NSD 2015: Alabama signs another elite class

-For yet another recruiting season the Alabama Crimson Tide have inked one of the top signing classes in the nation. 247Sports and ESPN have each proclaimed Alabama the
No. 1 class in the nation while Rivals and Scout have the Crimson Tide at No. 2 behind USC.

-While the 2015 edition of national signing day proved quite uneventful for Alabama in terms of drama and suspense, not only did the Crimson Tide sign yet another superb class, 'Bama also managed to sign all prior verbal commitments leading up to signing day. While such an effort often goes unrecognized by many fans, securing what you have is vital.

-In respect to new additions to the class, Alabama inked 4-star wide receiver Daylon Charlot this morning. Charlot, a former 'Bama verbal commitment prior to reopening his recruitment, came back to the Tide after testing the waters at LSU. Charlot had been viewed as a 'Bama lock for roughly a month or more.

-In respect to signing day targets, Alabama hit on the aforementioned Charlot but failed to sign 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson and 4-star wide receiver K.J. Hill. Although Alabama was never viewed as the favorite for either player down the stretch, the Crimson Tide still had an outside shot. When it came to their final decisions, Hill selected Ohio State while Jefferson signed with Florida.

-As noted in a prior post, Alabama commitment Christian Bell, a 3-star linebacker from Hoover, AL, has indeed accepted a grayshirt and will enroll in January of 2016. Due to his grayshirt status, Bell will not be counted in the class of 2015.

-Click HERE for a detailed look at Alabama's 2015 signing class.

2015 Alabama Recruiting: The final update - Feb. 3

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: CeCe Jefferson
Rating: 5-star
School/City: Baker County Senior/Glen Saint Mary, FL
Position: Defensive End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss
Odds of Signing: POOR/FAIR - When it comes to playing the game in respect to recruitment, 5-star defensive end CeCe Jefferson is a master. In this age of big press conference calls and faux promises and propaganda, even those who've worked in the recruiting field for decades can't really get a pulse on Jefferson. While logic says that Jefferson will not sign with Alabama, if he came riding into his press conference on an elephant I probably still wouldn't be shocked. My guess is that Florida or Ole Miss will be Jefferson's school of choice...but don't rule out an elephant.

Name: K.J. Hill

Rating: 4-star
School/City: North Little Rock/North Little Rock, AR
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: POOR/FAIR - In respect to K.J. Hill, the worm has really turned within the last 7-10 days. Other than Daylon Charlot, Hill, for a time, was viewed as one of the most likely Tide targets to ink his name on the dotted line with Alabama. However, things have soured quite fast. While nothing is 100% when it comes to recruiting, history has shown us that much, but the odds of Hill joining the Tide are now quite slim. Most experts now predict the 4-star talent to sign with Ohio State.

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU
Odds of Signing: GREAT - While many other stories concerning Alabama targets have flipped and flopped, less than 15 hours before signing day Daylon Charlot still appears to be a virtual lock for Alabama. Even if the Crimson Tide fail on their remaining targets expect UA to at least ink Charlot. Not too shabby by any stretch.

Additional news 

-Alabama is not expected to lose any commitments on signing day. On the surface that seems like a none story, but many teams of over the years, Alabama included, have lost pieces to the puzzle on the day it counted the most. The Crimson Tide will only add to the class of 2015...not take away. While 'Bama still has a total of five or six spots available for the class of 2015, the Crimson Tide will not fill them all unless something of monumental proportions comes to pass.

-3-star linebacker Christian Bell has accepted a grayshirt offer. Reports say that Bell is still 100% committed to the University of Alabama. Hill is scheduled to enroll in January of 2016.

-If you want to call it an "honorable watch list" for tomorrow, I'll throw 4-star defensive end/tight end Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. and 3-star wide receiver Lawrence Cager into the mix. I'm placing both young men in this category because the odds are almost less than poor that Alabama earns a signature from them on signing day, but it certainly wouldn't be the wildest thing I've ever seen.

Lawrence Cager

Cager and 'Bama have had mutual interest for months and essentially the only thing that has kept Cager from giving a verbal commitment to Alabama has been the Tide's interest in Charlot and Hill. If Alabama fails to sign Hill, don't be shocked to see the Tide make one last gasp to attract Cager away from Miami at the midnight hour.

Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.

While the worm has certainly shifted to the U of Michigan, the school where Wheatley's father became a school legend at running back, earlier reports, even as of a few weeks ago, had Wheatley, Jr. wanting to carve his own path at a different school. While Alabama and Wheatley, Jr. were "warm" on each other in terms of interest, I'm not sure if anything was ever really all that serious. However, if Wheatley, Jr. really wants to add some drama to his Wednesday activities, inking with Alabama would be the ultimate curve.

'Bama Recruiting Update: January 29 - remaining target list

*List is subject to change.

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: CeCe Jefferson
Rating: 5-star
School/City: Baker County Senior/Glen Saint Mary, FL
Position: Defensive End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, LSU, Ole Miss
Odds of Signing: POOR - While the odds of CeCe Jefferson signing with Alabama were close to zero just a couple of weeks ago, the Crimson Tide have made some gains. Jefferson, on his own time, has actually made two trips to the UA campus within the previous week. While communication is high and Alabama has turned up the full court press, I think odds are still poor, at least as of right now, that 'Bama lands Jefferson. While UA certainly has the room to take Jefferson, I'm not sure if Jefferson wants to be taken by Saban. Ole Miss seems to be the favorite for this 5-star talent.

Name: Tyrone Wheatley, Jr.
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Canisius/Manlius, NY
Position: Defensive End/Tight End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, UCLA, USC
Odds of Signing: FAIR - The son of legendary Michigan running back Tyrone Wheatley, Tyrone Wheatley, Jr. has been on Alabama's radar for roughly a month. While many thought, and rightfully so, that Wheatley, Jr. would be a lock for Michigan, that doesn't seem to be the case. In fact, some recruiting experts seem to think that Wheatley, Jr. will likely select between Alabama and USC when the time arrives. Again, as with most on this list, Alabama will make a spot for Wheatley, Jr. if he decides to commit.

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU
Odds of Signing: GREAT - Daylon Charlot is, without question, the strongest chance Alabama has with any target on the board. While nothing is official, many believe that Alabama and Charlot have been happily married for quite a while. Charlot is likely a silent commitment to the Crimson Tide. Alabama earning Charlot's signature on national signing day seems inevitable.

Name: Chidi Valentine-Okeke
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Faith Baptist Christian Academy/Ludowici, GA
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Verbal commitment to LSU
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU
Odds of Signing: POOR/FAIR - Thought to have been the third wheel in respect to offensive tackle targets, Chidi Valentine-Okeke seemed to be a lock for 'Bama if he was offered a secure spot. After the Crimson Tide seemingly failed to reel in the two main targets, Drew Richmond and Isaiah Prince, the path seemed to be clear for Valentine-Okeke. Well, not so fast. While the interest has always been mutual, Valentine-Okeke shocked many in the recruiting world by giving his verbal commitment to LSU on the morning of Jan. 29. Valentine-Okeke had a spot with Alabama and likely still does. I find it hard to believe, at least right now, that Valentine-Okeke and Alabama are finished. This one could be a signing day decision.

Name: K.J. Hill
Rating: 4-star
School/City: North Little Rock/North Little Rock, AR
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Arkansas, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: GOOD - After decommitting from Arkansas following an official visit to Alabama, the numbers game is now working in UA's favor in respect to Hill. The 4-star wide receiver has a spot with the Crimson Tide if he wants sign on the dotted line. While odds aren't as high as that of Charlot, chances are good that K.J. Hill will be in an Alabama uniform this fall.

Name: Lawrence Cager
Rating: 3-star
School/City: Calvert Hall College/Towson, MD
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to Miami
List: Alabama, Miami, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: FAIR - Although Cager recently reaffirmed his commitment to Miami, Alabama now has more spots available than before. Cager has expressed interest in Alabama for quite a while and the feeling is mutual. Many thought Cager would be a victim of the numbers crunch but things have recently shifted due to several decommitments. Logic would now suggest that if Cager wants to attend Alabama he'll have a secure spot. Expect Alabama to aim for both Charlot and Hill, but Cager could be a wildcard.

Additional news

-Alabama has roughly 5-6 spots available.

-As noted above, just in passing, Alabama lost three verbal commitments on January 29. Montrell Custis, Rico McGraw, and Isaiah Prince each decommitted from the Crimson Tide. The departures of Custis and Prince were expected by most in the know. McGraw's decommitment, while not as obvious as that of Custis and Prince, had been rumored for roughly a month.

'Bama Recruiting Update: January 23 - remaining target list

*List is subject to change.

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU
Odds of Signing: GREAT - Considered to be a silent commitment per many in the know.

Name: Drew Richmond
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Memphis University School/Memphis, TN
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Verbal commitment to Ole Miss
List: Alabama, Ohio State, Ole Miss, Tennessee
Odds of Signing: POOR - Appears to be a lock for Ole Miss although 'Bama is in the mix at some level.

Name: Chidi Valentine-Okeke
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Faith Baptist Christian Academy/Ludowici, GA
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU
Odds of Signing: FAIR - With Richmond being a long shot, Valentine-Okeke will likely ink with 'Bama if the Crimson Tide decide to take another offensive tackle.

Name: K.J. Hill
Rating: 4-star
School/City: North Little Rock/North Little Rock, AR
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Arkansas
Odds of Signing: GOOD - Recently decommitted from Arkansas following an official visit to Alabama.

Name: Lawrence Cager
Rating: 3-star
School/City: Calvert Hall College/Towson, MD
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to Miami
List: Alabama, Miami, Ohio State
Odds of Signing: POOR - Cager is viewed as the backup plan if Hill doesn't sign with 'Bama. However, please don't mistake "poor" for lack of mutual interest. Cager is high on Alabama. Expect UA to take two more wide receivers with Charlot/Hill or Charlot/Cager being the likely duo.

Additional news

-Alabama has roughly 3-4 spots available.

-Expect the Crimson Tide to lose one or two current verbal commitments prior to National Signing Day. 3-star defensive back Montrell Custis is the most likely departure at this time.

Recruiting Update: 'Bama still in the hunt for top targets

As the 2015 edition of national signing day draws closer by the hour, many programs are searching for the final piece(s) of the puzzle in order to solidify an impressive signing class.

In respect to the Alabama Crimson Tide, Nick Saban and company currently have 26 verbal commitments, but who are the remaining targets as the "midnight hour" approaches?

With limited spots available, here are several prospects Alabama will be vying for in order to cement yet another elite signing class.

*List is subject to change.

*Listed order is based on star ratings only.
The order holds no other significance of any measure.

*Click name for 247Sports page.

Name: CeCe Jefferson
Rating: 5-star prospect
School/City: Baker County Senior/Glen Saint Mary, FL
Position: Defensive End
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Ole Miss

Name: Terry Godwin
Rating: 5-star prospect
School/City: Callaway/Hogansville, GA
Position: Athlete
Status: Verbal commitment to Georgia
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia

Name: Isaiah Prince
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Eleanor Roosevelt/Greenbelt, MD
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Undecided
List: Alabama, Maryland, Ohio State

Name: Daylon Charlot
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Patterson/Patterson, LA
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Undecided - Former Alabama verbal commitment
List: Alabama, LSU

Name: Chidi Valentine-Okeke
Rating: 4-star
School/City: Faith Baptist Christian Academy/Ludowici, GA
Position: Offensive Tackle
Status: Undecided (Alabama lean as of 1/9)
List: Alabama, Auburn, Georgia, LSU

Name: Lawrence Cager
Rating: 3-star
School/City: Calvert Hall College/Towson, MD
Position: Wide Receiver
Status: Verbal commitment to Miami (Will likely sign with Alabama if spot is available)
List: Alabama, Miami, Ohio State

Crimson Commentary: Another Sugar Bowl defeat

The magic number is now three. That's the number of consecutive Sugar Bowl defeats the Alabama Crimson Tide currently have. Quite disheartening. Quite unfortunate.

This time last year I published a post very similar to the tone of this one. Another Sugar Bowl, another big stage...another loss.

While the clash with Ohio State certainly had more on the line than a traditional Sugar Bowl, courtesy of the new College Football Playoff format, once again Alabama failed to deliver in the SuperDome.

In respect to what we all witnessed last night, the overachieving Crimson Tide, led by an overachieving quarterback, finally hit the wall. A season filled with dramatic plays and dramatic games was capped by an inability to make the big plays and get off the field on third down. The game also saw the overachieving quarterback, Blake Sims, crack under pressure, and this time, unlike the Iron Bowl, the fifth-year senior was unable to recover.

Today's column on the paradox of a brilliant season with a bitter end. http://t.co/9Dgz2PXwPD
— Cecil Hurt (@CecilHurt) January 2, 2015

On the flip side of the coin, Ohio State, led by a third string quarterback, carved up the Alabama secondary, arguably the weakest link of the Crimson Tide team in 2014. UA allowed a grand total of 537 yards to the Buckeyes.

Nick Saban built a dynasty at Alabama, this much is true. However, Saban's sculpted and polished Crimson Tide currently sit at 0-and-2 in bowl games since defeating Notre Dame to capture the 2012 national title. Two Sugar Bowl trophies, that should be in 'Bama's trophy case, now reside in Oklahoma and Ohio. Three in total if you wish to count the contest with Utah in January of 2009 prior to Saban's first national title at Alabama. Quite a bitter pill to swallow considering all the success that has been digested.

Summary? Alabama needs to win a bowl game next season. Period. While the shine of a 12-2 season and an SEC championship is beautiful, making a habit of losing non-title bowl games is not a streak you want to have.



One more thing. Nick Saban and his staff are not above reproach. You can fully appreciate the success while also noting the shortcomings. The Alabama secondary, for example, should not allow a third string quarterback, making his second career start, to carve up the defense like a turkey. Saban is a defensive guru, correct? Call it a swing and a miss in respect to the recruitment of defensive backs or potentially bad development, but something has to change in this specific area.

Here's to hitting the mark in 2015. Alabama's a winner. Time to return to the days where we win the final game, not sulk and question the final loss.

Coming Soon: 2015 recruiting news