Alabama Football: Crimson Tide bumpy recruiting ride continues

What would have once shocked Alabama football fans happened unsurprisingly Friday evening. One of the top 2023 class recruits once believed to be a Crimson Tide lock, committed to Dabo Swinney and Clemson.

Defensive lineman, Peter Woods is not the top 2023 prospect in the state of Alabama, but he is not far behind. According to the 247Sports Composite, James Smith, also a defensive lineman, is the state’s top prospect. Alabama Football has verbal commitments from No. 2, Tony Mitchell and No. 3, Jahlil Hurley.

Peter Woods is No. 4 and is a 5-Star, rated as the third-best defensive lineman in the 2023 class. Early Friday evening, Woods announced a commitment to Clemson.

Being a longtime Alabama fan, while coming from a high school in Alabaster, AL considered a pipeline to Tuscaloosa and having visited the Alabama campus dozens of times – Peter Woods chose Clemson anyway.

Though the Alabama football staff will back off from Woods for a time, pursuit will be renewed in the fall. He has an official visit left to take and surely it will be to Tuscaloosa. Woods will likely become a legit flip target before December.

Though some will describe it as a double whammy, it was also not surprising that former Crimson Tide commit, 4-Star, Elliot Washington flipped to Penn State. A flip by Washington had been rumored for so long, the only doubt was when and to what school.

Sky not falling for Alabama Football Recruiting

Alabama football insiders believe the Tide staff will not try to change Washington’s mind. More highly rated defensive backs are primary Tide targets.

The trend of misses is expected to change on Monday when 4-Star, quarterback, Dylan Lonergan chooses Alabama over South Carolina, Stanford and other programs. Based on the 247Sports Composite, Lonergan is one spot below Eli Holstein in the quarterback rankings at No. 9 in the 2023 class.

More fireworks can be expected in July. Malik Bryant, 4-Star linebacker and No. 49 overall in the 2023 class is expected to announce on July 23. Alabama is believed to be in great shape with Bryant. Possibly before that announcement, 4-Star, athlete, Suntarine Perkins will announce a flip from Ole Miss to the Alabama Crimson Tide.

There are additional flip targets for the Crimson Tide, but it is impossible to make a prediction on any of them. Some of the ones being rumored are elite prospects.

No sugar-coating is appropriate. Peter Woods was (and is) a priority target in the 2023 class. Not signing him would be a major disappointment.

It is perhaps noteworthy that in this post a certain, three-letter acronym has not been used. It is not believed to have had anything to do with Woods choosing Clemson.