Alabama currently boast the No. 1 recruiting class in the 2019 recruiting cycle and the results they receive during the early signing period will affect how this class finish.
The Tide will have several 5-Star targets that will make their college announcement in between now and the early signing period. Alabama looks to be in play for most of them. Here is a quick look at some of the commitments to look out for.
Kayvon Thibodeaux is a 5-Star defensive end out of Thousands Oaks, California. He will announce his decision on Saturday. Oregon, Florida State, Alabama and Florida remain in the mix for his commitment.
ANALYSIS: Thibodeaux is an elite defensive end with a long frame and wing span. He uses his natural long arms to keep offensive lineman from getting a hold of him and to make tackles on fleeing ball carriers.
Nakobe Dean is a 5-Star linebacker out of Hornlake, Mississippi. He is the No.1 inside linebacker in the nation. He will make his announcement on Dec. 19. Georgia, Alabama and Ole Miss remain in contention for his commitment.
ANALYSIS: Dean is a 6-feet-2-inches 215-pounder that is very mobile and can play sideline to sideline. His speed and knowledge of the game allows him to attack plays early and effectively. He also has the ability to be an asset in the defensive passing game.
Evan Neal is a 5-Star offensive tackle out of IMG Academy. He will make his announcement on Dec. 19 live on ESPN. Alabama and Miami looks to be the two favorites for his commitment.
ANALYSIS: Neal stands at 6-feet-8-inches and weighs over 300 pounds. He rarely loses one on one battles and has impressive footwork, which helps him make his body wide to stop speedy defensive ends. He is also pretty good at blocking on the run as he leads the way for the No.1 running back in the nation and Alabama target, Trey Sanders.
Trey Sanders is a 5-Star running back out of IMG Academy. He will also make his announcement live on ESPN. Georgia, Alabama and Florida looks to be in contention for his commitment.
ANALYSIS: Sanders brings a combination of speed and power to the table. His 5’11” frame allows him to stay low to the ground and create a low center of gravity. This allows him to break tackles and run the ball hard. The tenacity that he runs the ball with allows him to run in between the tackles and grind out runs.
Marcus Stripling is a 4-Star defensive end out of Houston, Texas. He will make his decision on Dec. 19. He will most likely stay close to home as Oklahoma and Texas A&m looks to be his favorites.
ANALYSIS: Marcus Stripling has the speed to beat offensive lineman off the snap. At 6-feet-2-inches and 260 pounds, he doesn’t have the size to over power offensive lineman, which is where Stripling will need to improve. He most likely will not be able to out run offensive lineman at the next level.
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Justin Smith is a Scouting/Recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
