Alabama Football: Crimson Tide feeds the beast with three Top 10 recruiters
By Ronald Moody
Unparalleled recruiting allows the Alabama football dynasty to continue rolling. Alabama head coach Nick Saban feeds the uncontrollable monster with star recruiters and players.
Three coaches in the top 10 of the 247 Recruiter Rankings are from Alabama football. Tosh Lupoi, Josh Gattis, and Brent Key are the primary reasons the Tide’s 2019 recruiting class currently sits at number one in the nation. Offensive coordinator Michael Locksley is slightly outside the Top 10 and gives Alabama four coaches in the Top 25. One coach each represents the remaining seven slots in the Top 10.
For Alabama to lose its Darth Vader’s chokehold in recruiting will take a sizable effort from other recruiters. Finishing sixth last year was an anomaly.
The early signing period caught the Crimson Tide flat-footed last season. The rule was implemented last summer, and the feeling out process left the Tide sucking wind. Big name recruits signed during the early period while Alabama was trying to make it in the playoffs.
Alabama could no longer pull in recruits by saying look at how many championships we have won and look at the players drafted in the NFL. The coaches needed to know the recruits on a personal level. The Tide was not relevant on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Competitors Clemson and Ohio State pummeled the Tide in regards to social media.
Saban’s ability to adapt and overcome was the beginning of this 2019 recruiting class.
#Roll1n19 dominates Twitter when a new recruit commits to the Tide.
Fueling the Tide for another championship run
Sitting at number three is new defensive coordinator Tosh Lupoi. The 2010 Rivals Recruiter of the Year at the University of California amassed an impressive haul so far with cornerback Javier Morton, linemen Amari Kight, linebackers Shane Lee and King Mwikuta, defensive end Kevin Harris and quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa.
His track record of bringing star players to the Capstone is rather impressive. Tua Tagovailoa, Dylan Moses, Terrell Lewis, and Najee Harris were all primary recruits under Lupoi.
Next, wide receiver Josh Gattis checks in fifth on the leaderboard. Since the young coach entered Tuscaloosa by way of Happy Valley, his vibrant energy on the recruiting trail and at practice is evident.
Alabama Crimson Tide Football
Gattis tweets motivational quotes, how to improve your craft as a wide receiver and graphics with information pro Alabama. Gattis has persuaded five recruits to commit early. Wide receiver Dazalin Worsham, defensive ends Antonio Alfano and Justin Eboigbe, safety DeMarcco Hellams and defensive tackle Rashad Cheney.
Gattis is a sure-fire future FBS head coach.
One of the holdovers from last year’s coaching staff, offensive line coach Brent Key rounds out at seventh place. Coach Key recruited Will Reichard, the number one kicker in the country, offensive lineman Pierce Quick and quarterback Paul Tyson.
Player Development is Key to Good Recruiting
An interesting dynamic with the Tide’s recruiting is that it is not about going after all the top five star players. Saban’s scouting system looks at the player, not the recruiting service. The last player to commit, running back Keilan Robinson of Washington D.C., is the 23rd ranked running back in the country. However, Saban and his team see unlimited potential with a future to contribute for the Crimson Tide.
Next: Georgia May Not Be The Beast in the East
The 2019 recruiting class will be unique. There is a uniform mixture of four and five-star recruits that will be Built By Bama tough. The dynasty keeps rolling.