The top-rated recruits from every recruiting class of the Nick Saban era
Over the years, Alabama has become one of the best programs in the country for recruiting and developing players. The lowest recruiting class that Alabama landed since Nick Saban became the head coach was in 2007 when he brought in the No. 12 overall according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. Most programs would be ecstatic with a recruiting class that finishes just outside the top 10.
The coaching staff that surrounds Saban also does a phenomenal job. Many coaches often leave after two or three years to take better opportunities as either a head coach or coordinator. Coaches like Steve Sarkisian, Lane Kiffin and Kirby Smart were all key assistants for the Crimson Tide. Now, they are head coaches at other highly-respected programs. It is a testament to how Saban is capable of coaching up players and coaches alike.
Recruiting is a key component of a program’s success. Coach Saban insists on creating good relationships and making sure that the recruits feel at home when they visit Tuscaloosa. That has certainly paid dividends over the years, as the recruiting classes every year seem to get stronger and stronger. Today, Roll Tide Wire will take a look at the top recruit that Saban has recruited each year that he has been the head coach at Alabama.
2007 - Michael Ricks
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Michael Ricks’ 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 2 in Nation
No. 1 Safety
No. 1 in Mississippi
Rating: 0.9444
2008 - Julio Jones
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Julio Jones’ 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 3 in Nation
No. 1 Wide receiver
No. 1 in Alabama
Rating: 0.9992
2009 - Trent Richardson
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Trent Richardson’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 6 in Nation
No. 2 Running back
No. 2 in Florida
Rating: 0.9972
2010 - Dee Milliner
Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
Dee Milliner’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 14 in Nation
No. 1 Cornerback
No. 1 in Alabama
Rating: 0.9932
2011 - Cyrus Kouandjio
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Cyrus Kouandjio’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 2 in Nation
No. 1 Offensive tackle
No. 1 in Maryland
Rating: 0.9994
2012 - Landon Collins
Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Landon Collins’ 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 7 in Nation
No. 2 Safety
No. 1 in Louisiana
Rating: 0.9971
2013 - Reuben Foster
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Reuben Foster’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 6 in Nation
No. 1 Linebacker
No. 1 in Alabama
Rating: 0.9961
2014 - Cam Robinson
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Robinson’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 4 in Nation
No. 1 Offensive tackle
No. 2 in Louisiana
Rating: 0.9980
2015 - Calvin Ridley
Butch Dill-USA TODAY Sports
Calvin Ridley’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 12 in Nation
No. 1 Wide receiver
No. 6 in Florida
Rating: 0.9932
2016 - Ben Davis
Mickey Welsh-Imagn Content Services, LLC
Ben Davis’ 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 10 in Nation
No. 1 Linebacker
No. 1 in Alabama
Rating: 0.9955
2017 - Najee Harris
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Najee Harris’ 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 2 in Nation
No. 1 Running back
No. 2 in California
Rating: 0.9984
2018 - Eyabi Anoma
Photo Credit: Mickey Welsh / Advertiser
Eyabi Anoma’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 4 in Nation
No. 1 Defensive End
No. 1 in Maryland
Rating: 0.9987
2019 - Antonio Alfano
Photo Credit: Mickey Welsh : Advertiser
Antonio Alfano’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 5 in Nation
No. 1 Defensive End
No. 1 in New Jersey
Rating: 0.9965
2020 - Bryce Young
(AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Bryce Young’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 2 in Nation
No. 1 Quarterback
No. 1 in California
Rating: 0.9994
2021 - JC Latham
Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
JC Latham’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 3 in Nation
No. 1 Offensive tackle
No. 1 in Florida
Rating: 0.9989
2022 - Jeremiah Alexander
Hannah Saad via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Jeremiah Alexander’s 247Sports recruiting rankings:
No. 18 in Nation
No. 1 Edge rusher
No. 1 in Alabama
Rating: 0.9911
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