On Wednesday, the Crimson Tide had another spectacular signing day. Alabama signed 25 prospects and got consensus. 1 listed class. But is Nick Saban Finished?
The Tide ticked several needs off their list, but probably needs a few hotter bodies. They are looking to add at least one more cornerback and could probably use another inside defensive tackle. The problem is finding them after a large majority of freshmen have already signed their letter of intent. The tight end could be another target, but the feeling is that this could be resolved with a transfer.
CORNER BACK
There are discussions about this old starting corner Terrion Arnold could be moved to safety, a position that most observers believed would be his intended place when he arrived at the Capstone. But out of sheer need, he was the best and healthiest of the bunch and got the starting job. Another open question is whether Eli Ricks will return to Bama for one more season. The junior really only had one standout game (Miss. State) and would likely be better served by getting more highlights on his reel.
On Wednesday evening, Saban addressed the press and addressed the issue of the corner.
There are four DBs there. I think we’ll try a few guys around the corner. I think all guys are capable of playing safety or star. I think corner is one of the hardest positions to find, and it’s always something we’re going to keep looking for.
SIGN
These four include security Caleb Downs who is 6’0″ 183 and ranked No. 6 overall by the 247 Composite Sports Rankings and is already training with the team. He should have an immediate impact in high school and could very well be a starter.
Cornerback Jahlil Hurley (6’3” 170, #38) is also an excellent prospect. Tony Mitchell (6’2” 190, #54) will likely get a glimpse of several different positions. ATH Brayson Hubbard (6’2” 185) was a two-way starter at quarterback and safety. He might need time to develop as defense is still somewhat new to him.
By Marco Hellams has already accepted an invitation to play in the 2023 senior bowl. Battle of Jordan, Brian’s Branch, and Ricks still has a business decision to make. Battle should make the jump. Branch and Ricks are 50-50. There were also rumblings that Malachi Moore He could be looking to transfer or move to the pros, although that could just be internet rumours.
REMAINING TARGETS
In an interesting development, CB 5 stars Cormani McClain (6’2” 165) did not sign with Miami on Wednesday. The Twitterverse assumed he was looking up Deion Sander Circus in Colorado. But there have been rumors that Alabama may be back in contention for the No. 1.2 overall prospect. It is said that he could wait until February to sign.
CB 5 stars Desmond Ricks (6’1″ 170, #23) was considered a slam dunk for USL but my how things can change in such a short time. Ricks was in touch with Alabama, Florida and LSU on Wednesday. Many RBR counterparts at LSU are feeling pessimistic at this point. Ricks is due to announce his college decision Thursday night around 5:30 p.m. CT on CBS Sports HQ.
INTERNAL DEFENSIVE LINE
SIGN
Not counting pure rushers, the Tide has signed the following:
- DL James Smith 6’3″ 310 (Montgomery, AL) #18
- DL Jordan Renaud 6’4″ 240 (Tyler, TX) #62
- DL Hunter Osborne 6’4″ 255 (Trussville, AL) #144
- DL Edric Hill 6’2″ 277 (Kansas City, Missouri) #180
It’s a good group but only Smith and Hill are the only real guys on the inside, and the latter might need to put on a few pounds.
TO RETURN OR NOT TO RETURN
Byron Young and DJ Dale are in the Senior Bowl. There have been no whispers of a defensive lineman leaving Tide, but that could change after the spring. Saban and injured Justin Eboigbe He will have to decide if he will return for a super senior season.
REMAINING TARGETS
Jordan Room announcement Thursday around 2:30 p.m. CT. The feeling is that he is going UGA. 5 stars David Hicks committed to Texas A&M, but will not sign until Friday. Alabama no longer seems to tackle either.
Perhaps there is a hidden gem in the juco ranks. Diving into the juco ranks, the Tide had the most success with defensive linemen: jesse williams, Mount Cody, Jarran Roseau, Isaiah Baggs, Quinton dial.
If not, we’ll have to watch to see if anyone interesting pops up in the transfer portal in the new year.
TIGHT END
SIGN
Thank God Alabama was able to switch Ty Lockwood (6’5” 220, #235) from ohio state. Otherwise, it could have been a big strikeout at the post. Brayson Hubbard is expected to take a look on defense, but he’s someone to consider on the road for a tight end. Since there are no good uncommitted prospects, this is a position that will definitely need to be extracted from the TP.
TO RETURN OR NOT TO RETURN
Cameron Latu is in the Senior Bowl. I know everybody loves blue collar Robbie Ouztsbut he will never be a major threat as a receiver. Amari Ninoir is promising, but the rest of this unit is under overwhelming at this point.
REMAINING TARGETS
Bama looked strong on a possible reversal of Luke Hasz from Arkansas, but Alabama had no room for his 3-star safety twin brother, Dylan. Lucky Lawson seemed to really like Alabama but stuck with Georgia – probably because of pressure. 5 stars Duce Robinson will sign somewhere else where he can get more attention.
So again, Bama will have to look at the portal. the hosted tide Maryland junior rising sleazy CJ a few weeks ago. He also visited the state of Ohio, closer to his hometown of Pennsylvania. He might not announce until January. [As a side note that probably means nothing, his younger brother, Lacota Dippre, just signed with Charlotte.]
Alabama doesn’t seem interested in trouble Eric Gilbert. No one else is on the radar yet, but we might see someone interesting in the spring.
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