TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- As it turned out, 2008 was just the beginning. Alabama's 2009 signing class was one step ahead for Nick Saban and the coaching staff as it finished No. 2 in the country, highlighted by the likes of Dre Kirkpatrick, Trent Richardson, AJ McCarron and Eddie Lacy.
But those were just the headliners. Like many of the recruiting classes to come in the years since, the 2009 class was solid top to bottom. Chance Warmack, Anthony Steen and James Carpenter were all ranked in the second half of the class. Kevin Norwood, Darrington Sentimore and Quinton Dial also came out of the lower half of the class to become playmakers at the college level.
There's no doubt, though, who the star of the class was. Richardson, the No. 1 running back from Pensacola, Fla. in the country, was stolen right out from under the Florida Gators' nose. The 5-foot-11, 219-pound athlete was an instant impact player, rushing for more than 700 yards as a true freshman. Two seasons later he was in New York City as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. A few months after that, he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.
But those were just the headliners. Like many of the recruiting classes to come in the years since, the 2009 class was solid top to bottom. Chance Warmack, Anthony Steen and James Carpenter were all ranked in the second half of the class. Kevin Norwood, Darrington Sentimore and Quinton Dial also came out of the lower half of the class to become playmakers at the college level.
There's no doubt, though, who the star of the class was. Richardson, the No. 1 running back from Pensacola, Fla. in the country, was stolen right out from under the Florida Gators' nose. The 5-foot-11, 219-pound athlete was an instant impact player, rushing for more than 700 yards as a true freshman. Two seasons later he was in New York City as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. A few months after that, he was selected in the first round of the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns.
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2014 WR Harris picks up major SEC offer 
January, 23, 2013
Jan 23
9:49
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When 2014 wide receiver Drake Harris (Grand Rapids, Mich./Grand Rapids Christian) chose football over basketball and opened up his recruitment, it didn’t take long for the University of Alabama to fly up and offer him a scholarship. That’s how highly they think of him.
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Editor's note: This is a series introducing Alabama's 2013 recruiting class that will run through signing day.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Grant Hill knew he wanted to attend the University of Alabama. He grew up in the state of Alabama. He plays on the offensive line, the strength behind the Crimson Tide’s offense. It was an easy decision. Now, since his commitment, he’s seen his stock continue to rise. After an impressive performance at the Under Armour All-America Game earlier this month, Hill jumped from No. 246 to No. 86 in the final ESPN 150 rankings.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Grant Hill knew he wanted to attend the University of Alabama. He grew up in the state of Alabama. He plays on the offensive line, the strength behind the Crimson Tide’s offense. It was an easy decision. Now, since his commitment, he’s seen his stock continue to rise. After an impressive performance at the Under Armour All-America Game earlier this month, Hill jumped from No. 246 to No. 86 in the final ESPN 150 rankings.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
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Williams wants more than blocking role
January, 23, 2013
Jan 23
11:06
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
MOBILE, Ala. -- For Michael Williams, the outlook on his NFL future is a mixed bag. On the one hand, the former Alabama tight end is likely to have a home at the next level because of his ability to block. On the other hand, he could find himself struggling to stand out much because of his relative lack of production in the passing game.
Williams caught just 24 passes for 183 yards and four touchdowns this past season. His fellow tight ends on the South roster of the Senior Bowl bested those numbers. Former Tennessee tight end Mychal Rivera caught 36 passes for 562 yards in two fewer games. Former Rice standout Vance McDonald had nearly identical stats through 12 games: 36 receptions for 458 yards.
Alabama coach Nick Saban conceded that Williams has the chance to be a "good blocker" and "role player" at the next level. He noted that Williams has good hands and said, "I think there's a place for guys like Michael Williams" in the NFL.
"He's going to do a good job blocking for you every time he's in," Saban said Monday in Mobile, Ala.
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Kevin Jairaj/US PresswireTight end Michael Williams hauls in a touchdown catch in Alabama's season-opening win over Michigan.
Alabama coach Nick Saban conceded that Williams has the chance to be a "good blocker" and "role player" at the next level. He noted that Williams has good hands and said, "I think there's a place for guys like Michael Williams" in the NFL.
"He's going to do a good job blocking for you every time he's in," Saban said Monday in Mobile, Ala.
The O-zone: Battles for the final spots
January, 23, 2013
Jan 23
9:00
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s stretch time for the University of Alabama. With the exception of five-star defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, the Crimson Tide have hosted all of their remaining targets for official visits, and now it’s a countdown to signing day.
Over the weekend, the UA staff and commitment Bradley Bozeman agreed to a grayshirt next year, which opens up another spot in the 2013 class. The Tide now can add five, possibly six more recruits over the next two weeks.
This week’s O-zone looks at who is most likely to fill the remaining spots and also previews this weekend’s junior day in Tuscaloosa.
Over the weekend, the UA staff and commitment Bradley Bozeman agreed to a grayshirt next year, which opens up another spot in the 2013 class. The Tide now can add five, possibly six more recruits over the next two weeks.
This week’s O-zone looks at who is most likely to fill the remaining spots and also previews this weekend’s junior day in Tuscaloosa.
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A little behind on the recruiting trail? Worry not -- TideNation has you covered. To catch you up on where the Alabama recruiting class of 2013 stands, we'll take you through the high points, including how the coaching staff has addressed certain needs and set the team up for seasons to come.
Team needs: With three of five starting offensive linemen and two of three defensive lineman starters off to the NFL draft, Alabama was forced to focus on finding help in the trenches. Nick Saban and the rest of the UA coaching staff had success filling those needs with the 2013 class, particularly along the offensive line. The Crimson Tide secured the commitments of four offensive linemen, one coming by way of a junior college in New York. Leon Brown, who was ranked in the top 20 of all junior college prospects by ESPN, could find himself competing for the starting right tackle job vacated by D.J. Fluker.
Help is on the way: Outside of the lines, Alabama was once again in search of talented athletes to continue bringing potency to an offense that's been on a steady rise the past few years. Amari Cooper and T.J. Yeldon were difference makers in 2012 and there could be one or two who do the same this year. Derrick Henry, the No. 1 athlete in the country and Alabama's lone five-star commitment, could be the biggest wild card of the class. At 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, he's an option at tailback, H-back and possibly linebacker. He'll begin at running back, where he set a national career rushing yards record at Yulee High in Florida.
Team needs: With three of five starting offensive linemen and two of three defensive lineman starters off to the NFL draft, Alabama was forced to focus on finding help in the trenches. Nick Saban and the rest of the UA coaching staff had success filling those needs with the 2013 class, particularly along the offensive line. The Crimson Tide secured the commitments of four offensive linemen, one coming by way of a junior college in New York. Leon Brown, who was ranked in the top 20 of all junior college prospects by ESPN, could find himself competing for the starting right tackle job vacated by D.J. Fluker.
Help is on the way: Outside of the lines, Alabama was once again in search of talented athletes to continue bringing potency to an offense that's been on a steady rise the past few years. Amari Cooper and T.J. Yeldon were difference makers in 2012 and there could be one or two who do the same this year. Derrick Henry, the No. 1 athlete in the country and Alabama's lone five-star commitment, could be the biggest wild card of the class. At 6-foot-3 and 243 pounds, he's an option at tailback, H-back and possibly linebacker. He'll begin at running back, where he set a national career rushing yards record at Yulee High in Florida.
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Watch List DT adds Bama offer, plans visit
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
5:28
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Last week, Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart made a stop at Carrollton (Ga.) High School to see 2014 ESPN Watch List defensive tackle Dontavius Russell. A
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Johnson aims to prove he's full-time LB
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
1:29
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
MOBILE, Ala. -- Winning 49 games and three national championships only got Nico Johnson so far. The former Alabama linebacker enters the thick of Senior Bowl practice this week with plenty of questions about his game.
Is he fast enough to play in the NFL? Is he a guy who can stay on the field in running and passing situations? Is it worth it to use a draft pick on him?
Johnson is ranked the No. 8 inside linebacker according to Scouts Inc., so the question of whether he'll be taken in April's draft is likely to be answered in the affirmative. How high, however, is another question. At 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, he has the size to play at the next level, but as pointed out in his Scouts Inc. profile, he's not an elite athlete and seems to lack the closing burst.
But Johnson isn't out to prove the skeptics wrong all at once. He's taking the laid back approach. Having played at Alabama, he's used to practicing under the watchful eye of scouts and knows that pushing too hard can get a player in trouble.
As he said, "Pressure busts pipes."
Is he fast enough to play in the NFL? Is he a guy who can stay on the field in running and passing situations? Is it worth it to use a draft pick on him?
Johnson is ranked the No. 8 inside linebacker according to Scouts Inc., so the question of whether he'll be taken in April's draft is likely to be answered in the affirmative. How high, however, is another question. At 6-foot-2 and 249 pounds, he has the size to play at the next level, but as pointed out in his Scouts Inc. profile, he's not an elite athlete and seems to lack the closing burst.
But Johnson isn't out to prove the skeptics wrong all at once. He's taking the laid back approach. Having played at Alabama, he's used to practicing under the watchful eye of scouts and knows that pushing too hard can get a player in trouble.
As he said, "Pressure busts pipes."
Instant impact: Alabama's 2013 class
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
8:48
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama has utilized more and more true freshmen each year, and it should be no different with the 2013 class. The Crimson Tide already have 21 commitments, including 10 ranked in the ESPN 150. It also doesn’t hurt that nine of them have already enrolled and will compete in spring practice.
Instant-impact recruits
RB Derrick Henry: With Eddie Lacy leaving a year early for the NFL, T.J. Yeldon expects to carry the load at running back next year for Alabama. But who will spell him? Both Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart are coming off major knee injuries, and Kenyan Drake will be just a sophomore. After the season Yeldon put together, don’t count out another true freshman making an impact in the backfield next year.
The Tide expect to sign at least three, possibly four ESPN 150 running backs, but the most physical and ready to play is Henry -- who broke the high school career rushing record. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound could see some time at H-back as well, but expect him to start out as a running back.
Instant-impact recruits
RB Derrick Henry: With Eddie Lacy leaving a year early for the NFL, T.J. Yeldon expects to carry the load at running back next year for Alabama. But who will spell him? Both Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart are coming off major knee injuries, and Kenyan Drake will be just a sophomore. After the season Yeldon put together, don’t count out another true freshman making an impact in the backfield next year.
The Tide expect to sign at least three, possibly four ESPN 150 running backs, but the most physical and ready to play is Henry -- who broke the high school career rushing record. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound could see some time at H-back as well, but expect him to start out as a running back.
Five-star talent doesn't always equate to star-studded results on the football field. Every so often a player fails to reach his full potential. Whether it's a lack of effort in the weight room, a lack of understanding on the practice field, or something as simple as the wrong fit systematically, misses are bound to occur. With that in mind, we'll take a look back at the recruiting classes since 2006 and determine who were some of the biggest misses.
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Recruiting is an imperfect science. Sometimes scouts can see a player's potential right away. With others it takes some seasoning. Alabama coach Nick Saban has hauled in more than his fair share of blue chip prospects, but he has also made hay with some lesser known quantities. With signing day only days away, we'll take a look back at some of the undervalued prospects that performed beyond their recruiting rankings at Alabama since 2006.
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Forecasting the Tide: Quarterback
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
5:45
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday between now and national signing day, TideNation will review each position and look at who figures to start, who could rise up the depth chart and who might be on the way. Today we’ll look at the quarterbacks.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- AJ McCarron could have said he'd had enough. The junior quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide could have looked back on a mesmerizing season in which he set school records, led the country in passing efficiency and won the national championship, and said he'd done all he could. He could have declared for the NFL draft and left nothing unfinished in Tuscaloosa. Back-to-back titles would leave little for fans to gripe about.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- AJ McCarron could have said he'd had enough. The junior quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide could have looked back on a mesmerizing season in which he set school records, led the country in passing efficiency and won the national championship, and said he'd done all he could. He could have declared for the NFL draft and left nothing unfinished in Tuscaloosa. Back-to-back titles would leave little for fans to gripe about.
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Lester out to prove he's more than smart
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
10:21
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
MOBILE, Ala. -- Robert Lester wants to be known for more than his brain. In a sport that often values brute force and brawn over all else, the former Alabama safety stands apart. He's the right size at 6-foot-1 and 212 pounds, but it's his football intelligence that's on the forefront of many talent evaluators' minds. They see a fifth-year player who started three seasons under the demanding, defensive-minded coach Nick Saban. They see a mind that's ready for the National Football League and question whether the body is equal to the task.
"These guys are smart as well," Lester said, surrounded by dozens of future pros at the Senior Bowl in South Alabama on Monday night. "I'm going to have to bring more to the table than just my knowledge."
While Lester acknowledged that his best attribute is his ability to "learn a new system" and "provide leadership," he also recognized the need to do the little things right, too. Game film and one-on-one interviews are one thing, but, for better or worse, minute measurements like 40-yard dash times and bench press numbers play a big part as well.
"These guys are smart as well," Lester said, surrounded by dozens of future pros at the Senior Bowl in South Alabama on Monday night. "I'm going to have to bring more to the table than just my knowledge."
While Lester acknowledged that his best attribute is his ability to "learn a new system" and "provide leadership," he also recognized the need to do the little things right, too. Game film and one-on-one interviews are one thing, but, for better or worse, minute measurements like 40-yard dash times and bench press numbers play a big part as well.
Two visits down, one to go for safety Bell
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
9:04
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Vonn Bell’s official visit to Alabama over the weekend gave him and his family a chance to see the campus one more time, get their questions answered and see a side of UA head coach Nick Saban that most normally don’t see.
Ridgeland High School head coach Mark Mariakis spoke with Bell’s father on Monday to see how the official visit went.
Ridgeland High School head coach Mark Mariakis spoke with Bell’s father on Monday to see how the official visit went.
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Tide emerge for Florida athlete after visit
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
5:06
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- A month ago Alabama wasn’t even on the radar for Florida athlete Eddie Jackson. He didn’t have a scholarship offer from the Crimson Tide, and he had never been to Tuscaloosa. That has since changed.
Two weeks ago, the UA staff extended an offer to Jackson, and over the weekend, he took his official visit to Alabama.
Two weeks ago, the UA staff extended an offer to Jackson, and over the weekend, he took his official visit to Alabama.
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ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.