Top prospects attend Tide summer camp

The University of Alabama held its first summer camp last Sunday through Wednesday, bringing in several prospects from across the country. The majority of the talent in Tuscaloosa came from around the Southeast, with many of the Tide’s top targets in attendance. Several of the players were eager to talk about their trip to the Capstone.

The top overall prospect scheduled to participate in the camp was Nico Johnson, Scout.com five-star middle linebacker from Andalusia High School. Johnson continues to list his favorites as Alabama, Auburn, USC, LSU and Georgia. He was in Tuscaloosa last Sunday, but was only a participant for a short period after pulling a hamstring.

“Other than that I had a great time down there,” Johnson said. “I only stayed there on Sunday. I spoke to the coaches a little bit, but it was pretty much just the same stuff we always talk about.”

William Ming, Scout.com four-star defensive end from Athens High School, is one of the top overall prospects on the recruiting board. He visited Alabama as a spectator at the camp and expects to make a decision before the season. Ming holds more than 20 scholarship offers and is not naming any favorites. Alabama is considered the front-runner for his signature.

“It was good to watch the camp,” said Ming. “I attended the camp last year. It was really intense. You start out with the fourth-quarter stuff. I know it was tough. It was really hot down there as well. I think Coach (Nick) Saban has the program heading in the right direction.”

One of the top in-state prospects who did participate in the camp was Anthony Orr, Scout.com three-star defensive end from Sparkman High School in Harvest. Orr received heavy praise from other participants as the best defensive lineman in attendance.

“The coaches said they really like me,” Orr said. “They said they enjoyed having me at the camp. I enjoyed working out with coach (Bo) Davis. I am thinking about making my decision before the season.”

Johnnie Farms, Scout.com four-star offensive guard from Perry High School in Georgia, has tripped to Tuscaloosa on two occasions, spending several days on campus each trip. He was a camp participant the first two days and stayed for two additional days to spend time with the Alabama players and coaches.

“I really enjoyed working with coach (Joe) Pendry,” Farms said. “I could get used to working with him. He told me I did a good job. He said I could come to Alabama and make a home for myself. Coach Saban talked about being impressed with my footwork and being able to move.”

Alabama and Florida have been considered the top two schools vying for his signature, and Farms does not plan to make a decision anytime soon.

“I like Alabama a lot,” he said. “They are a real cool school. Coach Saban really stands out to me. I think he is a real good guy.”

Another top offensive lineman in attendance was Anthony Steen from Lee Academy High School in Clarksdale, Miss. Steen has collected several offers, including Alabama, Florida State, Miami and Southern Miss. His decision is on the horizon with Alabama at the top of the list.

“I have always liked Alabama since I was little,” Steen explained. “My parents have always liked them. My mom has her head in that direction. Everything is kind of pulling me towards Alabama right now.”

Justin Green, Scout.com four-star cornerback from Male High School in Louisville, Ky., is one of the nation’s top prospects. Green has received offers from several elite programs, including Alabama, Miami, Ohio State and Tennessee. He camped in Tuscaloosa and enjoyed the experience.

“I thought it was a good camp,” Green stated. “I worked with the defensive backs. I liked working with the defensive backs coach. They really push you to perfection. They want everything right. I really liked that.”

Gene Robinson, cornerback from Whitehaven High School in Memphis, Tenn., was in Tuscaloosa as an unofficial visitor. Robinson has received 10 scholarship offers, including one from Alabama. He plans to make a decision before or right after the beginning of the season.

“The coaches basically told me they were ready for me to commit,” said Robinson. “I like Alabama lot. I like how the academic center is by the dorm. I want to major in engineering.”

Eric Gordon, four-star cornerback from Hillsboro High School in Nashville, Tenn., is another highly-recruited prospect and has collected more than a dozen scholarship offers. He attended the camp Monday, but only participated in a few drills. Gordon is in no rush to make a decision.

“The coaches really stick out to me,” said Gordon. “I really like their program. I think they can take the program sky high. I know they have big-time players after the class they got. You put the coaches with the players there is no stopping them. I thought the campus is looking real good as well.”

The nation’s top-ranked center, Sam Simpson, a four-star prospect from Lexington-Henry Clay, Ky., took an unofficial visit to Alabama a few days before the Tide’s first camp session. Simpson plans to return in July.

“Alabama speaks for itself, both from a football and academic perspective,” Simpson explained. “I really like everyone down there.”

The Alabama coaching staff saw enough of Markeith Ambles, 2010 wide receiver from Henry County High School in McDonough, Ga., to extend a verbal offer. Ambles has collected offers from Kentucky and South Carolina as well.

Rueben Randle, Scout.com five-star wide receiver from Bastrop High School in La., was expected for an unofficial visit last Friday to Alabama. The trip to Tuscaloosa was Randle’s second unofficial visit since the spring. He has a high interest in Alabama, but LSU is considered the team to beat.

Visit TideSports.com for Andrew Bone’s recruiting coverage. Reach Andrew Bone at abone@scout.com.