Alabama Recruiting: Signing Day Cometh

Alabama had a bonanza Early Signing Period Day signing 25 prospects to the top ranked 2021 class. But it’s not over yet. National Signing Day will be in two weeks, Feb 3. Despite the apparent full class and a greyshirt, the Crimson Tide received another commitment and they are still in the hunt for a few others.

BAMA MELTDOWN!

Monday’s Jumbo Package contained an awful large number of readers wringing their hands about the state of the program because a few assistants have left for other jobs - some going as far as saying the run is over. Seven days after Bama won #18. Let me repeat: Seven days after Bama won #18.

Well, I’d like to take a shot at quelling your fears. No, the Brockermeyer twins and Jalen Milroe are not going to renege on their LOIs or use their one-time transfer to follow Steve Sarkisian and Kyle Flood to Austin. Nor will anyone Charles Huff was recruiting split because he did.

I covered this a little bit in my JP comment, but let me expound further. When it comes to recruiting, every prospect has a primary recruiter who is the main person who builds a relationship and stays in contact. If there has ever been a time when a major recruit has changed his mind after a commitment just because his primary recruiter left the program, I have not heard of it. There are so many other people that the recruits meet and stay in contact with. Among them are secondary recruiters, position coaches, and even analysts like Butch Jones and Tino Sunseri who are part of the process. In addition, they meet Jeff Allen (medical), David Ballou (S&C), Matt Rhea (S&C), and Amy Bragg (nutrition). Then there are host players, position players, academic advisors and professors. So many other aspects go into convincing a recruit to make his decision. And just as an added layer of salve, there have been no face-to-face recruiting allowed this year (except maybe at Tennessee). So, how strong a relationship can someone have with their primary recruiter that they would give up a chance to play for Alabama to go somewhere else?

“BTW, Mike Locksley was named Recruiter of the Year for 2019. I’d say Bama recovered pretty well after he left.”

Remember when uber-recruiter Kirby Smart left how the crootin world was going to cave in on Alabama? How about when Mario Cristobal took off? Or Tosh Lupoi? While I am sure all these guys are good recruiters, it is the product that sells. It’s easier to sell a billionaire on a Lamborghini than it is a Hyundai.

All better? Okay. Let’s move on.

SIGNED & ENROLLED

1. JC Latham OT Chicago, IL/Wisconsin (IMG) 6’6”/305, #2
2. Tommy Brockermeyer OT Fort Worth, TX 6’6”/288 #5
3. Ga’Quincy McKinstry CB Pinson, AL 6’0-5”/180 #23
4. Jacorey Brooks WR Miami, FL (IMG) 6’3”/180 #34
5. TJ Ferguson OL Fort Valley, GA 6’4”/300 #54
6. Deontae Lawson LB Mobile, AL 6’3”/215 #55
7. Agiye Hall WR Valricio, FL 6’2”/183 #56
8. Christian Leary WR Orlando, FL 5’9”/190 #68
9. Jalen Milroe QB Katy, TX 6’1.5”/192 #78
10. Monkell Goodwine DE/OLB Fort Washington, MD 6’4/260 #89
11. James Brockermeyer OG/OC Fort Worth, TX 6’3”/273 #183
12. Keanu Koht EDGE Vero Beach, FL #198
13. Ian Jackson LB Prattville, AL 6’1”/249 #235
14. Robbie Ouzts TE Rock Hill, SC 6’4”/240 #615
15. * Caden Clark TE Akron, OH - Took a greyshirt while he recovered from a knee injury.

SIGNED & SUMMER ENROLLMENT

1. Dallas Turner DE/OLB Ft. Lauderdale, FL 6’4”/235 #8
2. Damon Payne DT Belleville, MI 6’3.5”/297 #19
3. JoJo Earle WR Aledo, TX #48
4. Kendrick Blackshire LB Duncanville, TX 6’2”/245 #146
5. Kadarius Calloway DB Philadelphia, MS 6’0”/210 #151
6. Kaine Williams S Marrero, LA 6’2”/190 #171
7. Jaeden Roberts OL Houston, TX #248
8. Devonta Smith CB Cincinnati, OH 6’0”/185 #313
9. Tim Keenan DT Birmingham, AL 6’2”/364 #372
10. Khyree Jackson CB Upper Marlboro, MD 6’3”/197 #3 juco player
11. Anquin Barnes DT Montgomery, AL 6’5”/310 #521

COMMITTED, SIGNING ON 2/3/21

Camar Wheaton RB Garland, TX - 5-star, #1 running back, #26 overall - There is not much reason to think he does not sign with Bama, but ink has not touched paper as of yet. For the longest time, the “experts” had him signing with Oklahoma. The upward-trajectory of Najee Harris and the perception that Trey Sermon had to transfer away from OU to OSU to catch some eyeballs probably helped sway him away from Norman. The Sooners have no running back committed to their 2021 class and are losing their top two rushers from 2020. Don’t be surprised if Lincoln Riley makes a mad rush at Wheaton. Texas does not appear to be interested in him as they are preoccupied with trying to land the #3 ranked running back LJ Johnson (#40 overall) who Okie and Texas A&M covet as well.

UNCOMMITTED, STILL ON BAMA’S RADAR

• Brian Thomas WR Walker, LA - Alabama, Texas A&M, LSU, UGA. - Even with four of the top nine 2021 receivers signed, Alabama would like to add this 4-star to the herd. If he goes elsewhere, the Tide is not expected to look for a replacement WR to sign in his stead.
• Terrion Arnold S Tallahassee, FL - Florida, Alabama, UGA - Oh my, this Alabama class needs a safety. The Tide has been on this 4-star for a looooong time and there are not too many other possibilities at safety out there unless Nick Saban can find a gem in the juco ranks.
• J.T. Tuimoloau SDE Sammamish, WA - Ohio State, Alabama, Oregon, UW - I am less than optimistic the Tide will land the nation’s #2 player but after Wheaton’s announcement and the Tide hoisting another Big Beer Tap Trophy, ya never know. Is he good? Yes. Is he a take? Yes. Can Saban find a way to add all three of these guys? Yes.
• Mystery Recruit - I like to add this because there always seems to be one who pops at the last moment. Whether it is Josh Jacobs or A’Shawn Robinson, never turn your back on Saban thinking he is done. Don’t hold me to it but one possibility could be DT Tywone Malone.

ROLL TIDE

#NSD21