Tide Targets Announcing This Week and Predictions

Who: Jalen Tabor
When: January 2nd at the Under Armour All-American game
Where: Alabama or Arizona
Watch: 2012 Highlights

Once thought to be a heavy lean to local school Maryland, this rangy cornerback is down to just the Arizona Wildcats and the Alabama Crimson Tide. He took in a game day experience during his official visit to Arizona on November 15th, while choosing a more personal trip after the season to Bama December 13th. Tabor’s game thrives off his physicality and his elite level ball skills, having the hands receivers wish they had. The Crimson Tide’s NFL-style defense and it’s 1st class program has his eye, while he enjoys the home type atmosphere and early playing time opportunity for the Wildcats. Teammate and best friend, RB Jon Haden, is also committed to playing out west for the Cats. Parents are in favor of Tabor donning the Crimson colors for the Tide. Early enrollee. Prediction: Alabama

Who: Leonard Fournette
When: January 2nd at the Under Armour All-American game
Where: Alabama, LSU, or Texas
Watch: 2013 Highlights

A star since he first touched the football his freshman year at St. Augustine, the 4 year recruiting saga will come to a close Thursday when Fournette announces his college destination at the Under Armour All-American game. Alabama or LSU being his likely choice, but Texas made an impression during his offical to keep them in the running. This powerful RB has close ties to both LSU RB coach Frank Wilson and Alabama RB coach Burton Burns, both St. Augustine alumnus. Academics will play a vital role in his final decision moreso than a depth chart, planned major in a field of engineering. Considered one of the best RB prospects in the last 10 years. Prediction: LSU

Who: Tony Brown
When: January 2nd at the Under Armour All-American game
Where: Alabama, LSU, Texas, Ohio State, or USC
Watch: 2013 Highlights

A 2 sport star with Olympic aspirations in track, the Beaumont, Texas native will task himself with juggling both at his college of choice. Known for his first class speed and unique hairstyles, Brown has whittled down his options to 5 schools. His sister, Beloved, runs track already for the Bayou Bengals, while his mother has spoken out about her preference to the Crimson Tide. Ohio State remains the wildcard, as rumors started earlier this week stated his new home may very well be the Buckeye state. Took in the Bama-LSU game November 9th for his official visit to Bama, while opting for a post regular season visit to LSU December 3rd. Early enrollee. Prediction: LSU but still close

Who: Travis Rudolph
When: January 2nd at the Under Armour All-American game
Where: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, FSU and Miami
Watch: 2013 Highlights

Once a Miami commitment, the 4* WR reopened his recruitment back in March. Rudolph took an official visit to Tuscaloosa on December 13th and had Coach Nick Saban and Coach Bobby Williams on an in home visit the day before. Shortly after his official, Rudolph announced that his leader was Alabama citing a great chance to play at the Capstone in the next 2 years with the amount of wide receivers Alabama will lose. Some are speculating that Rudolph naming the Tide his leader may very well be him building some excitement for his announcement. If Rudolph does indeed commit to Alabama or one of his other choices, expect FSU to continue recruiting him. All of his other finalists have used their in home visit but Jimbo Fisher still has his to use. Prediction: Alabama

Who: Matt Elam
When: January 4th at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl
Where: Alabama and Kentucky
Watch: 2012 Highlights

Things seem to be trending towards Kentucky for the big man from Elizabethtown, KY. The Wildcats believed to have gained the edge during Elam’s official visit to Lexington on December 13. According to Elam, he is still torn about his decision and really doesn’t know which school he will announce for in San Antonio. Elam told 247Sports that he currently feels more comfortable at Kentucky right now. It should also be noted that Kentucky QB commit Drew Barker is Elam’s friend. He also said that he feels closer to Coach Lance Thompson but yet feels closer to Kentucky’s recruiting staff as a whole. 247Sports also reported that even if Elam commits to Kentucky, there is a chance of him taking an official to Alabama before National Signing Day. Will staying home and playing in state win over playing for a prestigious program? Prediction: Kentucky but still close

Who: Brian Wallace
When: January 4th at the U.S. Army All-American Bowl
Where: Alabama and Arkansas
Watch: 2012 Highlights

The experts have been raving about Wallace’s play during the practices for the U.S. All-American Bowl. Ideal for a tackle, surprising strength and quick feet. Bobby Burton from 247Sports said Wallace’s performance has been outstanding and that he may be the best one there. He is focused on the school as a whole and not just football. Wallace came to Tuscaloosa for his official on December 13 and went to Arkansas on December 6. The St Louis offensive tackle said Arkansas gave him a home feeling but he was extremely impressed with Alabama after hearing about it from other folks. Alabama is believed to be leading as of now but Arkansas is still in it. Prediction: Alabama

Remember on recruiting that things can change rather quickly. These predictions are only where we believe the recruit is leaning toward at the time of publishing. Keep an eye on The Houndztooth Message Board for all the latest leading up to the 2 All Star games coming up on Thursday and Saturday. Magilla was a contributor to this update.