Alabama Crimson Tide Recruiting Update: Who Is Next?

After a slow start by the standards of some fans, Alabama has been tearing up the recruiting trail as of late. Since July 14, the Crimson Tide has picked up pledges from four prospects, all of whom are among the top 200 in the nation. Still, questions abound.

How many players will Alabama sign?

The general belief is that the Tide has room for as many as 27 recruits to this class. Since the SEC instituted a limit of 25 signings per year, teams have been allowed to “back-count” to a previous year if less than that number were signed, or in special circumstances like someone prematurely flaming out. That said, Nick Saban will not take that total just because he can.

How can Alabama take 27 when they took 25 last year and 27 the year before?

If you go back one more year, you’ll see the Tide took 21 in 2018. In addition, they have had a few flame-outs. Teams are allowed some waivers in order to get their rosters up to 85. In simplest terms, Bama can back-count on back-counts, carrying one or two over from one year to the next. Of course this takes a little creativity but is not uncommon.

How is Bama doing in Team Rankings?

In the 247sports Composite rankings, they are all the way up to the second spot behind Ohio State. They are also second in player ranking average. Unless the Buckeyes lose a couple of commits, it is going to be tough for anyone to leapfrog them.

Can Alabama flip Ohio State’s DE Tunmise Adeleye?

The Tide staff is still recruiting the No. 31 overall player but I am less than optimistic he will change his mind.

Who will be next to commit to Bama?

This is a tough question, because you never can predict the whims of a teenager. However, 5-star Damon Payne has scheduled his announcement for Sunday July 26. Alabama appears to be the favorite at this point.

What about 5-star OT Amarius Mims?

Most of the “experts” say Alabama is giving Georgia a run for their money but I’m not buying it. Mims had his commitment date (Aug. 15) picked out for at least two months. This stinks of Kirby theatrics.

What about “Koolaid”?

5-star CB GaQuincy “Koolaid” McKinstry released his top 3 on Sunday: Alabama, Auburn, and LSU. He is clearly enjoying the Twitter tease game and will probably continue. I’d be surprised if he did not pick Alabama in the end but don’t expect his announcement any time soon.

What are positions of need for Alabama?

• WR: Saban would like to take a fourth wide receiver. 4-star Brian Thomas out of Walker, LA is the top target.
• TE: Bama really needs a tight end. They appear to be closing in on 3-star Robbie Ouzts out of Rock Hill, SC. Most of their other targets are committed or favoring elsewhere. He could be announcing soon.
• DT: Getting Payne would be huge but the Tide still needs at least one more interior defensive lineman. 4-star Tim Keenan from Birmingham, AL (Ramsay) might fit that bill.
• QB: Alabama seems pretty set at quarterback but having only three scholarship signal callers on the roster is a gamble. Four is the popular number and preferably one for each class. Bama is aiming their hopes on Texas commit Jalen Milroe (Katy, TX) followed by FSU commit Luke Altmyer (Starkville, MS). I’m not confident that either of them are willing to flip at this time. More than likely, Alabama will have to take a late flyer on a lower rated guy who may have promise, a la Layne Hatcher or perhaps a grad transfer (?).
• DB: In addition to McKinstry, the Tide would like more depth in the secondary. Alabama has made up ground on Florida for 5-star Jason Marshall. 4-star safety Terrion Arnold and juco CB Khyree Jackson are other names that have some buzz.
• RB: Alabama has put out feelers to a good deal of running backs. Can you blame those prospects for looking the other way after getting ahold of the Tide depth chart? It is difficult to pinpoint the top target because there does not appear to be one. It is possible the Tide goes without signing a RB in this class, especially with 5-star Emmanuel Henderson from Hartford, AL coming up in 2022.

Anyone else?

Alabama has had a nice string of 4-year starting long-snappers with Carson Tinker, Cole Mazza, and now senior Thomas Fletcher. Although listed as a tight end, 3-star Rocco Underwood (Lake Mary, FL) looks like he could be the next in line. His decision is expected to come down to Alabama and Florida.

If you had to pick the final ten+ for this class, who would they be?

1. Damon Payne
2. GaQuincy “Koolaid” McKinstry
3. SDE Monkell Goodwine
4. OLB Xavian Sorey
5. WR: one of Brian Thomas, Malcolm Johnson or wild card.
6. QB: one of Jalen Milroe, Luke Altmyer, or wild card (Kaden McMullen?).
7. Tim Keenan
8. Robbie Ouzts
9. Rocco Underwood
10. DB: Some combination of Jason Marshall, Terrion Arnold, and Khyree Jackson.

As with most things going on around the world, college football recruiting is navigating through uncharted waters. The coaching staffs have adapted and altered their processes to work around the difficulties. Some recruits have figured out that they will not be able to wait and take official visits before announcing the college of their choice. For those young men, they get to choose among suitors. For those who delay, they may no longer have an offer available to them. Numbers are getting tight and we are still in July.