Blog: Recruiting: QB, RB may be set, but what about WR?

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Recruiting: QB, RB may be set, but what about WR?
December 12th, 2008 12:46 AM

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be breaking down Alabama’s recruiting targets and needs. This first installment will cover quarterbacks, running backs and receivers. The second installment will look at tight ends/fullbacks/H-backs and offensive linemen.

A breakdown of the defensive line will follow, followed by a linebacker breakdown and one on defensive backs.

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Quarterbacks
Committed: A.J. McCarron, 6-4 185 4.9 Mobile/St. Paul’s

Recruiting: Tyler Russell, 6-4 210 4.7 Meridian, Miss./Meridian; Clint Moseley, 6-4 200 4.7 Leroy/Leroy

Comments: Alabama got McCarron very quickly in the process and basically shut down after that. For months, the big question was whether Alabama would offer Clint Moseley, a small-school in-state prospect who runs well and has decent passing skills. The best way to describe Moseley – who is an Alabama fan – is that if McCarron hadn’t been in this class and/or Mike Shula was still the coach, Moseley would probably be an Alabama commitment. As it is, it looks like Alabama is going to bypass him. As for Russell, who is currently committed to Mississippi State, the hiring of Dan Mullen there as head coach probably stops the Russell-to-UA talk. Alabama didn’t seem to have another quarterback slot budgeted, anyway, so adding Russell would probably have cost Alabama a DE or CB recruit.

Darkhorses: Ryan Mossakowski, a Kentucky commitment, briefly considered Alabama. While he is highly thought of, Alabama will probably pass.

Verdict: McCarron and McCarron only.

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Running backs
Committed: Trent Richardson, 5-11 225 4.5 Pensacola, Fla./Escambia

Recruiting: Eddie Lacy, 6-0 210 4.4 Geismar, La./Dutchtown; Ronnie Wingo, 6-1 215 4.5 St. Louis, Mo./St. Louis University; Kendrick Hardy, 6-1 215 4.5 Monticello, Miss./Lawrence County; De’Antwan Williams, 5-7 200 4.5 Woodbridge, Va./Woodbridge; Montrell Conner, 6-2 215 4.6 Monroe, La./Ouachita

Comments: Richardson was an early commitment to Alabama but to say he’s been a little soft in his commitment would be a fair statement. Richardson has taken long looks at LSU and Florida and may still be looking. Alabama’s primary competition is probably the Gators, but to say Florida doesn’t make great use of big running backs would be like saying Tennessee fans like to wear orange a lot. Of the rest, the biggest name is Lacy, but potential grade issues may render him a sign-and-place for whoever eventually gets his signature. The other issue is that Richardson may not want to be part of a large class at his position. The only other name on the list considered a threat to actually sign with Alabama is Ronnie Wingo, and he may not stay at running back if he does. Wingo is also considered a prospect at everything from cornerback to safety to linebacker, and bears a resemblance physically to Chris Jordan, who signed with Alabama as a running back last year and then promptly moved to defense. One thing is certain, looking at this group: The numbers “6-1 215 4.5” come up a lot, meaning Alabama is targeting a bigger running back than the Mike Shula prototype. Kendrick Hardy is a name to watch if Richardson flips to another school. Montrell Conner is a Mississippi State commitment, but with Dan Mullen’s arrival, he’s now in the same boat Richardson would be in should he select Florida. The outlier is De’Antwan Williams, a smaller back who reminds a lot of people of Arkansas’ 2008 starter, Michael Smith.

Darkhorses: Onterio McCalebb, who is expected to sign with Auburn, is a prospect at both slot receiver and running back. Some liken him to Ole Miss’ Dexter McCluster. Another scatback, LaDarius Abrams of West Monroe, La., could be an option if Alabama wants to add some speed.

Verdict: Richardson, assuming he sticks with his commitment. If he doesn’t, Alabama might try to replace him with Hardy, or sign Wingo and leave him at running back. Any scatback on the list should be considered a separate position; at this time, Alabama appears to have bigger needs.

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Wide receivers
Committed: Michael Bowman, 6-4 215 4.6 Rossville, Ga./Ridgeland

Recruiting: Kendall Kelly, 6-4 210 4.5 Gadsden/Gadsden; Chad Bumphis, 5-10, 190, 4.4, Tupelo, Miss./Tupelo; Kenny Bell, 6-1 170 4.4 Rayville, La./Rayville; Kevin Norwood, 6-3 185 Biloxi, Miss./D’Iberville; Pat Patterson, 6-2 205 4.6 Macon, Miss./Noxubee County; Adam Hall, 6-4 208 Tucson, Ariz./Palo Verde; Reuben Randle, 6-3 200 4.5 Bastrop, La./Bastrop; Marsalis Teague, 5-10 170 4.4 Paris, Tenn./Henry County

Comments: Aside from getting a pass-rushing defensive end, there is no position of greater need for Alabama in this class than wide receiver. Alabama either needs to get a minimum of two traditional wideouts in this class, which would allow Darius Hanks and Marquis Maze to play the slot exclusively, or grab a game-changer at the slot position along with at least one other outside receiver. The one receiver committed, Bowman, is much like Earl Alexander in build, but is more polished as a receiver. There is still some question as to whether he’ll end up at linebacker, so look for Alabama to grab two out of the next group listed. On that list, Bumphis and Teague are considered slot possibilities. Alabama seems to prefer Bumphis but he’s had plenty of opportunities to look away from the in-state schools and has yet to do so. As soon as Mullen was hired at Mississippi State, Bumphis was linked to the Bulldogs. That says, among other things, that he might want to stay closer to home. Of the others, the easy pick would seem to be the in-state Kendall Kelly, but Alabama hasn’t been as hot after Kelly as many thought prior to the season. The big name for Alabama is Reuben Randle, considered by some to be the top prospect in the country this year. It will come down to an Alabama-LSU-Miami three-way fight for his services, and there’s no clear leader right now, at least in public. The next name to watch is Kevin Norwood, whose stock is fast rising. Adam Hall, an Arizona prospect, may not be able to overcome the distance. Like Kelly, it’s odd that Pat Patterson’s name hasn’t gotten more play. He’s a physical receiver with good speed, reminiscent of a more talented Shamari Buchanan or Jason McAddley. Kenny Bell, who could play either outside or the slot, appears to be sticking to his commitment to LSU.

Darkhorses: Several message boards have been buzzing about a supposed “mystery recruit,” which is most likely a player from outside the region that has yet to be publicly linked to Alabama. But if you want a real shocker, consider Deangelo Benton, who signed with LSU, then went to Hargrave and is supposed to be heading back to LSU in January. That’s where he’ll probably end up, but this one isn’t over until it’s over, with two cents to Yogi Berra. Closer to reality would be Alabama turning Auburn commitment and Jess Lanier receiver Brandon Heavens, but Alabama probably has better options. Reform-Pickens County’s Mardrecas Hood was once thought to be a shoe-in for this class but fell completely off the radar screen.

Verdict: Alabama holds onto Bowman, who is being pursued by Georgia, and adds Norwood, Teague and Randle. If Randle goes to Miami or LSU, look for Alabama to push for Kelly. Either scenario would give Alabama everything it needs in this class to round out its receiver unit.


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