New On3 prediction for Alabama

Alabama is on track to sign another elite recruiting class in 2022. The Crimson Tide signed the No. 1 class in the country in 2021 and they have 14 commitments in 2022. None are five stars in the On300 rankings – yet.

We all know that is going to change. How soon could the first five-star show up on Alabama’s commitment list? We’re not sure on that yet but it will happen.

Alabama’s offense has been lethal the last few years, but in Nick Saban’s early years in Tuscaloosa, it was all about defense. He knows a thing or two about defense, especially the defensive backs, and my On3 prediction today is for that position.

Alabama landed former American Heritage five/star defensive back Patrick Surtain, Jr. in 2018 and this could be another big win in south Florida for the Crimson Tide at one of the top programs in high school football.

On3 Prediction

I logged a prediction to Alabama for Earl Little Jr., a four-star cornerback out of Plantation (Fla.) American Heritage early in August.

Little is the No. 22 player in the country and a Miami legacy, but all signs point to him ending up in Tuscaloosa at this time. He was in Tuscaloosa late in July, and he will take his official visit the weekend the Crimson Tide hosts LSU, his No. 2 school.

His father played at Miami, and the Hurricanes are in the mix. Florida and Florida State are in-state schools in the mix as well. He also took an official visit to USC in June and it went well.

It is still relatively early with four official visits remaining, but my prediction is to Alabama with a 70% confidence level. I see the Crimson Tide being tough to beat for one of the best defensive backs this cycle.

On3 Scouting Report

This past weekend, Earl Little Jr. and his American Heritage teammates took on IMG Academy in a preseason game. On3 Director of Scouting and Rankings Charles Power wrote the following on Little’s play in that marquee matchup:

“American Heritage four-star cornerback Earl Little primarily lined up in the slot and had nice coverage on a downfield route in the second half,” Power said. “Little is a physical player who isn’t afraid to throw his body around. He was on the wrong end of a collision with IMG running back Kaytron Allen in the first half. With that said, the mentality is still encouraging to see.”