Tag: alabama recruiting

Getting to know Alabama’s signees: S Brian Branch

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 safety Brian Branch.

Brian Branch, Safety

Hometown: Tyrone (Ga.)

High school: Sandy Creek

Size: 6-0, 182

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 58 overall / No. 3 S

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 79 overall / No. 4 S

Commitment date: Apr. 20, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Branch was a standout player on both the offensive and defensive side of the football for Sandy Creek high school. At Alabama, however, the 6-foot, 182-pounder will settle into the secondary — safety in particular.

Branch will bring the type of presence the Crimson Tide needs on the back half of the defense. He’s good enough against the run, but it’s his ability to create big plays and turnovers which should help him see the field early in his career.

With Alabama potentially losing Xavier McKinney and Jared Mayden at safety, a player such as Branch can really contribute as early as 2020.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: OLB Quandarrius Robinson

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 outside linebacker Quandarrius Robinson.

Quandarrius Robinson, Outside Linebacker

Hometown: Birmingham (Ala.)

High school: Jackson-Olin

Size: 6-5, 217

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 46 overall / No. 6 OLB

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 69 overall / No. 6 OLB

Commitment date: June 11, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Robinson is going to be a fun piece to add to Alabama’s defense starting in 2020. At 6-foot-5, he possesses tremendous length to go with explosive burst and bend potential off the edge.

After starting his high school career as a safety, the Jackson-Olin standout continued to grow and work his way into an edge role as a senior. That experience in the secondary should help Robinson when dropping into coverage, something that will be asked of him at times.

The Crimson Tide’s defense has an abundance of edge players in the 2020 recruiting class, including Chris Braswell, Drew Sanders, Will Anderson and Robinson.

Combine that with two high potential players from the 2019 class, Kevin Harris II and King Mwikuta, and it’ll be interesting to see who earns playing time with Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis heading to the NFL.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: RB Jase McClellan

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 running back Jase McClellan, a former Oklahoma commit.

Jase McClellan, Running Back

Hometown: Aledo (Tex.)

High school: Aledo

Size: 5-11, 202

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 43 overall / No. 8 RB

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 60 overall / No. 7 RB

Commitment date: Dec. 18, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? McClellan was an excellent late addition on National Signing Day for Alabama. The longtime Oklahoma commit is an extremely talented running back with chance to emerge as a future Day 1 or 2 pick for the NFL.

It will be interesting to see how the running back depth chart shakes out. Najee Harris is more than likely gone, but the top two spots should still be owned by Brian Robinson Jr. and Trey Sanders, respectively.

McClellan wasn’t the only talented running back added in the 2020 class either. Four-star prospect Roydell Williams out of Hueytown (Ala.) and underrated three-star Kyle Edwards out of Destrahan (La.) will both be in the mix as well.

It’s very possible that we see Alabama return to a three, maybe even four-back rotation.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: ILB Demouy Kennedy

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-side inside linebacker Demouy Kennedy.

Demouy Kennedy, Inside Linebacker

Hometown: Theodore (Ala.)

High school: Theodore

247Sports composite ranking: 4-star / No. 34 overall / No. 3 ILB

Rivals ranking: 5-star / No. 22 overall / No. 4 ILB

Commitment date: June 6, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Kennedy has a chance to be one of the impact freshmen in Alabama’s 2020 recruiting class. Not only is he an impressive athlete, he fills an very important need for the Crimson Tide — inside linebacker.

It’s still possible that the defense will get back Dylan Moses if he chooses to forgo the NFL draft. That development would probably mean that Kennedy’s biggest impact would come on special teams in Year 1, but he is expected to excel either way.

At 6-foot-3, 215 pounds, Kennedy will need to add anywhere for 15 to 20 pounds to be able to better hold up against SEC offenses, but his aggressive style and athleticism should help him find some sort of role early — whether that’s in certain packages, special teams, a starting role or a combination of those things.

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: ATH Drew Sanders

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, five-star athlete Drew Sanders.

Drew Sanders, Athlete

Hometown: Denton (Tex.)

High school: Ryan

247Sports composite ranking: 5-star / No. 21 overall / No. 2 ATH

Rivals ranking: 4-star / No. 34 overall / No. 3 OLB

Commitment date: Apr. 29, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Sanders is one of the more intriguing additions to Alabama’s roster through the 2020 recruiting class. The five-star talent brings versatility, which includes experience at multiple positions on both offense and defense.

As it sits right now, the expectation is that Sanders will start his career at outside linebacker, but that could change at some point. If it does, it won’t be because the Denton (Tex.) native isn’t capable of playing edge at a high level; it would be due to need at another position.

Whether Sanders sticks as an edge player, switches to an off-ball linebacker or flips to the offense at tight end, he’s going to be an impact player before his time in Tuscaloosa comes to an end.

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Getting to know Alabama signees: WDE Chris Braswell

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 on the list, five-star …

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 on the list, five-star weakside defensive end Chris Braswell.

Chris Braswell, Edge Player

Hometown: Baltimore (Md.)

High school: St. Francis Academy

247Sports composite ranking: 5-star / No. 17 overall / No. 1 WDE

Rivals ranking: 5-star / No. 24 overall / No. 1 WDE

Commitment date: Nov. 25, 2018

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Braswell is listed as a weakside defensive end, according to all the recruiting services, but he slot into one of the outside linebacker positions (Sam or Jack) for the Crimson Tide. Like with the other edge players in Alabama’s 2020 class, he will need to add weight and play strength during the offseason, but the talent is undeniable.

With the losses of Anfernee Jennings and Terrell Lewis, there will be plenty of opportunities for Braswell to earn a significant role in Year 1. Considering his pedigree, he should be able to maximize that opportunity,

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Getting to know Alabama’s signees: QB Bryce Young

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. First 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.

First up on the list, top rated dual-threat quarterback Bryce Young.

Bryce Young, Quarterback

Hometown: Santa Ana (Cali.)

High school: Mater Dei

247Sports composite ranking: 5-star / No. 6 overall / No. 1 DT-QB

Rivals ranking: 5-star / No. 3 overall / No. 1 DT-QB

Commitment date: Sept. 22, 2019

Signing date: Dec. 18, 2019

Where does he fit in? Young is one of the most talented quarterback prospects that has ever signed with Alabama coming out of high school. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound passer will need to wait and see what happens with Tua Tagovailoa, but he should be heavily involved in the competition should Tua decide to leave for the NFL draft.

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BAMA BEAT: Early National Signing Day 2019 recap (Ep. 282)

Clint Lamb and Brett Hudson recap Alabama’s No. 2 ranked recruiting class following the Early National Signing Day.

Cecil Hurt and Clint Lamb, through TideSports.com and The Tuscaloosa News, produce a podcast called “The ‘Bama Beat”, which features all the latest news and analysis surrounding the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In this episode, Lamb sits down with Brett Hudson to recap Alabama’s No. 2 ranked recruiting class after the Early National Signing Day, including the addition of former Oklahoma commit Jase McClellan.

The two also discuss why running back and edge rusher were heavily targeted, as well as the need for an additional tight end in the 2020 recruiting class.

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BREAKING: Alabama flips 4-star RB Jase McClellan

Alabama managed to land a major addition to its 2020 recruiting class with the commitment of top 50 running back Jase McClellan.

Alabama already had an impressive duo of running backs, Roydell Williams and Kyle Edwards, committed for the 2020 recruiting class. But on Wednesday, the Crimson Tide made arguably its biggest addition of all.

During a ceremony at his high school, four-star running back Jase McClellan, out of Aledo (Tex.), flipped from Oklahoma to Alabama after being committed to the Sooners since July of 2017.

 

McClellan is the nation’s No. 43 overall player and No. 8 running back, according to the 247Sports composite rankings. He’s also the No. 6 player from the state of Texas.

As a junior in 2018, the 5-foot-11, 202-pound bruiser rushed for over 2,000 yards and 47 touchdowns on 269 carries, good for a 7.7-yard average. He also added 107 yards and a touchdown through the air.

Alabama’s depth chart at running back was impressive at the top this season, but depth was a question mark behind Najee Harris and Brian Robinson Jr.

With Harris expected to leave early for the NFL draft, there are some opportunities for the 2020 trio to claim a role, even if former five-star running back Trey Sanders is returning from injury.

Remember, the Tide’s coaching staff has typically liked having at least a three-headed stable of rushers — if not four in some instances.

Adding a player of McClellan’s caliber certainly goes a long way in ensuring Alabama’s depth chart is solidified for the future, both in 2020 and beyond.

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BREAKING: 5-star QB Bryce Young officially signs with Alabama

Any speculation surrounding the recruitment of Bryce Young and whether he would make a last-minute flip can now be put to rest. On Wednesday, the five-star quarterback officially signed with the University of Alabama. Here is a tweet from Connor …

Any speculation surrounding the recruitment of Bryce Young and whether he would make a last-minute flip can now be put to rest. On Wednesday, the five-star quarterback officially signed with the University of Alabama.

Here is a tweet from Connor Morrissette showing Young sign on the dotted line:

Young, a Santa Ana (Cali.) native who played his high school football at Mater Dei, headlines an impressive group of commitments for the Crimson Tide. He’s listed as the No. 6 overall player, No. 1 dual-threat quarterback and No. 2 player from the state of California.

As a senior, Young completed 71.8 percent of his 409 attempts for 4,528 yards and 58 touchdowns while only throwing six interceptions. As if that wasn’t enough, he also added 357 yards and 10 scores on the ground.

The looming decision from star Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has yet to be revealed, but it looks like the Tide will be in good shape at that position regardless.

Mac Jones made it known that he would be returning to the University of Alabama next season. In addition, the depth chart still includes Tua’s younger brother, Taulia, and Paul Tyson, both four-star recruits from the 2019 class.

Throw in a generational talent like Young, and it makes the potential quarterback battle all the more interesting.

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