Analyzing 5 Recent Alabama Commitments

Part of my job is to keep everyone updated on some recent recruiting happenings. However, I don't want it to be the cookie-cutter coverage you see everywhere else. Instead, I want to dive deeper, turn on the film, and evaluate some recent commitments from Alabama.    [player_tooltip player_id='1098617' first='Nikolas' last='Alston'] comes in at 6'3 278 with body proportions that make him appear even bigger. Already a heavy-handed and hipped prospect, but his long, thin limbs suggest he can end up around the 300-pound mark. Alston flashes impressive agility and athleticism for an IDL prospect, frequently shedding blocks by driving across their face. He is also sudden enough to shoot gaps and shimmy his shoulder to keep his chest free. He closes to the football in a hurry and is seen on tape staying flat on the line of scrimmage, not overpursuing and instead patiently chasing the football to the outside. He is a ragdoll-style tackler, toying around with the ball carrier once he gets his hands on them. He is already an elite run defender, but improved pad level will be his recipe for finding the field early. Alston projects as a 3-tech with enough athleticism to flex out to 5 in certain formations. Liberty got a steal here.   *Alston is now at Thompson HS*     Miami scored a commitment from Merritt, one of the most physical DBs you will find in Alabama. He checks the HT/WT/Length boxes at 6'2 185 and is a chess piece in the secondary. Projects as a CB, but will line up over a slot WR and patrol CF as a S. Merritt's game is predicated on being physical, bumping with WRs at the top of their route, working them off their base, and re-directing their route. He aggressively breaks on underneath routes, showcasing noticeable acceleration to the ball and has the mass to break up passes with body shots. He does have some turn and run and will be hard to throw over, but he looks best playing off the line, where he can work downhill and tie up WRs trying to get vertical. His measurables and play style should translate best to CB, but his downhill nature would work well at safety too.     Waldrep has been one of the more well-talked-about OL prospects in Alabama over the last few years, and a recent commitment to the Crimson Tide culminates his work. Waldrep has exponentially filled out his frame, now hovering around 320 pounds. He takes most reps at LT, where he flashes the suddenness and speed in his pass set to catch and redirect pass rushers. His hands are elite, launching into the chest of defenders and manhandling whoever he gets his hands on. He has natural football instincts, which he uses to handle counter moves and flip from one defender to another. Waldrep could stick at LT, but he has a thicker, ready-made frame that would project well at any spot. Waldrep is physically ready and his game shows few critical flaws, meaning he is a high-floor prospect with multi-year starter potential.     [player_tooltip player_id='1347177' first='Reggis' last='Shamberger'] is a giant at 6'5 280. Thanks to his massive frame, he should easily get above 300 pounds. He is a people pusher, overwhelming blockers with the play strength needed to dent the pocket and crowd running lanes. If nothing else, his strength and ability to move people should absolutely translate to the next level. He is a decent athlete, which he showcases by lining up on the offensive side of the ball and caravanning ball carriers in the open field. He might not sneak into the backfield all that often, but he is a patient pursuer of the football, playing with a good base and staying square to the line of scrimmage as he funnels ball carriers and cuts off angles. You need a body like Shamberger on your time, and Troy is fortunate enough to land him.     June 2nd Eval:   "Johnson is an athletic IDL prospect with plenty of room to add more play strength. He is a dynamic block shedder, battling off blocks with his hands and working blockers off platform with his electric footwork. At times he will split out and rush off the edge, but he will eventually fill out and slide inside. His play strength is still developing, but he plays with good balance and can anchor down while batting in running lanes, proving difficult to move. When clear of blockers, he flashes good pursuit skills, which should help him to better rush the passer."   Johnson recently committed to Mississippi State.   *[player_tooltip player_id='790718' first='Christopher' last='Johnson'] is now at Percy Julian HS*

Part of my job is to keep everyone updated on some recent recruiting happenings. However, I don't want it to be the cookie-cutter coverage you see everywhere else. Instead, I want to dive deeper, turn on the film, and evaluate some recent commitments from Alabama.