The first period of National Signing Day will take place on December 20, 2017, and the second period will take place on February 7, 2018. Alabama coaches continue to pursue key targets to fulfill the Class of 2018 and all this week on BamaInsider.com, our staff will provide insight to where Alabama stands with the current roster and highlight key targets to know at each position on the recruiting board.
ICYMI: Quarterback | Running Back
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Today's Breakdown: Receiver
Projecting ahead to when the 2018 class would arrive, here are the known scholarship players with returning eligibility for the 2018 season (that season’s class indicated):
Depth at Receiver
Xavian Marks - Sr.
Derek Kief - Sr.
Jerry Jeudy - So.
Henry Ruggs - So.
Devonta Smith - So.
Chadarius Townsend - RS - Fr.
Tyrell Shavers - RS - Fr.
2018 Receiver commitments
Receiver position overview by BamaInsider Team Writer Tony Tsoukalas
There are two ways to look at Alabama’s wide receiver situation. On one hand, the Crimson Tide will most likely be losing its top receiver Calvin Ridley, who has more than four times as many receptions as any other receiver on the roster. On the other hand, Alabama should have enough quality options to fill the void next season.
Ridley, a junior, is projected to be a first-round pick in next year’s NFL draft. The 6-foot-1, 190-pound receiver is Jalen Hurts’ roommate and by far the quarterback’s favorite target. Through 11 games, Ridley has 55 receptions for 896 yards and three touchdowns. By comparison, true freshman Jerry Jeudy is the Crimson Tide’s second-leading receiver with 13 receptions for 244 yards and two touchdowns.
On top of Ridley’s likely departure, Alabama will also lose seniors Cam Sims and Robert Foster. The two provided veteran experience this season, but both failed to live up to their potential during their college careers. Sims has 13 receptions for 194 yards and a touchdown, while Foster has 11 catches for 146 yards and a touchdown.
The excitement comes in Alabama’s freshmen. Jeudy leads a talented trio that also includes Henry Ruggs III and DeVonta Smith. Ruggs has seven receptions for 175 yards and a team-high five touchdowns. Smith six catches for 115 yards and two touchdowns, including the game-winner against Mississippi State. Alabama also has talented freshmen who are redshirting this season in Tyrell Shavers and Chadarius Townsend. Juniors Xavian Marks and Derek Kief are also candidates for increased playing time next season.
We’ve seen Alabama use two different three-receiver sets this season with Ridley, Foster and Sims in one package and Jeudy, Ruggs and Smith in the other. While Alabama has plenty of talent coming back, adding an extra playmaker in this year’s class would certainly help with depth.
As far as tight end is concerned, Alabama should be pretty set. Alabama returns starters Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr. and will get Miller Forristall back from injury. The Crimson Tide also has promising freshmen options in Major Tennison and Kedrick James.
