Blog: Recruiting: Linebackers, DBs some of Tide’s biggest needs

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Recruiting: Linebackers, DBs some of Tide’s biggest needs
January 7th, 2009 10:53 PM

Because the number of scholarships expected to go to defensive backs in somewhat limited, the look at Alabama’s defensive back targets will be combined with a rundown of linebacker targets in a single story.

When Nick Saban got to Alabama, there was perhaps no greater difference present in the type of player Saban prefers versus the type of player he had onhand than at linebacker. Alabama’s previous staff recruited for speed, even (and often) at the expense of bulk. The difference showed up quickly, as inside linebacker Matt Collins went from starter to third-team at defensive end in the course of a week or two.

Alabama’s current linebacker corps still bears the signs of the former regime. The outside linebackers, Brandon Fanney and Cory Reamer, once played nose tackle and free safety, respectively, at one time or another under former coach Mike Shula. Backup Jack linebacker Eryk Anders was a high school defensive tackle and a strongside defensive end under the previous staff.

In the secondary, Saban has been busy trying to add speed at the corners and height all around. Here’s a look at Alabama’s linebacker and secondary targets as the recruiting season reaches its zenith.

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Outside linebackers
Committed: Jonathan Atchison, 6-3 210 4.6 Atlanta, Ga./Douglass

Recruiting: Tana Patrick, 6-3 235 4.5 Stevenson/North Jackson; Fletcher Cox, 6-4 240 4.6 Yazoo City, Miss./Yazoo City; Bar’Kevious Mingo, 6-4 215 4.6 West Monroe, La./West Monroe; Greg King, 6-3 205 4.6 Memphis, Tenn./Melrose

Comments: The greatest position of need among the four linebacker positions at Alabama is the outside position currently filled by Cory Reamer, who will be a senior in 2009. Backup Jerrell Harris is a supreme talent but must add weight, and Chavis Williams finished 2009 in the doghouse. Jonathan Atchison, once an Auburn commitment, switched to Alabama but has not stopped shopping. If Atchison eventually signs with Alabama, he’ll give the Tide a true outside backer who is more ready to play physically than even Harris. At the same position, Alabama is recruiting Bar’Kevious Mingo and Greg King. Mingo could play any number of positions, from safety all the way down to defensive end. Some believe he’s grown taller than his reported 6’4”, and if he continues to grow he could have limitless potential. Greg King is more of a meat-and-potatoes player, and the staff is said to be split on him. There are reportedly some questions about his athleticism, while others rave about his toughness. King appears to be waiting out a Bama offer and would likely end up at Tennessee otherwise. There’s also a question of whether Nico Johnson, who many project as an inside linebacker, could end up outside. Tana Patrick and Fletcher Cox are Alabama’s top targets at the LB/E combo position, Jack. Patrick, an in-state player, has kept his preferences close to the vest but it is believed he’ll choose Alabama in the end. Cox, also a prospect at defensive end, is the real enigma.

Darkhorses: Jordan Barnes of Fort Wayne, Ind., is a little on the small side, but he claims a Bama offer. Most believe he’ll eventually end up at a Big Ten school. Kenny Cain is another one just on the periphery of the situation. Alabama seems to like Texas A&M commitment Jonathan Stewart a lot, but Stewart hasn’t budged off his commitment yet. Willie Farrell has an Alabama offer but doesn’t seem very interested. Perhaps the longest of the longshots is DeMario McNeal, an in-state product who would jump at an Alabama offer.

Verdict: Alabama adds Patrick and Cox to Atchison, and perhaps one other depending on whether the Tide gets another safety in this class. If Alabama doesn’t, it could open up a slot for Mingo or King. McNeal’s stock is starting to rise, too.

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Inside linebackers
Committed: Nico Johnson, 6-3 235 4.7 Andalusia/Andalusia

Recruiting: Petey Smith, 6-1 240 4.8 Seffner, Fla./Armwood

Comments: Johnson’s recruitment pretty much shut down efforts at this position, as Alabama has good depth at inside linebacker already. Johnson may even have to move to outside linebacker to get early playing time. Mike Marrow, who Alabama already has committed as a fullback, is another option here. Petey Smith’s stock has gone shooting upwards as the result of his play in a recent all-star game, but there are questions about his speed and most have him ticketed to sign with Auburn, anyway.

Darkhorses: Courtland’s Josh Draper got some publicity before the season but has fallen off Alabama’s radar screen since. The only other name in the mix may be DeMario McNeal, whose versatility could end up warranting him a close look.

Verdict: Alabama keeps Johnson and finishes up, unless McNeal continues to rise.

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Cornerbacks
Committed: Gerald West, 5-11 165 4.4 Mobile/Faith Academy

Recruiting: Dre Kirkpatrick, 6-2 185 4.5 Gadsden/Gadsden; Gene Robinson, 5-11 170 4.5 Memphis, Tenn./Whitehaven; Justin Green, 5-10 175 4.4 Louisville, Ky./Male; Greg Reid, 5-8 160 4.4 Valdosta, Ga./Lowndes; Janzen Jackson, 6-1 185 4.4 Lake Charles, La./Alfred M. Barbe

Comments: This is a position of incredible depth of talent. Alabama’s first commitment, Gerald West, has good ball skills and speed, but doesn’t draw as much publicity as some of the others. The biggest name by far here is Dre Kirkpatrick, who could very well end up being the No. 1 prospect in the country on a lot of boards. Kirkpatrick is considered a strong Alabama lean but a decision isn’t expected until Signing Day. Of the rest, Gene Robinson appears the most likely. He’s steady, if not really a game-changer, and draws comparisons to former Alabama player Ramzee Robinson. Justin Green is an Ohio State commitment who will probably stay one, but he and recent Florida decommit Greg Reid are the two speed burners of this group and Alabama needs a speed upgrade at cornerback. Reid is also a prospect at slot receiver, perhaps more so there than at corner. Alabama has made a strong, late push for Janzen Jackson, a corner-safety combo prospect who was good enough to get Saban’s first visit after the most recent dead period. Jackson is almost enough of a longshot to go in the “darkhorses” category, but given the amount of heat Alabama is putting on him, the coaches must feel as though they have a shot.

Darkhorses: Jonathan Edwards, a Tuscaloosa product, would jump on an Alabama offer but it’s not likely to come. Edwards could be headed out of state. Tyler Glynn is another West Monroe player, but likely won’t get an offer. Georgia’s Darius Slay is intriguing because of his size, but is probably far down the list. The problem for any of the darkhorses is that Gene Robinson will get an offer before any of them, and Robinson would likely take it.

Verdict: Alabama keeps West – who was considering decommitting at one time – and adds at least Kirkpatrick. If Janzen Jackson wants to sign on, Alabama will create room for him. If Jackson passes on Bama, this slot could go to either Robinson or back to the LB corps.

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Safeties
Committed: Rod Woodson, 5-11 210 4.5 Olive Branch, Miss./Olive Branch

Recruiting: Darren Myles, 6-1 195 4.5 Atlanta, Ga./Carver; Jonathan Scott, 6-3 190 4.6 Daytona Beach, Fla./Seabreeze

Comments: Alabama has turned up the heat significantly on Darren Myles, who would give Alabama the size it prefers at its free safety slot. Rod Woodson is already slated for the strong safety slot but could play either position. The key with Woodson is how fast he can recover from an ankle injury. Jonathan Scott’s stock has dropped lately due to speed concerns and it’s unlikely Alabama will take him.

Darkhorses: Craig Loston is considered by some to be the No. 1 player in America. Alabama would love to have him, but he would be an unbelievably difficult pull. As many as three other in-state players have been on the perimeter of the situation lately, Wetumpka’s Kejuan Riley, Mobile-Davidson’s Keiron Wilson and Tuscumbia-Deshler’s Kenyatta Abernathy. None of the three are likely to get offers, though.

Verdict: Alabama gets Myles and holds on to Woodson, and stops there.


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