BamaInsider On the Road: Alabama commits and targets we are seeing from Aug. 19-20
Today marks the beginning of BamaInsider on the Road, a series that will run throughout fall 2022 on BamaInsider. Throughout the season, we will be in attendance for several high school games to see top Alabama commits/targets in the 2023 and even 2024 recruiting cycles.
This weekend is a loaded one to kick things off. Over the next 24 hours and change, we will be watching several Alabama pledges in action, including five-star safety Caleb Downs.
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Buford vs. Thompson (Friday at 4:00 p.m. Central): Multiple Alabama targets and commits to take the field today
Starting the weekend off is one of the more anticipated matchups of the 2022 high school football season. Thompson High of Alabaster (Al.) will take on the Buford Wolves of Buford (Ga.) in the Freedom Bowl at Milton High School tonight.
On the Buford side of things is Justice Haynes, one of two Alabama running back commits in this class (the other being Richard Young). Per the 2023 On3 Consensus, Haynes is the No. 44 overall prospect in the nation and the third-ranked running back.
We’re looking forward to seeing the versatile Haynes both as a ball carrier and as a pass catcher. Last season, Haynes rushed for 2,375 yards and 29 touchdowns at 8.8 yards per carry. It’s possible that we see Haynes take snaps on defense as well later today.
Buford also features coveted juniors Eddrick Houston, KingJoseph Edwards, and K.J. Bolden, all of whom hold offers from the Tide.
On the other side of the ball is the Thompson Warriors. The two players we’ll be closely watching are Peter Woods and Tony Mitchell.
Mitchell, a five-star defensive back who committed to Bama in June, can play multiple spots in the secondary, so we’re excited to see exactly how Thompson utilizes him tonight. Woods is a Clemson commit, but is still being pursued by Nick Saban’s staff. He’s a disruptive force in the trenches who has drawn comparisons to Aaron Donald from those in Thompson’s program, and it’ll be interesting to see plays in which his and Haynes’ paths cross.
We’re also going to keep tabs on how 2025 DB Anquon Fegans — younger brother of Crimson Tide freshman Tre’Quon Fegans and someone who holds an Alabama offer — performs in this contest.
After this game, expect to have an analysis of how these players performed, video highlights, and interviews with some, if not all, of these players listed above.
Brookwood vs. Norcross (Saturday at 12:00 p.m. Central)
For the first time, I’ll get an opportunity to see Dylan Lonergan throw in person. He and the Brookwood Broncos will face off against Norcross on Saturday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Lonergan tossed for nearly 3,400 yards and 32 touchdowns to just three interceptions last season. He also rushed for over 600 yards and seven touchdowns during his junior campaign.
Lonergan has a great touch on his deep throws, can toss it on the run with accuracy, gets the ball out his hands in a timely manner, and has a high IQ. We’ve already watched the 6-foot-4, 230-pound Eli Holstein in person, so we’re ready to see the similarities and differences between him and Lonergan.
Both of Alabama’s 2023 quarterback commits are listed as top 10 signal callers on the On3 Consensus.
BamaInsider will also pay attention to Norcross’ Lawson Luckie. The Georgia Bulldogs tight end pledge officially visited Alabama in June, and remains in touch with the Crimson Tide.
Mill Creek vs. Walton (Saturday at 3:00 p.m. Central)
The final game on our slate is Mill Creek vs. Walton, which will also be played at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. There’s a lot of talent on both sides, but the main player we’ll be keeping a close eye on is Caleb Downs.
Downs, according to the On3 Consensus, is the No. 13 overall player and the top-ranked safety in the nation. Alabama beat out Georgia, Ohio State, and others to land his commitment last month.
Downs is the definition of someone who can do it all. He’s able to play the nickel spot, outside boundary, free safety, and even spend time in the box. We saw Downs play last season, but we’re interested in seeing how Downs has continued to progress physically and what else he’s added to his arsenal.
