RECRUITING: Commitment/Prospect List, Comments, and Discussion (Part VII)

[Crimson Surfer]

Link to Part VI

Bama Mag: 2006 Bama Commits

Bama On Line: 2006 Bama Commits

2006 Bama Commitments/Prospects List. (Updated often)

Commitments and prospects with reported Bama scholarship offers are bold and italicized with links to their profiles. Prospects that have been offered a Bama scholarship that have committed to another school or if they do not list Bama among their favorites are not listed. Some prospects that have been offered that have not shown any real interest in Bama or if their interest is very low are not listed either.

Quarterbacks:
Mathew Malouf, Oxford, MS.; Chris Smelley, Tuscaloosa; Tim Tebow, St. Augustine, FL.

Running Backs:
Derrick Davis, Meridian, MS.; Anthony Dixon, Perry, MS.; Randy Dupree, Attalla; Codera Eason, Meridian, MS.; Mike Ford, (Bama commitment), Sarasota, FL.; Terry Grant, Lumberton, MS.; Cedric Hickman, Winston Salem, NC. to Hargrave Military Academy, Chatham. VA.; Reggie Hicks, Madison, MS.; LeSean McCoy, Harrisburg, PA.; C.J. Spiller, Lake Butler, FL.; Mon Williams, Mesquite, TX.

Athletes:
Jarred Fayson, Tampa, FL.; Anthony Summers, Olive Branch, MS.; Allen Walker, Olive Branch, MS.

Wide Receivers:
Earl Alexander, Phenix City; Tim Hawthorne, Homewood; Mike McCoy, Brandon, MS.; Carlton Salters, Tallahassee, FL.; Courtney Smith, Prattville; Nikita Stover, (Bama commitment), Hartselle; Markeith Summers, Olive Branch, MS.; Randy Underwood, Jasper; Jared White, Mobile; Cornelius Williams, Hoover.

Tight Ends:
Jeffrey Anderson, Selma; Preston Dial, (Bama commitment), Mobile; Michael Goggans, Alexander City.

Offensive Linemen:
Ryan Broadhead, Leesburg, GA.; Josh Davis, Tylertown, MS.; Josh Hawkins, Greenville; Jacques McClendon, Chattanooga, TN.; Brian Motley, (Bama commitment), Autaugaville; Taylor Pharr, (Bama commitment), Irondale; David Ross, (Bama commitment), Homewood; Andre Smith, Birmingham; Alex Stadler, (Bama commitment), Bealeton, VA.; Tyler Unsworth, Slidell, LA.

Defensive Linemen:
Ugo Chinasa, Richardson, TX.; Markee Drummer, West Palm Beach, FL.; Jacobi Graves, Attalla; Jerami Holifield, (Bama commitment), Hoover; Kentrell Lockett, Boutte, LA.; Craig Marshall, Fort Walton Beach, FL.; McKenzie Mathews, Syracuse, NY.; Jermarcus Ricks, Leighton; Reginald Stokes, Montgomery; Milton Talbert, Hattiesburg, MS.; Steven Wesley, Bartow, FL.; Deantwan Whitehead, Birmingham.

Linebackers:
Kevin Alexander, Lake Butler, FL.; Roshaad Byrd, Meridan, MS.; Akeem Dent, Atlanta, GA.; J.D. Douglas, Prattville; LaBrandon Glover, Pensacola, FL.; Corderick Govan, Charleston, MS.; Charlie Higgenbotham, (Bama commitment), Mountain Brook; LaBronski Hutchins, (Bama commitment), Alexander City; A. J. Jones, Tampa, FL.; Charlie Kirschman, (Bama commitment), St. Augustine, FL.; Derrick Odom, Jackson, MS.; Tim Rawlinson, Prattville; Toryan Smith, Rome, GA.; Brandon Spikes, Shelby, NC.; Craig Stephens, Tallahassee, FL.;

Defensive Backs:
C. J. Bailey, Moss Point, MS.; Tremayne Coger, (Bama commitment), Columbia, TN.; Andy Davis, (Bama commitment), Birmingham; Ryan Hill, Tallahassee, FL.; Marquis Johnson, (Bama commitment), Sarasota, FL.; Ochuko Jenije, Tallahassee, FL.; Darian Stewart, Huntsville; Jared Stewart, Huntsville; Marcus Udell, Tallahassee, FL.; Justin Woodall, Oxford, MS.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

TideSports.com: Andrew Bone's Daily Recruiting Coverage

RECRUITING NOTEBOOK: Alabama draws blue-chip crowd for LSU game

It was a huge recruiting weekend for the Alabama football program, as ESPN Gameday was a part of the electrifying day that unfolded Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the LSU game.

The blue-chip prospects were stacked on the sidelines prior to kickoff, and the Alabama fans did their part recruiting the nation’s finest from hanging signs from the wall in the student section to chanting recruits’ names as they filed to their seats to watch the SEC showdown.

The all-star cast included Scout.com’s five-star quarterback Tim Tebow, No. 1 offensive lineman Andre Smith and defensive lineman Deantwan “Peanut" Whitehead. It compared to a Hollywood party as the place to be seen Saturday afternoon.

Andre Smith Update

Scout.com's No. 1 offensive lineman was in Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit for the LSU game. Smith has taken three schools off his list of favorites and has set his first official visit.

"My visit to Alabama this weekend was alright," said Andre Smith. "The crowd was extremely loud. The atmosphere was just as I expected for an SEC rivalry game."

"I talked to the coaches for a little bit after the game. They were saying how much they need me. They told me I need to hurry up and get down to Alabama," Smith added.

Mobile Quarterbacks: Recruiting Update

A pair of quarterbacks who were committed to SEC schools switched their commitments to Big 12 teams this weekend. Both were similar in that they found better fits.

Rivals100 signal caller Jevan Snead of Stephenville, Texas, backed out of his verbal commitment to Florida and pledged to Texas. Had Snead stuck with the Gators, he may very well have been a part of a logjam of young quarterbacks on the Florida roster, which could potentially have included current freshman Josh Portis, five-star junior college transfer Brent Schaeffer, Tim Tebow, the nation's top high school dual-threat quarterback prospect, along with Snead. Not to mention the Gators have current starter Chris Leak back for another year.

Does Snead's jump to Texas help Florida's chances with native son Tim Tebow?
The Longhorns, meanwhile, desperately needed to sign a big-time quarterback in this class and got their man in Snead.

"I am a Texas boy, born and raised," he said.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Bama's Running Back Prospects

Scout.com updated their rankings of the top running backs in the Southeast and several of the Tide's targets made the list.

# 1--C.J. Spiller
# 2--Cordera Eason

Bama Wide Receivers Prospects

Scout.com ranks the wide receivers in the Southeast and the Crimson Tide is a favorite among several of the elite.

# 1--Jarred Fayson, 6-0, 195, Hillsborough, Tampa, (Fla.)

# 2--Tim Hawthorne, 6-2, 205, Homewood, (Ala.)

# 8--Earl Alexander, 6-4, 203, Central-Phenix City, (Ala.)

Bama's Tight End Prospects

#3--Preston Dial, 6-4, 240, 4.8, Mobile, Ala. (UMS-Wright)

Scout.com's four-star tight end was offered scholarships from several of the South’s elite programs including Florida State, LSU and Tennessee. Dial’s life-long dream was to play for the University of Alabama and his verbal commitment is solid to the Tide.

Bama Defensive End Prospects

# 1—Deantwan “Peanut” Whitehead, 6-6, 245, 4.6, West End-Birmingham, (Ala.)

Peanut Whitehead's performance during summer camps and his dominating senior season has his name at the top of the list for college coaches across the country. Scout.com's five-star recruit recorded over 20 sacks and 130 tackles in 11 games from his defensive end position. Whitehead was in Tuscaloosa for the Florida game and said, "I was shocked. There are no words to describe how great the defense played. They just have great coaching. The atmosphere was off-the-chain. Their defense is one of the best in the country." Whitehead has 50 scholarship offers with a broad list of favorite schools, and the Tide is in the thick of it for his signature. He has official visits set with Louisville (11-25) and Arkansas (12-03).

Bama Cornerback Prospects

Scout.com ranks the top cornerbacks in the Southeast and the Crimson Tide has two verbal commits on the list with several others listing Alabama as a favorite.

# 2--Ryan Hill
# 5--Tremayne Coger (Bama Commit)
# 13--Marcus Udell
# 16--Marquis Johnson (Bama Commit)

Bama's Safety Prospects

Scout.com has updated their rankings of the top players in the South. This is a look at the Top Safeties in the South considering Alabama.

# 3--Allen Walker
#10--Justin Woodall
#12--Darian Stewart

 

[ihatefulmer]

"I talked to the coaches for a little bit after the game. They were saying how much they need me. They told me I need to hurry up and get down to Alabama," Smith added.

Thats the understatement of the year!

 

[runtheoption22]

ok, let's do a little analysis....

Tebow- he has enjoyed every visit to Bama and from other players interviews it sounds like he's doing a little recruiting. However, one could say that the Snead decommit from UF to Texas would open the door, along with Hornsby going to UF. I counter that with the fact that Snead probably has no effect on Tebow and the fact that Meyer has turned the heat up on Schaeffer and Mustain, and mention of Chris Paul-Etienne getting a push as well.

Brandon Spikes- big, physical LB that jumped on the Tide late but LOVED his official and claims it will be tough to beat what Alabama has to offer. We like him as a MLB.

AJ Jones- loved his unofficial visit and will be back for an official. Tide, USC, and probably UF fight til the end.

Andre Smith- loved his unofficial, but still remains relatively quite and is considering 9 schools. First official will be to USC. Might not take official to Bama so don't panic.

Ugo Chinasa- loved his visit, and Tide even with LSU, Okie St, and OU. Might be hard to swing him, but still have a good shot.

Peanut Whitehead- has enjoyed his unofficials but still refuses to name a leader. He knows he will officially visit Arky and Louisy. After visiting for UT and LSU, and him not biting, it might be hard to swing him to stay in state.

Tim Hawthorne- taking visits and saying good things about the Tide. If we get Tebow, I think he'll commit as well. Will probably come down to Bama, UT, LSU, and UGA.

Courtney Smith- big, physical WR who came to Prattville via New Orleans. Has a Tide offer and rated his visit very high. His 4.62 might worry a few, but a self-reported 4.5 might actually be close to what Smith runs. Great hands, btw.

Earl Alexander- visited this past weekend and was impressed. I'm surprised he didn't name the Tide a leader, but he is still considering Bama, UGA, and Barn. Destination will be WR in college, but does he have the hands? Great athlete.

Craig Stephens- a LB from Tallahassee-Lincoln, that was long thought to be a FSU lean. However, his visit for the LSU game blew him away and is considering the Tide. If he leaves Tallahassee, the Tide is in good standing, especially with Harvey and Upchurch doing some recruiting.

Jacques McClendon- soft UT verbal who is shopping around. He loved his trip to Bama and apparently his mom gave the ok. Will also visit Barn this weekend. Will come down to those three. If we get him, Motley is assuredly a DT, IMO.

Jermarcus Ricks- Bama leads and this weekend will likely be the final chance for the Barn to catch up or pass us. Would be a coup since the family is Barners.

Michael Goggans- Tide has caught up with the Viles, IMO. Will depend on how quick he decides to change on whether he has a spot or not. Could play TE, but I think the Tide likes him as a DE that'll grow into a DT.

Ochuko Jenije- if we sign another true cover corner, Jenije might be the man. Runs a 4.39 and loved his visit to campus. Tide in top 2. Likely a PR/KR man like our other CB commit Coger.

Jarred Fayson- will be a tough pull, but if we get Tebow, we might get Fayson. Liked UGA trip, but I think UF will be the major player.

Ryan Hill- missed trip this weekend, but will try to reschedule. I like Jenije just as much.

Marcus Udell- missed trip as well, but will reschedule. Same with Hill and Jenije, IMO.

LeSean McCoy and Chris Brown- both were supposed to be in town, but both didn't make it- not sure on reason. I think it is becoming apparent though that we will only sign Mike Ford, who is ready for D1 play now. McCoy likely goes to PSU and Brown to OU.

Cordera Eason- has seen Bama twice, but I don't think he'll leave the state of MS.

Anthony Dixon- looks like LSU and the state schools of MS will be the major players.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Here is my very optimistic guess or should I say hope for the final 10 Bama commitments. I would guess Bama will take about 10 more with the likelyhood of some commitments not qualifying. I tried to list them in the order of what I think the priority is based on team need. Of course McCoy, Spiller or Eason would be a top RB choices but the need for RB is less than some of the other positions. I am sure Bama would love to sign any ten of this seventeen prospects. It should be very interesting to see how this plays out.

1. Tim Tebow or Chris Smelley - QB
2. Andre Smith - OT
3. Jarred Fayson - Ath/WR
4. Earl Alexander – Ath/WR
5. Deantwan Whitehead or Ugo Chinasa - DE
6. AJ Jones or Derrick Odom - OLB
7. Brandon Spikes or Toryan Smith - MLB
8. LeSean McCoy, CJ Spiller or Cordera Eason - RB
9. Tim Hawthorne or Courtney Smith - WR
10. Jemarcus Ricks - DT

 

[IHateUT]

Thanks for the work you guys do! Very good job!

It's looking more and more like Tebow is going to start somewhat of a domino effect for any school he chooses.

 

[Beat auburn]

Florida loses top Texas QB...all out war for Tebow

http://rivals100.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=479508

I don't know that this hurts, but I certainly don't see it helping. Will he leave his state? his parent's alma mater? Man, I hope Shula is ready to fight.

We'll all know a month from yesterday. His announcement will be Dec. 14th on ESPN. Don't break our hearts Tim... just say Roll Tide and put on that crimson hat.

 

[IHateUT]

...and the fact that Meyer has turned the heat up on Schaeffer and Mustain, and mention of Chris Paul-Etienne getting a push as well.

Hmm...with that and what you said about Tebow "doing some recruiting" it looks like Meyer knows something we don't.

Hell, getting Tebow from UF would be like beating Florida 31-3 again this year.

 

[Cory]

Best class in a long time

You guys do a great job and I really appreciate all your hard work. This looks like it could be the best class in 10 years. Roll Tide.

 

[ridnlow]

I dont think Hornsby is going to qualify academically, so I don't think Tebow choses Florida because Hornsby committed, but we will see...

 

[Love the Ping]

RTO,

I'm pretty sure I read that Chris Brown removed us from his list and it is going to be Oklahoma or Arkansas.

Also, on our LB situation. Is there any way that Higgenbotham can play outside? We have Prince Hall redshirting this year who looks like a MLB all the way, and we have commits from Higg and Kirschman. I am just wondering with us looking pretty good for Spikes as of now if Higg can play outside if we get Brandon. Also, does Kirschman make the move to DL? It just doesn't make much sense to have all these guys on board if they're all tied into MLB.

 

[Crimson Hawk]

How many of these guys are Top 100?

 

[bamabake]

ok, let's do a little analysis....

Tebow- he has enjoyed every visit to Bama and from other players interviews it sounds like he's doing a little recruiting. However, one could say that the Snead decommit from UF to Texas would open the door, along with Hornsby going to UF. I counter that with the fact that Snead probably has no effect on Tebow and the fact that Meyer has turned the heat up on Schaeffer and Mustain, and mention of Chris Paul-Etienne getting a push as well.

Brandon Spikes- big, physical LB that jumped on the Tide late but LOVED his official and claims it will be tough to beat what Alabama has to offer. We like him as a MLB.

AJ Jones- loved his unofficial visit and will be back for an official. Tide, USC, and probably UF fight til the end.

Andre Smith- loved his unofficial, but still remains relatively quite and is considering 9 schools. First official will be to USC. Might not take official to Bama so don't panic.

Ugo Chinasa- loved his visit, and Tide even with LSU, Okie St, and OU. Might be hard to swing him, but still have a good shot.

Peanut Whitehead- has enjoyed his unofficials but still refuses to name a leader. He knows he will officially visit Arky and Louisy. After visiting for UT and LSU, and him not biting, it might be hard to swing him to stay in state.

Tim Hawthorne- taking visits and saying good things about the Tide. If we get Tebow, I think he'll commit as well. Will probably come down to Bama, UT, LSU, and UGA.

Courtney Smith- big, physical WR who came to Prattville via New Orleans. Has a Tide offer and rated his visit very high. His 4.62 might worry a few, but a self-reported 4.5 might actually be close to what Smith runs. Great hands, btw.

Earl Alexander- visited this past weekend and was impressed. I'm surprised he didn't name the Tide a leader, but he is still considering Bama, UGA, and Barn. Destination will be WR in college, but does he have the hands? Great athlete.

Craig Stephens- a LB from Tallahassee-Lincoln, that was long thought to be a FSU lean. However, his visit for the LSU game blew him away and is considering the Tide. If he leaves Tallahassee, the Tide is in good standing, especially with Harvey and Upchurch doing some recruiting.

Jacques McClendon- soft UT verbal who is shopping around. He loved his trip to Bama and apparently his mom gave the ok. Will also visit Barn this weekend. Will come down to those three. If we get him, Motley is assuredly a DT, IMO.

Jermarcus Ricks- Bama leads and this weekend will likely be the final chance for the Barn to catch up or pass us. Would be a coup since the family is Barners.

Michael Goggans- Tide has caught up with the Viles, IMO. Will depend on how quick he decides to change on whether he has a spot or not. Could play TE, but I think the Tide likes him as a DE that'll grow into a DT.

Ochuko Jenije- if we sign another true cover corner, Jenije might be the man. Runs a 4.39 and loved his visit to campus. Tide in top 2. Likely a PR/KR man like our other CB commit Coger.

Jarred Fayson- will be a tough pull, but if we get Tebow, we might get Fayson. Liked UGA trip, but I think UF will be the major player.

Ryan Hill- missed trip this weekend, but will try to reschedule. I like Jenije just as much.

Marcus Udell- missed trip as well, but will reschedule. Same with Hill and Jenije, IMO.

LeSean McCoy and Chris Brown- both were supposed to be in town, but both didn't make it- not sure on reason. I think it is becoming apparent though that we will only sign Mike Ford, who is ready for D1 play now. McCoy likely goes to PSU and Brown to OU.

Cordera Eason- has seen Bama twice, but I don't think he'll leave the state of MS.

Anthony Dixon- looks like LSU and the state schools of MS will be the major players.

Mustain.. I thought he was an Ark commit.

 

[runtheoption22]

Ping,

I've been told Kirschman is a DE all the way. The staff thinks he fits the "David Pollack" mold.

Higgenbotham might be the first likely candidate to greyshirt. He could use the extra rehab and that would put a class between him and Spikes, if he comes.

Brown may have been told we're full at RB.

Hawk,

Alexander, Fayson, Tebow, Spikes, Smith, Hill, Whitehead and maybe 1 or 2 more may be.

bake,

Mustain is an Arky commit but he has a couple of friends committed to UF. If there are staff changes in Arky land, he might decommit.

 

[Love the Ping]

How many of these guys are Top 100?

Of the guys that are listed on Crimson Surfer's list (per Rivals):

#2 Andre Smith
#7 LeSean McCoy
#19 Tim Tebow
#31 CJ Spiller
#34 Tim Hawthorne
#36 Carlos Brown
#43 Micah Johnson
#48 Jarred Fayson
#53 Allen Walker
#56 Deantwan Whitehead
#65 Brandon Spikes
#67 Jaques McClendon
#80 Cordera Eason
#87 Ryan Hill
#89 Jared White
#92 Earl Alexander
#95 Anthony Summers

I'll leave it up to RTO or CS to determine which ones we have the most realistic chance to land, but if I had to guess, guys we have a good chance at are: Smith, Tebow, Hawthorne, Fayson, Spikes, Whitehead, and Alexander.

 

[Love the Ping]

Ping,

I've been told Kirschman is a DE all the way. The staff thinks he fits the "David Pollack" mold.

Higgenbotham might be the first likely candidate to greyshirt. He could use the extra rehab and that would put a class between him and Spikes, if he comes.

Okay, thanks RTO. That makes sense. I'll tell you one thing, Kirschman lays the wood. Have you seen that clip of him on Rivals absolutely leveling JPW's little brother in that Hoover/Nease game? Wow!

So, if it plays out like you think it may, that would put one year between each of Hall, Spikes, and Higg. Man, that would set us up nicely at MLB for the next few years.

You think Hall starts at MLB next year? I love Matt Collins, but I don't see him starting. PH is just the superior athlete and that extra ability will win him the spot IMO. Which linebackers we are recruiting will be ready to step in and play next year? I'm most concerned about the middle obviously, but strong side is a concern also. Terrence Jones is the only guy there with any experience, you heard anything about the progress of Anders and Schreiber (they're both SLB, right?). Also, does Stamps have the ability to add the weight neccessary to play there? I'm not worried about WLB with Simpson and Waldrop both returning with a lot of experience.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

RTO,

I'm pretty sure I read that Chris Brown removed us from his list and it is going to be Oklahoma or Arkansas.

Yes, Scout.com is reporting that Chris Brown is no longer showing any interest in Bama. That most likely is mutual. I removed him from my prospect list last week.

 

[Love the Ping]

Yes, Scout.com is reporting that Chris Brown is no longer showing any interest in Bama. That may be mutual. I removed him from my prospect list last week.

I agree about it being mutual. It appears to me, we aren't going to take another RB just to take one. It's going to have to be a special player (ie: McCoy, Spiller, or Eason).

 

[drsmithofga]

If possible, I would like to hear more about Prince Hall and the confidence in him to take over the MLB spot. I watched video of him, but they were only at the RB position. He looked pudgey in the videos, and then reported out of shape this fall. Compared to Jimmy Johns, you have to wonder about the young man's commitment to conditioning. I know he was fighting to pass high school, but it makes me wonder if we have another Curtis Dawson on our hands. I don't know much about how he is currently carrying his weight, and can't recall what his 40 time is. I would like to have the same confidence as others here in his ability to step into the position, so help me out. I believe I recall him winning a practice award this fall, so that says something, but I haven't heard/read any coaches speak of him specifically.