UGA target will likely save last visit for … Alabama
Alvin Kamara, who is one of UGA’s top remaining targets for 2013, said he will likely save his final official visit for Alabama.
Alabama and UGA are the co-leaders for the speedy running back from Norcross High School who also has Oregon in the mix.
Nick Saban could get a 4th commitment at RB if Alabama lands the AJC's Mr. Georgia Football (Special)
Kamara was a guest speaker the RisingSeniors.com banquet on Thursday night, along with two other alums from the junior all-star game — Milton High School DE Carl Lawson (committed to Auburn) and Alpharetta High School QB Joshua Dobbs (committed to Arizona State).
Kamara has a tight friendship with Alabama assistant Kirby Smart. He said that Smart had requested his final official visit and “I’ll probably do that.”
(Note: It’s this close relationship with Smart that caused 247sports.com’s Rusty Mansell to project Kamara to sign with Alabama over UGA)
Despite signing day less than five weeks away, Kamara has yet to set the dates for any official visits — which is almost unthinkable for a prospect of his stature.
However, that’s because Kamara has basically put the recruiting process aside while he focused on helping Norcross compete for a state championship. Two weeks ago, Kamara rushed for 141 yards and had a game-winning 69-yard touchdown catch in the 21-14 decision over Lovejoy for the Class AAAAAA title.
Kamara was named Mr. Georgia Football by the AJC.
He finished his senior season by rushing for 2,264 yards and 31 touchdowns.
UGA has a bigger need for Kamara than Alabama.
The Bulldogs only have one commitment at RB, AJ Turman of Orlando, who picked UGA over Tennessee. Kamara is high-ranked than Turman, and would give UGA a running back who is an equal threat to catch passes out of the backfield or at the slot position.
Loading ...Alabama already has three commitments at running back, including former UGA 5-star commit Derrick Henry of Yulee, Fla., and Walton High School’s Tyren Jones, who is recovering from a season-ending knee injury.
Also, Carl Lawson was a speaker at Thursday’s event. He’s ranked as the No. 2 overall prospect by ESPN. While Lawson said he was “humbled” and “blessed” by the ranking, he also said “it’s not all it’s cracked up to be” and made it clear he is ready to end the recruiting process as soon as possible (he’s committed to Auburn but looking at a few other schools, including Clemson, Ole Miss, and Tennessee). Lawson also had a Q-and-A session with a reporter while on the stage; when asked about the status of his commitment to Auburn, Lawson smiled and said “no comment” while exiting to his seat.
THE LATEST HEADLINES
- UGA RB target Alvin Kamara will likely save last visit for … Alabama
- PREVIEW of state’s top football recruits for 2014 … this is a MUST READ
- DELAYED … 2 UGA football recruits to postpone enrollment
- Read the fine print … Alabama secures recruit with document
- UGA may have hit its … magic number
- How can UGA sign 30-35 with the SEC’s new over-signing rules? Are the Bulldogs breaking the role?
- Who will UGA hire as its new recruiting coordinator?
- 5-star Montravius Adams will visit UGA on Jan. 25
- UGA’s Rodney Garner: Looking for a few good men to finish out 2013 class
- Auburn LOSES 7th football recruit since Chizik firing … 5th from Georgia
- Another top Georgia recruit headed to … SEC’s newest member, Texas A&M
- Demarcus Robinson FLIPS AGAIN … switching from Florida back to Clemson
- New GSU commit reportedly had his scholarship WITHDRAWN from South Carolina
- Some tough, tough news for UGA … RB-WR Tramel Terry may have torn ACL on opening play of all-star game and will undergo MRI
- Onetime UGA and Georgia Tech OL target commits to SEC school
- Georgia State landed its QB of the future … Auburn and Mississippi State were also interested
- Babysitters and children’s daycare will impact college choice of 5-star Reuben Foster
WE’RE SIX WEEKS FROM SIGNING DAY
- DB Shaq Wiggins “100-percent committed to UGA” but sets visits to South Carolina, Florida, Ole Miss and Texas A&M
- UGA or Alabama for 4-star RB?
- UGA target Montravius Adams … LIVIN’ UP TO THE HYPE
- Ex-UGA commit will play for … archrival Florida Gators
- Georgia Tech coach Paul Johnson feels good about his 2013 class
- What is the impact of Notre Dame’s 12-0 start on recruiting efforts in Georgia? Well, to tell you the truth …
- UGA’s Big Board … who is on it?
GREATEST HITS
- RECRUITING WARS: Nick Saban vs. Mark Richt
- State’s No. 1 CB … FLIPS … from South Carolina to UGA
- JC DB de-commits from UGA after not hearing much from Bulldogs
- Q&A with mother of undisputed No. 1 prospect Robert Nkemdiche
- Mark Richt croons “Happy Birthday” to star football player
- Kelsey Griffin finally SPEAKS OUT on UGA, South Carolina
- – By Michael Carvell, AJC Recruiting Blog
- So much is happening so fast. Have you missed anything over the last few days? Catch up with our feed by CLICKING HERE
- BOOKMARK the NEW AJC Recruiting homepage here
Got an item? mcarvell@ajc.com
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176 comments Add your comment
Bremen Dawg
December 28th, 2012
9:36 am
Pick the Dawgs
Grandma Dawg
December 28th, 2012
9:39 am
Alvin, please come to Georgia and play for a great Christian man such as Coach Richt. He has a lot of character and integrity. He cares for you more than football. Nick Saban is evil. If you get hurt, he will pull your offer. He also makes recruits sign secret papers that they don’t fully understand. He cannot be trusted. Yes, he wins, but it comes at a cost. It is not worth it. Please pray about it, and I know God will point you in the right direction.
DawginNash
December 28th, 2012
9:44 am
Anyone taking bets on how long it’ll be before trolls start trolling?
Sam
December 28th, 2012
9:45 am
Milk it, fellas. Get as much attention as you can before you make your decision. Then go to UGA.
Score Check
December 28th, 2012
9:50 am
Coach Sick Satan = SCUM
Coach Sick Satan = SCUM
Coach Sick Satan = SCUM
Tweak you knee and he leaves you twisting in the wind
Under perform and he pushes you to take a Medical
Absolutely this is the way it works at Bumer time and time again
DawginNash
December 28th, 2012
9:55 am
Also, could we not call Saban “evil”? I mean, yeah, he condones some pretty poor ethical decisions in recruiting, but I’m getting tired of poor sportsmanship by our fans. Especially poor are those who slander him in defense of Mark Richt’s religiosity. Saban is Catholic, which is indeed Christian too.
RedandBlackDAWG
December 28th, 2012
9:58 am
The kid has narrowed his choice down to two very fine institutions. In the end, he is going to go where he is most comfortable with, and what is best for him. I hope it is UGA, but I wish the kid good luck, wherever he ends up.
RHall55
December 28th, 2012
10:00 am
Maybe it is because AL produces the best OL in College Football….OL Coach Will Friend do your job in recruiting and we’ll get these in-state backs also!! C’mon Man…do your job!!
bwell
December 28th, 2012
10:02 am
AK,
Come to UGA! We need you more than Ala.
MC,
Why do so many great players from our state go out of state. Stay in state and help build a dynasty.
Chi Town
December 28th, 2012
10:03 am
U MAD??
23 SEC Titles
December 28th, 2012
10:03 am
JAWJA folks that refer Coach Saban as an “evil” and Satan, really need to look in the mirror….
You hate Bama, I get it, but get a life…..
Roll Tide. Got 23?
hipdawg
December 28th, 2012
10:12 am
I guess we will get the leftovers after saban, so I doubt we get him.Need Tunsil and some linemen even worse than another back.
Flat Tire and Still Refusing to Drink delusional Kool-aid
December 28th, 2012
10:13 am
Most of these kids want to go where they feel they can win championships; not where they can listen to sells pitches like Dream Team and Knocking on the Door To Greatness
thestogs
December 28th, 2012
10:22 am
Come to Alabama and win championships. Pick Georgia where under-performing teams just reload year after year.
Big Crimson 75
December 28th, 2012
10:28 am
With apologies to Nash, who appears to be the only educated dog on the board this morning, it must be reiterated that Saban is indeed Catholic.
You people do know Catholicism right? The largest denomination of the Christain Faith World-wide.
In fact, it more than doubles Protestantism, the secon largest sect.
Here’s more to hate about the evil-doer — he’s a Democrat!!!
He has a long track record of supporting African-American candidates for Mayoral & State Rep positions.
He also famously “stood up” the Clown Prince of American Presidents — W.
I wonder if maybe the young Nick Saban was influenced by literally watching with his own eyes, one of the great travesties in American History — the Kent St shootings orchestrated by another evil American — Nixon.
Sorry y’all bitter maniacs, the bullets missed him.
BigDawg
December 28th, 2012
10:28 am
Actually the Dawgs need O-linemen more than they need another running back. We have three very fine RBs already with several others in the works. O-line is where the greatest need is because of the attrition that goes with the positions. Anyways I wish Mr. Kamarra all the best and if he chooses the Dawgs all the better for US.
As for those of my Fellow Dawgs badmouthing Coach Saban- HE IS A WINNER and a producer of talent which comes with the job of being a head coach especially in the high pressure SEC. It is hit or miss with these guys being able to compete on a very high level in the SEC and then go to the next level. Coach Richt and his staff has always done a good job of preparing Georgia’s players for the next level but more importantly in growing into productive members of society. He does practice what he preaches and cares for the character of the men that he coaches and mentors at Georgia.
Along the same line Coach Saban on the surface has cleaned up the mess that was Alabama football when he arrived there. He instituted tough policies with players and coaches and is to be commended as far as I am concerned. The fact he doesn’t accept defeat and mediocrity is what I suspect a lot of my Fellow Dawgs are really upset about. Anyways Go Dawgs
RNB
December 28th, 2012
10:28 am
From reliable sources. The reason Kirby wants the last visit is because he will be the head coach. Saban is Cleveland bound.
I see things
December 28th, 2012
10:31 am
Kamara to hammer, Adams to Clem, who knows with Reuben but not uga, Toby j sights with uga and the one up in the air- with a slight hammer lean is tunsil. Hope I.m wrong. I see things
Dawgsgone
December 28th, 2012
10:34 am
Very big decision for this young. Choosing a place to spend the next 3-5 years of his life is a lot for an 18-19 year old to consider. Hope he chooses UGA but wish him the best what ever he decides. Good luck in the future and regardless where you go, get your degree. Can’t go wrong with degree form UGA or Alabama.
Baddabing
December 28th, 2012
10:37 am
I like Mark Richt but Nick Saban is the best coach in college football. He not only is better at coaching up the talent he is better at handling the prima donna high school athlete that so often washes out or gets kicked off the team at GA. There is a higher expectation both on and off the field at AL and Nick Saban demands a higher accountability on both. The reward; SEC and National Championships along with the best
preparation for the NFL
Bama
December 28th, 2012
10:43 am
Some sane and level-headed Dawgsin here this morning…very refreshing. Although I’m sure JB and Flo-ri-duh will be along to spoil the party soon…since it looks like their grandma has already posted this morning.
For what it’s worth I think Kamara is UGA bound and will be the back ya’ll have needed since Moreno left.
Roll Tide and hope ya’ll wipe the Cornholios a new one
Jeff
December 28th, 2012
10:43 am
Well you see what kind of guy Saban is by trapping the JUCO kid who wants to play at Ole Miss but is stuck now with Bama because of the paperwork Bama put in front of him. Meanwhile when the kid last year committed then got hurt he was only offered a grey-shirt not a full schollie.
As even my Bama friends admit, Saban “operates in the grey” — maybe nothing outright illegal but certainly unethical. The choice is clear.
Flat Tire and Still Refusing to Drink delusional Kool-aid
December 28th, 2012
10:44 am
He might ought to consider Tech
There he would be put into the prestigous Tech Business school where 98% of the football team is
There he would learn how to play in the most complicated and exciting Middle school offensive scheme in the nation
There his NFL draft status will take a nose dive
There he would be mentored by an outstanding coach who preaches to his fanbase that they should punch their rival fans when they meet them on the streets
Did I forget to mention he would get to eat at a fish fry every Friday at the coaches mansion
Bama
December 28th, 2012
10:45 am
Wrong Jeff…but then you probably are most of the time when you pull your facts out of your rear. The scholarship on the grayshirt offer would have begun this spring semester if he would have accepted it. Fact. Any more lies from ya this morning?
5 yards short
December 28th, 2012
10:46 am
Dawgs will come up short again…… Bank on it!
Destin Dawg
December 28th, 2012
10:51 am
Saban going pro… will announce after bowl game… he’s already hiring a staff
old Dawg
December 28th, 2012
10:53 am
Bama already has 3 RB’s for 2013 class
Destin Dawg
December 28th, 2012
10:54 am
Avin… Stay In State.. close to friends and family.. you’ll get lost at Bama
100 letters
December 28th, 2012
10:55 am
I guess when grown men like Saban send 100 desperate letters to a teenager it makes more of an impression than you would think. I would run away from a guy that sent me that many letters!
Big Crimson 75
December 28th, 2012
10:56 am
Well you see what kind of guy Saban is by trapping the JUCO kid who wants to play at Ole Miss but is stuck now with Bama because of the paperwork Bama put in front of him. Meanwhile when the kid last year committed then got hurt he was only offered a grey-shirt not a full schollie.
——
I think you mean when he failed to qualify academically — Jeff, you might be right & myself and every new-reporting agency in the Free-World could be wrong.
Destin Dawg
December 28th, 2012
10:57 am
Alvin… go Dawgs !!!
Big Crimson 75
December 28th, 2012
10:59 am
Destin — who’s been hired?
The NFL has serious tampering laws when it comes to that sort of activity.
Are we to assume Saban is above those laws?
WDE
December 28th, 2012
11:02 am
Young man seems like he will play for the Tide his relationship with Smart will be the deciding factor and that kind of thing is what is the deciding factor for most of these players . Wish the young man best of luck .
Joey
December 28th, 2012
11:15 am
You are right, BigDawg and Flat Tire. Saban has something going on at Bama nobody’s seen since, well, the Bear at Bama. Congrats Bama – you did get the right guy.
And please, fellow UGA fans, stop with the Satan, SCUM, stuff – it makes you look petty, stupid, and completely void of facts.
Nick Saban has done this remarkable job with hard work, yeah, hard work – not with breaking rules and trick plays on the field. His player graduation rate is better than our guy’s.
Criticising what he has done over there is about as inane as the Techies trashing Richt, even while he beats them again, and again.
BamaGuy
December 28th, 2012
11:17 am
We want him but you NEED him…We will win with or without him…Georgia will lose with or without him…In other words, business as usual…
Flat Tire doesnt live in Delusionalville Ga.
December 28th, 2012
11:29 am
Hate to agree but your right bama guy
ignition
December 28th, 2012
11:32 am
I don’t really see how he fits with Alabama’s running style of powerbacks, he more shifty and elusive.
UGA has a back like that as well in Marshal unfortunately they do not use him enough.
If I were him I’d go to Oregon, he’d be a Heisman candidate within a year.
tide roll
December 28th, 2012
11:33 am
ALVIN LOOK: We’ll have some offensive linemen waiting to meet you. We just landed BRANDON HILL out of Hargrave Military. 6′5″ 350 lb. OT who will enroll in January. We’ve received a commitment from LEON BROWN, a 6′6″ 320 lb. OT out of Brooklyn. Last year we landed OT BRANDON GREENE out of Atlanta. He’s up to 6′5″ 320 and is just mashing people. He is joined by 6′5″ 340 lb. OT ALPHONSE TAYLOR out of MOBILE. And they’ll all be together with ARIE (6′5″ 310 lbs. and CYRUS (6′6′ 315lbs.) KOUANDO. They’re all looking forward to seeing you on your visit. In the meantime, Bobo is raving about some kid from a scholastic school in Maryland. He’ll be joined by another kid Bobo committed from yet another scholastic league. The school is in Valdosta and is named Valwood. Two of their commitments this year are Kublablow and Nardiello, both 6′3 280 lbs! Who would you rather run behind? You check with Coach Maloof. He’ll steer you right. As long as Richt and bobo continue to recuit and sign the caliber of offensive linemen mentioned above. then THEY DON”T DESERVE TO SIGN YOU.
Preview of the Georgia’s top college prospects for 2014 | Edu Tips
December 28th, 2012
11:38 am
[...] UGA RB aim Alvin Kamara will expected save final revisit for … Alabama [...]
tide roll
December 28th, 2012
11:43 am
Also, Coach Saban, out of the generosity of his heart, has complied with Coach Richt’s request to borrow three of our National Championship trophies for UGA to display on your visit. They want you to think that they’ve won 4 National titles when in fact, they’ve won just ONE, and that was way back even before your parents were born. SO DON’T FALL FOR IT!
Big Dick
December 28th, 2012
11:45 am
I know Kamara is a great athlete but yo guys do get to caught up in how many stars they have in their ranking. Remember Marshall was a 5 star and Gurley was the running back with the less than top end speed who ran top straight up. I think both are great backs but what is the difference between a 5 star and a 3 star? I will tell you its a recruiting anlysts opinion which all of you guys get to hung up on. The proof is when they put the pads on and sho what they are made of on Saturday’s. I feel that our coaches are more qualified to look at prospects than I am and I also feel like they have in the past and will continue to bring in the talent that Georgia needs to continue to compete on the national level. It isn’t the end of the world if a recruit decides that they want to go to another school, after all these are young men who will be sending the next four years possibly five at that school so they need to go where they feel most comfortable. Georgia will get it’s share of top athletes as will Alabama and Florida and FSU but nobody knows how they all develop until they get the pads on.
Big Crimson 75
December 28th, 2012
11:47 am
It’ll be an interesting close to the recruiting season.
Luckily for Bama, snagging Robert Foster all but guarantees another top 5 class, along with the recent additions of Hill on the O-Line & Cook in the secondary.
Bama secures the top class again if they get 2 of the following 5:
Bell, Kamara, Tunsil, Adams & Robert N.
I think Vonn Bell is a stout Bama lean.
Robert N is probably Ole Miss.
Bama will land at least one of the following — Kamara, Tunsil or Adams.
There’s been lots of heat concerning Monty Adams to Bama lately!!
It certainly doesn’t hurt having Mount Cody & Marcel Dereus exchanging texts with the youngster.
Finally, there’s everyone’s favorite school-hopper, Rueben Foster!!
Chizik was actually putting together a great class before he got whacked.
It appears Aubie will keep Dee Liner & Carl Lawson.
They are now UGA’s main competition for Toby Johnson.
Malzahn has inked 2 juco kids since being hired & has met with Foster.
The latest drama concerning Mr. Drama has 5 School’s in the mix, the latest being A&M.
My only hope is Trooper doesn’t get a job as a result of Rueben’s decision.
tide roll
December 28th, 2012
11:50 am
Also Alvin, after your visit to Athens, would you mind returning them to us? Just load ‘em up in your trunk and bring ‘em back to Winnersville. Take your time, we don’t need ‘em right away. We’ve got plenty. Just bring ‘em on your visit.Thanks Alvin.
Delbert D.
December 28th, 2012
11:50 am
“Saban is Cleveland bound.”
Saban said he was indeed visiting Cleveland, interviewing some of their assistants for a position on his staff. That rings a lot more true than a man at his age wanting to spend his last years in a trainwreck in the NFL, giving up a contact that pays him nearly $6 million a year through 2020.
When do the Mack Brown rumors start?
Big Crimson 75
December 28th, 2012
11:51 am
A tip of the cap to Joey.
Be Honest
December 28th, 2012
11:53 am
To all fans who know everything..Saban is a great person and coach..1 Players go to class and graduate (check records) 2 Proven he can win (check record) 3 He tells kids that he will gray shirt or red shirt them (ck record) 4 He will work them very hard and expects them to work . 5 Will play you as a frshman if you are good enough 6 Sends players to the NFL (ck record) So lets tell the facts not all of these lies.
AdMan
December 28th, 2012
11:59 am
tide roll….you are the sickest person on this blog….sounds like your mother beats you a lot by the way you whine….you need help!Do you like big women as much as you like big men?…..Thats all you ever talk about….I’d be willing to bet that your a puzzy and have never played football in your life.
North Campus Trash
December 28th, 2012
12:11 pm
as I’m sure you have, Adman. Great post.
kingdaddy
December 28th, 2012
12:13 pm
Big Crim…
Can’t believe you went political on us. You know how that screws up the blog. You want to get the numbnutz in here? How many recruits are comitted to Bama now and how many more spots open.Hope you and the family had a good Christmas. I was blessed with the flu as a early X-Mas gift, just starting to feel better. Good luck against ND and have a Great New Years…
Brown Dog
December 28th, 2012
12:21 pm
Imagine, playing for a Yankee Catholic Democrat. Oh the horror.