2010 Signing Day
Did you ever watch the 1980’s sitcom Perfect Strangers? There was one episode where Larry thought he had won the lottery. It turned out that he actually got one of the numbers wrong, and as a result, he won a couple of thousand dollars instead of millions of dollars. Larry’s cousin Balki couldn’t understand why he wasn’t thrilled, because after all, he had just won a few thousand dollars. Larry, however, couldn’t help but be disappointed because he missed out on the millions of dollars that he thought he had won. This signing day felt a little bit like that episode of Perfect Strangers to me. We had a great class, finishing anywhere from Number 3 to Number 5 nationally, depending on the service you look at, but we missed out at the end on some players that we really thought we had, including the player that I had planned on putting Number 1 on the list that you are about to read. Of course, it kind of shows you how far we’ve come when I can feel a little disappointed in a Top 5 class!
In keeping with my format of the last two years, I’m going to rank my Top 10 signees in this year’s class, ranking only the high school players, not the JUCO transfers. Remember as you’re reading this list, it’s strictly my opinion, and I’m sure it will differ greatly from the lists that you’ll see from the professional services. Here we go!
10) Arie Kouandjio (OL) – Arie is mammoth offensive line (probably tackle) prospect from Maryland. He has great technique coming out of high school, and in my opinion will compete for the left tackle job once Carpenter graduates next year. Arie also comes with a potential added bonus. His little brother Cyrus is an absolute beast, and actually might be the nation’s top overall prospect next year.
9) Jalston Fowler (FB) – Jalston didn’t get much press this year, because he didn’t play his senior year, and he committed to us very early. However, Jalston has all the potential in the world. He is a physical freak, and he does everything required of a fullback exceptionally well (run, block, catch). As a matter of fact, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him play some at tailback; he’s that athletic. Think of a much better version of Tim Castille.
8) Blake Sims (WR/DB) – I have to be honest. The only reason I have Blake this far down the list is that I’m still mad at him for falling under the spell of Lane Kiffin and decommitting to us. He quickly came back into the fold once Kiffin left for USC, but still, Lane Kiffin? C’mon man! Athletically, Blake is in the elite category. He is an extremely elusive ball carrier, with a lateral move that dreams are made of. My first thought was that he needs to take Javier’s place returning kicks immediately. We’ll see where he fits in, but this guy has playmaker written all over him.
7) Phillip Sims (QB) – All right, let the controversy begin! Phillip is generally regarded as the nation’s top QB prospect, and I have been extremely impressed at every aspect of his game. He looks like a high school version of Peyton Manning, not just in his arm strength and accuracy, but in the way he carries himself on the field. So why so low? Quite simply, I don’t think he’ll be able to pass AJ McCarron for our starting job in two years. If he does, then he should be Number 1 on this list.
6) Adrian Hubbard (DE) – Hubbard is a real enigma. He’s not nearly as far along in his development as most high-profile prospects, but his upside is absolutely through the roof. Seriously, and I don’t say this lightly, this guy has Eric Curry written all over him. He might never develop and be a total bust, but if he works hard and develops like he can (and remember that Saban will be pushing that development), oh man, look out! Speed, size, strength, and a nose for the ball; he has it all. Come ready to work, Adrian!
5) DeAndrew White (WR) – I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not the best at judging WRs. However, I just have a feeling about DeAndrew. He was pretty lightly regarded when he committed to us in October, but since then, he has really shot up the recruiting rankings. He’s blazing fast, but what I like best about him is that he’s a pure receiver. His route running is solid, and even though he’s kind of small, he’s strong enough to get off press coverage. Think of a more polished, faster Marquis Maze.
4) CJ Mosley (LB) – CJ is the only pure LB that we signed in this class, but he fits the mold of a Bama linebacker perfectly. I expect him the play the Sam linebacker position, and having CJ’s athleticism at the Sam spot could be a huge boost for the defense. Blitzing, coverage, clogging the line to control the run; CJ can do it all. You might not see him on the field next year, but I’m very confident that he will be a standout before long.
3) Jarrick Williams (S) – Jarrick is a big, physical safety that has been somewhat forgotten because of how early he committed to us. Don’t worry, Jarrick, I haven’t forgotten about you, and I have a feeling that some SEC receivers will remember you pretty soon too! Jarrick is a headhunter at the safety position, and he’s perfect for our defensive scheme. Expect to see him either paired with Barron or replacing Barron, depending on when he sees playing time. This guy is special!
2) Johnavon Fulton (CB) – We desperately needed cornerbacks in this class, and Fulton is one of the best anywhere. He’s blisteringly fast, physical, and smart. I expect him to play early, maybe even starting as a true freshman. Expect to see Fulton on All-SEC and All-American lists before he leaves the Capstone. I almost put him at Number 1 on my list, but that spot simply had to go to…
1) Demarcus Milliner (CB) – What can I say about DeMarcus? He is generally considered as the nation’s top CB prospect, and for good reason. He’s tall (6’1), unbelievably fast, and has great coverage skills. When you watch him play, it looks like he’s gliding instead of running. He committed to us early with very little fanfare, and never waivered, even for a minute. I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t see the playing field immediately, but believe me, you will hear from this guy loud and clear before he leaves Bama.
I probably shouldn’t limit these lists to only 10 players. I feel weird not talking about Corey Grant (may actually be the most dynamic signee on this year’s class), Alfy Hill (DE/Jack LB from North Carolina), Brian Vogler (outstanding TE, perfect for our offense), Chad Lindsey (nation’s top guard prospect according to ESPN), and many others. Suffice it to say that even though we didn’t get everyone we wanted, we got several players that perfectly fill areas of need.
As you can see from the above list, it’s silly that I feel a sense of disappointment in this recruiting class, and I’ve clearly set my expectations way too high. I guess I can’t understand why every player in America isn’t begging to come to Alabama. After all, we’re the reigning national champions, we have the Heisman trophy winner, and we’re coached by a rock star. So yes, I’m a little bit disappointed in a Top 5 class. It really is a great time to be a Bama fan, isn’t it?
That’s it for now. I’ll post another blog soon where I talk about how some of our competitors did, including an epic class for Florida and a rock-solid class for Auburn, so be sure to check back. Until then, as always, feel free to send me any questions or comments.
Roll Tide!
Kenny
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