Safety Chris Keys commits to Bama

[bamar]

according to scout.com, chris keys talked to coach ball at 9 pm last night, and asked him how christmas was going for him, and then told him well it is better because i am committing to alabama now. coach ball told him what a fine addition to the team, and he and coach shula will be looking forward to his arrival. chris also talked about how he didnt expect to be playing with al sharief again, but he is excited about the opportunity. his profile says, he likes to hit and will play safety or linebacker. he also stated he expects alabama to be real good next year with all the good recruits coach shula is bringing in.

 

[Crimson Surfer]

Three top safeties in a row. That is very good news.

Bama Mag Commitment List

 

[BamaNateTion]

do you think we will pull Chris Rodgers scholly offer now since he waited so long to switch from Maryland? Or do we offer some greyshirts to fit him in if he does commit? There are several other big name guys out there who are looking at Bama...I've lost count if Mr. Keys is No. 23 or 24...either way we are alomost full.

 

[runtheoption22]

do you think we will pull Chris Rodgers scholly offer now since he waited so long to switch from Maryland? Or do we offer some greyshirts to fit him in if he does commit? There are several other big name guys out there who are looking at Bama...I've lost count if Mr. Keys is No. 23 or 24...either way we are alomost full.

I just gave the best update that I could at the top of the page. Pretty sure Rogers has a scholly if he wants it.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

For one thing...

we can't call Rogers to tell him his offer is pulled, although, if I remember correctly, his HS coach could be told. I don't think it takes a genius to see that our DB situation now indicates that schollies should be burned on some other positions. Remember that we'll probably sign 28-29, at least, with various plans to handle the overage...

 

[drsmithofga]

Pretty sure Rogers has a scholly if he wants it.

In my opinion, I think a Rogers scholarship takes our recruiting approach away from a needs-based approach. These six could POTENTIALLY find themselves in the defensive backfield in the next two years:

Keys
Mitchell
Ricks
Ward
Reamer
Burnthall

I know there are position changes in the works, but I think after seeing our two veteran running backs go down and a third may not play in the bowl game, we may need to make the running back position a priority. Out of 24 commits, 19 are defensive players or down linemen. 5 skilled offensive players don't meet the needs that we were faced with this year. I like JB and JPW, I like our receiving corps, but I personally would like to see our RB/FB positions bolstered. I would consider this recruiting year a success if/when Mike Davis and/or Mikell Simpson signs the dotted line.

 

[runtheoption22]

I know what you are saying and I agree with you. I'm just reporting what I've heard, read, etc. and passing it along.

Reamer will be a LB and Burnthall might be. Ricks is not completely sure of qualifying. So, I can see why the staff might want another CB.

I agree that we need RB/FB. I just don't see 2 more RBs coming. I have the feeling that once one commits, we are done. The staff would definitely take more if they could get them. I wish that we could find a solid FB this year. We might see McCall end up there if we can get Peek or Trott at TE.

 

[JessN]

I don't think Keys stays in the defensive backfield more than a few months. Yes, they told him we were recruiting him as a DB. One look at his frame on film and you can see why linebacker is his ultimate destination.

I seriously doubt Keys' commitment has any bearing on Rogers, who the staff covets at corner. Who does get affected by this include Jimmy Johns and perhaps Antonio Coleman, players at other positions who could possibly play LB and/or were seen as guys to go after if Keys didn't pull the trigger.

 

[TIDE-HSV]

I agree...

it turns CMS's dual-purpose recruiting philosophy in another direction.