ALABAMA FOOTBALL // Newcomers Making Early Impressions

ALABAMA FOOTBALL // Newcomers making early impressions

While there is not a lot of buzz going around right now, we are hearing positive feedback on Alabama’s incoming group of newcomers. Generally speaking, the group has made a strong first impression. One source Told Tider Insider’s Rodney Orr that the newcomers are “the story” of early summer workouts.

It is no surprise that most of the early buzz surrounds Jaylen Waddle. Waddle is turning heads daily with his hands, speed, acceleration, change of direction and overall athleticism. The Bellaire-Episcopal, TX product has chance to make an early splash as a slot receiver/kick returner.

One area where newcomers have a chance to make a major mark is in the secondary. Alabama signed four high school DBs and a junior college player in the 2018 class. We’re hearing that all have been impressive in the voluntary workouts and seven-on-seven. “Very athletic and very phyiscal,” is how one source described the group, which includes Partick Surtain, Joshua Jobe, Eddie Smith, Jalyn Armour-Davis and JUCO transfer Saivion Smith

Saivion Smith went through spring drills, so we know more about him. He will almost surely start at right corner. He still has some learning to do, but he finished spring in strong fashion.

When it comes to pure man cover skills, Joshua Jobe might be the best of the bunch. He has a lot to learn, but word is that he sticks like glue in man coverage.

In our “Five Newcomers to Watch” update a few weeks ago, we listed Surtain #1. Part of the reason we had him atop the list was because of the need Alabama has in the secondary. Surtain is big, fast and physical. We hear that he has already shown a nasty streak.

We are told that OLB signee Jordan Davis of Memphis is still trying to gain eligibility. Davis retook the ACT two weeks ago.

A former NFL player, who did not play at Alabama but who has had the opportunity to watch JUCO transfer DL Tevita Musika, tells TI that Musika should be a strong contributor on Bama’s interior. He raves about Muiska’s size (thick and solid looking) and says that he has good, quick feet.

ALABAMA FOOTBALL

Recruiting Notes

Alabama landed a big 2019 commitment from Forest Park, GA defensive end Justin Eboigbe recently. The 6-4, 268-pounder is rated a four-star and among the nation’s top 125 prospects. Athletically, Eboigbe reminds us a bit of former Tide DL DaShawn Hand when Hand was the #1 player coming out of HS. The big difference is that Eboigbe seems to play with more intensity and desire (higher motor) than Hand did.

WR JOHN METCHIE

2019 WR John Metchie is a player to keep a close eye on. He had a great official visit to Alabama a couple of weekends ago. We’re told that the Tide feels very strongly about its position with the 6-0, 190-pounder.

DL DEMARVIN LEAL

Texas A&M four-star DL commit Demarvin Leal also made an official visit to Alabama. Many think the 6-4, 280-pounder ranks up there with Bama DL commit Antonio Alfano as very elite DLs in the 2019 class. Under new coach Jimbo Fisher, the Aggies are unified for now. Pulling Leal out of Converse-Judson, TX might be very difficult. But Alabama certainly left a strong impression on Leal during his visit.

LB NAKOBE DEAN

The nation’s top inside backer had a great visit to Bama. Dean has made some recent visits to Georgia that have those who follow the Bulldogs convinced they are the favorite. But the 6-0, 215-pound Dean does not plan to make a decision until December. So this one will play out over time. Based on what we hear, we feel very good about Alabama’s position.

SAFETY DAXTON HILL

Tider Insider’s Rodney Orr has been saying for a while that Tulsa-Washington, OK five-star safety Daxton Hill is truly an elite prospect. There simply aren’t many safeties out there with the talent that Hill has. Hill keeps it close to the vest, but there is no doubt that Alabama is a serious threat to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, among others. In fact, some Oklahoma sources think that Bama is the favorite.

QB TAULIA TAGOVAILOA

In an attempt to alleviate concern about Taulia Tagovailoa’s visits to Tennessee, sources tell us that Taulia has kept the Alabama staff abreast of every visit/planned visits in advance. Taulia remains fully committed to Alabama. That won’t keep Tennessee, LSU and others from trying to sway the Alabaster-Thompson star. But, at this point, there is absolutely zero indication from Taulia that his commitment to Alabama is not solid.