Alabama Football: Update on QB And RB 2018 recruiting prospects

Alabama football recruiting has narrowed down to a small number of QB and RB prospects. Check out the latest information on possible signees.

Less than a week away from Early Signing Day (ESD), Alabama football looks to close the deal on a 2018 quarterback and a 2018 running back.

The new ESD is not one day. It is a three-day signing period that begins on Dec. 20th. Leading up to ESD, we are providing detailed information on top targets, by position group.

Previously published and updated position group details: Defensive Tackles, Defensive Ends, Cornerbacks and Safeties. UPDATED 12/17/17, (see below)

2018 Running Back Prospects (all ratings are from 247Sports Composite)

The deep roster of Alabama football running backs has no doubt discouraged some 2018 recruits. With at least Josh Jacobs, Najee Harris and Brian Robinson returning, there may only be room for one RB commit in this class.

Keep in mind Alabama football already has a 2019 RB commitment. Trey Sanders is a 5-Star, No. 1 rated running back and the No. 10 Overall player in the 2019 class.

Alabama football has a commitment from high school running back Slade Bolden. Bolden played QB, RB, DB and WR in his high school career. Bolden has been quoted saying his playing position for the Tide will be slot receiver.

• Jerome Ford – APB; 3-Star; No. 14 APB. Alabama football coaches have Ford tabbed as a top priority. He will visit Tuscaloosa on the weekend before Early Signing Day (ESD) and indications are he will commit over the weekend or soon afterward. UPDATED: Ford committed to Alabama on 12/17 after a weekend visit. 
• Harold Joiner – RB; 4-Star; No. 6 RB and No. 123 Overall. The Tide coaching staff appears to value Ford higher than Joiner. If Ford commits, there may not be any room for Joiner. Other schools in the mix for Joiner are LSU, Auburn and Ole Miss.
• Asa Martin – RB; 4-Star; No. 9 RB and No. 195 Overall. Martin was the Tide’s top priority at RB before he chose Auburn. Martin is no longer expected to be a ‘flip’ possibility.

2018 Quarterback Prospects

Nick Saban wants to sign a quarterback in every recruiting class. Tight 2018 numbers only leave room for one additional QB. At this point, only a few 2018 quarterbacks are being considered and one of them, Tanner McKee will not enroll in college for a couple of years.

  Top QB Prospects

• Emory Jones – Dual-threat QB; 4-Star; No. 3 QB and No. 36 Overall. Jones is committed to Ohio State but he has shown considerable interest in Alabama football. Most recruiting insiders believe Jones will not stick with the Buckeyes. Alabama seems to have an advantage but Urban Meyer is fighting to hold on to Jones. Auburn is also in the mix. Jones will sign early and enroll in January.

• James Foster – Dual-threat QB; 4-Star, No. 14 QB and No. 287 Overall. Foster de-committed from Missouri on Oct. 26th. He is showing interest in Alabama, FSU, TAMU and LSU and will not sign early. It is possible the Tide will not accept his commitment until Emory Jones rolls with the Tide or goes elsewhere.

Other QB Options

• Tanner McKee – Pro-style QB; 4-Star; No. 2 QB and No. 20 Overall. McKee will take two seasons away from football after high school for a church mission. The mission trip effectively makes McKee a 2020 recruit.
• Brock Purdy – Pro-style QB. Purdy is not rated in the 247Sports Composite but is considered a 3-Star prospect. He has been offered a preferred walk-on opportunity. He has scholarship offers from Northern Arizona and California-Davis.

Next: 2018 Football Verbal Commits - Updated

The Tide’s 14 verbals could easily increase to 17 players before ESD. Almost all of the ESD signees will enroll in January.