1: Trenton Thompson – DT – Westover (GA) 6’4″ 293
Why: Every year there’s a battle amongst College Football’s Heavyweights for the prize of calling the number one rated recruit in the nation their new commit. This year’s prize, Trenton Thompson, is possibly the best prize in recent memory, especially for the Tide. In the now post C.J. Mosley era, the tide will look for a standout pass rusher on defense for the 2014 season. Thompson is not only the answer for the 2015 season, but for seasons after. In two seasons of work, Thompson has amassed 148 tackles and 17 sacks; placed in a traditional Nick Saban 3-4 set, Thompson would anchor the line in the middle, wrecking havoc on SEC O-lines.
2: Daron Payne – DT – Shades Valley (AL) 6’3″ 344
Why: A home grown product out of Birmingham, Payne exhibited the power and technique that has given many an offensive coordinator nightmares to game plan against. With 65 total tackles and three sacks last season, Payne dominated at Alabama’s summer camp and now finds himself in the middle of a state battle. The tide will have to outbid rival Auburn to have the right of adding Payne to their ever growing list of top name recruits.
3: Zach Gentry – QB – Eldorado (NM) 6’6″ 230
Why: Thanks in part to a rather rough showing at this year’s A-Day scrimmage, Gentry take the number three spot in this week’s poll by necessity alone. His numbers may have dropped off a bit in his second year as signal caller at Eldorado (from 2022 yards and 17 TD’s in 2012 , to 1587 yards and 9 TD’s in 2013), but his skills are built for a Saban led pro style offense. The Tide will need to ramp up their pursuit of Gentry to beat out dreaded foe Tennessee for possibly the best QB recruit in the nation.
4: Devonaire Clarington – TE – Champagnet Catholic – Hialeah (FL) 6’6″ 222
Why: With tight end mainstays Michael Nysewander and Brian Vogler entering their senior seasons, now is the time for Alabama to begin planning for the future of the position. In his junior year, Clarington pulled in 46 catches for 890 yards and 13 scores, asserting himself as a dominate receiver. Adding his top rated skills to a Lane Kiffin led offense will bolster the Tide back to passing game dominance in the SEC.
5: Jovon Robinson – RB – Georgia Military (JUCO) – 5’11” 220
Why: Robinson rounds out this week’s top five as a potential candidate in an always crowded backfield. With would-be All-SEC speed and power, Robinson dominated JUCO opponents last season on his way to 2387 yards and 34 score. Robinson’s ability suggests him to closely mirror a Mark Ingram style of power and speed in the Tide’s offense. His “smurf-back” size, Robinson will mesh with the running attack by complimenting the size and power of Derek Henry with his own speed and elusiveness.
