National Signing Day 2016: Ranking and grading each SEC football recruiting class
Ranked No. 8 in the nation less than a week prior to National Signing Day, the Alabama Crimson Tide finished strong in 2016 and made a huge push extending the program’s unprecedented streak of No. 1 recruiting classes to five. Alabama added five-star linebackers Ben Davis and Mack Wilson on National Signing Day and closed strong with late commitments from other highly touted players like Nigel Knott, Shyheim Carter, Terrell Hall and Scott Lashley.
Instant Impact Performers: OL Jonah Williams, OL Charles Baldwin
Cam Robinson came to Tuscaloosa two years ago and earned himself a starting role almost immediately. Jonah Williams, like Robinson a five-star offensive line prospect, may not be a starter from Day 1, but the 6-foot-5, 296-pound California native will have an early opportunity to show what he can do this spring as an early enrollee. The same can be said of Charles Baldwin, a 6-foot-5, 315-pound junior college signee that ranked No. 2 overall among this year’s JUCO prospects.
Expect both Robinson and Baldwin to compete for early playing time on an Alabama offensive line that must replace two starters.
Another player to watch is running back B.J. Emmons. With Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry off to the NFL and Kenyan Drake out of eligibility, running back is the least experienced position on the Alabama depth chart heading into the 2016 season. Expect Emmons to have a shot to join Bo Scarbrough and Damien Harris in the rotation this fall.
Underrated Signee: ATH Shawn Jennings
Alabama head coach Nick Saban has stockpiled five-star talent during his time in Tuscaloosa, though every once in a while, the Crimson Tide gets an unexpected lift from an under-the-radar prospect. Among the newest members of the Alabama football program, 6-foot-2, 218-pound three-star athlete Shawn Jennings could develop into a high-end future contributor.
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A two-way performer at Dadeville (Ala.) high school, Jennings started at quarterback and played safety as a prep. His future is on defense, either at safety or potentially at linebacker if he adds weight on campus.
Unanswered Question: How long can it all last?
Because the Alabama roster is so talented, and the 2016 recruiting class is solid from top to bottom, there really isn’t one glaring question. However, there are concerns about how long Saban will continue to coach, how the departure of Kirby Smart will impact the Tide defense moving forward, and if the elite performance both on the recruiting trail and on the field on Saturdays can continue in 2016 and beyond.
Complete 2016 Alabama Football Recruiting Class:
Final Thoughts: Another year, another supremely talented crop of talent is headed to Tuscaloosa. This year’s offensive line haul is one of the best we’ve seen in recent years, especially with the late addition of longtime Mississippi State lean Lashley adding depth, and adding Davis and Wilson to a thin linebacker corps is huge. Saban and company are some of the best closers in the country.