Tide rolling again with recruiting success
Alabama rolled to the No. 1 spot in the Rivals.com 2008 team rankings. If things continue as they already have this recruiting cycle, look for the Tide to be near the top again. After landing pledges from four-star defensive tackle D.J. Fluker and four-star quarterback AJ McCarron, the Tide reeled in their biggest commitment this year Monday from four-star running back Trent Richardson. He’s a 5-foot-11, 210-pounder who is ranked as the nation’s No. 3 running back and the No. 28 player overall.
Richardson, from Pensacola (Fla.) Escambia, picked the Tide over Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State and LSU, among others. Escambia coach Jimmy Nichols said a big reason the commitment came so early is that Richardson wanted to get the decision out of the way. “The longer you wait with these things, the more you get bombarded with calls and letters, and he just wanted to get it behind him,” Nichols told BamaOnline.com.
Richardson also told his coach that a strong relationship with 2008 five-star wide receiver Julio Jones played a factor in his decision. “I think Trent’s relationship with Julio Jones really helped Alabama,” Nichols said. “They have become real good friends and wanted to play together. Trent also felt more comfortable with their coaching staff and it is pretty close to home. It was a good fit for him.”
This isn’t the first time a high-profile prospect from a previous class has helped a school land a top recruit in this year’s group. Many of Ohio State’s 11 four-star or higher prospects have said one of the reasons they picked the Buckeyes was because of quarterback Terrelle Pryor, 2008’s No. 1 player.
Back to top
