It was no surprise to see Alabama head coach Nick Saban in such a good mood at the end of National Signing Day earlier this month. After all, the Crimson Tide landed the top recruiting class in the nation according to every major recruiting service once again. Alabama added 14 players to the 12 that enrolled early with three others waiting for roster spots.
Here is a look at five key takeaways from Crimson Tide’s 2017 recruiting cycle.
Instant Impact
The quality of the incoming talent at Alabama is so high that we could see a couple of players in particular make an instant impact. Offensive lineman Elliott Baker and defensive lineman Isaiah Buggs will both have a chance to win starting jobs while running back Najee Harris as well as wide receivers Henry Ruggs III and Devonta Smith could be in the mix for return duties. Everybody knows the long-term potential of this group is immense but the biggest surprise might be the instant impact the 2017 class of recruits could have for the Crimson Tide.
Dominance In Louisiana
On top of dominating the recruiting trail in Alabama, the Crimson Tide also had their way in Louisiana, where their biggest rival LSU is based. Alabama landed three of the top four prospects available out of Louisiana including four-star linebacker Chris Allen and four-star defensive tackle Phidarian Mathis. The Crimson Tide are expected to have success recruiting in-state but the fact that they continue to hit big in Louisiana has to frustrate Tigers’ fans as well as their coaching and management. Landon Collins, Eddie Lacy, Tim Williams and Cam Robinson are among the big names Alabama has recruited out of Louisiana in the past and that trend of landing top talents from LSU’s home state continued in 2017.
The main issue for LSU is that they’re just not viewed as a top-tier program right now the way that the Tide are viewed. Clearly, the Tigers have moved into the second tier and are a cut below Alabama. But further muddying the waters on the recruiting trail is that no one is quite sure what direction the Tigers are headed. Under Miles, they were usually close, but no cigar. Is Ed Orgeron a step back? He’s not a sexy head coaching candidate, so it’s possible that LSU is actually going to fall even further down the totem pole. They’re in a situation where they have to prove it these days and until they can show that they’re going to compete for – at least – a January 1st bowl or the College Football Playoff, they’re going to continue to get worked over on the recruiting trail in their home state. All of the best players want to go to Alabama these days and that’s something that they have to deal with for the time being.
Wait List Established
On top of landing the most impressive recruiting class in the country, the Crimson Tide also established a wait list with a commitment from four-star defensive end Jarez Parks. The standout defensive end chose to grayshirt at Alabama rather than delay his decision any longer and while he was criticized for the early commitment it could set a precedent for other schools to attempt to follow suit. The fact that top talents are actually lining up and waiting for their opportunity to sign with the Crimson Tide is a testament to their recruiting dominance as a direct result of years of success.
Saban Is Still The Man
Saban’s dominance on the recruiting trail is even more impressive when you consider he lost his offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin as well as top assistants Mario Cristobal and Billy Napier heading in to this offseason. Alabama landed 12 players that are considered five-star prospects and 13 considered four-star prospects while setting an all-time record by landing 20 players ranked in ESPN’s top 300 in the country. Saban’s dominance in this year’s recruiting cycle combined with five verbal commitments for 2018 and one for 2019 is yet another reminder that regardless of who is under him Saban is still the man in college football.
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