in town next month as the top two offensive tackles in the country, Kadyn Proctor and Francis Mauigoa, will visit on June 10-12. Proctor visited Alabama last June. This will mark the first visit to Alabama for Mauigoa. Olaus Alinen is also scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama the same weekend. I predict Alinen to Alabama.
Myles McVay has scheduled an official visit for October 8-9. He is also working on a return visit sometime in June. I think it’s successful if Alabama can sign two of the three.
There are some other offensive linemen out there who Alabama wants to see more or at least return to campus to see where they stand. Those players include Ian Reed, Payton Kirkland, Clay Wedin and Zechariah Owens. I am sure some more will move up the list after summer camp. These are just the main ones to focus on at this time.
Defensive line
We have talked about this defensive line class as a whole for almost a year. Alabama only signed three defensive linemen in the 2022 class. Alabama has yet to add any defensive linemen in this class, but they seem in a very good position for several and who knows what may happen after visits in June and July. I probably feel the most confident right now with Peter Woods, Kelby Collins, Jordan Renaud and Elijah Davis.
Woods, Collins and Davis are life-long Alabama fans. It's a little surprising Woods has yet to commit, but he wants to enjoy official visits before making a decision. It will surprise me if this goes beyond July/August. Collins isn't in a major rush. It could happen before the season. I remain confident he will eventually select Alabama.
Davis will take his first trip to Alabama in June. He is coached by former Alabama DL Brandon Deaderick at East Mississippi. Davis told me earlier this week Alabama is recruiting him the hardest. Renaud was close to committing to Alabama after A-Day, but decided to hold off in order to take a few summer visits. This will likely come down between Alabama and Oklahoma. He can play the Jack or grow into playing defensive end.
Now this is where things start to get a little harder to predict.....
Jayden Wayne has been on the Tide's radar since last June when he participated in camp. He has returned on two other occasions and planning a visit to Alabama in June. The staff has talked to him a lot in the last few months about playing tight end. Defense is still an option. Alabama OLB coach Coleman Hutzler visited Wayne two weeks ago. Alabama likes Wayne a lot- as an athlete. I don't think they have fully determined where he will play, but he has a green light to commit.
There are three other in-state defensive end who have Alabama on their short list: Tomarrion Parker, Keldric Faulk and Hunter Osborne. Faulk's stock has moved up recently after Alabama went to see him twice during the spring evaluation period. Osborne has also made a strong impression on Alabama. Parker has been high on the Tide's board for several months. You don't want to have to turn down, but how many will Alabama take? I think it's still up in the air.
Osborne seems most likely to join Alabama's class if they decide to put on the full court press after June. A lot of evaluations next month regardless if a player has the green light to commit. It's easy to move up or down the board based on camp performance. It will surprise if Bama doesn't add one from the group (Parker, Faulk, Osborne).
Damon Wilson, teammates with Alabama commitment Elliot Washington, remains very high on the recruiting board. Expect to see him back in Tuscaloosa in June. Rueben Bain has family connections at Miami, but Alabama will make things very tough for him. He has visited Alabama twice and plans to return next month. Bain recorded 29.5 sacks during his junior season.
We will see other defensive linemen in T-Town this summer including five-star David Hicks and in-state target James Smith. Hicks visited Alabama last summer. Alabama will need to make up significant ground with Hicks (if he visits). Smith will wait until December to announce a decision. He announced a top 11 on Sunday, but the top schools in the race include Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, Miami, USC, Texas and Texas A&M. I think it comes down to Alabama and Georgia in the end.
Jordan Hall, Stephiylan Green and Xzavier McLeod have said they will visit Alabama sometime next month. Hall has received a heavy amount of attention from the Tide. All three have received visits from Alabama this spring. The biggest thing for Alabama is just getting these guys to work out in front of Coach Saban in camp. Enow Etta has been in a lot of contact with Freddie Roach, but still needs to attend camp before Alabama makes a serious push.
Edric Hill confirmed on Tuesday that he will take an official visit to Alabama on June 24-26. Hill received an offer from Alabama in November and attended Junior Day earlier this year. Alabama has increased its efforts in Hill after evaluating him this spring. We are told he has made a big move up the Tide's board. I can see him in this class.
Linebacker
I am interested to see how the rest of the linebacker class pans out in the next few months. Alabama has one commitment in Yhonzae Pierre. We will see two of Alabama's top linebacker targets visit in early June with Malik Bryant and Ronan Hanafin scheduled to return to Tuscaloosa. Alabama currently sits at the top for Bryant heading into summer officials (commitment date is July 23). Hanafin is highly regarded by the Alabama staff.
Qua Russaw announced a top 11 on Sunday. He will wait until the early signing period in December to announce a decision. Alabama will remain in his top 2-3 until the very end. Anthony Hill, the top inside linebacker in the country, will take an official visit to Alabama on June 10-12. Hill has not visited Alabama since last spring. Alabama is on the outside looking in, but getting an official is a major plus and the staff can make up a lot of ground.
We've seen several others visit Alabama this spring including Derrion Gullette, Ole Miss commitment Suntarine Perkins, Troy Bowles and Raul Aguirre. All are targets for the Tide with Aguirre, Gullette and Perkins as more likely candidates for the Tide. Aguiree will take an official visit on June 10-12. Gullette is very high on Alabama's recruiting board. The biggest hurdle is getting him out of Texas.
Perkins received an offer earlier this year from Alabama (after his commitment to the Rebels). He has expressed a lot of interest in Alabama including a trip to Tuscaloosa during spring practice. He plans on visiting Alabama again in June. Bai Jobe also visited Alabama during the spring, but will need to come back for camp.
Jaiden Ausberry participated in Alabama's camp last summer. Alabama recently attended his practice. I am hearing the staff's interest in Ausberry continues to grow. He will likely return for camp next month. I think there is a good chance we begin to see a major push after the next evaluation. Alabama recently offered Semaj Bridgeman from Philadelphia. The Tide recruited his former teammate, Enai White, last cycle. The hope is that he will come to camp.
Alabama was hoping to get Nycholas Harbor on campus this spring, but track events sidelined him from taking many trips. There is still hope he will visit. Michigan and USC seem to have his attention. We will see if he schedules a visit. Alabama remains in close contact with a few other edge rushers in Notre Dame commitment Keon Keeley, Matayo Uiagalelei and Colton Vasek.
Keeley visited Alabama in late January. He is still talking to Alabama and working on a return trip to Tuscaloosa. Uiagalelei visited Alabama in April. He also camped at Alabama last summer. There is definitely a lot of interest, but many believe he will stay on the West Coast. Alabama appears as a strong contender. His father, Dave, is a big Nick Saban fan. Expect Alabama to receive at least one more visit from Uiagalelei before he makes a decision.
Defensive back
I am going to start off with the two Alabama DB commitments- Jahlil Hurley and Elliot Washington. There has been plenty of speculation this spring after Hurley visited Auburn, and Washington visited Michigan State that flips were about to take place. Washington has since squashed those rumors and said his commitment to Alabama remains firm. He may enjoy more visits this summer, but he has re-affirmed to the Crimson Tide his commitment is solid.
Many expected Hurley to flip to Auburn after multiple visits to the Plains this spring. Hurley tweeted a few weeks ago how he was not doing any interviews. I know some are certain he will flip, and I think there was a time when it was certainly about to happen. I don't know what's going on in Hurley's mind, but have heard his family prefers Alabama. I think there is a little more confidence on the Alabama side the will stick, but this one probably is not over until December.
(This is not about a particular recruit. Just in general- the NIL stuff in the last several months has been pretty wild (wild west). A LOT of top recruits have been receiving promises on significant NIL deals. Some schools get more of the spotlight- A&M, Texas, USC, Miami, etc.., but plenty of other NIL Collectives from various programs are doing the same thing. It's hard to predict what a recruit will do when significant $ for NIL is being tossed around to these kids.
It looks like a crackdown on booster-led NIL Collectives will happen, but I am sure most will figure out a way around it for the big money deals to continue. NIL was created for college athletes IN college, not to lure top recruits and get them deals before they ever step foot on campus. You are naive to think it wasn't going to go in that direction. I am probably more surprised at how quickly and how big these NIL deals have become especially for HS kids. Just a completely different world we live in now.)
Cormani McClain, the top cornerback in the country, had Alabama at the top of his list after a spring visit to Tuscaloosa. It's now a very tight race between Alabama and Florida. McClain will return to Alabama next month. There is definitely a lot of pressure to go to Florida, but don't concede him to the Gators just yet. This is a major battle between the two. I remember a few years ago when everyone wanted to concede Terrion Arnold to UF or UGA or Pat Surtain II to LSU.
I don't want to say the door is completely closed yet on AJ Harris because he is in communication with the staff. He also attended the A-Day game. I consider him a long shot, but we'll see if he makes it back to T-Town next month. Tony Mitchell is another in-state star has named multiple schools as his favorite in the last six months (Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M). Alabama is still recruiting him, but if another DB or two decide to jump on board before he makes a decision a spot in the Tide's class may no longer be available.
Alabama appears in very good shape for Makari Vickers who is expected to drop his top schools later this month. Vickers will return to Tuscaloosa in June, and we may see a commitment happen before the start of his senior season. I predict Vickers to Bama. Malik Muhammad is another top out-of-state cornerback high on the wish list. Muhammad has visited Alabama three times this year. I think it comes down between Alabama and Texas A&M.
Caleb Downs, the No. 1 safety in the country, is scheduled to take an official visit to Alabama on June 17-19. I think Alabama has a slight lead, but it's close. He is very high on Georgia and Ohio State. Alabama remains in heavy contact with Notre Dame safety commitment Peyton Bowen. I definitely expect him to visit Alabama this summer.
We've seen some DB offers in the last few months- Jakeem Jackson, Bryce Thornton, Warren Roberson, Jaremiah Anglin, Christian Gray, All of these guys still need to attend camp. I haven't heard as much about Joenel Aguero as I did a few months ago. We'll see if he visits, but it appears both sides are fading a little on each other. I have heard the interest has picked up more with Damari Brown. He looked very solid when the staff went to evaluate him this spring. His former teammate, Earl Little Jr., is likely in his ear every day about Alabama.
There are a lot of 'athletes' who will get evaluated during camp. So we might see some guys listed at receiver moved to the defensive backfield. We might see a DB move to offense. Just have to wait for camps to begin to get a solid idea. I definitely expect an incredible amount of prospects to visit throughout the summer; many we are not even discussing yet.
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