Houndztooth Recruiting Report

Madison Academy’s Kerryon Johnson visited Alabama’s practice earlier this week and had the following things to say:

He was interested in seeing the changes Kiffin would be looking to make in the Tide’s offensive schemes saying,

"“It was good just to see the things that Coach Kiffin wants to do in his offense and the things he’s going to change a little bit,” Johnson says. “It was also good to see where guys fit in on offense. That was the first time I got to sit down and see a school’s offense.”"

Johnson noted that Kiffin said he will be looking to get the ball into his playmakers hands as much as possible.

"“One thing he said is that he’s going to get more touches for Amari Cooper and DeAndrew White. He’s good at getting the ball to the playmakers, and I think that’s going to really help Alabama’s offense.”"

Johnson claims to still be down to Alabama, Auburn, and FSU

He isn’t opposed to playing defense but wants a shot at offense first. All three teams have promised him a first look at running back.

He wants to make a commitment before Summer saying,

"“I wanted to commit right before summer starts. That’s still the timeframe. I have to get to the other two schools (Auburn and FSU) and check out their offenses. I want to see where I feel the most comfortable, and see which school can provide for me in every way, shape and form.”"

Pennsylvania native CB John Reid received an Alabama offer earlier this week.

Reid has offers from major programs like Michigan, Notre Dame, Penn St., and Miami.

He feels really honored to be offered as a  CB by a head coach who specializes in teaching the position. His head coach Gabe Infante added,

"“John is very grateful and excited. Obviously, when you get offered a scholarship by a program like the University of Alabama and someone like Coach Saban, and you’re a corner, and given Coach Saban’s expertise at that position, it’s a great honor. “"

How real is Reid’s interest in the Tide?

"“I think his interest in Alabama is very high,” Infante says. “He’s a corner. If you’re going to study medicine, you go to John Hopkins. If you’re going to study engineering, you go to MIT. John has aspirations other than football, but he’s a corner. I don’t know that there’s any place in the country better if you play defense, specifically corner, than Alabama with Coach Saban. When the best person in the business recognizes you, that has an extremely strong appeal. “"

His coach says Reid wants to visit Alabama soon.

He says Reid will commit when it feels right to him.

Destrehan, Louisiana Athlete Kirk Merritt added Alabama to his list of scholarship offers.

He says Alabama’s coaches want him to visit a spring practice soon.

Says Alabama’s coaches could make multiple uses of his talents.

"“Coach Saban only mentioned slot, but Coach Burns has talked to me about being an all-purpose back and receiver.”"

Says he’s really high on the Tide.

"“That’s a big offer and they are dominant every year,” he says. “I told my parents first about the offer. They were extremely happy for me. It’s a big college. The facilities are nice. I’m going to visit in two weeks.”"

Says Burns tells him the offense will be much more open under Kiffin.

"“They pass some, but they are more of a running team. But Coach Burns has said they are going to change it up and do more spread and pass the ball more. They are going to put athletes with speed in space.”"

Mobile, Alabama St Pauls CB Jalen Thompson has Alabama at the top of his list.

He doesn’t yet have an Alabama offer but recently told BOL’s Charles Power,

"“I will have an offer by football season they said. They want me to come work out during the summer. They said they’re going to come watch me play during the spring and will keep watching my film. They want me up there as soon as I can get there.”"

He actually grew up a fan of the Florida Gators and has them at the top of his list with the Tide.

After attending the opening practice of Alabama’s spring camp he said he thought Tide safety Landon Collins really stood out.

What is he looking for in helping him make his decision?

"“How far it is away from my parents, if it feels like home, and the vibe I get when I visit.”"

• Georgia’s coaching staff considers running back Jovon Robinson a near lock to Alabama but continue to recruit him because he’s so good and you never know what could happen in recruiting.
• Shawn Burgess Becker this week told 247’s Ryan Bartow that Alabama had taken the lead for his signature with Miami in 2nd.
• Mississippi linebacker Leo Lewis plans to visit the spring games of Mississippi State, Alabama, Ole Miss, and possibly LSU.
• No shock here. Some insiders think the battle for Arkansas native TE Will Gragg comes down to the Razorbacks and Crimson Tide.
• Alabama fans feeling the Tide is close to a commitment from CB Minkah Fitzpatrick might want to put a brake on things. Ohio State, Penn State, Florida State and Florida are all making Fitzpatrick major class priorities. This is one battle that may last awhile.