Alabama Football: ’19 Recruiting heats up with Tyson and Cheney commits
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football recruiting for 2019 got a double boost on Thursday. A Bryant-legacy QB and a 4-Star defensive tackle committed to Nick Saban.
Even before practice began on Tuesday afternoon, Alabama football had already registered a productive day. Nick Saban has three major priorities for the 2019 recruiting class – defensive line, inside linebacker and quarterback.
QB and DL gained numbers on Tuesday with the commitments of Paul Tyson and Rashad Cheney. For the few Alabama football fans who are unaware, Tyson is the great-grandson of Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant. He is a 4-Star prospect out of Trussville, AL and the No. 7 rated pro-style QB in the nation. Rashad Cheney is a 4-Star DT, rated as No. 17 in the nation by 247Sports.
The Twitter statement from Paul Tyson will warm the hearts of many Alabama football fans.
https://twitter.com/Paul_Tyson17/status/981975272781156352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Falabama.forums.rivals.com%2Fthreads%2Fbone-alabama-lands-qb-commitment.85142%2F
In his first season as the starter at Hewitt-Trussville, Paul Tyson passed for over 3,000 yards and 36 touchdowns.
Nick Saban is not finished with 2019 QB recruiting. Another legacy is expected to come onboard next. Taulia Tagovailoa has many options to attend top schools but almost every recruiting insider believes he will follow Tua to Tuscaloosa.
2019 class to be heavy with defensive linemen and inside linebackers
Rashad Cheney is the first defensive lineman in the 2019 class. The Ellenwood, GA player originally committed to Georgia but changed his mind in late January. Cheney has 19 offers, including Auburn, Tennessee, Florida, Miami, South Carolina, Arkansas, LSU and Penn State.
The primary Tide recruiter for Cheney is Josh Gattis. Cheney called Gattis “cool” but it was his connection to Nick Saban that closed the deal. As reported by 247Sports, Rashad said,
"Coach Saban was talking about his vision and how he’s going to push me. I can trust Coach Saban in that he’s going to turn me into a better person on and off the field."
Cheney also said the decision shuts down his recruiting and he will make no more visits to other schools. A few Alabama football insiders believe Saban has changed his attitude about commits visiting other schools. In the past, commits were not discouraged to take other visits. After losing some 2018 commits, very late, Saban may have changed his mind on the issue.
https://twitter.com/Rashad40_/status/981959442450272257
Much optimism for 2019 class
There is considerable optimism in Tuscaloosa about the 2019 class. More big names could be added soon. 5-Star DT, Faatui Tuitelle visited Tuscaloosa this week. Tuitelle played at the same high school as Tua. He took an unofficial visit this week and will return later for an official.
A message board rumor is that Faatui traveled with family members and they dined with the Tagovailoa’s during the trip. Tuitele is the No. 2 rated DT and the No. 24 player overall in the nation.
Christian Harris, 4-Star Athlete, is visiting Tuscaloosa this weekend with his family. He is rated at No. 16 as an Athlete, but he would play inside linebacker for Alabama football. Don’t be surprised if Saban pulls in another Baton Rouge, LA commit this weekend.
Next: With Da'Ron gone, the Tide needs a new Nose.
The Tide has more than 15, 2019 and 2020 recruits visiting this weekend. Look for the Tide to load up during the next Early Signing Period.