One day remains until high school athletes across the country make decide where they want to play their college football.

During Tuesday edition of The Gary Harris Show, ESPN recruiting analyst Gerry Hamilton looked at the recruiting landscape on the day prior to National Signing Day.

A highly discussed aspect of recruiting in the days leading up to National Signing Day involves the ranking systems for various recruiting services. Hamilton explained the criteria used to formulate the ESPN 300 each year.

“We’re big on the video evaluation and not just highlights. We’re talking about games here. The game’s played in pads, and it will always be played in pads.” Hamilton said.

ESPN’s recruiting guru further explained when the process begins for evaluating a college prospect.

It starts after their sophomore season and watching those guys on game video and really getting an evaluation based off of that and then attacking the job like college coaches attack that job.” Hamilton said.

Prior to National Signing Day, Alabama has 17 commitments listed in the ESPN 300 including 4 early enrollees listed among ESPN’s top-20 players in America.

Even with the Crimson Tide’s success, Hamilton assessed a position on Alabama’s defense with the biggest need.

“Alabama has a need on the defensive line, and I think the true Alabama fans know that. They’ve lost a lot of talent there the last couple of years. That is really their key position of need right now.” Hamilton stated.

Hamilton touched on Aubrey Solomon as one of Alabama’s recruiting targets along the defensive line, but the ESPN recruiting analyst highlighted a Madison, Alabama, product that he believes is a must-have for the Crimson Tide.

“LaBryan Ray to me is a must-get guy out of the state up in Madison, Alabama. He was tremendous at the Under Armour All-America Game. Kind of has a frame similar to Leonard Williams who ended up doing great things at USC. I’m not saying he’s going to be a top-10 pick but he has that type of frame and that type of ability.” Hamilton said.

Later in his conversation with Gary Harris, ESPN’s football recruiting analyst looked at wide receivers on Alabama’s radar, reviewed players already enrolled at Alabama and Nick Saban’s success as a recruiter.

The Gary Harris Show airs every weekday from 9-11 AM on Tide 102.9/100.9 and the radioPup app.

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