Who are the In-State Recruits Coming to Tuscaloosa For Junior Day?
Alabama Crimson Tide football is set to host dozens of prospects for Junior Day today, including eight from within the state.
Jaylen Mbakwe
The 5-foot-11, 170-pound prospect out of Clay-Chalkville High School in Pinson, Ala., is ranked the consensus No. 10 ATH (cornerback/wide receiver) in the class and the No. 1 junior in the state, per On3 Recruiting. Mbakwe committed to Alabama on July 26, but has received interest from several other schools, including LSU, Auburn and Tennessee.
What stood out from the tape:
- Doesn’t give cushion and sticks with receiver at all times
- Receiving skills give him the tools to catch anything in his path
- Elite returner
Perry Thompson
The 6-foot-4, 208-pound prospect out of Foley High School in Foley, Ala., is ranked as the consensus No. 8 wide receiver in the class and the No. 3 junior in the state, per On3 Recruiting. Thompson committed to Alabama on June 24, but told On3’s Chad Simmons that he’s still looking at other schools.
“Alabama is still on the top and I’m committed to them… but I would say my commitment is about 60 percent right now,” Thompson said.
What stood out from the tape:
- His height gives him the ability to elevate over defensive backs and make contested catches
- Can change direction very quickly and efficiently
- Route running
Jordan Ross
The 6-foot-5, 215-pound prospect out of Vestavia Hills High School in Birmingham, Ala., is ranked as the consensus No. 6 edge is the class and the No. 4 junior in the state, per On3 Recruiting. Ross has several other SEC schools, including Tennessee, Auburn and South Carolina on his radar as well.
What stood out from the tape:
- Freakish speed
- Finds gaps quickly and executes
- Has the strength to consistently bring offensive tackles to the ground
Jeremiah Beaman
The 6-foot-3, 255-pound prospect out of Parker High School in Birmingham, Ala., is ranked as the consensus as the No. 13 defensive lineman in the class and the No. 6 junior in the state, per On3 Recruiting.
What stood out from the tape:
- Batting down passes on and behind the line of scrimmage
- Tackles according to the textbook
- Excels off the edge and on the inside
Bradley Shaw
The 6-foot-1, 220-pound prospect out of Hoover High School in Hoover, Ala. is ranked as the consensus No. 19 linebacker in the class and the No. 10 junior in the state, per On3 Recruiting.
What stood out from the tape:
- Extremely high IQ and understands the play before it develops
- Excellent speed downhill and horizontal
- Tackles low and aggressive
Tevis Metcalf
The 5-foot-10, 178-pound prospect out of Pinson Valley High School in Birmingham, Ala., is ranked as the consensus No. 85 cornerback in the class and the No. 38 junior in the state, per On3 Recruiting.
What stood out from the tape:
- Fast enough to stay with receivers on go routes even while in press coverage
- Outmuscles receivers and doesn't allow catches over him despite being under 6-foot
- Excels as a returner and has played snaps at running back
Trashun Griffin
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound prospect out of Bibb County High School in Centreville, Ala. is ranked as the No. 75 edge in the class and the No. 57 junior in the state per 247 Sports.
What stood out from the tape:
- Extremely explosive off the snap and consistently wraps around the offensive line to reach the quarterback before he finds an open receiver
- He has the strength to bulldoze over the offensive tackle
- Creates his own space by brushing the offensive lineman aside to take down the running back
Asher Hale
The 6-foot-5, 290-pound offensive lineman out of St. Paul's Episcopal School in Mobile, Ala. isn't ranked on any sites, but has received offers from North Alabama, Marshall, UAB and Jacksonville State.
What stood out from the tape:
- Over-powers defensive lineman and is quick to pancake/bring them to the ground
- Does a good job of creating holes for the running back by pushing his defensive lineman assignment to the left or right
- He's versatile enough to play tackle or guard
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