He may be focused on other recruits at the moment, but it wouldn’t hurt Alabama head coach Nick Saban to at least consider offering a student-athlete from the Montgomery area for 2019.
As we enter the heart of the summer, senior defensive lineman Patrick Lucas, Jr anticipates leaving a marquee impact at Wetumpka High School in the fall. The 6-foot-3, 280-pounder possesses a lot of versatility in the way he plays on the interior, at defensive end, and at outside linebacker. Before he decided to transfer to Wetumpka, Lucas was a wrecking ball in three seasons at Prattville High School. His quick feet, strong hands and overall physicality has already landed him offers from nine of the 14 Southeastern Conference institutions.
Both Mississippi schools – Ole Miss and Mississippi State – Florida, Tennessee and Vanderbilt all have Lucas on their board as a priority. He’s also received offers Auburn, Kentucky, Missouri and Texas A&M. During this year’s Troy Spring Game Classic at Troy University, Lucas dominated the line scrimmage – stuffing run plays and creating pressure to quarterbacks.
In talking with Lucas on May 19, he told yours truly that “he grew up an Alabama fan.”
“It would be a lot to get an offer from Coach Saban,” Lucas said.
For one who has not tipped his hand, Lucas continues to look over his options. His credits God for his durability and performance on the field, and said “it does not matter where coaches choose to play him.”
With it losing Raekwon Davis, Isaiah Buggs and Johnny Dwight after the 2018 season, it will be interesting to see as to whether the Tide extends Lucas an offer. Despite being regarded as a three-star by multiple recruiting sites, he has five-star potential and a strong work ethic.
Wetumpka, a 6A school, made it to the playoffs last year.
While it fell 31-10 to Pinson Valley in the state championship game, Lucas and the Indians are poised to return and finish business. A strong senior campaign might be what’s needed to captivate Saban and his staff’s attention in Tuscaloosa.
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.
