Alabama Football: No JTT no problem for Crimson Tide

With the sudden cancellation of an official visit from J.T. Tuiolomau, Alabama Football is finished with its 2021 class. The elite defensive end has drug out his final choice for months and the Alabama Crimson Tide was expected to receive his last official visit. National recruiting experts are split on whether he will now sign with the Ohio State Buckeyes or the Oregon Ducks.

The 5-Star Tuiolomau is potentially a great player, but he was never a ‘make or break’ player for the Crimson Tide. Just as Nick Saban told Julio Jones years ago, Alabama Football will win with or without JTT.

Alabama football fans may be disappointed but they can rest easy. The Alabama Crimson Tide class for 2021 is the highest-ranked recruiting class of all time. Officially it includes 27 players. A 28th player, Australian punter, James Burnip is scheduled to arrive in Tuscaloosa soon. For those Crimson Tide fans wondering, Burnip will be on scholarship for Nick Saban.

Alabama Football roster still over the limit

Numbers must still be adjusted by Saban, but the rejection by JTT will make the task a bit easier. Once Burnip is added, the roster will have 90 scholarship players. Since Brian Robinson Jr. and Chris Owens get an extra year (based on the NCAA COVID-driven extension), the Crimson Tide can have 87 scholarship players on its roster in August.

Breakdown of the 2021 Alabama Football Class

• Seven 5-Star players: J.C. Latham (OL); Tommy Brockermeyer (OL); Dallas Turner (OLB); Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB); Damon Payne (DL); Jacorey Brooks (WR); Camar Wheaton (RB).
• Along with 5-Stars, the class has nine 4-Stars, rated in the Top 100 players for the class: Agiye Hall (WR); JoJo Earle (WR); Terrion Arnold (DB); Deontae Lawson (LB); Terrence Ferguson (OL); Keanu Koht (OLB); Christian Leary (WR); Jalen Milroe (QB) and Monkell Goodwine (DL).
• Seven more 4-Stars: Kadarius Calloway (DB); Kendrick Blackshire (LB); Kaine Williams (DB); James Brockermeyer (OL); Ian Jackson (LB); Jaeden Roberts (OL); Devonta Smith (CB).
• Along with the three transfers; Henry To’o To’o; Jameson Williams and Jack Martin; JUCO transfer cornerback, Khyree Jackson is rated one of the best defensive backs in the nation.
• The other players in the class all have a chance to contribute in their Crimson Tide careers: Tim Keenan (DL); Anquin Barnes (DL) and Robbie Ouzts (TE).

The Nick Saban recruiting machine delivered again. Losing six players to the NFL Draft, first round would be a blow to most programs, but not to Alabama Football.