Tide's A-Day Greeting Recruits

The University of Alabama set a national record in 2007 when over 92,000 fans packed Bryant-Denny Stadium for the annual A-Day game. Prospects from across the country were amazed by the fan support and helped lead the Crimson Tide to the top recruiting class in the nation. Alabama expects to host a big group of recruits Saturday with coach Nick Saban eager to see another lock-the-gates crowd.

The University of Alabama will host football fans and recruits from across the country as the Tide hits the field at 2:00 p.m. for their annual scrimmage. Elite prospects will see first hand the passionate fan support known nationwide.



Several visitors projected for unofficial visits:


Dre Kirkpatrick and Kendall Kelly

The headliner of the group will feature Dre Kirkpatrick and Kendall Kelly, from Gadsden City, as the top two in-state prospects. Teammate and sleeper prospect Darrell Smith will make the trip to Tuscaloosa as well. Kirkpatrick and Kelly have offers from Alabama, but they do not expect to make a decision any time soon.


AJ McCarron

AJ McCarron, from Mobile-St. Paul’s, has been busy playing baseball this spring but will arrive for A-Day. McCarron holds offers from across the country and lists favorites as Alabama, Georgia, LSU, Miami and Oklahoma. The Tide has the edge for McCarron’s signature, and a decision is expected before his senior season.

Brandon Heavens

Two prospects who are possibly on the verge of receiving offers from Alabama are Brandon Heavens, wide receiver from Bessemer Academy and Alvin Hines, safety from Pelham. Heavens and Hines are holding offers from Auburn.

Tim Simon

Tim Simon, running back from Cordova, took a recent unofficial visit to Alabama and will return Saturday. His teammate and 2010 prospect Ryan Smith will join him.

It is a real good year for defensive lineman, and three of the state’s best are expected. William Ming, Scout.com 300 defensive end from Athens, (Ala.), is receiving offers from across the country. Ming grew up an Alabama fan, but plans to weigh his options before making a decision.

Anthony Orr, defensive end from Harvest-Sparkman, was a standout at the Under Armour/Scout.com combine in January. He generated early offers from Alabama and Auburn.

Quinton Dial

Quinton Dial, defensive tackle from Pinson-Clay-Chalkville, is starting to attract the attention from schools across the region. Alabama, Auburn and Florida State have offered.

Davidson teammates Gerald West and Keiron Wilson plan to visit. West has received an early offer from Alabama and lists the Tide at the top of his list. Wilson is seeking his first offer.

Jonathan Edwards

A couple of local products will make the short trip with teammates Jonathan Edwards and Corey Waldon from Tuscaloosa-Central and Mardrecas Hood from Reform-Pickens County.

A name emerged on the recruiting scene in Brandon Moore, offensive lineman from Montgomery-Carver. Moore has collected early offers from Alabama, Auburn, Mississippi State and Memphis.

Two of the state’s top prospects, Nico Johnson and Tana Patrick, do not plan to visit Alabama for the A-Day game.

Austin Long

The Crimson Tide will bring in several out-of-state prospects including Austin Long, four-star offensive tackle from Memphis-Briarcrest Christian, (Tenn.). He received his first offer from Alabama and has added numerous offers from schools across the country.

Alex Bullard

Another terrific Tennessee lineman who plans to visit is Alex Bullard from Brentwood Academy. Bullard has received a dozen offers including one from the Crimson Tide. He lists Alabama high on his list and will join his former teammate, Chris Jordan a 2008 signee, in Tuscaloosa.

Darius McKeller, offensive tackle from Jonesboro, (Ga.), holds an offer from Alabama and expects to make a decision in the near future. Alabama sits at the top of his list.

Alshoun Jeffrey

Alshoun Jeffrey, four-star wide receiver from Saint Matthews-Calhoun County, holds an offer from Alabama. His teammate, Eric Mack 2010 offensive tackle, will visit as well.

Jheranie Boyd, four-star receiver from Ashbrook-Gastonia, (N.C.), has numerous offers with Alabama one of the first schools to jump in the mix for his signature.

This is not an official list of visitors who plan to visit, but a glimpse of several elite prospects expected on campus Saturday afternoon. April 12 is also a testing date for the ACT, and numerous high school juniors and seniors will stay home looking to achieve a qualifying score to play ball at the next level.