Alabama Football Recruiting: What’s next for the 2020 class

Even though the Alabama football 2020 signing class is outstanding, Nick Saban is not finished. Let’s consider what happens going forward.

Alabama football fans sometimes measure recruiting success on finishing with the No. 1 class. Other than bragging rights, finishing No. 1 or No. 2 is not much different from finishing in the top five.

The Alabama Crimson Tide is currently No. 2 in the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings. Some teams, Georgia is one, have plenty of open slots. The Bulldogs will likely move up from No. 4. The Tide probably cannot catch No.1 Clemson, but a top three finish is a near lock.

What’s left for the Alabama football 2020 class?

With 22 signed players, the Crimson Tide should have room for five more players, maybe six. Four verbal commits are in question. Alabama football insiders say Javon Baker (WR) and Jamil Burroughs (DT) will be given time to remedy any academic deficiencies. They are important pieces in a final class.

It has been rumored Damieon George also has academic challenges. There are also some thoughts he may be considering other school options. A persistent rumor for Jayson Jones is his Crimson Tide option is a blueshirt and a future as an offensive lineman.

Targets for February Signing

Tight end remains a position of need. Another defensive lineman is as important. Another wide receiver (in addition to Baker) would be good. An additional offensive lineman might also be added.

Tight End: 5-Star, Darnell Washington; 3-Star, Brandon Frazier; TBD from the Transfer Portal

Defensive Line: 4-Star, McKinnley Jackson; 4-Star, Alfred Collins; TBD from the Transfer Portal

Wide Receiver: 4-Star, Xzavier Henderson; TBD from the Transfer Portal

Offensive Line: If George works out, another offensive lineman is unlikely. If not, maybe 4-Star, Sedrick Van Pran (Georgia commit); 4-Star, Marcus Henderson; TBD from the Transfer Portal

Did the Crimson Tide have any misses on Early Signing Day?

5-Star, wide receiver, Rakim Jarrett flipping from LSU to Maryland shocked everyone. Tight end J. J. Pegues to Auburn could be a miss due to the Tide staff slow-playing while waiting on Darnell Washington. Wide receiver, 4-Star, Arian Smith to Georgia was a miss, but the Jarrett shocker might have affected it. Not getting Jordan Burch was disappointing but his decision to stay close to home was not surprising.

The bottom line is Alabama football has a tremendous class, that will get better. Currently, 10 of the signed players are in the Top 100 and another is at 101. At 22, the Crimson Tide has more 5-Stars and 4-Stars than any other school.

There are two days left in the Early Signing Period. Bama Hammer will stay on top of any developments.