Alabama Football Recruiting: 4 Class of 2014 Cornerbacks to Watch
With the Alabama Crimson Tide landing the top recruiting class of 2013, Tide fans can breathe a sigh of relief. Not so for head coach Nick Saban, who has already had his eye on the class of 2014 for a while.
The upcoming cornerback class looks to be one of the best in recent memory, and with Alabama set to lose both starters in 2013, the Crimson Tide is expected to take at least two to three commitments. Here are four to keep an eye on:
Marlon Humphrey
6’1” 190 lb
Birmingham, AL
Many regard Humphrey as the best pure cornerback prospect to come out of high school over the last five to six years. He was named 1st team All-State in football, and recently set several state records in Track and Field. On February 2nd of this year, Humphrey ran the 60 meter hurdles in 7.80 seconds; the fastest time recorded in the United States this year. Alabama has several built in advantages that should help them land Humphrey:
1. Nick Saban’s specialty is sending defensive backs to the NFL.
2. The University of Alabama is only a short drive from Birmingham.
3. Marlon is the son of one of the most famous running backs in Alabama history, Bobby Humphrey.
Barring a complete bungling of Humphrey’s recruitment, he should sign with the Tide next February.
Jabrill Peppers
6’1” 205 lb
Paramus, NJ
In 2011, Peppers was named the U.S. Air Force National Sophomore of the Year. Although listed as a cornerback, Peppers is seen as a dynamic playmaker who could end up on either side of the ball once he reaches college. He possesses a high football IQ and was the defensive leader of a team that spent much of the 2012 season ranked No. 1 in the country. With an entire season of high school football remaining, Peppers has already amassed over 50 Division 1 scholarship offers. The tea leaves are nearly impossible to read on this one, but many seem to think Michigan may be the early leader.
Tony Brown
6’0” 190 lb
Beaumont, TX
Brown’s position in college depends on where he decides to play. If he ends up at LSU or Alabama, he’ll most likely end up at cornerback. If he ends up at Ohio State or USC, he’s most likely destined to man one of the safety spots. Brown comes from a family of athletes as his father played football at Texas Tech and Purdue, and his sister recently committed to run track at LSU. Brown is considered one of the fastest prospects in the country for 2014 and he recently helped back up that notion by running a 4.4 40 on a timed track. Top recruits are always tough to pull away from the Longhorn State, and Brown will be no exception.
Stephen Roberts
6’0” 175 lb
Opelika, AL
Roberts has flown under the radar a bit, but that should change with a few solid performances during summer camps. Roberts joined Marlon Humphrey on the 6A All-State team as he recorded 4 interceptions – 3 for touchdowns – during the 2012 season. Currently the Crimson Tide are the only team to offer Roberts a scholarship, although a multitude of offers are expected to come flooding in over the summer. Alabama is expected to be the team to beat for Roberts signature.