Alabama Recruiting: Meet The 2015 Class

Another recruiting cycle is in the books and Alabama has landed yet another Recruiting National Championship, finishing off with the No. 1 class in all four major recruiting services (Rivals, Scout, ESPN, and 247Sports).

This class is headlined by six players that earned five stars with at least one of those major services: Minkah Fitzpatrick (CB), Blake Barnett (QB), Daron Payne (DT), Damien Harris (RB), Kendell Sheffield (CB), and Calvin Ridley (WR) and seven if you include 2014 5-star Bo Scarbrough (ATH). Let’s take a look at the 2015 class of future Alabama stars.

Keaton Anderson
LB – Florence, AL
6’0”, 208 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: *** (#27 OLB, #24 State)
SCOUT RANKING: *** (#15 ILB, #6 State)
ESPN RANKING: *** (#29 OLB, #17 State)
247 SPORTS RANKING: *** (#41 LB, #21 State, #586 Overall)
This Florence native has drawn comparisons with former Alabama linebacker/safety Vinnie Sunseri due to his toughness and being undersized at linebacker. Because of that size Anderson will likely move to safety at Alabama and could be perfect for the “star” position much like Sunseri was when he first moved to safety. Anderson will likely also get his first shot at the field on special teams. He chose home state Alabama over Tennessee, Georgia, and LSU.

Blake Barnett
QB – Corona, CA
6’4”, 198 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#1 Dual Threat QB, #4 State, #41 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: ***** (#2 QB, #2 State, #30 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: ***** (#1 Pocket QB, #2 State, 14 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: ***** (#2 QB, #5 state, #21 overall)
The California kid, Barnett, is without question the highest touted quarterback to ever sign with Alabama under Nick Saban and probably the most highly sought after QB that Alabama has signed since Brodie Croyle back in 2002. Barnett was the MVP of the 2014 ESPN Elite 11 QB Competition and as a senior threw for 3,404 yards and 23 TD while rushing for 479 yards and 7 TDs. As a junior he ran for almost 700 yards as well. Barnett boasts not just one of the strongest arms in this recruiting class but is also one of the more elusive runners of any QB in this class. To show just how good he is at both skills (run and pass) he is considered to be the top pro style/pocket QB by Rivals and 247Sports while ESPN and Scout consider him the top dual threat QB. In the months following his commitment to Alabama Barnett has shown the type of leadership that is ideal in a QB with the way he has been able to rally fellow recruits and even played a role in trying to recruit other players to Bama. Barnett chose Alabama over Oregon and Notre Dame.

Mekhi Brown
DE – Columbus, GA
6’5”, 217 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: ****
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#15 DE, #3 State, #164 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#10 OLB, #12 State, #88 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#6 DE, #12 State, #114 Overall)
Brown was one of the longest committed players among this 2015 class, having committed before even his junior year, and he adds another excellent pass rusher to this class. Brown possesses long arms and the strength to hold off blockers but still needs to add some bulk to his size if he is going to remain at defensive end. He doesn’t quite have the speed that Alabama looks for at the JACK linebacker spot but if he can add much needed size to his frame he could be a contributor on the line. He chose Alabama over Louisville and Notre Dame.

Shawn Burgess-Becker
S – Coconut Creek, FL
6’0”, 194 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#11 Safety, #187 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#13 Safety, #6 State, #177 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#7 Safety, #24 Florida, #133 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#10 ATH, #25 State, #166 Overall)
Alabama has lost five safeties in the past two seasons and three of those this year. HaHa Clinton-Dix, Vinnie Sunseri, Landon Collins, Jarrick Williams, and Nick Perry take with them a ton of experience and almost all of Alabama’s experience at safety over the last several years. Nick Saban and his staff have made it a priority to retool the safety position in this class and that starts with Florida native Shawn Burgess-Becker. Becker has played receiver but his combination of size and speed lend him well to the safety position where Alabama hopes he can eventually contribute. Becker chose Alabama over Miami (FL) and Florida State.

Daylon Charlott
WR – Patterson, LA
6’0”, 193 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#9 WR, #4 State, #78 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#23 WR, #3 State, #183 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#8 WR, #2 State, #59 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#9 WR, #4 State, #90 Overall)
Charlott is an electric receiver and a big time playmaker down the field, something Alabama was looking for in this class. The Tide features several bigger, physical receivers on the team but Charlott is in the type of mold of Chris Black or ArDarius Stewart as a speedy playmaker. He will have the potential to get early playing time due to his ability to stretch the field. He chose Alabama over home state LSU.

Lester Cotton
OG – Tuscaloosa, AL
6’4”, 321 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#3 OG, #2 State, #46 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#3 OG, #66 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#7 OG, #5 State, #51 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#4 Center, #3 State, #55 Overall)
The hometown Tuscaloosa boy Lester Cotton could be considered the prize prospect of the offensive line group in the 2015 class. His versatility could lead to him playing either right tackle or offensive guard in college. He boasts superior footwork, especially for a kid his age, and is extremely physical. He recorded a staggering 223 pancake blocks his senior season. His versatility could end up giving him the opportunity to find early playing time, though not necessarily as a starter. He chose Alabama over Auburn, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.

Minkah Fitzpatrick
CB – Jersey City, NJ
6’0”, 188 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: ***** (#2 Safety, #1 State, #24 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: ***** (#6 CB, #1 State, #36 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#2 CB, #1 State, #27 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: ***** (#5 CB, #1 State, #30 Overall)
Jersey native Minkah Fitzpatrick could be considered the crown jewel of the entire 2015 recruiting class for Alabama and is considered to be one of the best corners in the country by most. He already possesses the fluid hip movement, footwork, and ball skills of a veteran college player. He also has long arms, great range and speed, and is an aggressive tackler that Nick Saban loves in cornerbacks. Alabama is stockpiling a stable of elite cornerbacks over the past two season and Fitzpatrick may end up being the best of the bunch. He could very well earn playing time immediately. Fitzpatrick chose Alabama over Florida State.

Desherrius Flowers
RB – Mobile, AL
6’0”, 212 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#21 RB, #9 State, #192 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#28 RB, #12 State, #205 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#10 RB, #6 State, #104 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#15 RB, #5 State, #146 overall)
Because of his size Flowers has been considered at safety along with the potential of a Jalston Fowler like role at h-back/fullback. He would need to add a bit more weight to his frame if he was going to try that fullback role. With all of the depth Alabama has at tailback a move may be inevitable for Flowers and he has drawn comparisons to former Alabama safety Mark Barron in terms of his potential at that spot and since he is an early enrollee Alabama will have a chance to test him out at different positions in the spring. He chose Alabama over Auburn.

Damien Harris
RB – Berea, KY
5’11”, 205 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: ***** (#1 RB, #1 State, #8 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: ***** (#5 RB, #1 State, #55 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: ***** (#2 RB, #1 State, #36 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: ***** (#1 RB, #1 State, #31 Overall)
Harris is widely considered to be the best running back in the entire 2015 recruiting class and has already drawn comparisons to former Alabama Heisman winner Mark Ingram. Harris has the physicality and strength to go along with his elite speed and fits in perfectly with Alabama’s traditional running game. Harris will certainly have a chance to jump into the running back rotation immediately as a freshman. He and Derrick Henry would combine for a powerful combination at tailback. Harris rolled with the Tide over home state Kentucky.

Ronnie Harrison
S – Tallahassee, FL
6’2”, 192 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#13 Safety, #201 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#19 Safety, #5 State, #248 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#25 Safety)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#12 Safety, #28 State, #197 Overall)
“Athlete” is the best way to describe Florida native Ronnie Harrison. He starred in high school at quarterback but due to his physicality and size he has been projected as a safety in college. He signed with Alabama in January and is expected to compete for one of the open starting safety spots right off the bat if he can learn Alabama’s difficult defensive scheme. Harrison boasts athleticism and speed rarely seen at safety but also the toughness and tackling ability to play close to the line of scrimmage against the run. He chose Alabama over North Carolina, LSU, and Georgia.

Hale Hentges
TE – Jefferson City, MO
6’4”, 228 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: *** (#16 TE)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#3 TE, #1 State, #98 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#3 TE, #109 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#3 TE, #3 State, #145 Overall)
Tight end is certainly a position of need for Alabama. The Tide hasn’t had a combination of great receiver and great blocker at tight end since Colin Peek graduated, and though Alabama fans and coaches keep hoping OJ Howard will develop that blocking ability (he improved vastly in that area later in the season last year) he still hasn’t quite reached that level. Hentges certainly isn’t the level of playmaker Howard is but he may just be the balance of playmaker and blocker Lane Kiffin and Saban have been searching for. Hentges is a physical run blocker but also had several long touchdown catches during his high school career showing off his receiving ability. Behind Howard there isn’t much receiving ability at tight end with Brandon Greene and Ty Smith being more so physical run blockers than pass catchers. Hentges may very well earny playing time at h-back early because of his ability to do both well. He chose Alabama over home state Missouri and Arkansas.

Anfernee Jennings
DE – Dadeville, AL
6’3”, 260 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#10 DE, #211 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#14 DE, #8 State, #154 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#28 DE, #14 State)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#11 DE, #6 State, #172 Overall)
Hailing from the home of Harvey Updyke (Dadeville, AL) Jennings is one of the top prospects in the state of Alabama and considered an elite pass rusher with the possibility of him playing either defensive end or even JACK linebacker based off of his speed. Jennings chose Alabama over Georgia, Arkansas, and Louisville.

Brandon Kennedy
C – Wetumpka, AL
6’2”, 293 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#3 Center, #13 State)
SCOUT RANKING: *** (#37 OG, #3 State)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#5 OG, #4 State, #86 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#19 OG, #10 State, #302 Overall)
Kennedy is considered an elite prospect at center though he spent most of his time in high school at offensive guard. He got pushed around a bit at some of the high school all star games but with some added weight and strength in Alabama’s conditioning program he could be Alabama’s man at center in the future. Because of the depth Alabama has at center, with starter Ryan Kelly and youngsters JC Hassenauer and Josh Casher, Kennedy will have the opportunity to add that strength in the coming years. Kennedy chose Alabama over Auburn, Mississippi State, and Ole Miss.

Joshua McMillon
LB – Memphis TN
6’3”, 246 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: ****
SCOUT RANKING: *** (#13 ILB, #2 State)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#5 ILB, #6 State, #171 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#16 LB, #9 State, #245 Overall)
McMillon is a large linebacker and his physicality and size could end up seeing him grow into a Reggie Ragland type of inside linebacker. He has played defensive end some in high school as well so he could end up being in a Dont’a Hightower style role as well where Hightower played with his hand in the dirt rushing off the edge at times but also played inside linebacker. McMillon is coming off of an ACL tear in his senior season so a redshirt is almost guaranteed for him. He chose Alabama over Auburn, Ole Miss, and Michigan.

Daron Payne
DT – Birmingham, AL
6’2”, 335 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: ***** (#3 DT, #1 State, #19 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: ***** (#4 DT, #1 State, #14 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#9 DT, #2 State, #48 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: ***** (#7 DT, #1 State, #29 Overall)
Alabama adds yet another elite defensive tackle prospect with Birmingham’s own Daron Payne. Payne is remarkably quick for a kid his size and if he can get a conditioning issue that he has reportedly had at times under control could end up making good on the Marcell Dareus comparisons he has drawn. Payne will project to the defensive end spot in Alabama’s base defense but when the Tide moves to a four man defensive line Payne will fit in perfect at the defensive tackle spot. He chose Alabama over Auburn, Mississippi State, and Texas.

Richie Petibon
OG – Washington D.C.
6’3”, 309 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#4 OG, #51 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#4 OG, #1 State, #67 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#10 OG, #17 State, #151 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#5 OG, #1 State, #65 Overall)
Petibon boasts a mean streak needed along the interior of an offensive line in the SEC and is considered a leader by high school teammates, and though a redshirt is likely Alabama will need to replace both guard positions in 2015 and Petibon will get every opportunity for early playing time. He chose Alabama over Penn State, LSU, Boston College, Florida State, and Kentucky.

Calvin Ridley
WR – Coconut Creek, FL
6’0”, 178 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: ***** (#1 WR, #4 State, #9)
SCOUT RANKING: ***** (#4 WR, #2 State, #27 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: ***** (#1 WR, #8 State, #23 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: ***** (#1 WR, #6 State, #11 Overall)
Calvin Ridley is the highest rated receiver to come to Alabama since Julio Jones, yes that means even more highly touted than Amari Cooper, and the sky is the limit for this Florida native. Ridley doesn’t have the size of Julio Jones but fits more in the mold of Cooper in terms of his size and speed. Ridley was forced to miss most of his senior season in high school due to age restrictions in Florida football. With Alabama’s top three receivers gone Ridley will have every opportunity to earn playing time right away. He chose Alabama over Miami and Florida State.

Bo Scarbrough
ATH – Northport, AL
6’2”, 235 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: ***** (#2 ATH, #1 State, #16 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: ***** (#7 RB, #5 State, #25 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: ***** (#1 ATH, #1 State, #12 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: ***** (#2 ATH, #2 State, #16 Overall)
Scarbrough was originally a part of the 2014 Alabama recruiting class but due to some issues with some of his grades transferring from Alabama to Florida (he moved from Northport, AL to Florida for his senior season) he was ruled ineligible and had to retake the missing classes in 2014. Scarbrough joined the Alabama football team in January and even practiced with the team for bowl practices. Scarbrough was an elite athlete in high school and due to his size some expected he would potentially move to linebacker or safety, much like Derrick Henry, but it seems the speedy back will remain at tailback with Alabama. He has a rare combination of size, power, and speed that could end up with him seeing the field early with Alabama especially considering his ability to catch the football out of the backfield.
*All rankings for Scarbrough are for the 2014 recruiting cycle.

Kendall Sheffield
CB – Missouri City, TX
5’11”, 183 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#4 CB, #1 State, #53 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: ***** (#2 CB, #1 State, #9 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: ***** (#3 CB, #2 State, #12 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: ***** (#4 CB, #3 State, #20 Overall)
Sheffield is considered one of the best cornerbacks in the entire recruiting class joining a slew of elite corners that Saban has brought into Alabama over the last two recruiting cycles joining Marlon Humphrey and Tony Brown from last year and Minkah Fitzpatrick this year. The speedy track star doesn’t quite have the size of some of those others but he is still relatively physical for his size. The Texas native chose Alabama over Texas A&M.

Jonathan Taylor
DT – Wesson MS (JUCO TRANSFER)
6’5”, 335 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: *** (64 JUCO)
SCOUT RANKING: *** (#47 JUCO)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#2 DT, #19 JUCO)
247 SPORTS RANKING: *** (#4 DT, #13 State, #35 JUCO)
The defensive line is a spot where Alabama is not in desperate need of players immediately but even so JUCO transfer Jonathan Taylor will likely get a shot at early playing time. The former Georgia player signed with Alabama back in January and will be on campus for spring practices giving him a leg up on the rest of the 2015 class. He also already has SEC game experience which a is a huge plus for the massive defensive tackle. Though A’Shawn Robinson started most of the games in 2014 at nose tackle, Brandon Ivory had a ton of experience there and is one of the few players from last season that Alabama will lose going into 2015. Taylor will at the very least add depth at nose tackle with Robinson but he has the athleticism to play on the outside at defensive end as well. Better yet if Taylor is good enough to start right away at nose that could mean Robinson can move back to his more natural position at defensive end which will be more than likely the preferred spot for him. Taylor will need to keep his nose clean off the field as well though as he will be on a short leash following his dismissal from Georgia last year due to a domestic violence charge. He chose Alabama over Mississippi State and LSU.

Adonis Thomas
LB – Lawrenceville, GA
6’3”, 219 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#21 OLB)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#23 OLB, #4 State, #276 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#5 OLB, #9 State, #54 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#11 LB, #19 State, #170 Overall)
Thomas played primarily on the outside in high school due to his speed, but is projected on the inside at WILL or MIKE in Alabama’s 3-4 defense. After filling out a bit Thomas could be yet another elite prospect in a long line of them on the inside at linebacker, and would be one of the faster inside linebackers Alabama has ever had. There is a ton of youth at inside linebacker for Alabama and Thomas will get a shot to earn some playing time early if he can beat out some of the younger guys like Shaun Dion-Hamilton who were just as highly touted coming out of high school as Thomas is. He chose Alabama over Florida, LSU, and Auburn.

Deionte Thompson
S – Orange, TX
6’1”, 175 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#3 Safety, #4 State, #44 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: (#4 Safety, #1 State, #59 Overall)
ESPN RANKING: **** (#3 Safety, #9 State, #65 Overall)
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#2 Safety, #10 State, #44 Overall)
Alabama lost three safeties from the 2014 class, two to graduation and one to the NFL Draft, and so Saban and company signed three safeties (potentially four if Flowers moves to safety) in this class. Thompson enrolled at Alabama back in January along with Ronnie Harrison so both youngsters will likely be competing for an open spot at safety. As athletic and fast as Harrison is, Thompson is that and then some. Thompson is an elite athlete and even if he doesn’t get on the field early at safety he could very well move into a kick return spot. He doesn’t quite have the size or physicality of Harrison but makes up for it with his athleticism. He chose Alabama over Texas A&M, LSU, Notre Dame, and Texas.

Dallas Warmack
OG – Atlanta, GA
6’2”, 306 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: **** (#13 OG, #17 State, #197 Overall)
SCOUT RANKING: **** (#19 OG, #2 State)
ESPN RANKING:
247 SPORTS RANKING: **** (#12 OG, #22 State, #229 Overall)
Legacy and tradition are a big thing at Alabama nd Dallas Warmack will continue to the Warmack legacy at Alabama founded by his big brother Chance a few years ago. Dallas actually has the versatility to play anywhere along the line but like his brother his mean streak and physicality would project best at guard where he will get the chance to compete early especially considering he is already enrolled at Alabama and will attend spring practices. Dallas’ brother Chance was a three year starter and All American at Alabama before becoming a first round draft pick in the NFL with the Tennessee Titans where he became a starter immediately. Dallas chose Alabama over South Carolina, Auburn, and Georgia.

Matt Womack
OT – Senatobia, MS
6’7”, 330 lbs.
RIVALS RANKING: *** (#67 OT)
SCOUT RANKING: *** (#37 OT, #2 State)
ESPN RANKING: *** (#59 OT, #13 State)
247 SPORTS RANKING: *** (#68 OT, #15 State, #621 Overall)
Womack is easily the biggest, size wise, recruit in Alabama’s class at over 6’7” and 330 pounds. He brings the strength and mean streak the Tide want at the right tackle spot where he is more than likely destined to compete for. Womack is still raw but as the only tackle in this year’s class he will get a shot at earning a spot among the rotation at tackle in the future. He chose Alabama over LSU, where he was formerly committed, and home state Ole Miss and Mississippi State.