Jumbo Package: NCAA signs off on current players participating in recruiting calls

Happy Thursday, everyone. The NCAA has nothing better to do, so they keep passing stuff.

Current student-athletes may now participate in recruiting calls with coaches, as long as that time counts against the eight hours of countable athletics related activity.

Committed prospective student-athletes may participate in virtual team activities after completion of all academic requirements for high school graduation or transfer to a Division I school. Uncommitted prospects can observe on one occasion.

According to reports out of Knoxville and Opelika, that rule allowing current players to participate on recruiting calls came as a direct result of Alabama’s slow start in the 2021 recruiting cycle. That should be interesting.

The Tide is favored to win the SEC, largely because of... assistant coach continuity?

Granted, some of the departures were key players, but Dylan Moses returns at interior linebacker, Najee Harris could be poised for a record-setting season at running back, and there’s always Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith at wide receiver.

That’s a lot of returning firepower.

Talent is one of three good reasons why Alabama is the odds-on favorite to not only come out on top in the Southeastern Conference again, but return to the College Football Playoff.

Another is that the Crimson Tide nearly kept its entire coaching staff from last season, something it hasn’t done in quite a while.

If ever there was a year to bring back the whole staff, this is it. Alabama should be able to get off to a fast start, particularly getting back the defensive signal caller Dylan Moses plus QB Mac Jones.

Of course, Mac isn’t the only QB in town.

Yes, it’s possible — and even probable — that rising redshirt junior Mac Jones will be the starter in 2020. In fact, Jones has earned that right based off his performance to close the 2019 season. But that doesn’t mean Young won’t be ready if called upon.

Expect the freshman phenom to emerge as one of college football’s elite quarterbacks — and overall players — within the next couple of years (if not sooner).

Bryce will probably be heard from at some point this season.

Hey, the Raiders’ SB Nation site has invited us to a watch party!

Oh. Yeah, f*** that.

Last, C.J. Mosley had some nice words for high school seniors.

“All the stuff that we missed,” Mosley said, “all the stuff that we was looking forward to this summer, this spring, we can’t get those back. But just remember that drive and that energy that you was looking forward to and when that time comes when we can go back outside and do what we love to do, whether it’s going to school like I said, get ready to go to college, playing professional sports, collegiate sports, whatever it is, just have that same drive, that same energy that you’ve been building up this whole time – just go for it. I want you guys to be great.”

Mosley is recovering from a major groin injury suffered last season. Hopefully he gets well and shows out again as he is capable.

That’s about it for now. Have a great day.

Roll Tide.