Alabama has four commitments heading into Wednesday’s National Signing Day
Although Alabama filled the majority of its 2019 recruiting class in the early signing period, the Crimson Tide is still looking to land several key targets on National Signing Day on Wednesday.
Alabama had 24 players sign by the conclusion of the early period on Dec. 19, 2018. Fifteen are already enrolled in classes and on campus.
Committed players expected to sign
With most of its commitments having signed early, Alabama has only four committed players heading into Wednesday’s signing day.
The Crimson Tide will look to bolster its defensive front by officially signing 4-star weak-side defensive end Khris Bogle and 4-star defensive tackle Byron Young. Alabama signed 5-star running back Trey Sanders in the early period and could add another backfield threat in longtime Alabama commit and 4-star Keilan Robinson. Even though 4-star cornerback Christian Williams has been an Alabama commit since March, there is a growing sentiment he may land elsewhere since the Crimson Tide added several other defensive backs in the early period. He is currently listed as a “soft commit” by 247Sports.
A numbers game
Alabama finished with a smaller recruiting class than normal last season, signing only 21 players. That gives the Crimson Tide the ability to sign more than the 25 allotted players in the 2019 cycle. Currently, Alabama has signed 24 players and has four committed, so the limit in class size may still impact it on signing day.
Saban’s wish list
The 2019 class is already poised to be one of Nick Saban’s biggest since taking over the Crimson Tide, but it could get even bigger if he’s able to land several top targets.
With the departures of Isaiah Buggs (graduation) and Quinnen Williams (early NFL draft entry) on the defensive line, Alabama is still hoping to secure one or two more players to shore up its front seven. The Crimson Tide is in position to land 4-star defensive tackle Ishmael Sopsher, ranked the No. 5 defensive tackle in the country according to 247Sports Composite. Alabama is also vying for Mississippi State commit and 4-star defensive tackle Nathan Pickering, Florida State commit and 4-star defensive end Quashon Fuller and 4-star defensive tackle Jaquaze Sorrells.
Alabama lost one of its defensive leaders when inside linebacker Mack Wilson declared for the NFL draft shortly after the national championship game. In order to add more depth at the position, Alabama is hoping to land 4-star linebacker Henry To’oto’o but is also pursuing 4-star linebacker Daniel Heimuli.
After tight end Irv Smith Jr. announced his decision to leave for the NFL draft, Alabama ramped up its recruitment of 3-star tight end Brett Seither, who has also received increased attention from other blue-blood programs. Seither could join 4-star tight end Jahleel Billingsley, who signed in the early period.
Commitments to watch
To’oto’o and Sopsher will announce their commitments at 2 p.m. Wednesday. That is subject to change.
