***Here's the big one: Final Recruiting Update for the Class of '09***

[runtheoption22]

Share
 

Ok, here's where I actually get 'wordy'....

First, I want to say that this year was extremely hectic. It was also probably the dirtiest year for negative tactics from our rivals in quite some time.

UT's new staff picked right up where the old one left off. Kiffin, Thompson and the like all were using multiple 'stories' to try to sway recruits including initiating the rumors about Coach Mc and Bama going on probation. Meyer at UF was pretty much using the same, and other fabrications to TR about "not playing on TV (due to probation)" and "we're chaning the offense for you." As a result, UT and UF are now public enemies 1 and 2 in my book. Several other fabrications were being used on Norwood (move to safety story) and others.

Second, CNS knows a few tricks, too. Several commits/leans were told, purposely, to "look around" to make other staffs waste time recruiting them. This is nothing new to the recruiting junkie, but it did lead to a good bit of disinformation at times, that had even the best junkies scratching his/her head.
(BTW, TR is not one of those)

Alright, on to the recruits.... (things could change in two days, but this is where we stand as of 9PM CST 2/1)

Let's just start off with the most talked about recruit on TFs, Trent Richardson. As many of us have said, TR has a hard time telling anyone 'no.' UF put on the full blitz and we've noted Meyer's tactics and fabrications. There have been days he was legitimatley torn down the middle between sticking with Bama or changing to UF. Ultimatley, "he always comes back to Bama" and, though it was close, he will on NSD. Much was made about his in-home visit with Meyer, but our in-home on Thursday sealed the deal. Sunday night prediction: Bama

Reuben Randle was always considered a LSU lean, but Bama (and Les) made it closer than anyone really realized. I believe Bama is the best place for him, but there is so much pressure to stay in-state at LSU, that it's not feasible for the family to go anywhere else. A decision was supposedly made late Sunday night, and he will inform the coaches on Monday. Sunday night prediction: LSU

Bobbie Massie canceled his UGA visit this weekend....which gave away where he was going. There are some delusional OM fans that think he is going to the Grove, and that the Hargrave coaches are "keeping it secret." There's so much smoke, I am a tad concerned. But, there is always at least one of these stories prior to NSD, that turns out to be nothing but rumor. Sunday night prediction: Alabama

Ed Stinson announcing on Friday was a big deal. We don't have to waste time on him this weekend. He was going to announce on Monday, but decided he needed to "lock" his spot up. He's the Jack we needed.

Tana Patrick should be on board with Bama. If Awburn had stayed afloat, it would have been a hard fought battle. It's no secret he had many around him pro-Barn, and to an extent, 'go to UT instead of Bama' crowd, but a Saban/Willis combo is perfect for Patrick. Sunday night prediction: Bama

Darren Myles was thought to be a Bama/LSU battle, but UT came sneaking in late and may actually steal him away. Sunday night prediction: UT, with Bama a close 2nd.

Patrick Patterson was added late to the Bama WR list, but quickly bolted to the front. Pre-all-star game performances, I think Patterson was headed to Bama. But, OM really turned up the 'stay at-home' heat and made it very difficult for him. Rumors also that he snuck over to MSU for a day this weekend. Sunday night prediction: Ole Miss, or a surprise to MSU

Kendall Kelly rumors have been building and building for the past two weeks after an almost silent recruitment. Kelly was down the WR board a bit, and probably did not know his status with Bama until right before the dead period. Sources say, he got the call. However, I don't like that he visited UcheaT last, because I know the lies they fed him. Sunday night prediction: Bama

Dre Kirkpatrick has long been considered a Bama lock. Texas, more specifically Will Muschamp, has put themselves in a dead-heat with Bama. As of early this week, he was thought to be leaning towards Austin. However, distance from home will be the biggest factor. Sunday night prediction: Alabama

Brandon Moore's recruitment was originally going to end in August, but the big man delayed his decision and flirted seriously with going to UF. In the end, the home school won out. Sunday night prediction: Bama

Greg Reid was not really recruited by Alabama until very late in the process. With Bama losing a CB commit, and some other secondary prospects, Reid is a guy that could walk right in to playing time at CB and KR. Bama really is his best option for early PT and outside of a comeback performance from UGA, Greg was down to FSU and Bama this week. On his visit to UGA, it was rumored FSU was out. I think all three are in contention. This is my surprise pick. Sunday night prediction: Bama

Janzen Jackson has long been committed to LSU. But, playing safety for CNS was always an intriguing thought to him. His official visit to Bama this weekend was 'stunning.' Did Bama sway him? Sunday night prediction: LSU, but he'll think about it for two days.

Darrington Sentimore is a lot like Jackson, but in reverse. The boyhood favorite offered, finally, and he visited LSU this weekend. As of Saturday night, he was still telling people he was committed to Bama. Did LSU sway him? Sunday night prediction: Bama, but he'll think about it for two days. EDIT: original sources turned out to be accurate. woo hoo!

Marsalis Teague loves UF, but distance from home has been weighing on him. Some analysts have said that this is a surprise pick-up for Bama. Sunday night prediction: UT

Kenny Bell's name only resurfaced this week from LSU sites saying he was wearing Bama gear to school. At this time last year, he favored Bama. Did he come full circle? Sunday night prediction: LSU

Eddie Lacy took a visit to UcheaT, and like Kelly, I'm sure was fed so much bologna. I don't think UT could have swayed him, though they surely tried everything. Sunday night prediction: Bama

Gene Robinson committed to UNC after having Bama outfront for a long time. However, he didn't have a firm offer. There is a chance that Bama tried to recontact him late after West left. No word, but there's a chance.

***2010 off and running***

Junior day was Saturday and we surely impressed a lot of kids. Most notably, WR Jeremy Richardson said Bama was in the lead for his services. Others like safety Jarrick Williams also had tons to say about Bama. It looks like we could clean up in-state, again.

2010 will be difficult becaue Thompson and Steele have knowledge of our 2010 database and will play that card very well.

Phew.

[Crimson Hawk]

Thanks RTO. Not too many surprises in there & I think you're right about most. Still believe Patterson will end up at Bama, but that could just be wishful thinking.

[Wayne Disney]

RTO, i'm guessing the reason you think we miss out on Myles is because of Thompson, correct?

[Bamaball2001]

Pretty much what I was thinking but I think we got a chance with Myles.

RTR!

[RAM]

And like the kids you have two days to catch a break, then back on for a long day of updates. Thanks always-great insight. RTR/RAM

[crains]

If you hit on all your cylinders it will be a very very good recruiting class! I wish you could miss on 1 or 2 that would go in our favor such as Randle but I think you have it nailed down pretty good and if we close with the ones you picked it will be a great class!

[dWarriors88]

EXCELLENT post RTO!!

That last line worries me! the state of Alabama is a little bit "dry" of talent next season, so I'm a little concerned about next year's recruiting class, I doubt we have as great a class as the past two years, but nonetheless we will not be disappointed I'm sure!

And with us having to go out of state next year so much, It's not good that we have another factor effecting us with LT and Steele knowing our boards a little bit...

[Wayne Disney]

RTO, what is your take on Barkevious Mingo? i know there were some rumblings about him maybe coming to Bama.

[runtheoption22]

	Quote:	Crimson Hawk
	Thanks RTO. Not too many surprises in there & I think you're right about most. Still believe Patterson will end up at Bama, but that could just be wishful thinking.

I'm hopeful, too.

	Quote:	Wayne Disney
	RTO, i'm guessing the reason you think we miss out on Myles is because of Thompson, correct?

He's one of the reasons.

	Quote:	Wayne Disney
	RTO, what is your take on Barkevious Mingo? i know there were some rumblings about him maybe coming to Bama.

It's been really quiet, and I don't expect him to leave home, really.

[wastedmason]

RTO, does this years recruiting remind you of the year of coach Stallings, either first or second year recruiting when he got David Palmer among others at the last minute? It seems to me like it.

[deliveryman35]

Great insight, RTO. I think your line by line predictions will be borne out as being correct on NSD--in fact I agree on every count. I think the real story at the end of the day will end up being our pickup of Massie and hold on Trent Richardson and a top 4 haul.

[runtheoption22]

	Quote:	wastedmason
	RTO, does this years recruiting remind you of the year of coach Stallings, either first or second year recruiting when he got David Palmer among others at the last minute? It seems to me like it.

Well, I'm not old enough to remember that, but I'll take your word for it.

[wastedmason]

	Quote:	runtheoption22
	Well, I'm not old enough to remember that, but I'll take your word for it.

Whups.. I guess I need to ask LCN then. LCN, what do you think??