Alabama football a "finalist" but not really in contention for 4-star Edge

Alabama football is a finalist for 4-star Edge Jaquez Wilkes, a Top 100 player from Wadley, AL. Per Hayes Fawcett, the Tide is joined by Auburn, Miami (FL), Texas A&M, and Florida State. Wilkes will announce his commitment on Monday.

Wilkes has Alabama listed as a "finalist," but don't expect the Crimson Tide to be the choice. Per On3's Andrew Bone, Wilkes hasn't visited Tuscaloosa since April. He didn't take an official visit over the summer.

Wilkes is a good prospect, but Alabama has other priorities at Edge in this class. Kalen DeBoer and staff hold commitments from 4-star Edge's Jamarion Matthews and Kamhariyan Johnson. 5-star Xavier Griffin is also listed as an "Edge," but he's expected to be a versatile weapon in the Crimson Tide's defense, playing on and off-ball.

The top target remaining on Alabama's board also happens to be an Edge: 5-star Anthony 'Tank' Jones from Mobile.

All quiet on the recruiting front for Alabama football

After a big summer run on the recruiting trail, things have been quiet the last few weeks for the Tide. Alabama hasn't had a commitment since 5-star safety Jireh Edwards committed on July 5th. That wasn't unexpected, and the Crimson Tide currently holds 19 commitments and sits No. 5 in the composite rankings.

The plan was always for this to be a smaller class for the Crimson Tide. Somewhere between 22-25 recruits is all DeBoer and company are looking for. They've still got a few talented players on the board.

Jones is the top target. He would complete an excellent Edge class for Alabama. The expectation is for Jones to announce his commitment sometime late this month or next. His recruitment may not be fully over by then, with a long way between now and December.

Alabama also still plans to take a second quarterback in this class to increase the depth at that position. The hope is that it will be 4-star Tayden Kaawa.

Alabama needs to add a tackle to bolster the offensive line. They missed out on 4-star Wilson Zierer to rival Auburn, but recently offered 3-star Georgia Tech commitment Bear Fretwell and are working to flip him.

Alabama could look to add another defensive lineman, too. They're one of four finalists for 4-star Elijah Golden, though they are fighting an uphill battle to pull him away from Notre Dame. DeBoer could circle back to 4-star in-state DL Emmanuel Ruffin if they miss on Golden, though things have been quiet with the Crimson Tide and Ruffin for a while.

Between now and December's early signing period, the big work for DeBoer and the staff will be to retain the commitments they have, while looking to add a piece here and there.