Alabama 2014 Football Recruiting Update: January 24 & 31

This recruiting weekend will not be as big as last week (see above) but it is no less important. The Crimson Tide has 24 commitments with 8 enrolled. It is possible they may get as many as three more new commitments by National Signing Day on February 5.

(Remember that all verbal commitments are non-binding and any recruit is free to change his mind at any time up until he signs his name on the the dotted line. And even then...)

UNDECIDED VISITING THIS WEEKEND:

Marlon Humphrey CB (6-1/175) Hoover (Birmingham, AL) - Have you heard of this guy? This five-star, #1 cornerback, and top 10 overall player in the nation also happens to be the son of legendary Alabama running back Bobby Humphrey. He has whittled his choices down to the Tide and Florida State. He was in Tallahassee last weekend. Needless to say, this weekend needs to be a knockout.

Elisha Shaw DT (6-4.5/295) Tucker (GA) - Once upon a time, Shaw was a 4-star high on many SEC schools' lists. Since then, he suffered a neck injury and has yet to be cleared to play. In addition, he has had issues in the classroom that needed to be addressed. He has lost a star and I am not sure Alabama is willing to take a gamble on him being able to play someday (anyone remember Darius Paige?).

Bryson Allen-Williams OLB (6-1/222) Cedar Grove (Ellenwood, GA) - I have my doubts that this South Carolina commit is serious about Bama.

COMMITTED VISITING THIS WEEKEND:

Dominick Jackson OT (6-7/304) College of San Mateo (CA) - Did I mention that this guy is 6-foot-7? Video Originally, it was thought that he would graduate in December and enroll at Alabama in January but that did not happen. There has been some concern as to whether he will qualify but after Nick Saban paid Jackson a visit on Wednesday, there is more confidence among all parties that he will qualify and enroll in the summer. Expect Jackson to compete for a starting job.

O.J. Smith DT (6-2/320) Airline (Bossier City, LA) - Smith is another one who has work to do in the classroom. He is quick and a good run-stuffer who uses his hands very well.

Johnny Dwight DT (6-2.5/303) Wilcox County (Rochelle, GA) - Kirby Smart paid Dwight a visit this past Tuesday. There is no reason to think he signs anywhere other than Alabama.

JANUARY 31 - MIAMI HEAT

Chad Thomas WDE (6-5/240) Booker T. Washington (Miami, FL) - Offensive Line Coach Mario Cristobal has been tearing up the recruiting trail in South Florida. He has mostly been visiting 2015 players but also reached out to this 5-star Miami commit. It will be tough to tear Thomas away from the 'Canes but at least he convinced him to visit Tuscaloosa. At his size and with his speed, Thomas would fit into what Saban and Smart are tying to accomplish as an edge rusher. Stay tuned...

Terry McCray ILB (6-2/215) Blanche Ely (Pompano Beach, FL) - I am not really sure what this visit is about. McCray is a three-star and I don't believe he even has an offer from the Tide as of yet. However, he mentioned in an interview that he had made a friendship with Chad Thomas. This fellow Miami commitment is listed as an inside linebacker but at 205-215 he might need to bulk up. He is athletic with good quickness but his pass coverage skills are suspect.

IMHO

Nick Saban will finish strong as always. I don't expect anyone to flip away except maybe at the lower end or if someone's academics look like an issue. Humphrey and Matt Elam are the main targets. Thomas and Rashaan Evans are dark horses but not impossibilities. Lastly, I have a feeling that Saban might have a trick up his sleeve that nobody saw coming.

* Note: I done broke down and got me a Twitter account. I just hope I have something interesting to say. NO POLITICS!