With Alabama picking up steam in recruiting for 2018, head coach Nick Saban and his staff are also looking toward the future — targeting prospects for 2019 and 2020. Part of the reason why the Crimson Tide has brought in seven consecutive No. 1 signing classes is getting the players that are most needed.
Noting this, here is a list of the Top 10 Most Wanted recruits for Alabama moving forward.
Justyn Ross
Alabama has seen some of the best wide receivers to suit up for its program.
Under Nick Saban, the 2000s generation of Tide fans have witnessed both Julio Jones and Amari Cooper become the real deal, as far as route running, effective catching, playmaking abilities and leadership are concerned. Both guys won national championships and now excelling in the National Football League.
Justyn Ross, a 6’5” target from Phoenix City, Ala., has a chance to be really good. His tall frame gives him the ability to fight for the ball in the air with a great advantage. Ross is a five-star recruit from Central High School, and though it’s a pull for him between Alabama and Auburn, the Tide has an knack for snatching game-changing receivers. With both Robert Foster and Cam Sims graduating after next season and Calvin Ridley possibly pursuing the NFL Draft; Ross could see early playing time and become the guy that Calvin Ridley, Julio Jones and Amari Cooper became their freshman year.
Micah Parsons
Alabama has always control the line of scrimmage, especially in the last two seasons.
A plethora of defensive linemen were used in the defensive rotation for the Tide during those times. The ability to put fresh players in snap after snap was a huge part of their success. Micah Parsons is one of those big, strong and fast type of defensive linemen. He is so talented that he could possibly be an weapon on offense. If Alabama can land him; he could come in and make an early impact on the its defensive rotation, who lost some key players to the NFL Draft this offseason.
Zamir White
Running back problems have never been a big problem for the Tide. It always seem to have a combination of good guys. While Glenn Coffee, Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson led the attack under Saban, Eddie Lacy, T.J. Yeldon, Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake were certainly no slouches. Nowadays, Alabama carries six backs on the roster, including Bo Scarbrough — who’s a 6-foot-2, 232-pound freight train in open space. Regardless of it being stacked at running back, White is one of those guys that Saban can’t afford to miss on. He has the full package with speed and power. He has the ability to run between tackles and this is something Alabama has always valued.
Patrick Surtain
Alabama ‘s secondary last year was arguably the best that it has been under Nick Saban, since 2009. Led by senior safety Eddie Jackson and star players Minkah Fitzpatrick and Ronnie Harrison, the Tide recorded 16 interceptions — including six returned for touchdowns. With the departure of Jackson and the predicted departures of Fitzpatrick and Harrison after next season; spots will be open for Surtain to come in and play.
This guy has that unique ability to read the quarterback and jump on his passes. He also has big play abilities that can be valuable on special teams.
Coynis Miller
Coynis Miller is a special talent. He is a monster, an athletic monster that needs to be unleashed. Miller is a Birmingham native that Alabama needs to jump full force into. They have already offered him and he announced via Twitter that he will be committing soon. Alabama could add another great defensive player to their team with this in- state target.
Jackson Carman
The Tide have no problem letting a freshman step in for roles on the offensive line. Andre Smith, Cam Robinson and Jonah Williams proved to Nick Saban that when one is ready, they are ready. Jackson is one of those guys that is ready to contribute. The 6’6” 290-pounder is able to move with great footwork and active hands. It is going to come down to a battle with Ohio State to grab this recruit from his home state if Ohio.
JJ Peterson
Linebackers have been a pivotal part of Alabama’s defense. Peterson is able to rush the quarterback from the edge with same speed as former Tide LB Tim Williams. He is also quite fast, and it is going to be very hard for any offensive tackle to keep up. This guy is so fast that he can make plays in the special team game as a returner with incredible juke moves. Alabama rarely miss out on great linebackers.
KJ Henry
KJ Henry is a five-star defensive end. He is a 6’5” 235-pounder that is able to make moves around offensive linemen and dissect where the play is going. Henry is one of those guys you have to go after. It is easy to tell that this guy will be a dominant force on the next level. The Tide never want to miss an opportunity of grabbing a great defensive player, that could possibly go to another Southeastern Conference team.
Rafiti Ghirmai
Offensive linemen have been crucial to the success of Alabama over the years. Running backs have much to be thankful for, seeing this big guys creating lanes for big runs. Rafiti Ghirmai is another great offensive lineman that the Crimson Tide should try to grab off the board. LSU is also very engaged in recruiting Ghirmai, a foe Alabama is not unfamiliar with. Ghirmai is a 6’4” 290-pounder that is currently a four-star prospect per 247 Sports.
Asa Martin
Martin announced via Twitter that will making a choice between Florida, Auburn and Alabama on Aug 24. Asa is one of those guys with flat out speed. He pulls away from defenders with ease. There is also a stiff arm that he possesses that is very deadly.
Justin Smith is a Scouting/Recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
