Over the past few weeks/months several people have commented on how well Coach Shula shut down the state borders with the recruiting followed by a general notion that the staff now needs to expand our borders and begin to recruit "high profile players" from out of state.
One example of our staff accomplishing this goal is the recruitment of Jimmy Barnes (6-5, 225, 5.0) of Los Alamitos, CA. Barnes, considered one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in California, is leaning to Alabama and his father commented the other day to expect an announcement in mid-July from Jimmy. Coach Radar was very high on his ability during the camp and it's an understatement to say "he was the talk of the camp."
The success we had in Feb. with players out of Georgia looks to be repeated with this next class. We had a lot of players out of the Atlanta area and many have Alabama very high on their list. This includes another QB, RB's, LB's, and some DLmen.
Once again, WR's coming out of Florida are being pursued heavily by our staff and you can expect Alabama to pluck a few blue chippers out of this hotbed for Div. 1 talent.
Based on the positions the coaches are looking at it's my best guess that we'll look at these positions.
QB- There is no doubt Barnes in the one we are after and the staff has every intention of signing him. Although, they are looking at a few other QB's this summer.
RB- If we can sign a top notch back I wouldn't be surprised if we only sign one. I also expect, based on the talent in state in the RB position that player will come from out of state, possibly Georgia.
WR- Signing 2 or 3 shouldn't surprise anyone. Unlike the RB position, there are several in state that should get a strong look along with those from the Sunshine state who are already expressing interest. One thing is for certain, if the incoming class shines, this position will attract a lot of attention next Feb.
TE- Again, the state is loaded with talent in the Tight End position. We've expressed interest in several and realistically could sign 2 for the 2005 class.
OL/DL- I expect these position to account for 10-12 spots in the 2005 class. We are recruiting several players on both sides of the ball who are considered to be top notch in their respective positions. We all know help is needed, and we are getting interest from some very talented high school lineman.
LB- This is a position it is hard to make a guess with. The general thought is at least 3 will be in the next class because depth is an issue here as well. The neat thing about this position is not knowing where the staff may be considering using some of the talent available. It's a choice, really. Early contributors or given some time to add some weight/muscle the potential to become good DE's for passing situations.
DB- No worries here with a good group showing interest in the Tide. The bright part about this group of backs is not only do they have a lot of athletic ability in coverage situations, but have excellent tackling skills as well.
Bottom line, as one of the participating coaches put it, "The camp was outstanding!" There were over 400 participants and Coach Shula spent his time where he shoul...both with the parents and with the high school coaches."
One example of our staff accomplishing this goal is the recruitment of Jimmy Barnes (6-5, 225, 5.0) of Los Alamitos, CA. Barnes, considered one of the top pro-style quarterbacks in California, is leaning to Alabama and his father commented the other day to expect an announcement in mid-July from Jimmy. Coach Radar was very high on his ability during the camp and it's an understatement to say "he was the talk of the camp."
The success we had in Feb. with players out of Georgia looks to be repeated with this next class. We had a lot of players out of the Atlanta area and many have Alabama very high on their list. This includes another QB, RB's, LB's, and some DLmen.
Once again, WR's coming out of Florida are being pursued heavily by our staff and you can expect Alabama to pluck a few blue chippers out of this hotbed for Div. 1 talent.
Based on the positions the coaches are looking at it's my best guess that we'll look at these positions.
QB- There is no doubt Barnes in the one we are after and the staff has every intention of signing him. Although, they are looking at a few other QB's this summer.
RB- If we can sign a top notch back I wouldn't be surprised if we only sign one. I also expect, based on the talent in state in the RB position that player will come from out of state, possibly Georgia.
WR- Signing 2 or 3 shouldn't surprise anyone. Unlike the RB position, there are several in state that should get a strong look along with those from the Sunshine state who are already expressing interest. One thing is for certain, if the incoming class shines, this position will attract a lot of attention next Feb.
TE- Again, the state is loaded with talent in the Tight End position. We've expressed interest in several and realistically could sign 2 for the 2005 class.
OL/DL- I expect these position to account for 10-12 spots in the 2005 class. We are recruiting several players on both sides of the ball who are considered to be top notch in their respective positions. We all know help is needed, and we are getting interest from some very talented high school lineman.
LB- This is a position it is hard to make a guess with. The general thought is at least 3 will be in the next class because depth is an issue here as well. The neat thing about this position is not knowing where the staff may be considering using some of the talent available. It's a choice, really. Early contributors or given some time to add some weight/muscle the potential to become good DE's for passing situations.
DB- No worries here with a good group showing interest in the Tide. The bright part about this group of backs is not only do they have a lot of athletic ability in coverage situations, but have excellent tackling skills as well.
Bottom line, as one of the participating coaches put it, "The camp was outstanding!" There were over 400 participants and Coach Shula spent his time where he shoul...both with the parents and with the high school coaches."
