Blog: Recruiting: Tight ends, offensive linemen make the difference in Tide offense

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Recruiting: Tight ends, offensive linemen make the difference in Tide offense
December 20th, 2008 02:08 AM

Last week, we profiled some of the quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers that Alabama is targeting in recruiting in 2008-2009. But what really makes Alabama’s clock tick are the offensive linemen and tight ends, around which Alabama’s power offense of 2008 was designed.

Here’s a breakdown of those two positions, plus the fullback/H-back position:

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Tight ends
Committed: None

Recruiting: Philip Lutzenkirchen, 6-4 240 4.7 Marietta, Ga./Lassiter; David Rue 6-5 260 4.7 Monroe, La./East Mississippi CC (JUCO)

Comments: Even though Alabama is losing Nick Walker and Travis McCall to graduation, tight end does not seem to be a priority in 2008. For one thing, this is a very thin tight end class. For another, Alabama will pick up Colin Peek for the 2009 season; Peek sat out the 2008 season after transferring from Georgia Tech, but will be eligible for the Sugar Bowl and thus will have the chance to give fans a sneak peek (no pun intended) of his abilities. Alabama also is tinkering with moving Michael Williams, who is redshirting in 2008, over from defensive end. Prior to a month ago, Alabama’s only serious contact with a tight end was with junior college transfer David Rue, but the emergence of Brad Smelley and the development of Preston Dial and Chris Underwood probably will keep Rue from getting an offer. But then, Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville was let go, and Philip Lutzenkirchen became a real possibility. Lutzenkirchen is a pure receiver at the tight end position and will have to learn to block better in college, wherever he goes, unless he ends up decommitting from Auburn and committing to Florida, where he would play more of a “big receiver” role than a traditional tight end role. Alabama is considered the third team in a three-team race right now with Florida and Auburn for his signature.

Darkhorses: Justin Jones, a mammoth prospect from Conyers, Ga., could get a late offer based on size alone. Jones could even grow into a tackle.

Verdict: Probably either Lutzenkirchen or no one, and Alabama trails there.

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Fullbacks/H-backs
Committed: Mike Marrow, 6-1 240 4.7 Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic

Recruiting: None

Comments: Marrow is the only real possibility here, and many consider him to be more likely to play at linebacker. If he stays at fullback, it’s not unreasonable to think he could start as a freshman at fullback. Alabama would probably like to upgrade its athleticism at the fullback position, where currently only Baron Huber plays. When discussing H-back – Travis McCall’s position – the discussion changes somewhat. Huber could play there, as could Preston Dial and Brad Smelley. Alabama is not heavily recruiting a true H-back very hard at the moment, and will apparently go to battle in 2009 with what it currently has.

Darkhorses: Jalston Fowler is a prototypical fullback prospect from Vigor High School in Prichard. He currently has offers from out-of-state but Alabama and Auburn have passed on him thus far. Dan Hicks of Oxford, Miss., is considered a tight end by most, but his body type is similar to McCall’s. For either to get an offer, Marrow would likely have to either decommit or be ticketed for defense from day one.

Verdict: Marrow and probably no one else.

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Offensive tackles
Committed: D.J. Fluker, 6-7 320 5.0 Foley/Foley; Darius McKeller, 6-6 280 5.3 Jonesboro, Ga./Jonesboro; James Carpenter, 6-5 310 5.2 Augusta, Ga./Coffeyville CC (JUCO)

Recruiting: Bobby Massie, 6-8 330 5.2 Lynchburg, Va./Hargrave Military Academy; Morgan Moses, 6-7 340 5.2 Richmond, Va./Meadowbrook; Charles Siddoway, 6-6 310 5.3 Eugene, Ore./Henry D. Sheldon

Comments: Alabama has already outdone itself at tackle, and there may be more to come. Carpenter is actually no longer committed; he is signed and enrolled at Alabama, and will be available for spring practice. The real question is how many of the committed players will remain at tackle. While most are focusing on the left tackle conundrum for Alabama – in the wake of Andre Smith’s expected departure for the NFL – it’s actually the right guard position that has the most question marks. Carpenter could land there. Fluker, meanwhile, could start out on defense, as Nick Saban is said to really like his upside there. That would leave Alabama with only McKeller, and he’s considered a longterm project at the position. Of the next bunch, the most likely would be Bobby Massie, who is down basically to Alabama and Georgia. Massie’s interest in Georgia has increased lately, particularly after Alabama signed Carpenter, who is a junior college player. If he jumps to the Bulldogs, Alabama will have a decision to make regarding Moses, who is not considered an Alabama lean, and Siddoway, who is considered a tossup between Alabama and his own in-state schools. Moses is strongly considering Ohio State and Oklahoma. The question will be, if Massie is the top option as thought whether Alabama will have time to put a press on Moses or Siddoway or whether those ships will have already sailed. Even if Alabama doesn’t get another player here, and all three of its current commitments stay at tackle, this will be one of the strongest hauls in America.

Darkhorses: Adding Xavier Nixon to this class would easily make it one of the top classes ever signed, but Nixon, the No. 1 tackle prospect in America in some people’s eyes, is a longshot to even consider Alabama. He does have an offer, though. Chris Freeman of Trotwood, Ohio, is one of the biggest players coming out of high school at nearly 6’10”, but Alabama never really pushed for his consideration. In-state player L.J. Abrams is currently committed to Tulane, but if Alabama pushed for him he would almost certainly give the Crimson Tide some consideration.

Verdict: None of the darkhorses appear to be realistic options. Of the rest, Massie should be considered a 50/50 shot. If Massie were to go ahead and commit elsewhere, it might give Alabama time enough to snare Moses or Siddoway. Of those two, Siddoway would be the more likely get. Alabama figures to add one more to its commitment list unless the timing of the Massie-Moses-Siddoway dance falls completely apart. We’ll bet that Massie ends up at Alabama.

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Offensive guards
Committed: Kellen Williams, 6-4 295 5.3 Snellville, Ga./Brookwood; Chance Warmack, 6-3 330 5.5 Atlanta, Ga./Westlake; Anthony Steen, 6-2 295 5.2 Clarksdale, Miss./Lee Academy

Recruiting: Quinton Washington 6-3 320 5.3 St. Stephen, S.C./Timberland

Comments: Williams bears surprising similarity to current Tide left guard Mike Johnson. When he was first recruited, he was considered a tackle prospect, but as his senior year of high school ball progressed, many observers began to see him as an eventual guard in college. He’ll probably need a redshirt once he hits campus. Warmack is expected to join Alabama in January as a midterm graduate. He’s also thought to be the most battle-ready player of the bunch. As for Steen, Alabama thinks it has found a real gem. Steen is one of the most aggressive linemen Alabama has recently recruited, but is not yet eligible. As for other players, Alabama is probably done unless Quinton Washington gets interested. Washington might be too good to pass up.

Darkhorses: Josh Lambert, a Georgia prospect, is a prototypical guard. While not high up a lot of recruiting lists, he could be a diamond in the rough. If Steen’s academics aren’t up to pay on Signing Day, he could be a substitute. Clay County’s Jeremy Simmons is a huge load at 6’4”, 350, but he hasn’t attracted as much attention as some thought he would this fall. Daniel Campbell of Hargrave claims an offer but is probably down Alabama’s list.

Verdict: Alabama retains Williams, Warmack and Steen, but signs no one else.

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Centers
Committed: None

Recruiting: None

Comments: Not much to talk about here, is there?

Darkhorses: Steven Josker, a JUCO player from California, is probably the highest rated player even sniffing in Alabama’s general direction, but his JUCO status will probably cause Alabama to shy away. Columbus, Miss.’s Billy Autrey would love an Alabama offer, but isn’t likely to get one.

Verdict: Alabama has no fewer than six options at center already on the team. The Tide won’t sign a center in 2009.


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