1. Ishmael Sopsher (DT/Amite, LA) — 5 Stars
Literally and figuratively, Ishmael Sopsher is Alabama’s biggest remaining target in this recruiting cycle.
The crystal ball still favors LSU for his signature, but Alabama has been trending for the five-star defensive tackle since right before the early signing period. It’s clear that defensive tackle is an area of concern for the Tide after Quinnen Williams’ departure for the draft making Sopsher their biggest remaining target.
Sopsher is more of the old school defensive tackle that Saban used to covet; he’s not the leaner nose guard that Alabama has employed over the last several seasons. Sopsher is listed at 6-foot-4 and over 330 pounds. He wears that weight quite well, though, showing a surprising nimbleness to go along with his vicious power.
While this has felt like a two-horse race between Alabama and LSU for a long time, both Texas A&M and Ole Miss are still firmly in the mix for his services. Oregon has also tried to get into the mix by offering his brother, JUCO defensive end Rodney Sopsher.
It’s no secret in recruiting circles that the five-star Sopsher is hoping to join his brother as a package deal somewhere, but that is tricky for a few schools playing the numbers game, particularly Alabama. Both LSU and Oregon have offered his brother a scholarship at this point, and Ole Miss could be preparing to do the same as they host both on a dual-visit this weekend.
If that’s truly the case, Alabama isn’t likely to win the Sopsher race; Saban isn’t going to offer his brother a scholarship just to appease him. This is a similar situation that took the Crimson Tide out of the running for former Cal wide receiver Keenan Allen a few years back. The five-star receiver was a one-time Alabama commitment, but ended up with his brother in Berkeley instead.
The need is evident, however, and Alabama could offer a pathway to immediate playing time. I believe Sopsher is at the top of the Tide’s recruiting board, but I do not expect him to end up in Tuscaloosa.
Regardless of how National Signing Day plays out on the first Wednesday of February, there’s a lot of talent heading to the Capstone as Saban hauls in another top-ranked recruiting class to retool an already loaded roster.