After being given just 20 scholarships last year and pulling in college football’s sixth-best recruiting class, the University of Alabama is back dominating the 2019 cycle.
While head coach Nick Saban meant good on his word of “we are not done yet” following the College Football Playoff national title win over Georgia, it’s been his assistants that have compiled the 13 verbal commitments to make next February a special signing day for the Tide.
Despite the appeal that skill players have, Alabama has focused its attention in the trenches – seeing how seven of its 13 commitments are either on the offensive or defensive line.
With attracting names like Pierce Quick, Amari Kight, Rashad Cheney, Tanner Bowles, DJ Dale and Kevin Harris, the Crimson Tide could end with obtaining the nation’s top-ranked offensive and defensive line class. Much of the talent for 2019 cycle comes from the state of Alabama and though Saban has snagged a few prospects, there are three names he still needs to consider.
Patrick Lucas Jr, DT, Wetumpka
If standing next to Lucas made me feel like an ant over the weekend at the Troy Cable Spring Football Classic, then the imposing defensive tackle should make all offensive lineman uncomfortable.
The 6-foot-3, 290-pouder garners a three-star rating from 247Sports and has 17 offers, including four from Auburn, Florida, Mississippi State and Tennessee for the Southeastern Conference.
In studying his highlights, two things to note about Lucas are his feet and hands.
Regardless of his size, he consistently creates pressure to quarterback from inside and has the speed to chase down running backs. Before transferring to Wetumpka High School to start his senior year, Lucas spent the last three seasons at Prattville (Ala.) High School.
Alabama loses Johnny Dwight after next season and while it has a few guys that can assume the role at nose tackle, adding Lucas could not hurt the program moving forward.
Marlon Hunt Jr, DB, Stanhope-Elmore
His name is not found on 247Sports upon typing it in, however, it does not mean that Marlon Hunt is second rate. On the contrary, this young man is an absolute ball hawk.
Standing at 5-foot-9 and 165 pounds, Hunt possesses a skill set that resembles Tyrann Mathieu – former Louisiana State University defensive back and current Houston Texan. Upon watching film on him, the first thing coaches will notice is that he is consistently around the football.
Whether it is creating interceptions or sticking his nose in to force a fumble, Hunt isn’t afraid of generating plays in traffic. During Stanhope-Elmore’s matchup against Enterprise last week at the Troy Cable Spring Football Classic, Hunt recorded 15 tackles and returned an interception for a touchdown.
Adding more weight to his frame is ideal, but the intangibles and playmaking abilities are there for Hunt to be a star.
He’s lined up at cornerback and safety throughout his career and with Alabama losing Deionte Thompson and maybe Trevon Diggs (should he have a really good season in 2018) to the NFL Draft after next season, Hunt could be a huge pick up.
Jadarious Martin, QB/WR, Wetumpka
Martin is a sheer athlete and a winner.
With him running the offense in 2017, Wetumpka finished the regular season at 9-1 and won defeated four teams in the 6A playoffs in quadrant two to make it to the championship game.
Even though it lost to Pinson Valley, Martin spearheaded a balanced attack for Wetumpka – recording 1,556 passing yards, 2,275 rushing yards, 41 touchdowns to three interceptions.
With him returning and having Lucas on defense, the school is in prime position to return to the playoffs in the coming fall and win a state championship.
He displays good touch on the ball at quarterback, but at 6-feet and 185 pounds, Martin will be better suited at wide receiver for Alabama. The three-star athlete per 247Sports is a talented route runner that has been clocked at 4.45 seconds in the 40-yard dash. Martin has 26 collegiate offers with Tennessee and Kentucky chiming in for the SEC, while Louisville represents the ACC.
Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
