The top in-state target remaining on Alabama’s recruiting board is defensive end LaBryan Ray from Madison. He is the No. 1 player in Alabama, the No. 1 strong-side defensive end, and the No. 26 player nationally in the 2017 class. 247 Sports has Ray as a five-star recruit with a 0.9865 grade.
Ray has been recruited by Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. With the way that Pruitt and Saban get the most out of their pass rush, it would be any easy decision for Ray to make by committing to the Crimson Tide.
While he is uncommitted heading into National Signing Day, Ray feels like a lock to land with Alabama. However, expect the Florida Gators and the Tennessee Volunteers to make a mean push late in the race to land his commitment.
The crown jewel of commitments on National Signing Day for many Power 5 schools has to be defensive tackle Aubrey Solomon of Leesburg, Georgia. Solomon is the No. 2 defensive tackle, the No. 3 player from Georgia, and the No. 25 player nationally in his class. 24/7 Sports has Solomon as a five-star recruit with a 0.9869 grade.
Solomon remains uncommitted but has four Power 5 programs vying for his signature: Alabama, Georgia, Michigan, and USC. Alabama might be Solomon’s favorite, but Michigan could very well garner his commitment. Don’t be shocked if Solomon stays in-state to play in Athens for former Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart in Georgia. USC feels like a long shot.
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Frankly, it would be somewhat stunning to see Solomon leave the Southeast for Ann Arbor with his commitment. It’s going to come down to the 11th hour with Solomon. He leans toward the Tide heading into the final week, but his commitment will be one of the most talked about on National Signing Day. Who knows where Solomon will end up?