Alabama Crimson Tide: 2008 Recruiting Champions

The phrase “Roll Tide” has never been more appropriate than today. After a very late flurry on the part of Nick Saban and his staff -- including landing six prospects in the last week -- congratulations are due to the Alabama Crimson Tide and their 2008 Athlon Sports Recruiting National Championship.

This whole process started back in February of 2007 when Reform, AL defensive end Michael Williams became the first to join the Crimson Tide’s 2008 class. Nearly one full year later, the reform was complete at 3 pm ET today when Gadsden, AL linebacker Jerrell Harris announced his intentions to play for Alabama.

In between, 30 prospects decided that Tuscaloosa would be where they would play their college ball. This class is easily the most balanced class in the nation but it really begins and ends with one young wide receiver from Foley, Alabama: Julio Jones. Jones, No. 2 in the AC100, is a mythical blend of size, speed, toughness and natural instincts. He has a chance to be an immediate impact threat on the outside.

Jones is not the only playmaker in this class, though. Burton Scott, Mark Barron, Mark Ingram and Chris Jordan all have the ability to make things happen with the ball in their hands. All four are listed as athletes and could make instant impacts at a number of positions.

More importantly for Tide fans, however, was the excellent job Nick Saban did addressing the obvious lack of talent in the defensive front seven. Potentially five linebackers (including the incredibly talented Harris), four defensive tackles and five defensive ends clearly add needed depth to the defensive front for Kevin Steele and Co.

Saban and Steele did not stop there. They also landed four, possibly five, defensive backs. With names like Alonzo Lawrence – who actually shut down Julio Jones in the Ala-Miss All-Star Classic – and Robby Green, the Tide did a masterful job of reaching into surrounding states and pulling talent. Green is from Louisiana and Lawrence hails from Mississippi.

Last but certainly not least is the new star quarterback, literally. Lake Worth, Florida product Star Jackson signed his letter of intent today to play for Alabama. Jackson is a 6-3, 190 pound scrambling dynamo that could find himself pushing John Parker Wilson for the starting job.


Signing Day Winners:

Clemson Tigers

The Tigers had a great day today, closing very strong with some expected names and a few surprises. Jacksonville running back Jamie Harper is an outstanding prospect and will likely continue the recent trend of very talented ball carriers for Clemson. They also added a big offensive lineman from Alabama in Antoine McClain. Tommy Bowden was not satisfied, however, as he dipped in the Georgia Bulldogs’ class and stole tight end Dwayne Allen from Mark Richt and Co.

Arkansas Razorbacks

Bobby Petrino is known for his offensive prowess and he made strong moves on signing day to ensure that there will be firepower in Fayetteville. Already with top in-state runner DeAnthony Curtis in the fold, Petrino stole two other talented prospects that could help rebuild his offense. Jerico Nelson, formerly a Purdue commit, and Joe Adams, formerly a USC Trojan pledge, both switched today and are headed to Arkansas.

North Carolina Tar Heels

Last season Butch davis did a masterful job of putting together a crazy talented recruiting class. Until today, the 2008 version could have been considered a complete bust. Snagging four very talented kids – Christian Wilson, Robert Quinn, Herman Davidson and Quinton Coples -- really boosted an average class today.

Miami Hurricanes

The flag planting that was south Florida recruiting this season for the Hurricanes came to fruition today. Lineman Ben Jones and wide receiver Tommy Streeter completed the sweep of Miami-Northwestern High, giving Randy Shannon seven signees from one local high school. They were not done, however. The U also landed arguably the most ready-to-play corner in the nation, Brandon Harris, and then stuck it to Urban Meyer and the Gators when they stole back Ramon “Cookie” Buchanan. Cookie had been committed to Miami, then switched to Florida before finally signing with the Hurricanes.

Losers:

Anyone involved in the Terrelle Pryor sweepstakes not named Oregon

The most important letter of intent still remains unsigned. Jeannette, PA quarterback Terrelle Pryor held his noon press conference today just as he planned, but it left everyone wanting more. He announced today that he was not ready to announce. A supposed trip out west to Eugene and the Oregon Duck campus is in the works for this weekend. This is not good news for Ohio St, Michigan and Penn State who all felt they had a chance at the record-breaking athlete. Ohio State is still the team to beat but the Pryor saga will continue for a few more days… at least.

Purdue Boilermakers

It has been a rough couple of weeks for Joe Tiller’s program. Arguably the top two prospects in their class jumped ship today. Wide receiver Roy Roundtree and athlete Jerico Nelson both made 13th hour switches and headed elsewhere. The hits just keep on coming for a coach who was basically told that he is finished after this season.

The Big East

With the obvious exception of Pittsburgh, every team in the Big East underachieved in recruiting this season. Cincinnati could not capitalize on success during the season, nor could UConn The big three -- WVU, Rutgers, and Louisville – didn’t come close. WVU lost nearly every top prospect (although they did get good news with Josh Jenkins’s commitment today) once Rich Rodriguez left for Michigan. Rutgers lost most of the top in-state talent to bigger, more prestigious programs. Louisville’s class is loaded with JUCO talent, which can be a very dangerous proposition.

Auburn Tigers

This one is more of a compilation of issues. Five-star running back Enrique Davis, who signed with Auburn last season, scorned the Tigers for divisional rival Ole Miss. Not only that but new offensive coordinator Tony Franklin lost out on one his would-be future weapons in Jarmon Fortson. He signed with Florida State today and will be a star in Tallahassee. Last but not least is the story written above: the Crimson Tide dominated inside the state this year, landing nearly every major prospect in Alabama.