Alabama vs. Texas A&M Recruiting Central: In-depth visitor preview, official visitor spotlights, key storylines to follow
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Alabama WRs coach Holmon Wiggins named On3 Sports National Recruiter of the Month
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Alabama set for monster recruiting weekend in T-Town
The Alabama vs. Texas A&M game was circled as the ‘must-attend’ game of the college football season for many of the nation’s best recruits months ago. Alabama has taken care of business on the field and enters the game with a 5-0 record and ranked as the No.1 team in the country. Texas A&M, on the other hand, suffered losses to Appalachian State and Mississippi State.
The majority of recruits who scheduled their visits pre-season or within the last few weeks are still expected in Tuscaloosa on Saturday. The list includes five official visitors: Keon Keeley, five-star edge rusher from Berkeley Prep in Tampa and Duce Robinson, five-star tight end from Pinnacle High School in Phoenix. Keeley and Robinson are the only uncommitted recruits who will take their official visit.
Keon Keeley official visitor spotlight
Duce Robinson official visitor spotlight
A trio of Alabama commitments are also expected in town for their official visit including Eli Holstein, four-star quarterback from Zachary High School in Louisiana, Miles McVay, four-star offensive tackle from East St. Louis High School in Illinois and Raymond Pulido, three-star offensive guard from Apple Valley High School in California.
Trio of Alabama commitments visiting the Crimson Tide spotlight
Cormani McClain, five-star cornerback from Lakeland High School in Florida, considered taking an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The top corner in the country has opted to push his visit to later in the year. He may also return to Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit this fall. CLICK HERE for more on McClain’s visit plans with the Crimson Tide.
Alabama will host several unofficial visitors on Saturday with the majority of its current No. 1 ranked class, according to the On3 Sports Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings, expected to return. The Tide commitments set to attend their first game at Bryant Denny-Stadium include Caleb Downs, Justice Haynes, Richard Young, Cole Adams, Dylan Lonergan, Edric Hill, Jordan Renaud, Jahlil Hurley and 2024 tight end Martavious Collins.
The remaining commitments returning to Alabama on Saturday will feature Tony Mitchell, Wilkin Formby, Yhonzae Pierre, Bray Hubbard, Ty Lockwood, Ryqueze McElderry and Hunter Osborne.
The passing of Bray Hubbard’s mother in 2018 defines the person he is today
The weekend visitors list will also include three 2023 recruits currently committed elsewhere: Suntarine Perkins, Top-100 linebacker from Raleigh High School in Mississippi (Ole Miss), Kelby Collins, four-star defensive lineman from Gardendale High School in Alabama (Florida) and Lawson Luckie, four-star tight end from Norcross High School in Georgia (UGA).
CLICK HERE for the complete list of recruits visiting Alabama this weekend. A few other highly regarded targets in the 2023 class will attend the Tide’s game against the Aggies. An elite quantify of underclassmen also highlight the group including Ellis Robinson, Mike Matthews, KJ Bolden, Daniel Calhoun, Daniel Hill and many more!
Friday Night Lights: Keep track of Tide commitments in action this week!
Join the discussion regarding Alabama commitments and their performance on the field this week! Keep track of stats, highlights and more on the Talk of Champions! CLICK HERE!
Notable performances thus far!
Bray Hubbard: 11-of-15 passing for 215 yards and four touchdowns in a 48-28 win against Biloxi. He also added 15 rushing attempts for 122 yards and another score.
Perry Thompson: 10 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdowns. He also added five tackles, one interception and a blocked field goal. Foley defeated Bryant 55-32 on Thursday night.
Eli Holstein: Completed 17-of-20 for 183 yards with two touchdowns in a 33-6 win against Woodlawn. This was Holstein’s first game back sine his injury his non-throwing shoulder three weeks ago.
Insider Report: Notable visitors to watch for the Crimson Tide
Alabama will host several top recruits this weekend for its game against Texas A&M. The game will include five official visitors and a high number of unofficial visitors ranging from seniors to freshmen.
Andrew Bone takes a closer look at 10 recruits in the 2023 class for Crimson Tide fans to watch closely this weekend! Several underclassmen are also in the spotlight.
Want the latest with Keon Keeley, Duce Robinson, Suntarine Perkins, Kelby Collins, Arion Carter, Tyler Scott and several more prior to their weekend in T-Town?
CLICK HERE TO GET THE IN-DEPTH LOOK AT KEY TARGETS TO WATCH AND WHERE THINGS CURRENTLY STAND IN THEIR RECRUITMENT
BamaInsider Recruiting Roundtable: Key Alabama – Texas A&M storylines plus two bold predictions
The BamaInsider Recruiting Roundtable is back for a special Friday edition. With Alabama’s matchup against Texas A&M on the horizon, we wanted to break down the key recruiting storylines from this upcoming weekend.
In the story below, BamaInsider’s Andrew Bone and Joseph Hastings share their thoughts on several visitors, including five-stars Duce Robinson and Keon Keeley. They also each provide one bold prediction for this weekend.
Question: Will Bama land 5-star EDGE Keon Keeley this weekend or shortly after?
Bone: This game has been circled on his calendar for a long time. He scheduled his official visit to Alabama shortly after decommitting from Notre Dame. Alabama was considered the heavy favorite to land his commitment, but intended to wait until his official visit before announcing a decision.
Keeley has visited Ohio State (two times) and Florida this fall. I don’t expect a commitment this weekend. It’s very possible a decision will happen within a few weeks.
Hastings: I don’t think Keon Keeley committing to Alabama next week is out of the realm of possibility. He’s going to have close to a 48-hour stay on campus in which he will be surrounded by most of Bama’s 2023 class. Keeley will have several meetings with potential future position coach Coleman Hutzler as well as head coach Nick Saban. He will also get to take in his first game at Bryant-Denny Stadium and witness a contest that the Crimson Tide are expected to win.
The ingredients are there, but I tend to lean toward him committing a few weeks after this trip. After his late July visit to T-Town, everything seemed to line up well for Bama to flip him; instead, Keeley opted not to let the post-visit hype consume him and take his time in the process. He may consider an official visit to Florida or maybe another school before setting a commitment date sometime in late October or November.
Five-star DB Cormani McClain no longer expected in Tuscaloosa this weekend
Cormani McClain, five-star cornerback from Lakeland High School in Florida, considered taking an official visit to Alabama this weekend. The visit is no longer expected to happen with McClain opting to wait a little later in the year before taking his his official visit the Crimson Tide.
Continue reading on the Talk of Champions for more this development
Alabama Recruiting Q&A
BamaInsider recruiting reporters Andrew Bone and Joseph Hastings answer questions from subscriber on the Talk of Champions message board!
Rotijona: How likely are we to get any commitments this weekend? Anyone in particular on a commitment watch?
What other games look to be big recruiting weekends with lots of high profile visitors in town?
Hash42: It’s been reported this week that Smoth and Russaw have a top three currently of Bama, Auburn, Florida. Any word on what happened with Georgia? Seemed everyone thought it’d be Bama/Georgia battle to the end?
Jlar: More likely to land in the class Cormani or Mohammad?
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE ALABAMA RECRUITING Q&A SESSION WITH BONE AND HASTINGS!
Major 2023 prospect committed elsewhere expected to visit Alabama this weekend
The Alabama Crimson Tide are gearing up to host several key prospects committed elsewhere this weekend. That list includes in-state defensive lineman Kelby Collins (Florida Gators commit) and tight end Lawson Luckie (Georgia commit).
On Tuesday, BamaInsider added another key 2023 target committed elsewhere to the visitors list. Ole Miss commitment Suntarine Perkins will take an unofficial visit to Alabama. For more information on that visit, click HERE!
A pair of five-stars headline loaded list of visitors at Alabama this weekend
The weekend of October 8 has been underlined, circled and stamped as Alabama’s major fall recruiting event this cycle for some time. A big part of that is five-star Tampa (Fla.) Berkeley Prep EDGE Keon Keeley and five-star Phoenix (Ariz.) Pinnacle tight end Duce Robinson.
Alabama is considered to be among the top two (along with Ohio State) in pursuit of Keeley, who was previously committed to Notre Dame until August. The Buckeyes have made some major headway with him after two visits in the month of September, and now the Tide get their chance. On3 Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons believes a commitment announcements could come any time after this trip.
Robinson, meanwhile, is someone the Tide have been on the outside looking in with for some time. Alabama already has a tight end committed with four-star Ty Lockwood, and Robinson is a major priority for USC, Georgia, and Texas. The Trojans are still considered the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine (RPM) leader, but Alabama will be pulling out all the stops this weekend to make their move. Part of that will be bringing a long list of current commits to campus to join Robinson and Keeley. Expected in are four-star quarterback pledges Eli Holstein and Dylan Lonergan, running back commits Justice Haynes and Richard Young, offensive linemen commits Raymond Pulido, Wilkin Formby and Miles McVay, and five-star safety Caleb Downs, among others.
Where other 2023 targets are visiting this weekend
A lot of focus will be placed on prospects visiting Alabama on Saturday, but it’s also interesting to note where some key targets will be heading. Down below are the visit plans for some priority Crimson Tide targets in the 2023 class.
James Smith and Qua Russaw — Alabama State: While the five-star duo of Russaw and Smith contemplated visiting Alabama this weekend, that won’t be the case. They’ll instead head to Alabama State, which is a short trip for them as they live in Montgomery (where ASU’s campus is). Both will officially visit Florida next weekend before returning to Tuscaloosa for the Mississippi State game.
Damon Wilson — Georgia: As we reported on Sunday, 5-star EDGE Damon Wilson will be in Athens for an official visit to Georgia this weekend. This is a significant development as Wilson was previously adamant over the summer that he would not take an official to UGA since he had a four-day stay on campus in June. This bodes well for the Bulldogs, but I’m told the Tide are “definitely” still contenders here.
Rueben Bain — Miami: Like Russaw and Smith, Bain considered a trip to Alabama on Saturday. Instead, he’ll be sticking with the hometown Miami Hurricanes to watch their matchup with North Carolina. Bain remains high on Alabama, and is likely to return for the Iron Bowl on Nov. 26. Read the latest between him and the Crimson Tide HERE!
Jordan Hall — Georgia: The elite DL has not been talked about much, but he did say recently that Alabama will make his top six later this month. He called Bama his “dream school” growing up, and praised the program for what they’ve accomplished with Nick Saban at the helm. Definitely like the Tide’s chances with other d-linemen, but Hall will be one we’ll continue to monitor.
Join the discussion HERE!
Recruiting battles: Alabama vs. Texas A&M
Tony Mitchell’s recruitment is at an interesting stage right now.
The five-star safety teamed up with the Crimson Tide back in late June. Since then, he’s reaffirmed on social media he is locked in with the program and actively recruiting other prospects to join him in Tuscaloosa. Five-Star Plus+ cornerback Cormani McClain even told us recently both Mitchell and Caleb Downs are recruiting him on behalf of Alabama.
During this same time, however, Mitchell has taken two unofficial visits to Texas A&M. He was in College Station for the Aggie Pool Party event in late July, and returned to College Station for the program’s game against Miami. An official visit to A&M could take place in December.
The good news for Alabama the Aggies have been off to a less than stellar start. Jimbo Fisher’s program lost to Appalachian State at home, suffered a 42-24 defeat at the hands of Mississippi State, and barely survived a Miami Hurricanes team that lost to Middle Tennessee last week.
AggieScoop recruiting expert Tim Verghese contends, however, the Aggies are very much still in the mix for Mitchell’s recruitment.
“Tony Mitchell’s commitment to Alabama came as a surprise to Texas A&M as in the months leading up to his surprise decision, the Aggies had been trending,” Verghese told us. “Since he committed, A&M’s staff hasn’t slowed down their pursuit and have had him back in College Station twice since July and expected to get him back on an official visit in December, before the Early Signing Period. He has strong relationships in College Station from the coaching staff, to the recruiting staff, to the players and has stated he’s extremely comfortable in the city.
“There’s confidence around the program Mitchell will eventually flip, but it won’t be easy,” Verghese added. “The opportunity to stay close to home and play for a program like Alabama is tough to compete with, but if he does flip, it’ll be because of his relationships at Texas A&M.”
At this time, our expectation is that Mitchell winds up signing with Alabama, though there’s cautious optimism with that statement. The Aggies are absolutely a legitimate threat here, and just as Bama fans should be excited about a potential Kelby Collins or Malik Muhammad official visit in December, Mitchell possibly officially visiting A&M before signing should not be brushed to the side.
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Mitchell is actively recruiting for the Tide and still has an official he can take to Alabama, but Texas A&M remains a contender for his services.
Continue reading for more battles between the Tide and Aggies!
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Official visitor spotlight: Five-star edge Keon Keeley
On3 National Director of Recruiting Chad Simmons has been tracking Keeley’s recruitment for quite some time. He even recently stopped by Berkeley Preparatory School in Tampa (Fla.) for a one-on-one interview with the elite pass rusher.
Simmons said shortly after his stop that he’s close to putting in a prediction in favor of Ohio State. Here’s what he told us when providing the latest he’s hearing on Keeley’s recruitment.
Simmons’ Take: “Keon Keeley will be back at Alabama this weekend, and it will be big for both sides. A couple of months ago, even when Keeley was still committed to Notre Dame, the buzz was around Alabama.
The Crimson Tide, at one time, looked like the clear team to beat. And they still are considered a favorite, but Ohio State came on strong in September.
He was in Columbus twice and there seems high interest on both sides. Going into this visit, there has been a little more buzz around the Buckeyes on my end.
You can’t rule out Florida — the in-state school — but heading into this weekend, Alabama and Ohio State are the schools battling for that top spot.
It is not known when Keeley will make his decision, but one source has told me this could be his last visit. That is still to be determined, but Alabama has a great opportunity to regain that momentum this weekend. This race has had a few twists and turns and it could have a few more before all is said and done.”
Our Take: “The gap has certainly closed in Keon Keeley’s recruitment over the past few weeks. This is a tight race, with the presence of defensive line coach Larry Johnson on Ohio State’s staff making the Buckeyes a legitimate contender here. What once appeared a sure thing for the Crimson Tide has changed significantly following two visits to Columbus.
From what we’ve gathered, however, there is still confidence Bama may ultimately land Keeley. A main reason why is that, like Simmons noted, this is potentially Keeley’s last visit before committing. We don’t think it’s by coincidence as we’ve long heard Keeley has wanted Alabama as his final trip.
This will benefit the Crimson Tide tremendously. Several key members of its 2023 class are in town this weekend, including the likes of Caleb Downs, Justice Haynes, and Richard Young. All three of them, and others, have been vocal about their desire for Keeley to commit to Alabama.
Alabama Official Visitor Spotlight: Top-ranked 2023 TE Duce Robinson
** All quotes are from previous interviews that Simmons has done with Robinson **
On Alabama’s program: “At Alabama, like I have said before, Bama is Bama. The tradition of excellence is there. They truly prepare guys for the NFL and it would be cool to play and train in that type of environment.
“With Alabama, it is just that – Alabama. It is a top program under Coach Saban.”
On his April 2022 trip to Tuscaloosa: “I spent time with Coach Cox, the new tight ends coach, and we are building a good relationship, too. I like the Alabama offense too, how they use the tight end position, and it is just a top program overall.”
On head coach Nick Saban: “Coach Nick Saban is a great person and a great coach. Under Coach Saban and playing at Alabama, I know I will be coached up and developed there. I am getting to know Coach Cox, too, and he seems like a good person, so I look forward to getting back down there.”
On the development at Bama: “They are a factory. Alabama takes guys in and puts guys out to the NFL. Since I have been watching Alabama, it is a machine.”
Alabama Official Visitor Spotlight: Trio of Crimson Tide commitments will be in town for A&M weekend
QB — Eli Holstein
Commitment Date: May 24, 2022
Hometown: Zachary (La.)
Height/Weight: 6-foot-3.5/230 pounds
On3 Consensus Ranking: No. 59 national/No. 7 quarterback/No. 5 in Louisiana
Why Holstein committed to Alabama: “Building the relationships with those coaches constantly. Seeing what they have to offer me on and off the field, academic-wise. Obviously what they can for me on the field, development-wise, helped with my decision… I feel completely comfortable with my decision. There’s no turning back.”
The Skinny: Eli Holstein has been on campus this year as many times — if not more — as any Alabama commitment or target in the 2023 class. Surprisingly, the top-10 quarterback on the On3 Consensus did not utilize an official visit to the school up prior to this weekend.
We expect Holstein to be in the ear of five-star official visitors Duce Robinson and Keon Keeley, particularly Robinson. Robinson, a 6-foot-6, 230-pound tight end, is a quarterback’s best friend with his wide receiver-like movement skills and his athleticism at the position.
On the same note, Holstein will also likely be recruiting newly minted four-star receiver Jaren Hamilton. The Gainesville (Fla.) product is Alabama’s top remaining target at wideout in this class, and the speed he brings to the table meshes well with the canon of an arm that Holstein has.
BamaInsider previously caught up with Holstein in Louisiana back in late June. At the time, he was focused heavily on recruiting five-star receiver Shelton Sampson (now an LSU commit) to Alabama.
Holstein detailed what his message is to wideouts considering the Tide.
“If you want to play with the best quarterback in the country, you might as well come to Alabama,” Holstein previously told us. “I’m going to get you the ball. You’re going to get developed by Coach [Holmon] Wiggins, who is a phenomenal wide receivers coach. He gets credit, but I still don’t think he gets enough credit for what he’s done with the receivers he’s had in the past. Dominant college receivers and they’re getting to the NFL and dominating already in a year or two.”
Holstein, a former Texas A&M commitment, is locked in with the Crimson Tide despite another quarterback (Dylan Lonergan) being in this class. This visit will more so be about recruiting and getting further acclimated to campus ahead of his arrival in January.
Elite cornerback Ellis Robinson looks ahead to first Alabama game
New Haven (Conn.) IMG Academy four-star cornerback Ellis Robinson IV has been on unofficial visits to Alabama three times.
This weekend will be his fourth visit, and his first time being at Bryant-Denny Stadium on a gameday.
“It’s the tradition of Bama football,” Robinson told On3. “How could you not wanna come back to this atmosphere.”
Robinson said the Alabama coaches he talks with the most are cornerbacks coach Travaris Robinson, running backs coach Robert Gillespie and director of personnel operations Sam Petitto.
He highlighted his relationship with Robinson as one of the main reasons why he wants to keep getting back to Alabama.
While this will be Robinson’s fourth visit as a recruit to Tuscaloosa, he has been there previously, attending camps when he was nine, 10 and 12 years old.
Robinson said it’s crazy to look back at those moment and see himself now being recruiting by the school.
“It’s always been a dream of mine to play at Bama,” he said.
More Alabama recruiting content to enjoy!
Alabama is No. 1 in the On3 Sports Consensus Football Team Recruiting Rankings
