DAMEON PIERCE Sold on Bama’s greatness

DAMEON PIERCE Sold on Bama’s greatness

The Crimson Tide picked up a big commitment for the 2018 class last week when Bainbridge, GA star Dameon Pierce chose Alabama. The 5-11, 208-pound running back selected Bama over Auburn, Florida, FSU and Georgia, among others.

“I had thought about it and felt that I knew where I wanted to go,” Pierce says. “The overall greatness of the program was really the main thing in my decision. They’re all about winning and developing every player to his potential.”

As a sophomore last season, Pierce ran for 2,064 yards and 34 touchdowns.

“I love Coach Burns. He’s quite a character,” Pierce says. “He’s a great coach and he’s all about bettering his running backs. I think Alabama is a great fit for me. Coach Sabam said that I fit the kind of running back they want. It just seems like it’s a good fit for me.”

Pierce knows that his commitment is not going to slow down recruiters, especially Georgia’s Kirby Smart, who played his high school ball at Bainbridge.

“For the most part, I’ve made up my mind,” Pierce says. “I know where I want to be. I’m pretty sure I want to further myself at Alabama. I’m excited about it.”

High Tide Sports

RECRUITING ROUNDUP

Bama is after another terrific class

Alabama isn’t completely out of the picture for highly-touted running back Cam Akers. The former Tide commit from Clinton, MS is expected to visit Tuscaloosa this month. Over the last two weeks, Akers has been to FSU, Tennessee, Ole Miss and Ohio State. Ole Miss sources remain confident about the Rebs chances.

TIGHT END IS A PRIORITY

Tight end is a key position in this recruiting class. Jimmy Jaggers of Roseville, CA was recently in Tuscaloosa and picked up an offer. A tight end to keep a very close eye on is Bullard, TX star Major Tennison. The 6-6, 245-pound Tennison is a Texas commit who is looking around. He’s slated to visit UA soon.

BAMA EXPECTS BIG RECEIVER HAUL

Alabama picked a huge commitment in June from Lewisville, TX wide receiver Tyrell Shavers. Word is that the Tide staff was a bit surprised, and highly pleased, when the 6-6, 200-pound star pulled the trigger during an unofficial visit. Shavers has definite star potential.

Alabama is still in great shape with other high profile receivers, including Henry Ruggs of Montgomery-Lee, DeVonta Smith of Amite, LA and Jerry Jeudy of Deerfield Beach, FL.

Ruggs is expected to commit to Alabama in August. Smith is considered a virtual Tide lock. The Tide has been the longtime leader for Jeudy, but Miami continues to push.

Clay-Chalkville standout Nico Collins also remains a strong target.

The elusive Jeff Thomas of East St. Louis, IL was highly impressive at the Tide’s recent 7-on-7 camp. If Thomas takes care of his homework next fall, he’ll be another one to keep a close eye on.

DEFENSIVE LINE IS A HUGE PRIORITY

A huge priority for the 2017 class is the defensive line. Right now, it appears that Alabama is in very good shape with two outstanding in-state DLs — LaBryan Ray of Madison-James Clemens and Ryan Johnson of Mobile-St. Paul’s.

Some think that Fayetteville, AR standout DL Akial Byers is a difference-maker. Byers visited Alabama last month. He’s expected to return with his mother in July. Alabama, FSU and Ohio State are atop his list.

Leesburg, GA star Aubrey Solomon recently committed to Michigan, but several sources don’t think that will stick. Alabama and Georgia have been strongly in the mix with Solomon.

LATEST ON THE SECONDARY

The Tide continues to be in position to flip Jacksonville-Trinity Christian, FL star corner Shaun Wade from Ohio State. Wade plans to wait until after his senior season to announce a final decision.

Another corner very high on Alabama’s board is A.J. Terrell of Atlanta-Westlake. Terrell has a top six of Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Georgia, Florida and South Carolina. The Tide feels good about it chances with both Wade and Terrell.

Alabama is also in very good shape with Concord, NC star Hamsah Nasirildeen. The tall, rangy safety is  an incredible athlete. He’s slated to visit Tuscaloosa sometime this month.