Welcome to Recap '99
The Class
When discussing Alabama's recruiting class, the biggest question is where to start. Since coaches say that it's what's up front that counts the most, let's start with the Tide's incoming linemen.
Here's The Beef!
Several national recruiting experts say that Alabama signed the country's top linemen on both sides of the ball. The Tide signed four Parade All-American linemen -- Dante Ellington and Matt Lomax on offense, Kenny King and David Paine on defense.
Along with Paine and King, Jarrett Johnson, Garry McNealy, Gerard Clark and Leslie Williams have the size, speed and athletic ability to cause plenty of headaches for opposing quarterbacks.
Keep an eye on Michael Gaines. He might start out at tight end, but we think he'll end up at defensive end or linebacker. Gaines could be the most exciting pass rusher at Alabama since Derrick Thomas!
For years, the Tide offensive line has lacked size, strength and athletic ability. But this class includes at least four offensive linemen with those qualities.
Along with Ellington (6'6, 320, 5.1) and Lomax (6'4, 298, 5.1), there's center Alonzo Ephraim (6'3, 282, 4.85), who's compared to Dwight Stephenson, and Dennis "Big Sexy" Alexander (6'4, 335, 5.2). And some recruiting experts predict that tight end Casey Gilbert (6'4, 272, 4.9) will end up starring at guard.
The Speed
A lack of speed, especially on defense, over the past two seasons has resulted in poor intensity and many missed assignments.
This class has five players -- Gerald Dixon, Antonio Carter, Hirchel Bolden, Roberto McBride, and Brandon Miree -- who can run the 100 meters in 10.7 or better.
On the defensive line, Paine, Johnson, McNealy, Clark, and Williams run 4.8 or better.
Linebacker Saleem Rasheed has been timed at 4.41.
At cornerback, Dixon, Bolden, and Hudson run at least 4.4. And JUCO transfer Milo Lewis might have the best closing speed of all the incoming players.
The Florida Connection
Perhaps the next most significant aspect of this class was the quantity and quality of players signed from talent-rich Florida.
Alabama got nine players from Florida, including such nationally rated prospects as Antonio Carter, Michael Gaines, Jarrett Johnson, Garry McNealy and Raymon Hudson.
As you'll see in the recap profiles, The Cottrell Connection was the key for most of Alabama's success in the Sunshine State.
The Most Underrated Players In The Class
Those who've seen Leonard Fulgham's highlight film will agree that he might be the best player in this class. Fulgham is a complete package -- 6'3, 201 pounds, 4.5 speed, great hands, tremendous leaping ability, and the knack for making big plays. Depth at receiver will be only reason that Fulgham might not make an immediate impact next season.
When it comes to pure speed, Gerald Dixon is at the top of this class. Dixon, who consistently runs a 4.3, has the speed, strength, athletic ability, and mindset to be an outstanding coverman. Dixon's high school coach, Bob Windsor, says that Dixon is the best player he's ever been around. That's high praise, especially when you consider that Windsor played in the SEC and NFL.
Dothan's Hirchel Bolden has 4.36 speed, excellent size and hands, and moves like Kevin Faulk. Bolden, who could play any skill position, will make an impact next season at cornerback and returning kicks.
Thanks
I'd like to thank all of those people who helped make our first year in Tuscaloosa a success. So many were willing share information and work together to make it a fun year.
Special mention goes to Freddie Kirby and Barry Holland of Pigskin Preps, Tom Culppeper of Southeastern Blue Chip Report, Mike Wood of WNSP, Bruce Parris of MultiMedia Sports, Cecil Hurt of The Tuscaloosa News, Kirk McNair of Bama Magazine, and Forrest Davis and Jamie Newberg of Countdown To Signing Day.
Also, I'd like to thank our contributing writers to the recap. Thanks goes to Thomas Murphy of the Mobile Register, for his story on Matt Lomax, to Aaron James for his feature on The Florida Connection, and to Allan Stansell for his profile of Saleem Rasheed.
Finally, thanks to all of the TI members who made our third year our best year yet. We look forward to many more years to come!
Rodney
Note: Tom Culpepper of Southeastern Blue Chip Report provided many of the pictures that you'll see in this recap. Tom also compiled our list of junior prospects. We appreciate Tom's help.
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