Recruiting Recap 11/21-28
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While the playoffs have heated up, the recruiting circuit has followed suit as significant players are making visits and commitments. Let’s check out some of the biggest moves in the state’s recruiting cycle. Karmelo English’s Top 5 English has been one…
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Continue ReadingWhile the playoffs have heated up, the recruiting circuit has followed suit as significant players are making visits and commitments. Let’s check out some of the biggest moves in the state’s recruiting cycle.
Karmelo English’s Top 5
English has been one the best receivers in the State since his breakout junior season and has announced Auburn, Alabama, Jackson State, Kentucky, and Michigan as the final five. While defensive coordinators around the State are relieved, offensive coordinators are rushing to get him on campus as a possible instant-impact player at the next level. English’s ability to play above his size with contested catches, verticality, and win on 50/50 balls makes him a quarterback’s dream in 3rd down and goal-line situations. This mentality transfers when he’s finishing runs after the catch with running back-like physicality and contact balance. Though he’s a bruiser at heart, English is fully capable of breaking away with speed and turning standard screens and slants into 60+ yard touchdowns. This versatility to do damage in the quick game and downfield makes him one of the more coveted receivers in the nation. In all seriousness, wherever English goes, he’ll represent the State to the fullest extent and be a factor in their offense.
Auburn adds Brenton Williams
Williams is a defensive end who’s going to bring the energy and be a positive addition to Auburn as they look to rebuild and get back to being a contender in the SEC. Though William’s length jumps off the film, the fluidity in his movements and ability to make plays in the backfield make him a special player. With a nice dip move and the ability to bend the corner, he’ll be a consistent presence on edge in both the run and pass. Though he’s an agile athlete, Williams has a wiry frame that allows him to bury ball carriers with vicious hits and can shift the game’s momentum at any time. Look for Williams to be a high-energy addition to the Auburn defense, who should develop into a solid defensive lineman under Hugh Freeze’s tutelage.
Kelvon McBride Kelvon McBride 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Cottage Hill Christian | 2023 State AL flips to the Wolfpack
With a flip from Vanderviblt to N.C. State McBride will be taking his talents to the ACC as a 3-star linebacker with a broad skill set. Though he’s slotted to play linebacker at the next level, McBride’s film shows a capable receiver and safety with excellent tracking skills and a knack for jump balls. These ball skills could make him the ultimate patrol man at the second level of the defense and a major plus against the pass at the next level. In addition to his natural skill as a catcher, Mcbride shows solid closing speed, a habit of taking great angles to the ball and flowing to the ball with physicality from the secondary- which is a significant plus. Mcbride’s versatility makes him one of the more exciting guys transitioning to the next level in the fall and a potential chess piece that’ll make plays all around the field.
Micah Debose Micah Debose 6'5" | 315 lbs | OL Vigor | 2025 State AL visits the Bullldogs
As one of the highest-graded offensive linemen in the State (96%), Debose is arguably the best big man in the State despite being in the class of 2025. The standout’s size, strength, and mobility allow him to be a fortress against the pass and mauler in the run game. This quick-twitch athleticism to pull, double team in zone blocking, or be a lead blocker makes him a rare specimen that coaches dream of having on their line. With more pancakes than a local Ihop, he’s attracted the majority of the SEC to bid for his talents, as well as other power five schools such as Penn State, Michigan, and Maryland, amongst others. However, The recent visit to Georgia is sure to draw more eyes on the national scale and make Debose a key player in the 2025 recruiting cycle.
Jayden Hobson Jayden Hobson 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Hillcrest | 2023 State AL commits to Mississippi State
Hobson has officially committed to the Bulldogs and is another addition to a solid recruiting class. As the anchor of the Hillcrest line, good things happened whenever they ran the ball behind Hobson. His extreme lateral quickness, quick twitch, and movement for his size enabled him to provide gaps on perimeter runs, get the second level and clear out linebackers and help produce chunk plays. As one of the better offensive guards in the State, Hobson is sure to make a home in Starksville and develop into a starter in due time with State’s apparent intent to establish a stronger front line.