Alabama Football: What to expect during the NCAA ‘Dead Period’

Alabama football recruiting frenzy will ebb for a few weeks during the NCAA Dead Period. The interval does not mean, no news. Check out we expect.

Heading into the NCAA Dead Period, Alabama football recruiting can afford a semi-break. The current Dead Period continues through July 24. During the Dead Period, recruits may not be visited in-person in any setting. No in-person contact is deemed too casual. Unintended bumping into a recruit inside a store is not allowed and must immediately be reported. Contact with a parent is the same as contact with an athlete.

Communication does not stop. It continues through phone, texts, social media; even old-fashioned regular mail. The players and parents need a bit of a break. So do the coaches, though few take full advantage of it.

The pressure to make a decision may be lessened a bit for recruits. Some will decide to announce anyway, especially those unsure a spot will be available later.

What to watch for in the Dead Period

• Some top targets will trim their list of schools, often leaving Alabama football in a final list of three to five schools.
• There will be de-commits from schools. It may not happen in the Dead Period with current Crimson Tide commits, but a numbers crunch indicates two or more of the current 21 commits will decide to go elsewhere.
• Some top players will schedule more official visits for the fall. The Alabama football staff is working hard to make sure one of those officials is from current USC QB commit, Bryce Young.
• Most insiders believe 4-Star Athlete Joel Williams will announce for the Crimson Tide in a couple of weeks and maybe within the next few days. The Baton Rouge, LA prospect appears to be locked in with the Tide going back to his de-commitment from Florida. He is a cornerback target for the Tide.
• Though there is no indication a decision will be soon, edge rushing, 4-Star outside linebacker, Jordan Banks looks solid to the Crimson Tide. It is possible Banks would move to inside linebacker for the Tide.
• In-state Athlete Kristian Story is one player who could benefit from not waiting. The 4-Star prospect is a possible college QB but insiders believe Safety is his best position.
• Alabama football is expected to sign 2-3 more on the defensive line. 4-Star DT prospect, Jaquelin Roy announced after a weekend visit to LSU he will not make a decision until after his next visit to Tuscaloosa. If attends the next Champions Cookout on July 27, a commitment could quickly follow. Roy is from Baton Rouge, LA.

The Dead Period is no Dead Zone. Bama Hammer will continue to share all credible information at our disposal.