Tag: alabama recruiting

Getting to know Alabama’s signees: CB Jahquez Robinson

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star cornerback Jahquez Robinson.

Jahquez Robinson, Cornerback

Hometown: Jacksonville (Fla.)

High school: Sandalwood

Size: 6-2, 190

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 303 overall / No. 22 CB

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 181 overall / No. 13 CB

Commitment date: Feb. 18, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Robinson has a leg up on every other member of Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class, as the four-star cornerback in already on campus participating in bowl game practices leading up to the Citrus Bowl.

It will be interesting to see if that added experience can lead to early playing time for Robinson, but he’s certainly a guy who make an impact at some point.

Robinson possesses excellent length (6-foot-1 1/2) to go with a physical style and willingness to improve. That combination could prove to be a winning one before it’s all said and done.

More than likely, Robinson will take a backseat to some of the veteran cornerbacks on the roster — such as Patrick Surtain II, Josh Jobe and Jayln Armour-Davis — but he could find his way into a role on special teams at some point.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: ATH Kristian Story

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star athlete Kristian Story.

Kristian Story, Athlete

Hometown: Lanett (Ala.)

High school: Lanett

Size: 6-1, 210

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 208 overall / No. 6 ATH

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 170 overall / No. 4 ATH

Commitment date: July 17, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Where Story ends up playing for Alabama has yet to be determined, but don’t be surprised if he tries out multiple positions over the course of his career.

At 6-foot-1, 210 pounds with an impressive skillset, the Lanett (Ala.) native is well-suited for a lot of spots — even quarterback. He’s still really raw with the nuances of the position, but that’s probably because he saw snaps at receiver, running back and on defense as well.

Long term, Story would probably work out best as a safety, which could be a major need for Alabama as soon as 2020 with Jared Mayden and potentially Xavier McKinney gone. But it’s also possible that Story could be used in a similar fashion to former Michigan standout Jabrill Peppers.

Peppers, while primarily considered a safety for the Wolverines, also saw snaps at linebacker, wide receiver and as a return man.

Don’t expect that to be the case for Story during Year 1, but it could be a blueprint for how he could end up being deployed in Tuscaloosa — if quarterback doesn’t work out.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: WR Traeshon Holden

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star wide receiver Traeshon Holden.

Traeshon Holden, Wide Receiver

Hometown: Harbor City (Calif.)

High school: Narbonne

Size: 6-3, 195

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 197 overall / No. 35 WR

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 244 overall / No. 45 WR

Commitment date: Mar. 2, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Wide receiver was a position that the Alabama coaching staff felt the need to target in the 2020 recruiting class — and rightfully so.

While there have been rumors that DeVonta Smith and/or Henry Ruggs III could return next season, that is far from a guarantee at this point. Even if they did, the losses at receiver in 2020 could include that duo, as well as Jaylen Waddle.

To head off some of those losses, the addition of Holden, Thaiu Jones-Bell and current commit Javon Baker was crucial. But that also means that their presence won’t be heavily relied on until at least 2021.

At 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, Holden brings top-notch length to the position. And while his skill set somewhat differs from what Alabama fans have grown used to seeing from the wide receiver group, he should be a nice change of pace.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: DT Jah-Marien Latham

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star defensive tackle Jah-Marien Latham.

Jah-Marien Latham, Defensive Tackle

Hometown: Reform (Ala.)

High school: Pickens Country

Size: 6-3, 280

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 194 overall / No. 18 DT

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 240 overall / No. 22 DT

Commitment date: Nov. 19, 2018

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Latham might find playing time in 2020 difficult. And it’s not necessarily because the Reform (Ala.) native isn’t ready to contribute.

While Raekwon Davis is a senior, he could be the Crimson Tide’s only significant loss along the defensive line.

As if that wasn’t enough to hurt Latham’s chances at an early contribution, there’s also the fact that several high-profile defensive linemen from the 2019 class, including DJ Dale, Justin Eboigbe and Byron Young, who saw significant action this season.

With all that being said, people also didn’t see the type of rise from Dale during his first year on campus, so it would be foolish to completely count out an extremely talented prospect like Latham.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: S Malachi Moore

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period last Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star safety Malachi Moore.

Malachi Moore, Safety

Hometown: Trussville (Ala.)

High school: Hewitt-Trussville

Size: 6-0, 180

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 178 overall / No. 17 S

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 231 overall / No. 19 S

Commitment date: Aug. 13, 2018

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Moore’s presence in the 2020 recruiting class is important considering the losses Alabama could suffer in its secondary — . Shyheim Carter, Jared Mayden, Trevon Diggs and potentially Xavier McKinney.

Like with Carter and Mayden, Moore is one of those players who could fill a variety of roles. He did have experience at both safety and cornerback for Hewitt-Trussville, after all.

More than likely, Moore will end up playing safety for the Crimson Tide. While his length (6-foot) lends itself nicely to what Alabama likes in its cornerbacks, the athleticism is more of a fit on the backend.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: ILB Jackson Bratton

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star inside linebacker Jackson Bratton.

Jackson Bratton, Inside Linebacker

Hometown: Muscle Shoals (Ala.)

High school: Muscle Shoals

Size: 6-3, 233

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 172 overall / No. 8 ILB

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 243 overall / No. 16 ILB

Commitment date: March 24, 2018

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? While Demouy Kennedy brings the elite athleticism to the inside linebacker position, Jackson brings a great feel for the game. He’s got great size (6-foot-3, 233 pounds) and instincts which constantly helps him find the football.

Over the last two years, Jackson accumulated 281 tackles, 14 sacks, three forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries for Muscle Shoals.

Considering Alabama’s struggles at the position this season, the need for an instinctual player with surprising athleticism could really help in certain situations. It’s very possible for Jackson to earn some sort of reps, whether that’s on defense or special teams, in 2020.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: WR Thaiu Jones-Bell

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star wide receiver Thaiu Jones-Bell.

Thaiu Jones-Bell, Wide Receiver

Hometown: Opa Locka (Fla.)

High school: Miami Carol City

Size: 5-11, 187

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 101 overall / No. 20 WR

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 177 overall / No. 34 WR

Commitment date: May 20, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Jones-Bell probably won’t be afforded many opportunities to make a significant impact for Alabama in 2020. But that’s not a reflection of his talent, as he’s already shown a skill set that will fit in nicely with the offense.

Like with many of the Crimson Tide’s current receivers, Jones-Bell has the versatility to play the X, Z and H-receiver spots. He can attack opposing defenses downfield or be utilized in an RPO-styled offense with quick slants and other short-yardage routes.

We still don’t officially know the status of Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith, but it looks like the latter two could return in 2020. If that happens, Jones-Bell’s ceiling would probably be a rotational No. 5 or 6 receiver.

The 2021 season could be a different story, however.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: RB Roydell Williams

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, another four-star running back in Roydell Williams.

Roydell Williams, Running Back

Hometown: Hueytown (Ala.)

High school: Hueytown

Size: 5-10, 202

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 86 overall / No. 9 RB

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 92 overall / No. 9 RB

Commitment date: Nov. 24, 2018

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Williams was the first running back to commit to Alabama back in Nov. of 2018. Kyle Edwards was later added, and most recently, Jace McClellan joined the stacked backfield.

With Brian Robinson Jr. and former five-star phenom Trey Sanders expected to man the top two spots on the depth chart (assuming Najee Harris leaves early for the NFL), it will be interesting to see who takes ahold of that No. 3 spot.

Keilan Robinson showed flashes, but Williams and McClellan are certainly capable of handling those duties.

Williams is only 202 pounds, but he carries the weight well and brings a physical style to his running. He also shows the ability to be utilized out of the backfield, which should help his chances of becoming a three-down player down the line.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: DT Tim Smith

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, top …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, top 100 prospect Tim Smith.

Tim Smith, Defensive Tackle

Hometown: Sebastian (Fla.)

High school: Sebastian River

Size: 6-4, 320

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 85 overall / No. 7 DT

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 70 overall / No. 5 DT

Commitment date: Aug. 7, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Despite being a top 100 recruit in the 2020 class, Smith’s name doesn’t get mentioned enough when it comes to big-time additions to the Alabama roster.

At 6-foot-4, 320 pounds, the Florida native is a force on the interior of the defensive line, but he’s also surprisingly athletic for a guy his size. In the Tide’s three-man front, Smith has the ability to play every position effectively, which should give him a chance to earn early playing time.

There will be significant competition, as Alabama’s 2019 defensive line class is both talented and now experienced, but Smith is the type of player who is capable of handling early reps.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: WDE Will Anderson

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees. Next up on the list, …

Alabama signed 22 of its 26 commitments during the early signing period on Wednesday. To give fans a chance to get to know the newest Crimson Tide members, we are doing a series of overviews with each of the 2020 signees.

Next up on the list, four-star edge rusher Will Anderson.

Will Anderson, Defensive End

Hometown: Hampton (Ga.)

High school: Dutchtown

Size: 6-3, 233

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 78 overall / No. 5 WDE

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 159 overall / No. 8 WDE

Commitment date: June 17, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Due to the talent Alabama added at edge rusher during the 2020 cycle, it will be interesting to see where Anderson fits in during his first season in Tuscaloosa.

Even though Anderson is the lowest rated of the four additions (Chris Braswell, Drew Sanders, Quandarrius Robinson and Anderson), he’s extremely talented and certainly capable of providing an early impact. In fact, I’d argue he’s the most “college ready” of the group for a rotational pass rushing role.

Anderson is a guy who rushes with a plan and seems ready to throw an array of moves at opposing SEC offensive linemen.

People also don’t need to forget that 2019 recruit DJ Dale was the lowest-rated Alabama defensive lineman in last year’s class, and yet, he contributed as much or more than any of them while being the first to earn a starting role.

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