Georgia, Ohio State, Auburn looking to flip trio of Alabama commits

Alabama currently holds the No. 1 recruiting class in the On3 Consensus Team Recruiting Rankings. But after the Tide’s relative struggles on the field this year, as well as the normal twists and turns of the recruiting cycle, they could be in for a tense next couple of weeks. Other programs have taken aim at some of the top Alabama commits, including two of their three committed five-star recruits.

Along with safety Caleb Downs and running back Justice Haynes, four-star safety Tony Mitchell has also become a top flip target for one of the Crimson Tide’s bitter rivals. On Monday, On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons broke down the latest intel with each recruit during the Inside Scoop Recruiting Show.

“It may not be so much about who ‘Bama closes with, but maybe more about who they hang onto to keep that No. 1 spot in the end,” Simmons said. “All three of those guys are not completely closing that door just yet. Starting with Tony Mitchell, an in-state kid who committed to Alabama back in June, he’s a guy that set a visit to Texas A&M the weekend before the Early Signing Period. He took his OV to Alabama over Thanksgiving weekend, but I think the school to watch there is Auburn. They held onto (assistant coach) Zac Etheridge, and that’s his guy. He’s talked about their connection for months now. I think Mitchell will get to Auburn at some point between now and the time he signs.

Georgia and Ohio State looking for five-star flips

With Caleb Downs, I think Ohio State is the team to watch,” Simmons added. “He was there for the Michigan game and not at the Iron Bowl, and that speaks volume to the extent of his interest with Ohio State. That’s kind of being kept quiet now, but I think both Ohio State and Alabama will be in his home this week and next week leading up to Signing Day.

… And with Justice Haynes, I think Georgia is the one to watch. Georgia is never going to go away; he’s a legacy kid, he spent time with both Georgia and Alabama while he was watching his good friend Caleb Downs play Friday night in the playoffs. Both ‘Bama and Georgia will be in this week, and Ohio State spent time with him over the week. I think Alabama’s biggest threat there is the University of Georgia.”