Alabama not giving up pursuit of Auburn 5-star WR commit Perry Thompson

Foley (Ala.) five-star wide receiver Perry Thompson has made the rounds between the two in-state giants that are still battling to lock down his pledge. Alabama had his commitment for over a year, until he flipped to Auburn at the end of July this year.

“I can go build that legacy at Auburn,” Thompson told On3. “I can be someone that helps turn things around and be the guy for the program. It is just the place I feel is the best first for me

…Since Hugh Freeze got to Auburn, he and the staff made me a top priority. Coach Freeze, Coach Marcus Davis, the whole staff and the fan base makes me feel wanted. The feeling for me is just different at Auburn.”

Now, as Auburn looks to batten down the hatches and lock up its 2024 recruiting class that currently ranks No. 13 in the On3 Industry Team Recruiting Ranking, Thompson was back in Tuscaloosa over the weekend to watch Alabama take on Texas.

With the Early Signing Period inching closer, BamaOnLine’s Andrew Bone joined The Inside Scoop to discuss where the Crimson Tide sit with the No. 30 overall prospect in the cycle — per the On3 Industry Ranking.

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Thompson still has “great relationships” at Alabama

It’s no secret that Thompson has enjoyed his time in T-Town in the past. He chose the Tide first, after all. Defensive coordinator Kevin Steele and wide receivers coach Holmon Wiggins have led Alabama’s recruitment of the wideout.

“This is a kid that committed to Alabama last summer. Had been committed to the Crimson Tide for more than a year, has a lot of great relationships with the Alabama coaching staff, players, commitments,” Bone said of Thompson.

The trip to Tuscaloosa to watch Alabama-Texas wasn’t advertised as a huge deal for either party. Thompson was with fellow Auburn commit, Clanton (Ala.) Chilton County five-star linebacker Demarcus Riddick, the No. 3 LB in the cycle, who also flipped to Hugh Freeze and the Tigers, doing so from Georgia.

Bone isn’t forecasting a second flip for the elite receiver, but any continued contact with Thompson is welcomed on the Alabama side of things, as it isn’t giving up on the in-state product.

“I also think this is a kid that Alabama continues to have interest in, is going to continue to recruit,” Bone said. “They’re gonna keep the door open in case he wants to come back to Tuscaloosa for a visit this season. I’m not putting him on flip watch at all, but if he does make it back to Tuscaloosa, it’ll be something to watch a little bit closer.”

Thompson has an On3 NIL Valuation of $253K. The On3 NIL Valuation is the industry’s leading index that sets high school and college athletes’ projected annual value (PAV). The NIL valuation does not act as a tracker of the value of NIL deals an athlete has completed to date. It rather signifies an athlete’s value at a certain moment in time.

Perry Thompson Scouting Summary

“Big-framed pass catcher with some of the best physical tools among receiver prospects in the 2024 cycle. Measured at 6-foot-3, 205 pounds prior to his junior season. Has high-end length for the position with a 33.5-inch arm. Runs well at his size, showing the separation skills to get vertical and beat double coverage. Tracks the ball well with the ability to locate the ball over his shoulder for high difficulty grabs. Makes plays from the outside and in the slot. Flashes good change of direction as a route-runner on Friday nights and in the 7-on-7 setting.

Makes plays after the catch and as a return man. Shows competitiveness and toughness as a two-way player. Productive in a high volume role as a junior, catching 87 passes for 1,059 yards and nine touchdowns. Does not benefit from a loaded supporting cast. On the lower end of yards per catch among his highly-touted peers with 12.2 yards per reception as a junior. Has turned in some encouraging personal best track times over high school career but can continue to consistently transfer that over to the field with his play speed and the track as the times tend to vary. Still putting his tools together but has the upside to be one of the better receivers in a strong crop at the position in the 2024 cycle.”