Alabama closes another highly rated class with 5-star LBs
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Alabama closed its signing class with a flourish, picking up two coveted linebackers to help complete another top-rated recruiting haul.
Five-star linebackers, and in-state prospects, Ben Davis and Lyndell "Mack" Wilson made their announcements for the defending national champion Crimson Tide on Wednesday. It added a little suspense to the final product even if neither decision came as much of a surprise.
It's the sixth straight year Alabama has landed the nation's top signing class according to composite rankings of recruiting websites compiled by 247Sports, thanks to a resounding finish
Alabama signed five players both on the offensive line, including 5-star tackles Jonah Williams and Charles Baldwin, and in the secondary plus four defensive linemen.
The Tide reloaded a defensive line that must replace A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed and got two four-star running backs with Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and backup Kenyan Drake gone. Alabama picked up a couple of highly rated junior college linemen, Baldwin on offense and Jamar King on defense.
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Other things to know:
Top 25 Class: Yes.
Best in class: Davis of Gordo, Alabama. The 10th-rated player nationally and top inside linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.
Best of the rest: Williams (enrolled), Wilson, Baldwin; RB B.J. Emmons, DB Nigel Knott.
Late additions: Davis, Wilson, DB Shyheim Carter, Knott, DE Terrell Hall, King.
One that got away: OL Landon Dickerson (to Florida State).
How they'll fit in: Davis, whose father Wayne is Alabama's all-time leading tackler, and Wilson could help fill the void left by All-America middle linebacker Reggie Ragland. There's room for instant contributions elsewhere, too, including at safety and on the defensive line.
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For the full list: http://www.rolltide.com/