After early signing day, Alabama football is still ongoing; Saban notes areas of need
Not surprisingly, Wednesday was a great day for Alabama football. Twenty-three players took notes, and the Crimson Tide finished another practice in advance of the Rose Bowl College Football Playoff semifinal. However, Nick Saban, the head coach of the University of Alabama, wanted to be clear before answering questions from the media:
Alabama had not finished. Later, when questioned about the addition of the three offensive linemen for the Crimson Tide, Saban made it clear that they also desired more depth in the trenches.
“I still believe that we’re searching the market for a few more offensive linemen of that caliber. We’re happy to have them, just from a quantity and quality of experience perspective, and we’re still searching to try to add some people at that position,” said Saban
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Alabama is currently ranked second only to Georgia in the 247Sports team rankings. This was probably solidified at the beginning of the early signing period, which ends on Friday, when both teams acquired elite-level flips (athlete Aeryn Hampton to UA and safety KJ Bolden to Georgia).
Although they have committed verbally, two players have not yet signed their paperwork formally. Wide receiver Ryan Williams, a five-star recruit from Saraland, reclassified to this cycle a week ago with the intention of graduating in May and enrolling in the summer. Rival Auburn is one of the programs vying for the title of Mr. Football. But if Williams stays with Alabama, the Tide would have three five-star players in addition to defensive back Jaylen Mbakwe and quarterback Julian Sayin.
Three-star offensive lineman Favour Edwin, four-star safety Xavier Mincey, and four-star running back Daniel Hill have all been linked to Alabama. The first two are scheduled to commit on January 6th, during the All-American game.
“At least trying to wrap up this portion of recruiting,” Saban stated. “We’re really happy with the class, but there are still a few guys we’re obviously interested in who may sign in the next few days or some guys who will wait till February.”
After Alabama regained its title as the best recruiting class in 2023, Eric Wolford, the first-year offensive line coach, signed five players. Kadyn Proctor, who was flipped the day before early signing day, was the standout. Before that window closed, Alabama also added defensive back Dezz Ricks, a reclassified five-star.
