Alabama closes another highly rated class with 5-star LBs

Alabama closes another highly rated class with 5-star LBs

Published Feb. 3, 2016 5:28 p.m. ET
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) Alabama closed its signing class with a flourish, picking up two coveted linebackers to help complete another top-rated recruiting haul.

Five-star linebackers, and in-state prospects, Ben Davis and Lyndell ''Mack'' Wilson made their announcements for the defending national champion Crimson Tide on Wednesday. It added a little suspense to the final product even if neither decision came as much of a surprise.

It's the sixth straight year Alabama has landed the nation's top signing class according to composite rankings of recruiting websites compiled by 247Sports, thanks to a resounding finish

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Alabama signed five players both on the offensive line, including 5-star tackles Jonah Williams and Charles Baldwin, and in the secondary plus four defensive linemen.

The Tide reloaded a defensive line that must replace A'Shawn Robinson and Jarran Reed and got two four-star running backs with Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry and backup Kenyan Drake gone. Alabama picked up a couple of highly rated junior college linemen, Baldwin on offense and Jamar King on defense.

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Other things to know:

Top 25 Class: Yes.

Best in class: Davis of Gordo, Alabama. The 10th-rated player nationally and top inside linebacker, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.

Best of the rest: Williams (enrolled), Wilson, Baldwin; RB B.J. Emmons, DB Nigel Knott.

Late additions: Davis, Wilson, DB Shyheim Carter, Knott, DE Terrell Hall, King.

One that got away: OL Landon Dickerson (to Florida State).

How they'll fit in: Davis, whose father Wayne is Alabama's all-time leading tackler, and Wilson could help fill the void left by All-America middle linebacker Reggie Ragland. There's room for instant contributions elsewhere, too, including at safety and on the defensive line.

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For the full list: http://www.rolltide.com/

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