Bama Hammer
Fansided

Alabama Football: What to expect with the 2018 recruiting hot prospects

By Ronald Evans

Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans cheer prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide fans cheer prior to the 2016 CFP Semifinal between the Alabama Crimson Tide and the Washington Huskies at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Alabama football recruiting: The latest information on 2018 prospects on the Tide’s Big Board. Who is solid, who is hot and who might flip from other schools.

Under six months out from the Early Signing Period, Alabama football is not ranked inside the Top 50 nationally in recruiting. There is no cause for alarm. The 2018 recruiting class sits at eight, with the three carryovers from the 2017 cycle.

That number will grow in July and August and could even double before the season starts. Where does the Tide stand with key prospects? Which players is Alabama football most likely to sign? Can the Tide flip anyone from another school?

We have some answers to the questions, first a quick review. Currently, Alabama football has 17 open slots. The Tide is not expected to over-sign in 2018. The highest priorities in the 2018 cycle are defensive linemen and defensive backs, particularly corners.

Alabama Football Commitments

The eight commits are:

  • Jarez Parks – DE – Grayshirt from 2017 (remember his Signing Day story)
  • Hunter Brannon – OL Grayshirt from 2017
  • Joseph Bulovas – PK – Blueshirt from 2017 (our story before the Bulovas blueshirt.)
  • Xavier Williams, 4-Star – WR – Hollywood, FL – Committed in January
  • Quay Walker, 4-Star – LB – Cordele, GA – Committed in June
  • Jordan Davis, 4-Star – DE – Memphis, TN – Committed in June
  • Skyler Delong, 3-Star – P – Fort Mill, SC – Committed in June
  • Jalyn Amour-Davis, 4-Star – CB – Mobile, AL – Committed in June

Williams is rated by 247 Sports as the No. 18 WR and No. 95 player in the nation.

Walker is rated as the No. 11 OLB and the No. 170 player in the nation.

Davis is rated as the No. 11 WDE and the No. 220 player in the nation.

Delong is rated as the No. 1 Punter in the nation.

Armour-Davis is rated as the No. 15 CB and the No. 121 player in the nation.

(all ratings by 247 Sports)

Alabama Football Hot Prospects

Based on current information we are listing 11 players as the most likely to sign with Alabama. Not every top prospect is on the list. The list focuses on only those players with committable offers that are most likely to choose Alabama football.

  • J.J. Peterson, 4-Star – LB – Moultrie, GA
  • Eyabi Anoma, 4-Star – DE – Baltimore, MD
  • Bobby Brown, 4-Star – DT – Arlington, TX
  • Tommy Brown, 4-Star – OL – Santa Ana, CA
  • Seth Williams, 4-Star – WR – Cottondale, AL
  • Justyn Ross, 5-Star – WR – Phenix City, AL
  • Coynis Miller, 4-Star – DT – Birmingham, AL
  • Asa Martin, 4-Star – RB – Decatur, AL
  • Jaycee Horn, 4-Star – CB – Alpharetta, GA
  • Jacob Copeland, 4-Star – WR – Pensacola, FL
  • Kevontae’ Ruggs, 3-Star – LB – Montgomery, AL

There is some question if Ruggs has a full offer or may need to grayshirt. Alabama will make room for Henry’s brother.

Alabama will likely sign only one running back. The nation’s top RB, 5-Star Zamir White will announce on June 27. Most expect his choice will be Georgia or Clemson. If White picks Alabama football, there may not be room for Asa Martin.

Jaycee Horn is scheduled to commit on July 15. Most reports show Alabama gaining ground on South Carolina for his commitment. Even if Horn joins Alabama football, the Tide will be looking for two or three more defensive backs.

Alabama football does not recruit based on ‘Star’ ratings. Fans concerned about the few 5-Stars should realize, some of the currently rated 4-Stars will be promoted to 5-Star during this cycle.

Alabama Football Possible Flips

Regarding flips, the main risk for Tide commits is that Florida is pushing hard for Justin Davis who insists he is firm to Alabama. Alabama wants very much to flip QB Jack Tuttle away from Utah and CB Josh Jobe away from Miami.

There are at least another 25 players competing or considered for the 17 open slots. Even with the Early Signing Period, much will change before then.

Next: 30 Great Crimson Tiders who were 3-Star recruits

Bama Hammer is looking for new contributors. Start the process of writing about your Crimson Tide passion by filling out the form above.

Home/Alabama Football Recruiting