Five-star safety target Caleb Downs sets his commitment date

Can Alabama pull another talented prospect from Kirby Smart’s backyard?

One of the top remaining uncommitted prospects in the country will be making his commitment in less than a week. Five-star safety [autotag]Caleb Downs[/autotag] announced on Thursday that he will make his college decision on July 27.

Downs is the top-ranked recruit from the state of Georgia and will most likely make a choice between Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State.

At the moment it appears that [autotag]Nick Saban[/autotag] and Alabama have taken a slight lead for the coveted safety prospect. 247Sports’ Steve Wiltfong has the lone crystal ball in for Downs and his prediction is the Crimson Tide. On3’s RPM has Alabama with a 44.8% chance of landing Downs.

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Alabama Morning Drive: Calvin Ridley’s suspension dominates headlines

The top stories involving the Crimson Tide on Tuesday morning.

I hope this Tuesday edition of the Alabama Morning Drive finds you well. I certainly appreciate each of you for allowing Roll Tide Wire to be a small part of your morning. We have a lot to talk about this morning, especially after the story broke on Monday afternoon regarding Calvin Ridley.

Today we will take a look at Ridley’s suspension, Alabama basketball’s latest tournament projections, plus the news that a five-star defensive back in the class of 2023 intends to visit the Tide next month.

Calvin Ridley suspended for the 2022 NFL season

Boy, did Monday deliver some shocking news or what? The former Alabama and current Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver has been suspended for the entire 2022 NFL season for betting on NFL games during the 2021 season.

Ridley admitted that he bet a total of $1,500.00 and ensured fans that he does not have a gambling problem.

Alabama to land a visit with top safety in the class of 2023

Caleb Downs is unanimously considered to be the top safety prospect in the class of 2023. The Georiga native now says he plans to visit the Tide at the beginning of April. Downs comes from an athletic family. His father Gary Downs, played running back at NC State and went on to be a third-round selection in the 1994 NFL draft. Downs also has siblings that compete at the collegiate level.

‘Bama hoops updated tournament predictions

Although the regular season ended on a bit of a sour note with back-to-back losses, Nate Oats and the Tide still have plenty to play for. The SEC tournament will tip-off on Wednesday, but Alabama is not set to take the hardwood until Thursday night.

So, as we enter conference tournament action, where does the Crimson Tide stand when it comes to the NCAA tournament? Well, I’m glad you asked.

ESPN’s Joe Lunardi’s latest NCAA Bracketology still has Alabama projected as a 5-seed and traveling to Portland to take on 12-seed South Dakota State.

Jerry Palm of CBS also has the Tide slated as a 5-seed in his latest bracket projections.

Here at USA TODAY, Alabama is projected as a 6-seed and taking on Miami (Fla.) in Indianapolis.

With a strong showing in Tampa during the SEC tournament, the Tide could see a boost in its tournament seeding.

That is going to put an end to our Tuesday edition of Alabama Morning Drive. I hope everyone has a safe and happy day. Make sure to stay tuned to Roll Tide Wire for all the latest on the Alabama Crimson Tide!

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on Twitter @Blackwood89.

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