BAMA RECRUITING UPDATE

BAMA RECRUITING UPDATE

Tide needs to finish strong on the DL
As the home stretch of recruiting nears, one of the Tide’s highest priorities is addressing its needs on the defensive line. Alabama is expected to sign at least five defensive linemen, and could possibly sign up to six or seven.
Alabama has commitments from three defensive linemen, including Quinnen Williams of Birmingham-Wenonah, Kendell Jones of Killeen-Shoemaker, TX and Raekwon Davis of Meridian, MS.
There’s been some speculation about the academic status of Davis and Jones. The Tide staff is expected to make a thorough evaluation of Davis’ academic standing within the next week or so. Davis continues to look at other schools, including FSU, LSU, Mississippi State and Ole Miss. If he projects to qualify, we think he’ll stick with Bama. Sources are confident that Jones will qualify.
Alabama is in the mix with several other outstanding defensive linemen. The bad news is that the Tide will be engaged in some serious recruiting battles for those prospects when things heat up between January 15 and national signing day on February 3.
At this point, it’s virtually impossible to predict which defensive linemen will ultimately end up signing with the Tide. But here’s a quick update of some of the top targets.

DE JEFFERY SIMMONS
6-4, 275, 4.8
Macon, MS / Noxubee County HS
UA offer

Since last winter we have felt that Jeffery Simmons would end up being one of the most hotly recruited defensive linemen in the country. Simmons is an elite prospect who could make an early impact for the Tide next season.
Simmons has visited Tuscaloosa numerous times over the past year. He’s slated to make an official to UA on January 22. Simmons is also planning visits to Mississippi State (1/15) and Ole Miss (1/29).
The Rebels are extremely confident on Simmons. Ole Miss feels they lead. But Alabama and Mississippi State are still definitely in the mix.

DL MICHAL CARTER
6-4, 316, 4.98
Jackson, GA / Jackson HS
UA offer

It’s likely to come down to an Alabama-Georgia battle for Michail Carter. A year ago, Carter seemed to be all Georgia. But after he had a great summer camp in Tuscaloosa, the Tide started turning for Bama.
Keep an eye on the Tide here. Chances appear to be very good.

DL NICK COE
6-6, 260, 4.9
Asheboro, NC / Asheboro HS
Committed to Auburn
UA offer

A defensive lineman worth keeping a close eye on is Auburn commit Nick Coe. Coe is vastly underrated by most of the network services, but he’s highly regarded by college coaches. Coe has tremendous potential to develop into a standout in college.

DL DERRICK BROWN
6-5, 319, 5.28
Sugar Hill, GA / Lanier HS
UA offer

Derrick Brown, a highly heralded prospect had a great official visit to Alabama back on December 12. The Tide moved solidly into the mix for Brown following the visit.
With visits remaining to Georgia (1/15), Auburn (1/22) and Tennessee (1/29), it’s still a bit early to predict exactly Bama’s chances. But, for now, the Tide is in the middle of it.

DE CONNOR MURPHY
6-7, 250, 5.1
Phoenix, AZ / Brophy Prep
UA offer

The Tide extended a recent offer to Connor Murphy. The standout defensive end is considering Michigan, Oregon, Stanford and USC, among others. Murphy is likely to set a visit to Alabama for later this month.

DE JONATHAN KONGBO
6-5, 265, 4.7
Yuma, AZ / Arizona Western CC
Committed to Tennessee
UA offer

Alabama has made strides with JUCO star Jonathan Kongbo. Kongbo, who is committed to Tennessee, is a top junior college DL prospect with three years to play. He’s been in recent contact with Tide assistants Bo Davis and Jeremy Pruitt and with Nick Saban.
It might not become clear exactly where Alabama stands until Kongbo visits later this month.

DL ROSS BLACKLOCK
6-3, 315, 5.0
Missouri City, TX / Elkins HS

Ross Blacklock plans to make an official visit to UA on January 15. The Tide staff wants to take a closer look at Blacklock during the visit. A firm offer might possibly come at that point. Blacklock is also considering TCU and Texas A&M.

DL JAMAR KING
6-5, 285, 4.9
Ukiah, CA / Mendocino College
UA offer

Another junior college standout slated to visit is Jamar King. The Tide is bringing several prospects, including King, to campus for further evaluation. King will visit Alabama on January 22. He plans to visit Ohio State on January 29.

DL RASHARD LAWRENCE
6-2, 305, 5.21
Monroe, LA / Neville HS
UA offer

At one point, the Tide led for Rashard Lawrence. For now, it appears unlikely that he’ll end up at UA.