Alabama Football: Top QB picks UGA, not a problem for the Tide
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football recruited the nations No. 1 player, dual-threat QB, Justin Fields. Fields picking UGA was a blow to some schools, but not the Tide.
Elite college football programs offer most of the top players each recruiting cycle. Alabama football is no exception. Clemson has a commit from a 5-Star QB ranked as No. 2 by the 247Sports Composite. Based upon the same ranking, the No. 1 QB is 5-Star, Justin Fields.
Fields is from Norcross, Ga. This week he decided to stay home and play for the Bulldogs. Some recruiting experts thought Fields might go elsewhere instead of competing with former 5-Star, Jacob Eason and the guy who now starts at Georgia, former 4-Star, true freshman, Jake Fromm.
Forty other schools offered Fields, including Alabama football. All just in case Fields would give them serious consideration. FSU and Auburn thought they could pull in Fields. LSU and a few others probably offered immediate playing time in 2018.
Alabama football does not offer immediate playing time. Nick Saban offers opportunity but even a top-rated player must fight for playing time at Alabama. Clearly, Fields was not afraid to compete. His decision to choose Georgia came as no surprise to Tide coaches.
What is next for Alabama Football and 2018 QB Recruits?
Does Alabama football have to sign a quarterback in 2018? Alabama prefers to sign a QB every class. Waiting until 2019 and needing to sign two or maybe even three is not a good plan.
Alabama football has two top targets and the Tide appears to be in good shape with both of them. They are 4-Star prospects (based on the 247Sports Composite), Emory Jones and Jarren Williams. Both are committed elsewhere, Jones to Ohio State and Williams to Kentucky. Both made recent unofficial visits to Tuscaloosa.
Jones has made three somewhat quiet visits to Tuscaloosa plus attending the FSU game. Williams has only been in on the one unofficial visit for the Ole Miss game. Jones is the No. 6 rated QB in the nation and Williams is No. 18.
Alabama football stays in touch with a couple of other options but it appears Jones and Williams are the top choices. After choosing the Buckeyes, Jones has a higher profile than Williams. A few insiders believe Williams has impressed Tide coaches more than Jones.
Tennessee is also trying to flip Jones but Alabama football has the best chance if Jones backs away from his Ohio State commitment. Williams has over twenty offers but at this point, it is looking like Kentucky, Alabama or Florida.
Next: Current 2018 Alabama Football Commits
Alabama football is also recruiting another highly rated 2018 class QB prospect, Tanner McKee. There is no urgency with McKee who will take a two-year mission before joining the 2020 signing class.