How did Alabama's D1 schools do during the early signing period?
How did the college programs in Alabama fare during the early signing period? Pretty well, to say the least. Here’s a look at each school and their respective classes.
Alabama: Avery Johnson was able to sign four-star forward Braxton Key and JUCO standout Ar’mond Davis. Top 10 wing Terrance Ferguson has yet to sign, but that should take place sometime before the early signing period ends on Wednesday. It’s a good start for Johnson’s first full recruiting cycle at the Capstone.
Alabama State: The Hornets did a great job of targeting prospects from inside their own city of Montgomery. Combo guard Reginald Gee and shooting guard Austin Rogers make up a talented backcourt that will help strengthen Alabama State’s backcourt. Rogers’ brother, Steve, won SWAC Freshman of the Year last season for the Hornets.
Auburn: Auburn signed all of its commitments and it is another good looking class for Bruce Pearl on the Plains. Athletic 4 man Anfernee McLemore signed first thing Wednesday morning, followed by Mustapha Heron and Jared Harper on Thursday. All three guys seem to be perfect fits for the style of play Pearl wants to have the Tigers playing in the future.
Samford: Samford has the top class in the SoCon, and the coaching staff did a great job of attacking their roots. The Bulldogs were able to sign two in-state top 10 players in Triston Chambers and Justin Hopkins. Head coach Scott Padgett also used his Kentucky connections to reel in forward James Boone, and Philadelphia point guard Josh Sharkey caps off an impressive class for Padgett and the Bulldogs.
South Alabama: Kevin Morris made a last-second commitment on Tuesday, National Signing Day eve. South Alabama head coach Matthew Graves isn’t complaining though, as it gets the Jaguars’ 2016 class off to a nice start with a stout big man down low. Morris is the No. 3 prospect in Alabama’s 2016 class, and he is also the first Alabama native to sign with USA during the Graves tenure. Big pull for the Jaguars.
UAB: UAB announced their early signees Friday afternoon, headlined by the No. 2 player in the state, Javien Williams. The ultra-athletic Williams burst onto the scene after an impressive showing at the inaugural Alabama Elite Preview in the spring. The Blazers also signed sharpshooter Nate Darling from DeMatha Catholic (MD).
UAH (D2): Alabama-Huntsville is only a Division 2 school, but it is also one of the most successful programs in the state. They signed two quality pieces in shooting point guard Seth Swalve and hard-nosed forward Jack Kline. Those two will keep the winning attitude going for the Chargers.