The Alabama Crimson Tide and the Auburn Tigers compete against one another year in and year out in some interesting recruiting battles.
This looks to continue in the future as talent within the state of Alabama is very rich. The Tide and the Tigers’ coaching staffs will try their best to bring this talent to their respective schools.
Here is a breakdown of the 2022 in-state recruits, who Alabama and Auburn will battle it out for in the future:
Emmanuel Henderson – 5-Star RB
Henderson is one of the top running back prospects in the country. With offers from Alabama and Auburn, this looks like a battle that will come down to the Tide and the Tigers. Henderson has expressed that Auburn is his dream school in the past and the Tigers are sitting in a good position with the Geneva County product. But so are the Tide. The 5-Star running back said he loves Alabama and is building a solid relationship with their coaching staff. It is a toss up between the two programs for Henderson at this point. Both schools are also listed in Henderson’s Top 10
RELATED: Emmanuel Henderson Includes Alabama in Top 10
Tanner Bailey – 4-Star QB
Bailey is an Auburn legacy, who is getting major attention from the Crimson Tide. Since D1 coaches have had the opportunity to contact 2022 recruits, the Tide’s coaching staff has been in heavy contact with Bailey. The Gordo product recently told Touchdown Alabama, he is in contact with the Tide on a weekly basis. Bailey has also expressed excitement for Alabama’s offense and Mac Jones this season. This is a battle that could come down to the two in-state programs, but schools like LSU may also have a say so.
Khurtiss Perry – 4-Star DE
Perry is one of the most sought-after defensive prospects in the 2022 recruiting class, which means his recruitment is much bigger than the Tide and the Tigers. Other Power 5 powers like Ohio State and Clemson look to be after the impressive recruit. The Buckeyes have put an offer on the table while the Tigers have yet to do so, but have shown interest. In an interview with Touchdown Alabama in September, Perry said he has a great relationship with Alabama and he was in contact with multiple coaches. Auburn looks to be a player in the Montgomery product’s recruitment as well.
TJ Dudley – 4-Star LB
Dudley currently has a top six and both the Tide and the Tigers are included. The versatile linebacker prospect is yet another prospect, who has expressed that he loves Alabama after visiting several times. Alabama and Auburn are teams to watch here, but so are some other programs. Oregon, Clemson, LSU and Florida State make up the rest of Dudley’s top six.
Justice Finkley – 4-Star DE
Finkley is a muscular defensive end, who has garnered attention from schools all over the country. Alabama has put themselves in a good position with the junior by staying in daily contact with him. Karl Scott and Freddie Roach has been Finkley’s main contact with the program. Auburn has had success recruiting players from Hewitt-Trussville, but so has the Crimson Tide. Both programs have signed players from there in recent recruiting classes.
Shemar James – 4-Star ATH
James is a rising in-state recruit, who had a massive junior season. Auburn offered James before his senior season begin while Alabama extended an offer earlier this month. Upon receiving this offer, James told Touchdown Alabama he felt Alabama was probably the greatest dynasty ever. Auburn is expected to make some noise in James’ recruitment.
RELATED: Shemar James feels Alabama is probably the greatest dynasty ever
Omari Kelly – 3-Star ATH
Kelly is another rising prospect to know. Auburn offered him in September and Alabama offered in October. This is yet another Hewitt-Trussville prospect, who Auburn and Alabama like. Before Alabama offered him, Kelly told Touchdown Alabama he liked the Crimson Tide a lot after visiting Tuscaloosa a couple of times.
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Justin Smith is a Scouting/Recruiting analyst for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can follow him on Twitter, via @Jdsmith31Smith
