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THE TUSCALOOSA NEWS
TOP 50 MOST WANTED RECRUITS RANKINGS BY TIDESPORTS.COM SENIOR RECRUITING ANALYST ANDREW BONE
1. Daron Payne
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 2 DEFENSIVE TACKLE, NO. 12 OVERALL
14. Jauntavius Johnson
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 28 DEFENSIVE TACKLE
High School: Shades Valley Ht: 6-21⁄2 Wt: 339 Position: Defensive tackle What you need to know: Payne has ranked as the top player in Alabama from the start of his recruitment. He competed in the Rivals Five-Star Challenge in June. He plans to announce his decision at the Under Armour All-America game in January. Considering: Alabama, Auburn, Florida State, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Texas Bone says: Payne is a massive interior lineman with tremendous strength and power. He is extremely quick for his size. He has a very strong lower body and commands constant double teams.
High School: Lincoln Ht: 6-3 Wt: 339 Position: Defensive tackle What you need to know: Johnson was one of the top defensive performers at the Rivals Camp Series in Birmingham in the spring. Considering: Alabama, Auburn, Louisville Bone says: Johnson has great strength and power. He excels on both side of the ball. He can become a great interior lineman at the next level.
2. Lester Cotton
15. Maurice Smitherman
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 1 OFFENSIVE GUARD, NO. 34 OVERALL
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★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 39 CORNERBACK
High School: Central Ht: 6-4 Wt: 321 Position: Offensive guard What you need to know: Cotton moved to Tuscaloosa after playing his freshman year in Illinois. He was one of the top performers at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge. Cotton will participate in the Under Armour All-America game. Considering: Alabama commitment Bone says: Cotton proved at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge he is in the discussion as a five-star. He plays with excellent technique and footwork. He has a very strong upper body. He also knows how to finish.
High School: Minor (Adamsville) Ht: 5-9 Wt: 175 Position: Cornerback What you need to know: Smitherman saw his offer list blossom to more than 40 prior to his commitment. However, he did not have an offer from Alabama or Auburn. He was recruited by former Alabama star DeShea Townsend for Mississippi State. Considering: Mississippi State commitment Bone says: Excellent cover skills. He does a great job breaking on the ball and blanketing his man. Smitherman has elite level ball skills.
3. Kerryon Johnson
16. Darryl Williams
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 5 RUNNING BACK, NO. 52 OVERALL
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★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 23 OFFENSIVE GUARD
High School: Madison Academy Ht: 6-foot Wt: 202 Position: Running back What you need to know: Was named the MVP of the Class 3A state title game during his freshman year. Won the running back MVP award at the Rivals Five-Star Challenge. Considering: Auburn commitment Bone says: Johnson can line up at just about any skill position on the field and perform like a five-star. He is a patient running back who explodes when he hits the hole. He is very dangerous in the passing game. He’s an elite athlete who is five-star caliber.
High School: Bessemer City Ht: 6-3 Wt: 301 Position: Offensive guardWhat you need to know: Williams had a great spring camp circuit which netted him an invite to Nike’s premier event, The Opening, in Oregon. Considering: Auburn, Florida State, Kentucky Bone says: Williams plays tackle in high school and will move to guard or center on the next level. He plays with a chip on his shoulder. He is an aggressive run blocker. He has quick feet and does a good job keeping the defender in front of him.
4. Tyler Carr
17. Jalen Harris
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 7 OFFENSIVE TACKLE, NO. 66 OVERALL
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★★★
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High School: Southside (Gadsden) Ht: 6-5 Wt: 323 Position: Offensive tackle What you need to know: Carr didn’t start playing on the offensive line until his junior season. His offensive line coach is former Alabama All-American Larry Rose. Carr participated in the Rivals Five-Star Challenge. Considering: Auburn commitment Bone says: Carr has a tremendous work ethic. He is very athletic for his size. He has strong hands. His best days are ahead of him which is great news for the Tigers.
High School: St. James (Montgomery) Ht: 6-5 Wt: 240 Position: Tight end What you need to know: Harris grew up in an Alabama household. However, he has favored Auburn the last two years. Considering: Auburn commitment Bone says: Harris saw his stock soar during the summer camp season and collected offers from Alabama, Auburn, LSU and Vanderbilt. He has a big frame to go along with his athleticism. He showcased his ability to get open and catch the ball at the Rivals Camp Series.
5. DeSherrius Flowers
18. Amonte Caban
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 8 RUNNING BACK, NO. 97 OVERALL
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 14 INSIDE LINEBACKER
High School: Vigor (Prichard) Ht: 6-foot Wt: 212 Position: Running back What you need to know: Flowers committed to Alabama in the spring of 2013. He grew up a big fan of the Crimson Tide. Considering: Alabama commitment Bone says: Flowers is physically one of the most impressive players you will see on the field. He has a very strong upper body. He plays light on his feet. He’ll run over you before he runs by you.
High School: Smiths Station Ht: 6-1 Wt: 216 Position: Inside linebacker What you need to know: Caban accounted for 140 tackles on defense during his junior season. He also had eight rushing touchdowns. He earned his first offer in February from Mississippi State. Considering: Clemson, Kentucky, Louisville, Mississippi State, South Carolina Bone says: Caban is a very physical defensive player. He is great running downhill and can lay the lumber on any ball carrier. He’s one of the top overall athletes in the state.
6. Darrell Williams
19. Quandeski Whitlow
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 6 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER, NO. 100 OVERALL
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★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 20 WEAKSIDE DEFENSIVE END
High School: Hoover Ht: 6-2 Wt: 225 Position: Outside linebacker What you need to know: Williams has started for the back-toback Class 6A state champs the last two years. He participated in the Rivals Five-Star Challenge. He was the linebacker MVP at the Rivals Camp Series in Birmingham in the spring. Considering: Auburn commitment Bone says: A natural leader on the field. He knows what he is supposed to do and the role of everyone else on the team. He does a great job of reading plays and reacting. He has shown good ability to cover players in space.
High School: Opelika Ht: 6-4 Wt: 230 Position: Defensive end What you need to know: Whitlow recorded 43 tackles, eight tackles for loss during his junior season. He received an offer from the Gamecocks in July and committed a few days later. Considering: South Carolina commitment Bone says: Whitlow has an excellent frame with his athletic build. He has a very good first step off the ball. He has a chance to develop into a great player in Columbia.
7. Nick Gibson
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 11 RUNNING BACK, NO. 109 OVERALL
20. Dee Smith
High School: Pinson Valley Ht: 5-11: Wt: 195 Position: Running back What you need to know: Gibson was named the Class 5A Back of the Year after the 2013 season. He rushed for more than 2,200 yards as a junior. He was named the running back MVP at the Rivals Camp Series in Birmingham. Considering: Alabama, Arkansas, Clemson, Mississippi State, Tennessee Bone says: Gibson reminds many of Auburn freshman Roc Thomas who was named Mr. Football in Alabama last year. Gibson isn’t as thick as Thomas, but he has a lot of the same moves.
High School: Florence Ht: 6-2 Wt: 195 Position: Safety What you need to know: Smith played outside linebacker the last two years for his high school team. He’ll move to safety where he is projected to play on the next level. His older brother, Rashawn Smith, plays for Ole Miss. Considering: Auburn, Kentucky, Louisville, Miami, Mississipi State, N.C. State, Tennessee Bone says: Excellent range and field awareness. Smith has a long wing span and covers a lot of ground in a hurry. The best move he made this spring was switching from linebacker to safety.
8. Christian Bell
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 11 DEFENSIVE END, NO. 225 OVERALL
21. Mario Osborne
High School: Hoover Ht: 6-3 Wt: 220 Position: Defensive end What you need to know: Bell grew up in an Auburn household, but has several family members who favor the Crimson Tide. He traveled to Tuscaloosa several times after signing day before making his decision. Considering: Alabama commitment Bone says: Bell has shined as a standout defensive end for Hoover the last two years. He was recruited by the Tide to play outside linebacker. He has excellent instincts and a high football IQ.
High School: Daphne Ht: 6-3 Wt: 230 Position: Defensive end What you need to know: Osborne recorded 50 tackles and four sacks during the 2013 season. Considering: Clemson, Georgia, Kentucky, Ole Miss, Texas A&M Bone says: Osborne has a quick first step and is an aggressive defensive player. He is very athletic and patient. His offer list exploded during the spring to double-digits.
9. Richard McBryde
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 18 OUTSIDE LINEBACKER
22. Jalen Thompson
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★★★★
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★★★★
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★★★★
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★★★
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★★★
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★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 28 SAFETY
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High School: Charles Henderson (Troy) Ht: 6-2 Wt: 210 Position: Outside linebacker What you need to know: McBryde was named Class 4A Lineman of the Year in 2013. He registered 163 tackles and 38 tackles for loss. He led his team to the Class 4A state championship game before losing to Oneonta. Considering: Alabama, Auburn, Kentucky, LSU, MIami Bone says: McBryde is a very instinctive player. He’s fast and very quick to the football. He has the ability to play other positions on the next level including safety.
High School: St. Paul’s Ht: 5-11 Wt: 170 Position: Defensive back What you need to know: Thompson had 36 tackles in 2013, seven interceptions, two forced fumbles and one sack. He will play football and baseball on the next level. Considering: South Alabama commitment Bone says: Thompson made the surprise decision of the year so far when he committed to South Alabama over South Carolina. He was looking for the best opportunity to play two sports in college. He’s a very good defensive back with excellent ball skills. He has good speed and quickness. Joey Jones is the coach for South Alabama.
10. Anfernee Jennings
23. Keith Mixon
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 15 WEAKSIDE DEFENSIVE END
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★
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High School: Dadeville Ht: 6-3 Wt: 260 Position: Defensive end What you need to know: Jennings was a finalist for Class 4A Lineman of the Year in 2013. He recorded 171 tackles, seven sacks and 43 hurries. He received his first offer during his freshman year from Arkansas. Considering: Alabama commitment Bone says: Jennings has seen his stock rise throughout the last few months. He’s an elite athlete who dominated at Alabama’s recent OL/DL camp. He’s very quick and athletic. Jennings might receive a look at tight end when he arrives at Alabama.
High School: Shades Valley Ht: 5-8 Wt: 175 Position: Running back What you need to know: Mixon had a great junior season with 123 rushing attempts for 1,177 yards and 18 touchdowns. He added 48 catches for 910 yards and 14 touchdowns. He had 286 kick return yards and three touchdowns. Considering: Cincinnati, Kentucky, Mississippi State, UAB Bone says: Mixon is one of the most exciting players in the state. He can score from anywhere on the field. He is very dangerous in the open field. He will not go down on initial contact and always a home-run threat.
11. Brandon Kennedy
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 1 CENTER, NO. 201 OVERALL
24. Kendall Jones
High School: Wetumpka Ht: 6-2 Wt: 295 Position: Offensive center What you need to know: Kennedy was named the No.6 offensive line performer of the entire Rivals Camp Series during the spring (16 regional camps). Considering: Alabama, Auburn Bone says: Possibly the best offensive lineman from a technical standpoint in Alabama. Kennedy is a tough, physical interior lineman. He has excellent strength and power.
High School: Clay-Chalkville Ht: 6-4 Wt: 250 Position: Defensive end What you need to know: Jones was a contributor on the defensive line last fall for the Cougars. He registered 24 tackles, 2.5 sacks and 3.5 tackles for loss. He was named one of the top defensive performers at the Rivals Camp Series in Birmingham. Considering: Mississippi State commitment Bone says: Excellent size and strength. He also has good length. He excels at speed rushing from the outside.
12. Bradrick Shaw
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 14 RUNNING BACK, NO. 138 OVERALL
25. Traveon Samuel
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★★
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★★★★
High School: Hoover Ht: 6-1, Wt: 205 Position: Running back What you need to know: Shaw was the bell cow for the Hoover Bucs during their state championship season in 2013. Also a track star who competes nationally in the long jump. Considering: Mississippi State, South Carolina and Vanderbilt Bone says: Shaw is a tremendous athlete who has a great work ethic. He is a physical back who is also explosive. He wants to stay on the offensive side of the ball, but has the ability to play on defense on the next level.
13. Keaton Anderson
RIVALS.COM RANKING
★★★
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★★★
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★★★
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NOT RANKED
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High School: Central-Phenix City Ht: 5-7 Wt: 175 Position: Running back What you need to know: Samuel is an offensive star. He recorded 781 yards rushing last fall with 452 yards receiving and 24 touchdowns. Considering: Auburn, Florida State, South Carolina Bone says: Samuel is one of the most explosive players in the Southeast. His size hasn’t hurt him much with many top schools offering a scholarship. He is hard to cover in most one-on-one situations.
RIVALS.COM POSITION RANKING NO. 23 INSIDE LINEBACKER
High School: Florence Ht: 6-foot Wt: 210 Position: Inside linebacker What you need to know: Anderson’s father, uncle and brother played for the University of Tennessee. Anderson recorded more than 190 tackles during his junior season. Considering: Alabama commitment Bone says: Anderson plays a lot bigger than his size. He has excellent mobility and igreat at defending against the pass. He is also a very good at filling the hole. Anderson has great instincts and comes from a great football family.
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