Alabama Football: Tide has a big day, adding two commits to 2019 class
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football is marching toward a nearly full class of commits before the start of the season. Tide adds 4-Stars, John Metchie and Jahleel Billingsley.
Alabama football now has 20 verbal commitments in the 2019 class. The latest commits are a pair of 4-Star recruits, John Metchie and Jahleel Billingsley.
Metchie is a 4-Star wide receiver from Hagerstown, MD. he was recruited by Tide offensive coordinator, Mike Locksley and wide receiver coach, Josh Gattis. Metchie has over 20 offers including Maryland, Notre Dame, Georgia, Michigan, Michigan State, Texas, Tennessee and Ohio State. Most recruiting insiders believe his final decision came down to Alabama football or Penn State. Alabama Crimson Tide assistant went head-to-head against his old boss, James Franklin, and Gattis won.
Steve Wiltfong of 247Sports has a good story on the well-traveled Metchie. He was born in Taiwan and lived in Ghana and Nigeria and eventually Canada. His experience with the United States has been a Maryland boarding school. Speaking about Alabama, Metchie said,
"I started liking Bama a lot sophomore year. The receivers they produce. Julio, Amari and Ridley, especially Amari. I’m constantly watching Amari. constantly watching Amari and Julio."
“Mom knows best”
Metchie said though his mother does not know much about football, she made a recent trip to Tuscaloosa with him. Once his mom embraced the Alabama football program, John Metchie knew Tuscaloosa would be his new home.
Metchie is the No. 42 rated wide receiver in the 2019 class. The Tide staff rates the 4-Star recruit much higher. Because of tight numbers in the 2019 class, the Tide may only have room for two wide receivers. Metchie was a Tide priority over more highly touted receivers.
Jahleel Billingsley
The Alabama Crimson Tide has room for only one tight end in the 2019 class. Jahleel Billingsley was the top choice of the Tide coaching staff. He is a 4-Star tight end, rated as the 11th best in the nation.
Jahleel Billingsley has over 20 offers including Penn State, Michigan, Florida, Ohio State, Iowa, LSU, Nebraska and West Virginia. The Chicago, IL player was recruited by Tide assistants, Dan Enos and Jeff Banks.
Florida was once the leader for Billingsley but that was before a trip to Tuscaloosa. Jahleel credited his relationship with Dan Enos as a big reason for choosing the Crimson Tide.
Who is next?
Pace is expected to slow due to the scarcity of open slots and several big names not expected to make a decision until the fall or later. Alabama football will hold on to room for several high profile targets. Probably no more than two or three more commitments will happen this summer.
Next: Nick Saban is the GOAT Recruiter
The new team rankings from 247Sports show the No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide at 287.27 points. Alabama football finished the 2018 class with a total of 285.83 player points.