Alabama Football: Tide commit slams door and possible flip

The last weekend for Alabama Football to lock down recruits is in progress. The Alabama Crimson Tide already has the No. 1  2023 class, based on any rankings that matter. Holding on to the 25 verbal commits and adding another five or so future players is what matters.

Coaches across the nation are making their last pushes and so far, most of the impact has been positive for the Crimson Tide.

This week, 5-Star running back, Justice Haynes slammed the door on Georgia and Ohio State. Both schools were seeking another in-person visit and Haynes said no. Haynes is a plum in the 2023 signing class and given he lives in Buford, GA, the rejection must have caused Kirby Smart some pain.

With Haynes and top 50, 4-Star, Richard Young, Alabama Football will land the top running back duo in the 2023 class.

The doors do get slammed both ways. After 4-Star, linebacker, Arion Carter announced for Tennessee, Pete Golding still tried to get a face-to-face, but Carter was not interested.

With Haynes and Richard Young solid, the late Crimson Tide recruiting push focuses on seven players. One is current verbal commitment, 5-Star safety, Caleb Downs. Holding on to Downs is a must.

Major Alabama Football Priority

Next in priority is adding the state of Alabama, 5-Star duo, defensive lineman, James Smith and linebacker, Qua Russaw. The competition is fierce, but several recruiting insiders are confident Alabama will land both.

After the defensive pair, the priorities for finishing the 2023 class are cornerback, offensive tackle and tight end. Thursday night chatter was Alabama has a real chance to flip 5-Star offensive tackle, Kadyn Proctor. Proctor is from Des Moins and he committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes over five months ago. He is the No. 2 rated offensive tackle in the 2023 class.

At cornerback, the Crimson Tide is after both 5-Star, Desmond Ricks and 4-Star, Damari Brown. It is believed the Crimson Tide would make room for both.

Alabama would like to flip 4-Star, tight end, Luke Hasz away from Arkansas. An additional option at tight end is transfer prospect, Maryland’s C.J. Dippre. Dippre has visited recently and has a committable offer. As in the cornerback situation, it is expected Alabama would make room for both tight ends.

The Early Signing Period has three days but the big day will be Wednesday, Dec. 21. Alabama Football is expected to finish with one of its all-time best classes.