The Alabama Crimson Tide have announced their early National Signing Day recruiting class for 2018.
For the fourth straight season, the Alabama Crimson Tide are preparing for the College Football Playoff. They have been the gold standard for programs under the new format and Nick Saban is looking to bring home yet another National Championship to Tuscaloosa.
While the Crimson Tide are getting ready to embark on another journey that they hope brings them home a title, they will have a new wrinkle to deal with as a program this year. The new early signing period for recruits will allow for programs to land commits before the main National Signing Day in February.
Every year, the Crimson Tide are near the top of the recruiting ranks because of their ability to consistently land the nation’s top recruits. Going to Alabama has become almost a guaranteed ticket to go to the NFL.
That being said, Alabama just as they have every year, will need to restock at certain positions. By virtue of seniors and underclassmen departing for the pros each season, Nick Saban has done a great job of consistently having the next man up ready to go.
Currently, via 247sports, the Crimson Tide rank seventh nationally when it comes to their class. While still a strong class overall, it’s a little lower than some would expect from a program that has finished right at the top or just below it.
Still, the season of Saban being able to flip recruits is upon us and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them move up when it’s all said and done. Losing players like Minkah Fitzpatrick, Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne on the defensive side of the ball will leave plenty of areas for the team to fill in recruiting.
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On the offensive side of the ball, losing a star receiver in Calvin Ridley will add a need to add more receivers on the recruiting trail. Right now, the Crimson Tide don’t have any commits yet from any five-star prospects, but they have plenty of four-star recruits.
Outside linebacker Quay Walker, along with defensive ends Stephon Wynn and Jordan Davis are the top recruiting commits from the program. The trio along with the rest of the class should really bolster what are typically strengths.