Alabama Football: Closing 2018 defensive tackle recruits a Tide problem
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football needs to add two or three interior defensive linemen in the 2018 recruiting class. To-date the Tide’s pursuit faces multiple challenges.
The first NCAA Early Signing Period starts December 20th. Alabama football can entertain prospects on campus, in-person until the recruiting process reaches a Quiet Day on December 17th.
After the 17th, the December Dead Period begins and there can be no in-person contact between schools and players. The Early Signing Period is a 72-hour window, December 20-22.
ICYMI: An overview of prospects for the Early Signing Period
Many experts believe up to 75 percent of the eventual 2018 class will sign in December. That estimate goes up to 90 percent for those players intending to enroll early.
Alabama football currently has 14 verbal commits: 2018 Verbal Commits. None of the 14 are defensive tackles.
The Good News – Updated 12/13/17
Alabama football has recruited well at defensive end. The Tide has three verbal commits from 4- Star defensive ends: Jordan Davis, Stephon Wynn and Cameron Latu. At 285 pounds, Wynn can play on the interior defensive line if needed. In addition, Alabama football is a current clear leader for 5-Star defensive end Eyabi Anoma. If Anoma joins the 2018 recruiting class, it will facilitate Wynn moving inside.
Check in with us for our next recruiting detail update with more information on Anoma and the defensive end class.
The Not as Good News (UPDATED 12/17/17)
The Crimson Tide has numerous offers issued to potential 2018 defensive tackles. In order for the 2018 class to be a success, two defensive tackles must be added. Here are the top prospects.
- Christian Barmore – 4-Star; No. 17 rated DT.
- Tyler Friday – 4-Star; No. 3 rated DT
- Caleb Tremblay – 4-Star; JUCO No. 4 rated DT
- Billy Ferrell – 3-Star; No. 80 rated DT. UPDATE: Ferrell committed to Arkansas on 12/17
The Tide leads for Barmore but there is doubt about his ability to qualify academically. He may be forced to go the JUCO or the Prep school route before getting to Tuscaloosa.
Tyler Friday would be a great pickup but most recruiting experts have Ohio State as his leader. UCLA is also in the mix. Per a Tweet from Tyler Friday, the Dec. 12th in-home visit with Saban and Karl Dunbar went “great.” Friday will visit Tuscaloosa this weekend.
Tremblay and the Tide appear to have reached a hiccup point. After camping in Tuscaloosa, Tremblay impressed the Tide coaches enough to become a priority. With the Tide focused more on Bobby Brown and Coynis Miller who gave verbals to Texas A&M and Auburn, the Tremblay connection may have suffered. Tremblay was expected to be in Tuscaloosa for the upcoming recruiting weekend, but instead is visiting Southern Cal.
Billy Ferrell has significant potential and the Tide wants to close with him. He was not well known until recently when Alabama extended an offer. Quickly Arkansas followed suit with an offer to the Fordyce, Arkansas player. Ferrell is not expected to visit Alabama until January.
Another possible option is 3-Star Jalen Cunningham who has long wanted to sign with the Tide. With few slots available Cunningham has not been given approval to commit, but that could soon change.
Next: 30 Great Tide Players who were 3-Star Recruits
Our next detailed update (on Dec. 12th) will cover the defensive ends, followed by the other position groups as we work down to Dec. 20th. All position group detail posts will be updated with new information as it becomes available.