Alabama 2017 Class Nears Completion with CB Kyriq McDonald and OT Kendall Randolph

Written by Ryan Wright

Twitter: @HogManInLA

The Crimson Tide have reclaimed the top spot in the national recruiting rankings (Rivals) with a busy weekend highlighted by commitments on Sunday from three-star cornerback Kyriq McDonald and four-star offensive lineman Kendall Randolph.

The weekend got a kick start on Thursday when four-star Florida wide receiver Jerry Jeudy rolled with the Tide. The momentum continued with Bob Jones standout Kendall Randolph added his name to the list. Randolph was a road grader for Bob Jones in 2015 playing left tackle but has the size, speed, and athleticism to be a banger at guard at the next level.

Kyriq McDonald jumped on recruiting boards after a standout junior year complete with 70 tackles and eight interceptions taking four back for touchdowns. The 5’11”, 185 pound, playmaker showcased his skill set on special teams blocking five punts, with four of those returned for a touchdown, and blocked a field goal attempt.

Alabama added the Madison area talent over offers from Vanderbilt, Troy, Florida State, Cincinnati, South Alabama, and Mississippi State. The Tide kept Randolph away from SEC foes like Auburn, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Missouri, Georgia, Florida, and Mississippi State as well as national powers like Michigan and Louisville.

The Tide has rushed to the front of the class securing 20 total verbal commitments. Bama has some wiggle room left on their commitment list to add a safety or defensive lineman, or two, to the class or a top recruit at any position as one becomes available.

Alabama Crimson Tide 2017 Verbal Commit List (20)

CB Jhavonte Dean, 6-2, 180, Blinn College, Brenham, TX

CB Kyriq McDonald, 5-11, 185, James Clemens HS, Madison, AL

LB Markail Benton, 6-1.5, 237, Central HS, Phenix, City, AL

LB VanDarius Cowan, 6-4, 217, Palm Beach Gardens HS, Palm Beach Gardens, FL

LB Gary Johnson, 6-1, 225, Dodge City C.C., Dodge City, KS

DE Aaron Sterling, 6’1”, 270, Stephenson HS, Stone Mountain, GA

DT Akial Byers, 6-4, 275, Fayetteville HS, Fayetteville, AR

OG Alex Leatherwood, 6’5”, 298, Washington HS, Pensacola, FL

OT Elliot Baker, 6-7, 295, City College of San Francisco, San Francisco, CA

OT Hunter Brannon, 6-4, 290, Cullman HS, Cullman, AL

OT Kendall Randolph, 6-5, 290, Bob Jones HS, Madison, AL

RB Najee Harris, 6’1.5”, 210, Antioch Senior, Antioch, CA

RB Brian Robinson, 6’1”, 215, Hillcrest HS, Tuscaloosa, AL

QB Mac Jones, 6-2, 180, Bolles HS, Jacksonville, FL

QB Tua Tagovailoa, 6-1, 210, St. Louis HS, Honolulu, HI

WR Jerry Jeudy, 6-1, 177, Deerfield Beach HS, Deerfield Beach, FL

WR Tyrell Shavers, 6-6, 202, Lewisville HS, Lewisville, TX

ATH Chadarius Townsend, 6’0”, 180, Tanner HS, Tanner, AL

LS Thomas Fletcher, 6’1”, 215, IMG Academy, Bradenton, FL

K Brandon Ruiz, 5-10, 165, Williams Field HS, Gilbert, AZ

 

Photo credit: highschoolsports.al.com; No. 6 Kyriq McDonald closes in on another tackle.