Alabama Football: Ranking Crimson Tide’s last 10 recruiting classes

7. 2018

Best Player: Patrick Surtain II
Best Value: Josh Jobe

This class has at least two years before you can truly define it in terms of success. However, they have already produced for this team at a high level in just their freshman season.

The top player as a freshman in this class is a battle between Jaylen Waddle and Patrick Surtain II. I gave the nod to Surtain just because he is more valuable to the team as a corner than Waddle is as a safety so far.

After at least two of Alabama’s top three top receivers declare for the draft next year, this answer might be completely different. Waddle also brings a lot on special teams, where he can get the ball in his hands and make a few people miss to turn a potential fair catch into a twenty-yard gain.

The scary thing is that the top recruit in the class is still waiting his turn to see the field. Expectations are high for Eyabi Anoma, but I believe he’ll be great for the Tide in the next two years as a pass rusher.

One unexpected position change happened this spring when Cameron Latu moved from the edge to tight end. Tight end is a position of need for Alabama now that Irv Smith is in the NFL. Latu showed promise in the spring game, and I expect for him to grow into a role as Tua looks for his next big target to throw balls to down the seam.

One player that did not turn out as expected in 2018 was Savion Smith. Smith showed some promise, but being a JUCO transfer limited his time with the Tide. He declared for the draft after just one season.

The player I’m most hopeful about from this class looking forward is definitely Josh Jobe. Jobe is a talented corner that will definitely see the field in his sophomore season. He’s shown the ability to both lock down receivers and ring bells when he gets the opportunity. He’s just a savage in a football uniform.