Former 5-Star Prospect Bo Scarbrough Won't Join Alabama in Fall

For most college teams, losing a 5-star prospect would be devastating. For Nick Saban and Alabama, it's a notable blow but not one that will cripple the program. 

That's good news, because Bo Scarbrough won't be on campus in Tuscaloosa until at least January, according to Saban in a news conference held Friday (h/t Charles Power of 247Sports.com).

"We have an appeal in place because is very close to qualifying," Saban said. "Our goal is to get him here in January."

Scarbrough's situation has been up in the air for a few months. Saban told Andrew Gribble of AL.com on July 17 that the status of Scarbrough and another recruit, Montel McBride, was "incomplete" due to academic situations. 

"They won't be completed until the end of summer school," Saban said. "I can't really make a prediction on what their status will be until their summer school is over."

Alabama, not so shockingly, had the top 2014 recruiting class, according to 247Sports.com, thanks to 26 players ranked 3-star or better and six 5-star talents, including Scarbrough. 

The Alabama native was the 16th-ranked prospect in this year's recruiting class and told Gribble in February that it doesn't matter where he plays on the field.

"I think I bring a lot to the table," Scarbrough said. "I can be a (feature) player for that offense. I can play wide receiver. I can play tight end. I can play running back. As long as it's on the offensive side, I can do it."

Unfortunately, fans of the Crimson Tide and college football will have to wait to get their eyes on Scarbrough. The good news is that he should be on track to play with Alabama in 2015, which essentially enhances Saban's recruiting class for next year. 

It's not going to happen exactly as he wanted, but by potentially getting to campus early in anticipation of next season, Scarbrough can have a leg up on incoming freshmen and adapt to Saban's scheme with the goal of playing in games right away next year.