What’s next for Alabama: Five recruits to watch as the dead period comes to halt

Alabama is currently sitting at 23 commitments as of July 21 , and frankly there are not many targets remaining on the recruiting board. The Crimson Tide had a month to remember which saw the class skyrocket to the No. 1 recruiting class in the country after its ‘cold summer’ theme which didn’t seem to slow down after five-star quarterback Keelon Russell flipped his commitment in early June.

A few recruits came off the board on Saturday- four-star WR Derek Meadows announced his commitment to LSU, while three-star DL Floyd Boucard committed to Oklahoma. Alabama hosted both for official visits last month, but it had not been trending in the Tide’s direction for them, especially with Meadows, after Caleb Cunningham announced his decision.

There are still a few targets who remain, including some who will announce decisions before the start of the season. Other targets may emerge in the fall. Alabama will also likely attract players to return who may have committed elsewhere this summer.

Alabama commitments will also still remain heavily pursued by other schools with some expected to take future visits. That’s all part of the process. It happens every year, so enjoy the ride until the finish line.

Below is a look at five players we are currently monitoring closely as the dead period comes to an end (Friday), and recruits re-engage with visits to schools next weekend. There are also some big decisions coming soon.

CLICK HERE for the updated list of recruits who will attend the Alabama Champions Cook-Out on July 28.

AK Dear , Top 100 RB, Quitman HS in Miss.

The recruitment of the No. 2 running back in the country has been closely monitored since his de-commitment from Ole Miss on 6/28.  An immediate announcement was never expected, at least from the BOL perspective. Dear has not revealed a commitment date yet, but the expectation is sooner rather than later. Alabama continues to trend heavily here. It will come as a surprise if an announcement in favor of the Tide does not take place soon. Dear has certainly kept many on their toes since re-openining his recruitment, and the Ole Miss side still has some confidence. Alabama RBs coach Robert Gillespie has done an excellent job, and it continues to appear as more of only a matter of when, not if for the Tide.

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Justus Terry , five-star DL, Manchester HS in Ga.

Another player ranked No. 2 nationally at his position will also likely decide before the start of his senior season. Terry took an official visit to UA on June 21-23, and if nothing else, the Tide has made things interesting as a decision date draws near. The former UGA and USC commitment has considered Alabama as one of his top two-three schools since the start of the recruiting journey. This is a very significant win for Coach DeBoer if he can go into the Peach State and land a five-star highly-coveted by Kirby Smart . Coach DeBoer already has a few five-star wins against the Bulldogs this cycle in Mike Carroll and Dijon Lee , though they were not in-state for UGA. Terry has not indicated any visit for next weekend to this point, but there are certainly a few fighting to get him on campus including UA.

Derick Smith , Top 100 ATH, Southside HS in Selma, Ala. (Alabama commitment)

There’s been a lot of chatter surrounding Smith during the last week including rumors of de-commitment. Auburn has continued to press hard, but Smith remains in the Tide’s class. There’s a different approach as the Tigers have pursued as a receiver, while Alabama has recruited as a safety. Though both schools will likely give Smith an opportunity to play wherever he prefers. This is a tight race which should carry into the season. Smith currently expected in attendance for Auburn’s Big Cat Weekend on Saturday before a trip to Tuscaloosa on Sunday.

Must-Read: Five things we learned about Alabama at SEC Media Days

Kaliq Lockett , five-star WR, Sachse HS in Texas

Alabama has met its needs at receiver in this cycle with the additions of Caleb Cunningham and Lotzeir Brooks . Two was the target number, but it doesn’t mean UA will turn down an elite player. UA has certainly kept the door open for Lockett after his visit to Tuscaloosa last month. Alabama wasn’t on the short list until his official visit. The Tide suddenly climbed into the top two with Texas. The Longhorns will try to make sure it doesn’t lose out on another in-state five-star after Dakorien Moore recently committed to Oregon. Alabama will take a commitment from Lockett, but also not looking for a replacement if he commits to the Longhorns. He has not confirmed any visit plans for next weekend.

Faizon Brandon , ’26 five-star QB, Grimsley HS in Greensboro, N.C.

The No. 1 QB in the ’26 class is scheduled to announce his decision August 3.  He spent three days in Tuscaloosa right before the dead period, and there was a lot of buzz coming out in favor of the Crimson Tide. Brandon announced a top four of Alabama, LSU, N.C. State and Tennessee. He has a visit scheduled with the Vols on July 27, and he has been considering a trip to UA for the 28th.  He has not revealed any additional plans yet. It’s unclear if Keelon Russell’s stock rise this summer, which included an Elite 11 MVP, is playing a factor here. Alabama wants Brandon, however, and continues to heavily pursue.

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