More good than bad for Alabama football while signing 15 players on the first early Signing Day. The Tide moved up to the No. 6 class in the nation.
Alabama football added 14 new players on the first day of the Early Signing Period. Technically 15 players signed, including 2017 grayshirt player, Jarez Parks. Since Alabama football had two carryover blueshirts from last season, Hunter Brannon and Joseph Bulovas, eight more 2018 slots are open.
The Tide signed (1) 5-Star, (11), 4-Star, and (3) 3-Star recruits for the 2018 class in addition to Parks.
Positive Update on Need Cornerback Positions – (3) Josh Jobe, Jalyn Armour-Davis, and Saivion Smith are four-star players.
On the defensive end: (1) Eyabi Anoma and five stars Four-stars: Stephon Wynn, Cameron Latu, Jarez Parks, and Jordan Davis
Defensive Hit: (1) Four-Star: (1) Christian Barmore Punter Skyler DeLong, a 3-Star and the country’s #2 bettor
Other Notable Signees: All-purpose back Jerome Ford; offensive linemen Emil Ekiyor and Tommy Brown; wide receiver Xavier Williams, a four-star recruit; and three-star Slade Bolden
- 3-Star ATH and projected Tide LB, Vernon Jackson delayed his signing until February.
- As expected, but still a disappointment, 5-Star Brenton Cox chose Georgia.
- Not a surprise but 4-Star OL, Penei Sewell delayed his decision to February.
- Another non-surprise DT, Bobby Brown delayed his decision.
- CB, Jaycee Horn, who was not a take yet for the Tide, signed with South Carolina
- As expected QB Emory Jones signed with Florida.
- Defensive end, Andres Fox who was not a Tide take, chose Stanford
Signing Day Disappointments
4-Star CB commit, Nadab Joseph flipped from the Tide to Georgia. Balanced against this development are the remaining CB options. Alabama will continue to recruit 5-Stars, Tyson Campbell and Patrick Surtain Jr, as well as 4-Star Issac Taylor-Stuart. Nick Saban wants to sign two more cornerbacks. There is an unconfirmed report that Alabama backed off Joseph at the very end.4-Star TE, Dominick Wood-Anderson picked the Tennessee Vols. The recruitment of Wood-Anderson has been a circus, mostly of his choosing, and while the Tide was the perceived leader, there was no assurance. Many fans who followed the process closely are relieved the probable, future NFL star went elsewhere.
What about a QB?
Until a few days ago, most recruiting insiders expected 4-Star Emory Jones to flip from Ohio State to the Tide. Instead, he chose Florida. Though it was no surprise to Tide coaches, going into 2018 with only three scholarship QB’s has not been Saban’s plan.
The Early Signing Period is not over. Players can sign on December 21st and 22nd. The situation is fluid and can change quickly but no additional Tide prospects have indicated an intention to sign early.
In terms of the remaining eight slots, the Alabama football staff is still recruiting around 15 top players
