[Bamabeachlivin]

2 recruits' interest in Tide shows Saban's impact

McKnight, McNeil both warmer now toward Alabama
Sunday, January 07, 2007 By PAUL GATTIS
Times Sports Staff paul.gattis@htimes.com
The top-rated "athlete" in the country wants to make an official visit to Alabama, and it's all because of Nick Saban.
Joe McKnight, who starred as a running back and a receiver at John Curtis High in River Ridge, La., is suddenly looking to the east as a possible destination.
"He's already expressed interest in visiting Alabama just because Nick Saban was hired. He grew up a big Nick Saban/LSU fan," Rivals.com national recruiting analyst Mike Farrell said Saturday.
McKnight's spike in interest in Alabama, which didn't exist even on a low level before Saban was hired Wednesday, is a snapshot of the impact Saban is expected to have on the Tide's recruiting.
Saban annually reeled in among the nation's top recruiting classes during his five years at LSU, and analysts expect him to duplicate that success in his new job.
In fact, that success at LSU will carry a lot of weight in the living rooms of high school recruits, according to Tom Luginbill, the former coach of the Tennessee Valley Vipers who is now a recruiting analyst with ESPN and national recruiting director with Scouts Inc. Luginbill lives in Athens.
"He can sit there and say, 'This is our plan, this is how we got to that point at LSU, this is the same path we're taking here. Do you want to be a part of it or not?' " Luginbill said Saturday. "I think that speaks volumes in this day and age."
May do well in Louisiana
In a month, Saban will sign his first recruiting class at Alabama. And Saban may go back to his familiar trails in Louisiana to find prospects such as McKnight - who caught touchdown passes of 80 and 45 yards on Sept. 29, 2006, as John Curtis defeated Hoover 28-14. McKnight is labeled an "athlete" by recruiting analysts because of his overall talents.
"I think they might do some damage in the state of Louisiana," Farrell said of Alabama. "A lot of the kids in Louisiana grew up on LSU football and they know Nick Saban as a legend.
"Now, most kids in Louisiana dream of playing for LSU. But I think Alabama will be a similar option for a lot of them because of the respect these kids have for Nick Saban."
And how critical is establishing a foothold in Louisiana?
"It's very talent-rich," Farrell said. "It's one of the best states for producing NFL talent out there. LSU pretty much has the market cornered on Louisiana prospects. They pretty much keep them at home.
"When Saban was there, that's exactly what he did. I think that connection to Louisiana is going to raise the talent level on the team."
Luginbill agreed, saying that Saban's success at LSU - highlighted by winning the 2003 national championship - will sway more recruits than Alabama's rich, but dated, tradition of titles.
"That is something still fresh in the minds of the kids who are being recruited now," Luginbill said. "They know about LSU. He's got that track record when he goes into a home, there's a national title ring on his finger.
"These kids didn't grow up in (the Bear Bryant) era. It doesn't mean anything to them. What means something to them is what has happened now and what have you done lately."
In his introductory news conference Thursday, Saban said he expected to recruit well.
"I think we have a pretty good track record of recruiting," he said. "Recruiting is all about attention and relationships with people and developing trust."
Saban also pointed to LSU's 41-14 win over Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl on Wednesday as evidence of his recruiting success.
Among the players Saban brought to LSU were Sugar Bowl MVP JaMarcus Russell, leading rusher Jacob Hester, leading receivers Dwayne Bowe, Craig Davis and Early Doucet, and defensive stars LaRon Landry, Glenn Dorsey, Ali Highsmith and Chevis Jackson.
"The players that you saw play (in the Sugar Bowl) were primarily players that were recruited when I was there," Saban said.
Said Luginbill, "Look at (LSU) right now. All of the pieces of the puzzle that made that team what it is now, Nick Saban and his staff recruited those kids."
Farrell and Luginbill said evaluation of Saban's recruiting success shouldn't hinge on this class because former coach Mike Shula put so much of it in place and because of the late start for the new staff.
McNeil a test
But a litmus test may be Michael McNeil of Davidson High in Mobile, who is rated the fifth-best safety in the country by Rivals.com.
"In my opinion, they have got to get Michael McNeil," Luginbill said. "That would be a huge, huge pickup."
And it may happen.
"Michael McNeil was listing Alabama outside of his top three as recently as last week," Farrell said. "And now all that has changed."
As well as the perception of Alabama football.
"Whether you like him or dislike him, there will be very few people who will outwork him," Luginbill said. "He and his staff are going to pound the pavement.
"They've got an opportunity to sway some kids and let them know they can help turn this thing around and be a part of the plan early."



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I have seen post where it was said that recruits committed had changed their minds with present commitments and where going with the tide, so far by all accounts, by newspaper websites and scout.com or rivals.com only 2 that where not high in interest of the tide are in this story Mcknight and McNeil. If anyone knows of any new recruits either sought by alabama or recruits now looking at the tide since Coach Saban was hired please post to this. And please give recruits name and where you heard it from. Thanks

[Bamabeachlivin]

The hiring of Nick Saban as Alabama’s head coach has sent shock waves throughout the recruiting front. It has created a domino effect as recruits who committed to other schools or did not have Alabama listed as a favorite in the late stages before National Signing Day (Feb. 7) suddenly want to schedule official visits to Tuscaloosa.

One of the biggest names wanting to listen to the Tide coaches is Scout.com five-star running back Joe McKnight, from River Ridge-John Curtis, (La). The U.S. Army All-American is ranked among the top-10 overall prospects in the country with his ranking expected to escalate this week.

Saban spoke with McKnight’s coach in more than one capacity. J.T. Curtis is being considered for a role within the athletic department. McKnight lives with his coach and this may play a big factor in his decision. USC and LSU are the front-runners for his signature, but the new Tide coach’s name carries a lot of name recognition on the Bayou.

Scout.com five-star defensive tackle John Brown, from Lakeland, (Fla.), is scheduled to take an official visit this month. Brown has expressed heavy interest in Alabama since the beginning of his recruitment and is excited of the hiring of coach Saban. Brown expects to make a decision following his trip to Tuscaloosa. The toughest competition for the Tide is Florida, where Brown has six teammates committed to the Gators.

Scout.com spoke with five-star defensive end Allen Bailey, from Darien-McIntosh Academy (Ga.), following the U.S. Army All-American game Saturday afternoon. “I haven’t talked to any of the coaches yet," Bailey said of the Tide’s new hire. “I’ll just have to wait until I take my visit to find out about them." Bailey has kept Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Miami as his favorites since the beginning of his recruitment.

Scout.com four-star safety and U.S. Army All-Amerincan Stefoin Francois, from Reserve-East St. John (La.), said in San Antonio, “Alabama has a good shot for my signature now. They are one of my top schools now. Francois is waiting to hear from coach Saban in hopes of setting an official visit to the Capstone.

U.S. Army All-American defensive end Sidell Corley, from Mobile-McGill-Toolen, will have an in-home visit with coach Saban Wednesday evening. Sidell Corley, Sr. said, “Saban in a big hire for Alabama. He is a defensive coach, and that’s something we are very interested in. Coach Steele recruited Sidell when he was at Florida State. We already have a great relationship with him."

Corley has taken an official visit to Oklahoma and plans to visit Alabama, Florida and Tennessee before making a final decision. He is debating his final visit between Auburn and Illinois with his visit to Alabama scheduled for Jan. 20. Corley is considered a soft commitment to the University of Florida.

Saban will visit the state’s top ranked prospect, Michael McNeil from Mobile-Davidson, Wednesday night as well. McNeil had knocked Alabama out of his top three before Saban was hired, but now is very interested in the Tide. The Scout.com four-star safety will take an official visit to Alabama on Jan. 20. His favorites now include Alabama, Auburn, Florida State and Tennessee. Auburn and Florida State appear to have the slight edge for his signature, but Saban could persuade McNeil to sign with the Tide in February.

Scout.com four-star defensive tackle Kerry Murphy, from Hoover, and four-star wide receiver Brandon Gibson, from Mobile-UMS-Wright, are two high-profile uncommitted prospects and have listed Alabama as their leader since the beginning of their recruitment.

Murphy and Gibson have both expressed excitement of the new coach in Tuscaloosa. We will likely see a decision from both in the very near future.

Scout.com four-star cornerback Ryan Williams, from Mobile-B.C. Rain, is planning an official visit to Alabama. Williams is impressed with the hiring of Saban and wants to see if the new coach shows mutual interest. “I was really surprised when I heard Nick Saban was going to Alabama," Williams said. “I was like, 'Nick Saban is there?’ I am trying to schedule a visit there. I definitely want to visit there now." Williams remains a soft verbal commitment to Auburn.

Scout.com four-star linebacker Kendall Smith, from Buschnell-South Sumpter, (Fla.), is a verbal commitment to Florida State, but once considered Alabama as a favorite during his recruitment. The hiring of former FSU linebacker coach, Kevin Steele, is another big factor in his high interest in the Tide. The new Alabama coach was in charge of Smith’s recruitment while in Tallahassee. “I don’t know how it’s going to affect my decision right now, but I will look at Alabama," Smith said. “I have a very good relationship with coach Steele, and Alabama was recruiting me pretty hard before I committed to Florida State."

Scout.com four-star quarterback Robert Marve, from Tampa-Plant, (Fla.), remains a soft verbal commitment to Alabama and plans to take all his official visits. “The thing with coach Shula was just how much I liked him, and the coaching staff. My dad knew them in the past, but coach Saban has a great reputation. It is just like when you meet someone new. You are not sure if you like them or not until you get to know them. That is what I am trying to do at Alabama -- just get to know them. I really love the school and the campus. I would really love to just work as hard as I can and give it everything I have to be the starter there. Just try to bring back the Roll Tide."

National signing day usually holds a couple of surprises, but this class may hold the most surprises to date. One thing is for certain coach Nick Saban knows how to recruit as well as the coaching staff expected on campus for a big recruiting weekend. Tide fans will witness a recruiting explosion in Tuscaloosa as great things come to those who wait. The University of Alabama is on the right track for a very successful recruiting class, now and in the future.

[Stoney]

The rumblings have begun.

[Lefty Noob]

The top-rated "athlete" in the country wants to make an official visit to Alabama, and it's all because of Nick Saban.

Well, there you go. That's pretty darn impressive right there. Hard to believe he has such an impact on these kids in name only, sight unseen. Looks like this will turn out to be a good recruiting year for the Tide... how many of these kids do you think he'll start using right away, ala Tebow and Harvin in Florida?

[Bamabeachlivin]

Scout.com five-star defensive tackle John Brown, from Lakeland, (Fla.), continues to list Alabama as one of his favorites. Brown will visit Tuscaloosa this weekend for an official visit.
His teammate, Jamar Taylor, is already on campus and enrolled for the spring semester. Taylor will assist the Tide coaches with the weekend's visit in hopes to land a much needed position on the Alabama roster.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Well, there you go. That's pretty darn impressive right there. Hard to believe he has such an impact on these kids in name only, sight unseen. Looks like this will turn out to be a good recruiting year for the Tide... how many of these kids do you think he'll start using right away, ala Tebow and Harvin in Florida?

According to Saban "All positions are open nobody has anything locked up". So I expect the best atheletes will play and compete for the jobs. I keep telling you guys that 2007 Alabama will be in the BCS Bowl.

[Bamabeachlivin]

Article published Jan 11, 2007
ANDREW BONE: Florida Linebacker Plans Bama Visit



Cragin had a big senior season racking up 111 tackles and eight forced fumbles.
"Alabama is my top choice," Cragin said. "Other than the tradition I think Nick Saban is a good coach. He is determined to have a winning program. The whole environment they have is great."
"I plan on going up to Alabama next weekend for an official visit. I haven't talked to the new coaching staff, but they have talked to my head coach."

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

Article published Jan 11, 2007
ANDREW BONE: Florida Linebacker Plans Bama Visit



Cragin had a big senior season racking up 111 tackles and eight forced fumbles.
"Alabama is my top choice," Cragin said. "Other than the tradition I think Nick Saban is a good coach. He is determined to have a winning program. The whole environment they have is great."
"I plan on going up to Alabama next weekend for an official visit. I haven't talked to the new coaching staff, but they have talked to my head coach."

Isn't it incredible that so many players are making overatures towards Alabama now?

[Bamabeachlivin]

Originally Posted by Stoney

Isn't it incredible that so many players are making overatures towards Alabama now?

Your right I would have never guessed that the impact would be so great with the recruits even though Bama has never had a recruiting problem they get good players but hardly ever get the best of the best other than A. Smith last year. I cant wait to see if Saban gets a top 10 class.

[Stoney]

Originally Posted by Bamabeachlivin

Your right I would have never guessed that the impact would be so great with the recruits even though Bama has never had a recruiting problem they get good players but hardly ever get the best of the best other than A. Smith last year. I cant wait to see if Saban gets a top 10 class.

It will be the #1 recruiting class overall and we are going to the BCS Bowl in 2007. You heard it here first...

[Stoney]

The #1 blue chip 5 star DT in the nation Brian Murphy from Hoover Alabama changed his commitment from Auburn to Alabama today.