Auburn and Alabama vying for instate recruits

By Robert Rousseau  |   Thursday, December 25, 2008  |  Comments( 1 )

Auburn Tigers
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As new Auburn Tigers head coach Gene Chizik continues to push on the recruiting trail, it would seem important to note that the Alabama Crimson Tide currently has commitments from four of the state’s top 10 prospects. Auburn, meantime, has a commitment from only one -- defensive tackle Jamontay Pilson.

Of course, the Tide usually does better instate than Auburn. Still, it would seem important to note which top 10 uncommitted instate recruits who are considering the two schools remain.

Here they are, then. . .

Dre Kirkpatrick: This 6-foot-2, 180-pound five-star cornerback from Gadsden City High School runs the 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds, which isn’t lightning fast. However, he makes up for that with amazing ball and overall coverage skills; plus, he has the size for the position, which is why he’s the top-rated prospect in Alabama.

Kirkpatrick amassed 11 interceptions and 113 tackles over the course of his sophomore and junior seasons combined. Both Alabama and Auburn have a shot at him.

Tana Patrick: A four-star inside linebacker from Stevenson (North Jackson High School), the 6-3, 215-pound Patrick benches 295 pounds and squats 555 pounds. Patrick, who comes in at No. 4 among Alabama recruits, has been a tackling machine since his sophomore season. Evidence is that he amassed 175 tackles and six sacks over his sophomore and junior seasons combined. Add in his 4.5 speed and the 391 yards and 10 touchdowns he put up receiving last season, and you have a guy whom both Auburn and Alabama would love to have.

Kendall Kelly: One major advantage this four-star wideout has is size (6-4, 210). In addition, Kelly -- also from Gadsden City High School -- runs the 40 in 4.45 and possesses a vertical jump of 38 inches.

Recently, Nick Saban visited Kelly and left a good impression on him. He falls in at fifth on the Alabama recruiting list.

Brandon Moore: Then there’s the 10th-ranked player on the list, Moore, a Montgomery-area offensive tackle (Carver High School). The 6-5, 313-pounder moves well for a person of his size and benches 365 pounds.

Chizik has feverishly been recruiting Moore. It will be interesting to see if it pays off.
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About Robert Rousseau

Robert Rousseau is a sports writer that has been published in a variety of print and online venues. He’s been writing for RealFootball365.com for almost three years now. When Rousseau isn’t writing about college football he tends to be penning mixed martial arts pieces for MMAFighting.com or...
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