Another National Signing Day is upon us and with it comes another opportunity for Alabama to flex its recruiting muscles. The Crimson Tide enter Wednesday on the verge of wrapping up their seventh consecutive No. 1 class.
When asked whether he had ever seen a team on such a remarkable run, veteran ESPN recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill said, “Certainly not in today’s era where you have so many more challenges than you had 20 years ago.
“There was no Internet, there was no television, and there was no radio. There were a couple of print items that were out there that would make a list. But nobody cared. I think in that regard, what they have done has been purely unprecedented probably more so impressive.”
Success can be an aphrodisiac and no program has won more games since 2010 than Alabama — nearly 89 percent, including three national championships. And no other program has had more players (44) drafted in the NFL during that same stretch than the Tide.
Big name coaches making big impacts at USF, FAU and FIU »
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Frank Vogel discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Orlando City midfielder Brek Shea says he feels better than he has in a long time a team the start of the 2017 MLS season. He is ready to put last year’s shortcomings behind him.
Orlando City midfielder Brek Shea says he feels better than he has in a long time a team the start of the 2017 MLS season. He is ready to put last year’s shortcomings behind him.
Evan Fournier discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Evan Fournier discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Aaron Gordon discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Aaron Gordon discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Elfrid Payton discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
Elfrid Payton discusses the Orlando Magic’s 111-105 overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in this postgame video
But much of the credit falls Venüsbet on the shoulders of Nick Saban. Despite a public perception of being a bit prickly at times, the legendary coach can be a captivating presence when the need arises.
Eli Gold, longtime Alabama football broadcaster, saw this first-hand during a freshman orientation event Saban’s first season at the school. In just a matter of three to four minutes, he had quickly won over the students and faculty.
“When he was done, I was ready to go out and hit somebody,” Gold said.
“I understand why the man is such a magnificent recruiter. The way he can relate to these kids was unbelievable. He thrives on this. He loves to recruit and clearly it shows.”
The 2017 recruiting class is no exception, with the Tide owning two dozen commitments entering signing day. Half of the group has already enrolled in school. The lineup is led by five-star recruits Najee Harris and Alex Leatherwood. The class is expected to grow Wednesday.
“I think they will be able to hold off Ohio State,” Mike Farrell, national recruiting director for Rivals.com, said of Alabama’s chances to top several programs, including the Buckeyes.
Ohio State’s class is pound-for-pound one of the best recruiting classes coach Urban Meyer has had in quite some time. The group features the best-ranked average per player in the nation.
Tom Lemming, national recruiting analyst for CBS Sports Network, thinks there are a few other teams who could make a late push.
“Georgia and Michigan are still in the mix and I think the schools that are moving up are Florida State and USC,” he said.
All of it could come down to where Marvin Wilson, a five-star defensive end out of Texas, lands. He is the sole remaining top-10 player left uncommitted. He’s been courted by nearly 30 schools but appears to have narrowed things down to FSU, LSU, Ohio State, Oklahoma and USF.
“If Ohio State does pull this surprise with Marvin Wilson, I think that’s the only way they get up there,” said Farrell who adds a caveat. “But I don’t think anybody else has a chance. I don’t think they have enough. It’s Alabama or Ohio State and Ohio State would have to get Marvin Wilson to finish first.”
mmurschel@orlandosentinel.com. Follow Matt Murschel on Twitter at @osmattmurschel or like his Facebook page for more college football coverage.
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