Alabama Football: What to expect during Crimson Tide Early Signing Period
By Ronald Evans
Top Remaining Alabama Football Targets
Several recruits that Alabama football insiders had counted on in the past are expected to choose other programs. The biggest names in that group are 5-Stars, Shemar Turner and Xavian Sorey. Defensive end, Turner, having recently committed to Jimbo Fisher is expected to stay home and sign with the Aggies. IMG Academy linebacker, Xavian Sorey was long thought to be solid to the Tide. That changed about a month ago and most national, recruiting insiders predict Sorey will be a Georgia Bulldog. The Crimson Tide and the Florida Gators are the other predicted choices.
The biggest names on Nick Saban’s ‘Big Board’ are 5-Stars, J.T. Tulmoloau, Maason Smith and Camar Wheaton. Other prized recruits are 4-Stars, Tunmise Adeleye (No. 37 in the 2021 class); Michigan commit, Xavier Worthy (No. 76); Brian Thomas Jr. (No. 79) and Terrion Arnold. Another possible flip would be 4-Star, outside linebacker, defensive end, Keanu Koht from LSU to the Crimson Tide.
Based on roster needs, Nick Saban would love to close with one or two of the defensive linemen, Tulmoloau, Smith or Adeleye. Adeleye might end up at linebacker if he chooses the Crimson Tide. Either Worthy or Thomas Jr. and Terrion Arnold might be the best choices to fit other roster needs. Tulmoloau, Thomas Jr. and Arnold are expected to wait until February to make a decision. Adeleye is expected to announce his decision and sign on Dec. 17.
One clue about how the Alabama football staff feels about waiting for February decisions will be if Koht flips and signs with the Tide this week. If there is room for Koht, the Tide is not expecting to run out of slots for more highly rated recruits. Flips by Koht and Worthy, plus Adeleye would be an awesome close to the Early Signing Period. Adding one of the February deciders would be cake-icing.
dark. Next. Firing Gus is 'so Auburn'
One motivation for Auburn to fire Gus Malzahn was recruiting. Going into the Early Signing Period, among SEC teams, only Vanderbilt and South Carolina have weaker classes than the Auburn Tigers.