Alabama came up just short in its bid for a second straight national title on the field, but the Crimson Tide’s dominance on the recruiting trail remains as strong as ever.
According to composite rankings of recruiting services compiled by 247Sports, Alabama finished atop the team standings for a seventh consecutive year. And this might have been Nick Saban’s best class yet.
Florida’s 2010 class that included NFL first-round draft picks Dominique Easley, Matt Elam and Sharrif Floyd is 247Sports’ only higher-rated class since 2002, which is as far back as 247Sports’ data goes.
“It just speaks to the process that they’ve put in place there and the machine that is really unstoppable,” said Barton Simmons, the director of scouting for 247Sports.
Alabama’s class includes seven of the top 34 players in the 247Sports Composite: running back Najee Harris, offensive tackles Alex Leatherwood and Jedrick Willis, outside linebacker Dylan Moses, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, defensive end LaBryan Ray and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Rivals and Scout rated Harris as the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect.
“On paper, when you’re talking about our point system and the number of five-stars, it’s the best (Saban’s) had at Alabama,” said Mike Farrell, the director of recruiting for Rivals.
Ohio State and Southern California also had reason to celebrate. Simmons said the average 247Sports Composite rating of Ohio State’s signees is the highest of any class since 2002. Alabama was higher in the team standings largely because it signed more players.
Southern California surged into the top five in the team standings with a fabulous finish. Linebacker Levi Jones, defensive tackle Jay Tufele, wide receiver Joseph Lewis and offensive tackle Austin Jackson made signing day decisions to join USC’s class.
“I think USC is the clear signing day story in terms of the way they rose in the rankings and in the days leading up to it,” Simmons said. “They really had the perfect close.”
Send questions/comments to the editors.
