Alabama Crimson Tide: Reuben Foster
Spring evaluation: Defensive front seven 
May, 7, 2013
May 7
11:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor's note: TideNation will use this week to look at the four major positions on the football field and how their outlook has changed after spring practice. Today we examine the front seven:
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The relationship between Reuben Foster and Bo Scarbrough (Tuscaloosa, Ala./Northridge) has developed into something of a brotherhood. When Foster visits here, the two are inseparable. Scarbrough, a 2014 Alabama commitment, says that he’s the main reason Foster signed with the Crimson Tide three months ago.
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Florida checks in on Tide commitment
April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
12:33
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- ESPN 150 athlete Bo Scarbrough (Tuscaloosa, Ala./Northridge) committed to Alabama in September, but that hasn’t stopped other schools from recruiting him. Last week, Florida running backs coach Brian White paid him a visit.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Cornerback is a position that Nick Saban tends to be selective with most years, and after signing four potential corners in the 2013 class, Alabama is only expected to take two, possibly three cornerbacks in this cycle.
That’s what makes Kalvaraz Bessent’s commitment on Tuesday surprising.
That’s what makes Kalvaraz Bessent’s commitment on Tuesday surprising.
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Saban's top recruiting victories at Bama
March, 5, 2013
Mar 5
8:00
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Nick Saban certainly has had his share of talented players during his tenure at Alabama, and although player development is critical to success, it all starts on the recruiting trail.
Saban, considered by many to be the best recruiter in the game right now, knows that as well as anybody. He has always assembled his staff with coaches who know how to recruit and who put an emphasis on bringing the top talent to Tuscaloosa.
With that in mind, TideNation looks back at the top five recruiting victories for Saban and his assistant coaches in the last seven years.
Saban, considered by many to be the best recruiter in the game right now, knows that as well as anybody. He has always assembled his staff with coaches who know how to recruit and who put an emphasis on bringing the top talent to Tuscaloosa.
With that in mind, TideNation looks back at the top five recruiting victories for Saban and his assistant coaches in the last seven years.
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The O-zone: Grading the 2013 class
February, 13, 2013
Feb 13
8:30
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Last week, the University of Alabama inked the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class for the second year in a row. The class was made up of prospects from 13 different states and featured a combination of skill players and interior linemen.
This week’s O-zone takes a closer look at the class, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses, and singling out a few players who could stand out when they get on campus.
This week’s O-zone takes a closer look at the class, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses, and singling out a few players who could stand out when they get on campus.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- By any statistical measurement, Alabama's signing class this year was a success. The number of ESPN 300 members who faxed in their paperwork was staggering. Thirteen signees were ranked in the top 10 nationally at their positions.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
Mike Groh helps Tide land No. 1 class
February, 7, 2013
Feb 7
9:00
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When the ink dried Wednesday night, the University of Alabama came away with the No. 1 recruiting class for the second year in a row. Coach Nick Saban garners most of the attention, but the job done by his staff should not go unnoticed.
Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart deserves credit for staying with Reuben Foster. The ESPN 150 linebacker initially committed to Alabama and then flipped to Auburn. But in the end, he signed with the Crimson Tide. Smart never gave up on him.
Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart deserves credit for staying with Reuben Foster. The ESPN 150 linebacker initially committed to Alabama and then flipped to Auburn. But in the end, he signed with the Crimson Tide. Smart never gave up on him.
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Editor's note: From now until signing day, TideNation will examine the remaining uncommitted prospects still considering the University of Alabama. Today, we look at ESPN 150 defensive tackle Dee Liner.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Dee Liner might have flirted with other schools like Georgia and LSU towards the end of his recruitment, but it’s always been an in-state battle for the Alabama native.
Liner committed to Auburn when he was just a sophomore. At the time, schools didn’t realize how good could he was going to be yet. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound prospect debuted at No. 12 in the initial ESPN 150 rankings and has been a mainstay ever since.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Dee Liner might have flirted with other schools like Georgia and LSU towards the end of his recruitment, but it’s always been an in-state battle for the Alabama native.
Liner committed to Auburn when he was just a sophomore. At the time, schools didn’t realize how good could he was going to be yet. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound prospect debuted at No. 12 in the initial ESPN 150 rankings and has been a mainstay ever since.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- ESPN 150 linebacker Reuben Foster kicked off signing day week with a commitment to Alabama on Monday night. However, the real fun begins on Wednesday when the recruits sign and fax their letters of intent to the schools they choose.
Alabama already has 23 commitments for 2013, but the Crimson Tide are expected to finish strong. Who else will they add on signing day?
In good shape
RB Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross): It’s always been Alabama and Georgia for Kamara. UGA is the hometown school, but he’s more than comfortable with the Tide’s program. Kamara spent nearly a week in Tuscaloosa in August during fall camp. He has visited multiple times, including a surprise trip this past weekend with Foster. He says the potential depth chart at running back are a non-issue, and Alabama plans to utilize him in a variety of ways.
Prediction: Alabama
Announcement time: 2:35 p.m. CT
Alabama already has 23 commitments for 2013, but the Crimson Tide are expected to finish strong. Who else will they add on signing day?
In good shape
RB Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross): It’s always been Alabama and Georgia for Kamara. UGA is the hometown school, but he’s more than comfortable with the Tide’s program. Kamara spent nearly a week in Tuscaloosa in August during fall camp. He has visited multiple times, including a surprise trip this past weekend with Foster. He says the potential depth chart at running back are a non-issue, and Alabama plans to utilize him in a variety of ways.
Prediction: Alabama
Announcement time: 2:35 p.m. CT
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Final RecruitingNation class rankings
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
10:41
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We are just hours away from national signing day. I'm going to need all you readers to breathe and count to 10. It's almost here, which means it's almost over.
And with it being almost over, it's time to take one final look at ESPN's RecruitingNation class rankings. On the eve of the biggest recruiting day of the year, the SEC is still keeping it all in the family when it comes to the top classes in the country. The SEC has 12 teams ranked within the top 40 of the class rankings, with five coming within the top 10.
Florida and Alabama remain No. 1 and No. 2. The Gators have 26 verbal commitments, with 11 being ESPN 150 members and 15 being ESPN 300 members. The biggest members of Florida's class are top-rated cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who is the No. 3 player in the country, and top-rated running back Kelvin Taylor, who is the No. 8 prospect overall. The Gators have a few spots open and are still in the mix to sign defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick, junior college defensive tackle Jarran Reed and wide receiver James Clark. Defensive end and current Auburn commit Tashawn Bower is also on Florida's radar.
Alabama received some good news Monday night when top-rated inside linebacker Reuben Foster picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn and Georgia. Foster gave the Tide its 23rd commitment and its 11th ESPN 150 member. Alabama also has 15 ESPN 300 commitments. The Tide could leapfrog the Gators on national signing day with some big names still interested in the Tide. Top defensive tackle and former Auburn commit Dee Liner seems to be a strong lean to the Tide, while four-star defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, who decommitted from Texas last week, could sign with Alabama as well. Running back Alvin Kamara and safety Vonn Bell, both ESPN 150 members, could also sign with the Tide.
Rounding out the top 10 from the SEC are LSU (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7) and Georgia (No. 9). Texas A&M and Georgia might have the best chances of the three of moving up. The Bulldogs are still in the mix for a handful of top prospects, including No. 1 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, four-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams, outside linebacker Matthew Thomas (No. 6 in the ESPN 150) and ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy. The Aggies are still in the mix for cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is No. 4 in the ESPN 150, FSU athlete commit Levonte Whitfield, and committed defensive ends Daeshon Hall (Washington) and Torrodney Prevot (USC).
Keep an eye on Ole Miss and Auburn. Tunsil appears to be favoring Ole Miss over Georgia, and top recruit Robert Nkemdiche is all but signed sealed and delivered to the Rebels. Mississippi State defensive end commit Chris Jones could also flip to Ole Miss, and high-profile safety Antonio Conner is strongly considering the Rebels as well. Auburn is battling Georgia for Adams, and could flip Ole Miss defensive end commit Elijah Daniel, after he officially visited Auburn over the weekend.
Here's a complete look at where SEC teams stand in the final class rankings before signing day:
1. Florida -- 26 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
2. Alabama -- 23 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
6. LSU -- 26 (6 ESPN 150, 14 ESPN 300)
7. Texas A&M -- 32 (6 ESPN 150, 11 ESPN 300)
9. Georgia -- 30 (5 ESPN 150, 12 ESPN 300)
12. Ole Miss -- 23 (2 ESPN 150, 7 ESPN 300)
14. Auburn -- 20 (3 ESPN 150, 6 ESPN 300)
17. South Carolina -- 21 (2 ESPN 150, 4 ESPN 300)
21. Vanderbilt -- 25 (0 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
27. Mississippi State -- 22 (1 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
29. Tennessee -- 19 (1 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
36. Missouri -- 19 (0 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
And with it being almost over, it's time to take one final look at ESPN's RecruitingNation class rankings. On the eve of the biggest recruiting day of the year, the SEC is still keeping it all in the family when it comes to the top classes in the country. The SEC has 12 teams ranked within the top 40 of the class rankings, with five coming within the top 10.
Florida and Alabama remain No. 1 and No. 2. The Gators have 26 verbal commitments, with 11 being ESPN 150 members and 15 being ESPN 300 members. The biggest members of Florida's class are top-rated cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who is the No. 3 player in the country, and top-rated running back Kelvin Taylor, who is the No. 8 prospect overall. The Gators have a few spots open and are still in the mix to sign defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick, junior college defensive tackle Jarran Reed and wide receiver James Clark. Defensive end and current Auburn commit Tashawn Bower is also on Florida's radar.
Alabama received some good news Monday night when top-rated inside linebacker Reuben Foster picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn and Georgia. Foster gave the Tide its 23rd commitment and its 11th ESPN 150 member. Alabama also has 15 ESPN 300 commitments. The Tide could leapfrog the Gators on national signing day with some big names still interested in the Tide. Top defensive tackle and former Auburn commit Dee Liner seems to be a strong lean to the Tide, while four-star defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, who decommitted from Texas last week, could sign with Alabama as well. Running back Alvin Kamara and safety Vonn Bell, both ESPN 150 members, could also sign with the Tide.
Rounding out the top 10 from the SEC are LSU (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7) and Georgia (No. 9). Texas A&M and Georgia might have the best chances of the three of moving up. The Bulldogs are still in the mix for a handful of top prospects, including No. 1 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, four-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams, outside linebacker Matthew Thomas (No. 6 in the ESPN 150) and ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy. The Aggies are still in the mix for cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is No. 4 in the ESPN 150, FSU athlete commit Levonte Whitfield, and committed defensive ends Daeshon Hall (Washington) and Torrodney Prevot (USC).
Keep an eye on Ole Miss and Auburn. Tunsil appears to be favoring Ole Miss over Georgia, and top recruit Robert Nkemdiche is all but signed sealed and delivered to the Rebels. Mississippi State defensive end commit Chris Jones could also flip to Ole Miss, and high-profile safety Antonio Conner is strongly considering the Rebels as well. Auburn is battling Georgia for Adams, and could flip Ole Miss defensive end commit Elijah Daniel, after he officially visited Auburn over the weekend.
Here's a complete look at where SEC teams stand in the final class rankings before signing day:
1. Florida -- 26 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
2. Alabama -- 23 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
6. LSU -- 26 (6 ESPN 150, 14 ESPN 300)
7. Texas A&M -- 32 (6 ESPN 150, 11 ESPN 300)
9. Georgia -- 30 (5 ESPN 150, 12 ESPN 300)
12. Ole Miss -- 23 (2 ESPN 150, 7 ESPN 300)
14. Auburn -- 20 (3 ESPN 150, 6 ESPN 300)
17. South Carolina -- 21 (2 ESPN 150, 4 ESPN 300)
21. Vanderbilt -- 25 (0 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
27. Mississippi State -- 22 (1 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
29. Tennessee -- 19 (1 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
36. Missouri -- 19 (0 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
Foster shows Smart's recruiting power
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
11:01
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Now that Reuben Foster (Auburn, Ala./Auburn) has committed to the University of Alabama, the question is, will it stick through signing day?
Regardless of what happens from here, Foster’s decision on Monday shows the relentless pursuit that Kirby Smart and the Crimson Tide coaching staff had throughout the process.
Even when Foster flipped from Alabama to Auburn over the summer and went as far as to get an Auburn tattoo on his arm, the Alabama coaches didn’t give up. Smart was talking to him just a few weeks later about removing the tattoo and coming back to the Tide.
It has been a wild ride, one that might not be over, but if he does in the end sign with Alabama, the Tide will be getting a very good football player.
Regardless of what happens from here, Foster’s decision on Monday shows the relentless pursuit that Kirby Smart and the Crimson Tide coaching staff had throughout the process.
Even when Foster flipped from Alabama to Auburn over the summer and went as far as to get an Auburn tattoo on his arm, the Alabama coaches didn’t give up. Smart was talking to him just a few weeks later about removing the tattoo and coming back to the Tide.
It has been a wild ride, one that might not be over, but if he does in the end sign with Alabama, the Tide will be getting a very good football player.
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The O-zone: Reuben Foster prediction
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
5:59
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The O-zone will be released on Tuesday this week with analysis and predictions on where Alabama’s remaining targets will land on signing day, but with Reuben Foster’s decision on tap for Monday night, we wanted to break down his pending decision a day early.
The recruit
LB Reuben Foster: There hasn’t been a recruitment quite like Foster’s -- maybe ever. The ESPN 150 linebacker originally committed to Alabama the summer before his junior year. However, when he moved from Georgia to Alabama last spring and transferred to Auburn High School, that changed everything. Just months later, Foster flipped his pledge from the Tide to the Tigers and went as far as to get an Auburn tattoo on his arm. Still, it was far from over. Both Alabama and Georgia continued to recruit him, and when former AU coach Gene Chizik was let go along along with his staff, Foster opted to reopen his recruitment. Since then he’s taken all five of his official visits, including trips to San Diego State and Washington. At 9 p.m. CT on Monday, he’s expected to choose between Alabama, Auburn and Georgia.
The finalists
The recruit
LB Reuben Foster: There hasn’t been a recruitment quite like Foster’s -- maybe ever. The ESPN 150 linebacker originally committed to Alabama the summer before his junior year. However, when he moved from Georgia to Alabama last spring and transferred to Auburn High School, that changed everything. Just months later, Foster flipped his pledge from the Tide to the Tigers and went as far as to get an Auburn tattoo on his arm. Still, it was far from over. Both Alabama and Georgia continued to recruit him, and when former AU coach Gene Chizik was let go along along with his staff, Foster opted to reopen his recruitment. Since then he’s taken all five of his official visits, including trips to San Diego State and Washington. At 9 p.m. CT on Monday, he’s expected to choose between Alabama, Auburn and Georgia.
The finalists
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Alabama picked to claim recruiting title
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
2:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
When it comes to recruiting, the readers believe it's still Alabama's world.
Florida might be No. 1 in ESPN's class rankings, but with more than 7,100 votes cast in our SportsNation poll, Alabama was picked to take home the recruiting class crown by grabbing 40 percent of the vote. Alabama currently has the No. 2 class, with 22 commits (10 ESPN 150 members).
Alabama has a chance to add to its already impressive class with a handful of ESPN 150 members still heavily considering the Crimson Tide, including top middle linebacker Reuben Foster, safety Antonio Conner, defensive tackle Dee Liner and running back Alvin Kamara. Adding a couple of those names might propel the Tide over Florida.
The Gators were third in our poll, as Texas collected 27 percent of the vote to come in second. The Aggies have the nation's No. 7 recruiting class and 32 commitments. A&M has six ESPN 150 members and is hoping to add to that number Wednesday with cornerback Mackensie Alexander and athlete Levonte Whitfield still in the mix.
Florida collected 18 percent. While the Gators would like to add to their class, the headliners might already be in hand. The Gators have a good shot of landing four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He's ranked No. 14 nationally by ESPN recruiting services and is the top remaining prospect on the Gators' board.
Georgia was fourth with 10 percent of the vote, while LSU grabbed 5 percent. The Bulldogs could have a very exciting signing day with Foster, Kamara, Liner, top offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and stud defensive lineman Montravius Adams still looking at Georgia. Landing a few those big names would shoot the Dawgs up the ranks, for sure.
LSU might not have a very exciting signing day. The Tigers own the nation's No. 6 class, with 26 commitments (six ESPN 150 members), but it looks like the staff is waiting on No. 1 Robert Nkemdiche and Auburn defensive end commit Tashawn Bower. Ole Miss is way ahead for Nkemdiche, while it could be tough to flip Bower.
Florida might be No. 1 in ESPN's class rankings, but with more than 7,100 votes cast in our SportsNation poll, Alabama was picked to take home the recruiting class crown by grabbing 40 percent of the vote. Alabama currently has the No. 2 class, with 22 commits (10 ESPN 150 members).
Alabama has a chance to add to its already impressive class with a handful of ESPN 150 members still heavily considering the Crimson Tide, including top middle linebacker Reuben Foster, safety Antonio Conner, defensive tackle Dee Liner and running back Alvin Kamara. Adding a couple of those names might propel the Tide over Florida.
The Gators were third in our poll, as Texas collected 27 percent of the vote to come in second. The Aggies have the nation's No. 7 recruiting class and 32 commitments. A&M has six ESPN 150 members and is hoping to add to that number Wednesday with cornerback Mackensie Alexander and athlete Levonte Whitfield still in the mix.
Florida collected 18 percent. While the Gators would like to add to their class, the headliners might already be in hand. The Gators have a good shot of landing four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He's ranked No. 14 nationally by ESPN recruiting services and is the top remaining prospect on the Gators' board.
Georgia was fourth with 10 percent of the vote, while LSU grabbed 5 percent. The Bulldogs could have a very exciting signing day with Foster, Kamara, Liner, top offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and stud defensive lineman Montravius Adams still looking at Georgia. Landing a few those big names would shoot the Dawgs up the ranks, for sure.
LSU might not have a very exciting signing day. The Tigers own the nation's No. 6 class, with 26 commitments (six ESPN 150 members), but it looks like the staff is waiting on No. 1 Robert Nkemdiche and Auburn defensive end commit Tashawn Bower. Ole Miss is way ahead for Nkemdiche, while it could be tough to flip Bower.
Rewind: Alabama closing in on top class
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
7:30
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It was the last weekend before signing day, and although the University of Alabama hosted just one official visitor, there has been quite a bit of excitement surrounding the Crimson Tide program over the last couple of days.
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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.