Alabama vs. Auburn: Who Won the SEC Recruiting Showdown?
In the South Eastern Conference, the rivalry doesn't get more heated than Alabama vs. Auburn. It's the Roll Tide! vs. the War Eagle! and it begins well before the first spring practice. National signing day is the first battle of the year for these SEC giants. Each team vying for the top position in the state.
So how did things shake out in 2011? It's no surprise that each school finished in the top five of recruiting, but who has the edge? Let's take a look each teams top five prize recruits and see who won the battle for talent.
10. Alabama-Jeoffrey Pagan, DE
1 of 11
Position Rank: 8
Overall Rank: 53
Why Alabama Wanted Him
His size. Pagan is 6'3 and 260. He's got the power to bull rush lineman and can routinely put blockers back on their heels.
Where He Needs To Improve
He's a good player, but he is not physical with his hands. He's has trouble getting off the block at times.
Bottom Line
In a lesser conference his size would be enough to carry him through, but in the SEC he'll have to get better with his hands.
9. Alabama -Brandon Sylve, WR
2 of 11
Positional Rank 5
Overall Rank 41
Why Alabama Wanted Him
He's a tremendous play maker with great size, speed and breakaway ability. Once he catches the ball he's a threat to take it all the way.
Where He Needs To Improve
There isn't a glaring issue, but Sylve will need to continue to work harder to adjust to the games rising level of competition.
Bottom Line
It's hard to find anything but an upside to this player.
8. Alabama – Trey DePriest, OLB
3 of 11
Position Rank 2
Overall Rank38
Why Alabama Wanted Him
He's a play maker. He moves well from one side of the field to the other. He supports the run well and is an excellent blitzer. Once he wraps you, he has you.
Where He Needs To Improve
He leaves a little to be desired in his pass coverage. While he can read the pass well, he needs work on his one-on-one coverage skills.
Bottom Line
He was as good as it gets at his position and should be a force early.
.jpg?w=256 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
7. Alabama- Xzavier Dickson, DE
4 of 11
Position Rank 4
Overall Rank 22
Why Alabama Wanted Him
He's got great size and can play both offense and defense. He's quick defensively and sheds blockers and will be great in run support.
Where He Needs To Improve
He comes off the ball a little slow at times and his height doesn't make him ideal for the position.
Bottom Line
He's got great skill and technique and should be able to use his size to give SEC teams more than they can handle.
6. Alabama – Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix, S
5 of 11
Positional Rank 2
Overall Rank 19
Why Alabama Wanted Him
All around great safety. He is equally effective against the run or the past. Is quick to the ball and is great and reading offenses and dissecting pass patterns.
Where He Needs To Improve
Needs to learn that it's not just about the big hit. He'll need to wrap guys up at the next level.
Bottom Line
He's the kind of impact safety that can anchor your defense for four years.
5. Auburn – Erique Florence, S
6 of 11
Positional Rank 4
Overall Rank 52
Why Auburn Wanted Him
Very tough and physical player who tracks down the runner and can punish them. Excellent run stopping ability.
Where He Needs To Improve
He's not great side to side. He doesn't turn he pursuit well. Can get beat with a good quick cut.
Bottom Line
He's going to do well at the college level, but against shifty running backs he'll have some bad moments.
4. Auburn- Kiehl Frazier, QB
7 of 11
Position Rank 2
Overall Rank 47
Why Auburn Wanted Him
Dynamic play-maker both in and out of the pocket. He's smart and doesn't make mistakes. He's got the ability to make most throws on the field.
Where He Needs To Improve
His mechanics, like most great running quarterbacks of late, are a bit flawed. His throwing motion is bizarre and seems unnatural.
Bottom Line
He's got all the makings of a great spread quarterback, but he needs to up his game in a very competitive SEC.
3. Auburn – Quan Bray, QB,RB,WR
8 of 11
Position Rank 5
Overall Rank 40
Why Auburn Wanted Him
Very versatile. He can literally play quarterback, running back, or wide receiver at the next level. While he won't likely play quarterback, his speed will make him a standout at either other position.
Where He Needs To Improve
He's so gifted that it's tough to see a downside, but he'll just have to learn his permanent position better and that could take a little time.
Bottom Line
He's a great prospect that will not only help on offense, but will be a big benefit in the return game as well.
2. Auburn – Gabe Wright, DT
9 of 11
Position Rank 3
Overall Rank 26
Why Auburn Wanted Him
Great speed and power make him a beast. He should give the SEC opponents fits and will be apt at getting to the running back and the quarterback.
Where He Needs To Improve
Needs to work on his technique. Like many kids at his level, he relies on size and strength when he should be honing his technique.
Bottom Line
If he develops even a little bit of technique he'll be one of the best tackles in college football.
1. Auburn- Christian Westerman, OT
10 of 11
Position Rank 2
Overall Rank 6
Why Auburn Wanted Him
He's a tremendous run blocker. He can manhandle guys and doesn't get beat straight up. Very athletic player.
Where He Needs To Improve
He's not the worlds best pass blocker. He can sometimes get stood up as well.
Bottom Line
:
He's got all the skills to be a four year offensive lineman for the current National Champions.
Conclusion
11 of 11
Looks, it's no shame to have either one of these recruiting classes. There are serious play-makers going to both schools, but the edge has to go to Auburn.
It's a slim margin but four of Auburn's top 5 players are in the top four of their position rankings. They have a crop of guys who should be able to contribute to their title defense right away. No matter what it will be fun watching these two teams face off.
.jpg?w=480 "Ohio State Team Doctor")
