Alabama football recruiting recalibration: Anticipated developments during the early signing period for the Crimson Tide
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Alabama has kicked off its College Football Playoff preparations, involving over half of its 2024 recruiting class in the practices, as reported by On3. The initial early enrollees, totaling 13 signees, include quarterback Julian Sayin, tight end Caleb Odom, offensive linemen Casey Poe, Joseph Ionata, and William Sanders on offense, and defensive linemen Jeremiah Beaman and Isaia Faga, linebacker Sterling Dixon (out due to injury), and defensive backs Zabien Brown, Jameer Grimsley, Dre Kirkpatrick Jr, Rydarrius Morgan, and Peyton Woodyard on defense.
Three additional players—defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe and linebackers Cayden Jones and Justin Okoronkwo—are expected to enroll in January after participating in national all-star games. Notably, Okoronkwo, a Germany native, is the first European prospect invited to and playing in the All American Bowl.
Alabama’s recruiting class, currently ranked No. 4 nationally, features solid commitments from those not enrolling early, such as receivers Amari Jefferson, Rico Scott, and Ryan Williams, tight end Jay Lindsey, and defensive lineman Quinton Reese. As the recruiting dead period begins, and with the early signing period approaching, there is expected to be little drama among Alabama’s verbal commits.
The weekend before the dead period saw Alabama hosting several recruits for official visits, transfer portal visits, and unofficial visits for elite 2025 prospects. Among the notable recruits are quarterback Bryce Underwood and defensive back DJ Pickett, both top prospects in the 2025 class.
Dust settles on initial Alabama portal entrants
Looking ahead, there are potential additions to Alabama’s 2024 recruiting class, with the possibility of exploring the transfer portal. Storylines to watch include the dust settling on initial portal entrants, the wildcard commit Ryan Williams, potential flips of running backs committed elsewhere, and the status of uncommitted prospects before the early signing period.
Alabama also had visits from committed running back Kevin Riley (Miami) and Jadan Baugh (Arkansas). Defensive lineman Eddrick Houston, an Ohio State commit, made an unofficial visit, and Alabama hosted three defensive linemen/edge players from the transfer portal.
Five-star wide receiver Perry Thompson, who flipped to Auburn over the summer, remains a prospect to watch. Alabama coaches had an in-home visit with him, and a graphic featuring both Auburn and Alabama jerseys has added to speculation about his commitment.
Finally, uncommitted prospects, including offensive lineman Favour Edwin, edge Jayshawn Ross, and defensive lineman Steve Mboumoua, are expected to announce their college choices this week after making final impressions with Alabama before the recruiting dead period.
