With two national championships in three years under its belt, the Crimson Tide looks to dominate the football world again on National Signing Day. The Tide currently holds the No. 1 spot on Rivals.com and is looking to add a couple more pieces to what some are calling Alabama’s best recruiting class since 2008. The Crimson White sat down with TideSports.com recruiting analyst Aaron Suttles to discuss this year’s class.
Crimson White: First off, let me ask you about the tug of war between Alabama and Florida State over 5-Star Prospect James Winston. With AJ McCarron coming off a strong performance in the BCS National Championship game, what would sway Winston to come to Alabama?
Aaron Suttles: I just don’t see it happening. I think the idea of staying close to home would be the only factor, but I think he has his heart set on Florida State. The baseball thing also played a factor in it as well. Florida State has an outstanding baseball program, and there, he can excel at both sports.
CW: The Landon Collins commitment has gotten more coverage due to the controversy involving his mother’s discontent than the commitment itself. Why do you believe Collins picked Alabama over LSU?
AS: It takes a kid with a lot of character to leave his home state [Louisiana], and he ultimately felt he fit in Alabama’s system better. His girlfriend is also coming here, and after falling in love with the campus, I think he had already made up his mind. He is a physical specimen, and he’s great against the run, a great hitter. But he needs a little work on his coverage game, and [head coach] Nick Saban can help him fine-tune that area.
CW: Wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham has been described as a mix between Randy Moss, Andre Johnson and Plaxico Burress with Desean Jackson speed. Alabama is on his short-list. What are the odds Nick Saban lands him, and would he fit well in the new offensive scheme?
AS: I think Bama is out of the running for Dorial. I think if you want to play wide receiver in the offense Nick Saban runs, you have to be able to block. That was a huge part of Julio Jones’ game that was overlooked. With Dorial, he is just a pure receiver, and he is most likely to pick either Arkansas or Missouri, which provides a pass-happy offense that best suits him.
CW: Eddie Goldman is still up for grabs, and Alabama is still in the running for the powerful defensive tackle out of Washington D.C. Could he be an instant starter on an already stout defensive line if he chooses to attend Alabama?
AS: He could. I think he has the talent to. But you really have to be something special to start right away in Saban’s defensive scheme. Alabama has a real good shot in landing him.
CW: Rivals.com compared Reggie Ragland to former Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain. Will the Huntsville native live up to the projected hype, and could he start against Michigan?
AS: I just think [Alabama is] so deep at linebacker, and I think it would be tough for any true freshman to start. He has a great lower-body and has a high ceiling and could even be better than Rolando. We could see him make a larger contribution next year.
CW: Although the lack of prototypical wide receiver height is there, Alabama did manage to grab some speedy receivers from the state of Florida. Tell us what they bring to the table.
AS: Both of them will enroll early, and they go through spring practice, so that is a huge advantage. Amari [Cooper] has a chance to get in there freshman year. Both have great hands and speed, so I see both of them making a major contribution. But be prepared to see Amari Cooper early.
CW: Looking ahead, do you see any future first-round NFL draft picks in this year’s class?
AS: That’s a good question. You just never know, but I really like Ryan Anderson. He is close to a Courtney Upshaw type, and if he keeps his mind right, he has all the talent to go to the next level. Brandon Green is also one to look out for. Alabama has the best linebacking class in the country, hands down. Pretty much any of those guys could make it in the pros.
