A look at the top 25 recruits in Alabama

The state of Alabama is loaded this recruiting cycle and the numbers don’t lie. There are six 5-stars in the class in the On3 Consensus ratings —and an astounding 15 more 4-stars. With that kind of talent, it’s no wonder some say this is the state’s best group in years. Where does Auburn stand with these players? Here’s a quick overview …

No. 1. James Smith, DL, Montgomery Carver: Smith, the No. 12 recruit in the country, has a top six of Auburn  Alabama, Alabama State, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio State. Most think this will come down to Auburn, Alabama and Georgia. Alabama (50.2 percent) is the favorite to land Smith in the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine, followed by Georgia (26.9 percent) and then Auburn (18 percent). Smith has visited the Tigers multiple times, including an official in June. This recruitment is likely to go into December. As recently reported by Auburn Live, he’s expected to attend the Auburn-Penn State game in September.

No. 2. Qua Russaw, edge, Montgomery Carver: Recently released a top six of Auburn  Alabama, Alabama State, Florida, Georgia, and Ohio State. He likely will attend the same school as Smith — and also plans to be at the Auburn-Penn State game. Georgia is the On3 Recruiting Prediction Machine favorite (45.8 percent) with Alabama (33.7 percent) next, then the Tigers (13.3 percent). With major losses coming at the edge position in the near future at Auburn, the chance to play and play a lot in Year 1 is there. He officially visited Auburn in June.

No. 3. Christopher Vizzina, QB, Birmingham Briarwood Christian: Committed to Clemson over Auburn and others in April. Was 13-of-22 passing for 93 yards in a 48-0 loss to Clay-Chalkville last Friday night in his season opener.

Three corners are in the top 10

No. 4. Jahlil Hurley, CB, Forence: Committed to Alabama on Feb. 22. The Tigers continued to heavily recruit him. But in a recent interview with On3’s Chad Simmons, Hurley said he was locked in with the Tide.

No. 5. Tony Mitchell, CB, Alabaster Thompson: Mitchell committed to the Tide on June 26. Auburn was a finalist, along with Alabama, Georgia and Texas A&M.

No. 6. Peter Woods, DL, Alabaster Thompson: Committed to Clemson over Alabama on July 8.

No. 7. A.J. Harris, CB, Phenix City: Committed to Georgia on June 16.

No. 8. Kelby Collins, DL, Gardendale: Committed to Florida over Alabama and others on Aug. 13.

No. 9. Keldric Faulk, edge, Highland Home: Committed to Florida State over Clemson, Auburn and Florida on July 5. Auburn, which once has a massive lead in the RPM, continues to recruit him.

No. 10. Wilkin Formby, OT, Tuscaloosa Northridge: Committed to Alabama on June 20.

No. 11. Tomarrion Parker, edge, Phenix City Central: Committed to Penn State on June 21 — then de-committed Aug. 9. Penn State remains in the mix, along with Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Michigan State, Tennessee and possibly others. Auburn does not appear to be a factor.

No. 12. Yhonzae Pierre, DE, Eufaula: Committed to Alabama in April.

No. 13. Hunter Osborne, edge, Hewitt-Trusville: Committed to Alabama on Aug. 1.

Auburn landed the top receiver, running back in the state

TIGERS VERBAL — No. 14. Karmello English, WR, Phenix City Central: Committed to Auburn over Michigan and Kentucky on July 4. In a 37-21 Central win over Hewitt-Trussville on Friday, English finished with five receptions for 41 yards and a touchdown.

TIGERS VERBAL — No. 15. Jeremiah Cobb, RB, Montgomery Catholic: Committed to Auburn over Clemson on July 1. Cobb rushed for 215 yards and four touchdowns on only 17 carries in Friday’s win over Mobile (Ala.) McGill-Toolen. Not only that but he added two catches for 61 yards.

No. 16. Stanton Ramil, OT, Alabaster Thompson: Committed to Michigan State over Auburn and others on Aug. 1.

No. 17. Avery Stuart, S, Montgomery Alabama Christian Academy: Committed to Kentucky on July 6.

No. 18. Sylvester Smith, S, Munford: Smith committed to Tennessee in April.

No. 19. DaKaari Nelson, S, Selma: Committed to Penn State on June 25. Auburn has continued to recruit him. We expect Nelson to attend a Tigers game (or two) this fall.

No. 20. Dallas Young, CB, Gardendale: Young committed to Arkansas last November.

No. 21. Ryqueze McElderry, OL, Anniston: McElderry committed to Alabama on July 4. He previously was committed to Georgia.

No. 22: Karmelo Overton, LB, Ozark Carroll: Overton claims nearly 20 offers, but Auburn hasn’t yet made that move. He was an MVP award winner at an elite Tigers camp in June. Should Auburn offer, it would be a big factor in his recruitment. He’s probably a down-the-line guy at this time.

TIGERS VERBAL — No. 23. Bradyn Joiner, OL-C, Auburn: Committed to Auburn on Jan. 1.

No. 24: Rickey Gibson, CB, Hewitt-Trussville: Committed to Tennessee on Aug. 14.

No. 25. T.J. Metcalf, S, Pinson Valley: Committed to Arkansas on July 1.