Alabama Football: Highest-rated Tide class ever might get better

What happened on Wednesday and finished up (for now) early Thursday evening was the most highly rated Alabama Football Signing Class – ever.

Based on the 247Sports Composite Team Rankings, the Crimson Tide is No. 1 for the 2023 class at 328.97. That calculation is for 28 signees, including the Crimson Tide’s most recent, Desmond Ricks.

The previous team record for an Alabama Crimson Tide recruiting class was the 2021 class, rated at 327.91. The Texas A&M class for 2022 is No. 1 among all college football programs, with a rating of 333.13.

Could the Crimson Tide catch and surpass the Aggies? It could, but the record is of little importance, compared to adequately meeting all of Nick Saban’s goals for the class. There is no indication any players will be added on Friday, the last day of the Early Signing Period.

Will Alabama Football add recruits in February?

The Crimson Tide should go into February’s National Signing Day with the current number of 28 signees. It could be in February, the talent pool of top players is empty. Using the On3 Consensus as a guide, as of Thursday night, only four of the top 50 rated players remain unsigned. None are being mentioned as Alabama Football targets. One of them was a Crimson Tide target, cornerback Cormani McClain, but Alabama decided to focus on Desmond Ricks instead.

Many programs use February signings to fill position group shortages. To the extent the Crimson Tide has roster shortages at tight end, defensive line and offensive line, additions are most likely to come from the Transfer Portal.

The scenario could change if the Alabama football staff is surprised by some number of unexpected Transfer Portal or NFL exits.

One of the position group needs is expected to be filled soon. Alabama football recruiting insiders are projecting Maryland transfer, tight end, CJ Dippre will commit soon enough to enroll in January.

There has been chatter Eric Wolford might be interested in Kentucky transfer offensive tackle, Kiyaunta Goodwin. After landing Kadyn Proctor, the Tide’s need for a potential starter may no longer exist. Other offensive linemen in the Portal do not appear to offer much upside.

A hunch is Freddie Roach and Nick Saban would like to add an impact player on the defensive line. Scouring the current Portal players, Western Michigan transfer, Braden Fiske could be the best current option. According to On3, Fiske is considering Florida State and Southern Cal. Nothing against Fiske, but he might not be good enough for meaningful minutes next season. If so, Alabama does not need just ‘another big body.’

There will be many more Portal additions and Alabama can afford to be patient until it knows if more players will leave Tuscaloosa.