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Robert Nkemdiche: Ole Miss Should Be Worried Alabama Is Making Moves for 5-Star

Andrew KulhaJun 7, 2018

Ole Miss still appears to be the favorite to land No. 1 overall recruit Robert Nkemdiche, but you shouldn't count out Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Alabama can essentially pitch itself to a recruit like Nkemdiche.

It's arguably the most prolific college football program in the nation currently, Saban is the best coach in college football right now and it may very well bring home a second straight National Championship this year over the prestigious and historic Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

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If you're the best recruit in college football, Alabama certainly has to look like a great option.

This should be worrisome for Ole Miss, especially since 'Bama appears to be putting on the full-court press for Nkemdiche.

247Sports is reporting via Twitter that Alabama defensive coordinator, Kirby Smart, made a great pitch to the No. 1 overall recruit:

"

"According to a source, Kirby Smart did a great job positioning how Nkemdiche would be used at #Bama" bit.ly/U0ju5I

— 247Sports (@247Sports) December 14, 2012"

Smart and Alabama run a 3-4 defense, so most likely he was talking to Nkemdiche about his ability to dominate the 5-technique much like Marcell Dareus did at Alabama.

Generally, the defensive end in a 3-4 takes has to take on double teams and fills two gaps, thus he ends up playing a complementary role—not getting a lot of sacks/stats—but that wouldn't be the case for a player like Nkemdiche.

He's big enough (6'4'' and 285 pounds, according to 247Sports) to make an impact against the run and hold his own against double teams, and he's athletic enough to move laterally down the line and make plays. He also possesses enough strength and speed (4.65 40 per 247Sports) to be able to be a more than effective pass rusher.

The big theme surrounding Nkemdiche's recruiting process has been his family, specifically his mother. Robert's brother, Denzel, plays for Ole Miss, and their mother, Beverly, has been pretty open about wanting her sons to play together.

Many believe that this gives the Rebels the ultimate edge, but it is worth noting that she had this to say about Alabama back in November, per Michael Carvell of ajc.com:

"

My No. 1 team is Alabama. That’s one school I truly love, Alabama. But I don’t have child in Alabama to take me to Alabama.

"

After that she did reiterate that she wants Robert and Denzel to play together though, but it is a very interesting side note in this whole saga.

Ole Miss is still the favorite the land Nkemdiche and many around the program are feeling pretty good about their chances (per Nick Krueger of Rivals.com), but it's hard not to notice that Alabama is starting to pick of its game

Ole Miss should be worried.

Saban and his program aren't known for losing.

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