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.

Early Theme in Signing Day: SWITCHES

Florida has already lost two prospects in LB/S Ramon Buchanan and C Ricky Barnum.

Now Auburn has lost one of its top playmakers: wide receiver Jarmon Fortson from Columbus, GA has signed with FSU. Fortson is a great looking pass catcher. He is built like a tank and had a stellar performance in the Georgia Dome in the state semis this season. Auburn will miss Mr. Fortson.

It does not end there, however. Georgia lost one its top players in tight end Dwayne Allen. Allen signed with the Clemson Tigers.

That is four top SEC targets that have left the league.

Purdue also lost one of its top targets too. Troutwood, OH wide receiver Ray Roundtree signed today with the Michigan Wolverines. Rich Rod and Co. are making a very strong push on Signing Day.

Ohio State Pulls Torrence's Offer

Do everything athlete from Massillon, OH Devoe Torrence has been committed to the Ohio State Buckeyes for quite a while now. Apparently, Jim Tressell and Co. have decided to pull his scholarship offer. There has been some growing concern about Torrence's off-the-field issues. Namely his grades.

Most schools would kill for a chance at a kid like Torrence but the Buckeyes have a top-10 recruiting class and, I guess, have the luxury of being able to basically cut him.

Torrence is ranked No. 57 in the Athlon Consensuc 100.

Torrence played running back, wide receiver and linebacker in high school, so needless to say he is a versatile prospect. He is even being recruited as a tight end by some schools. He is most ready to play the running back position, though. He is a bigger back who runs with great physicality that makes him difficult to tackle in one-on-one situations. He runs downhill and rarely loses yards. His power, strength and size will keep him durable on the next level. The most noticeable weakness on film is his ball-carrying technique. He will have to learn to tuck the ball better is he expects to play running back in the Big Ten.

At linebacker, he shows excellent physical tools and solid tackling ability. His reaction time is slow and his diagnostic skills seem to be lacking. When he does find the right lane, though, he attacks it well and generally gets the job done. In the open field, he can play too upright at times. Coverage skills will be a huge question mark.

He is just another athlete in Columbus but will be a major player for any of the smaller programs chasing his talents. Torrence's finalists prior to committing to OSU were:

Akron, Pittsburgh, Purdue, Michigan, Michigan State and Cincinnati

If I am Brian Kelly and the Bearcats I go after Torrence with full force and I make sure he gets into school. He could really give a boost to a mediocre Cincy class.

Photo by Athlon Sports

Boilermakers Top Off Class

The manner with which Purdue handled the "coaching search" - even though Joe Tiller is still the head coach - was questionable at best. However, they did secure the coach of the future in Eastern Kentucky's Danny Hope. Tiller is a few wins shy of becoming the all-time winningest coach in Purdue history and should get those wins next season. He then can - whether wants to or not - ride off in to the proverbial sunset.

This weekend, Tiller and Hope did a nice job of securing the linchpin of the 2008 recruiting class.

Destrehan, LA athlete Jerico Nelson turned down major offers from Tennessee, Arkansas, Florida and Auburn to head North to the Big Ten.

This versatile athlete could end up on either side of the ball - most likely corner back or running back. He shows great change of direction ability, making tacklers miss nearly every time he touches the ball. He can be a home run threat from any where on the field. He does not waste any steps. He is a bit small though, so will he be able to run between the tackles 25 times a game in the Big Ten? I don't know but in Purdue's offense, he may not have too.

His tremendous agility and flexibility is what gives him such high upside on defense. He gets in and out of his backpedal with great quickness. He is just too dangerous with the ball in his hands for him not to be playing offense.

In the spread Purdue offense, he is just too perfect a fit. He is a great receiver and will catch a lot of balls out of the backfield. Look for him to get plenty of 3rd down opportunities next year. He could also be an excellent return man.

Senior quarterback Curtis Painter will love having this safety valve at his disposal next season.