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MotorBoater · Jan 28, 2017

As recruiting wraps up for the class 2017, I think it's appropriate to take a moment and recognize the incredible run that Alabama's on right now. This year will mark the unprecedented 7th straight year in which Alabama will finish with the #1 recruiting class in the nation (based on 247 composite). It's just a testament to the hard work of the coaching staff, fans, and boosters to keep the program running at such a high level both on and off the field.

It's crazy that elite recruits are consistently willing to sign with Alabama even at positions of extreme depth, knowing they will likely have to sit for a few years before playing. It's even crazier that so many high-round draft eligible juniors return to play their senior years (e.g. Ryan Anderson, OJ Howard, Jonathan Allen, Reuben Foster, Tim Williams, Eddie Jackson), forgoing the potential of earning millions of dollars for the opportunity to play one more year for free (as well as receive a coveted degree from the University, ranked as the 103rd (tie) best university in the country by US News & World Report's 2017 rankings).

These guys are just doing things the right way, and you have to commend them for it (although it is a tad ironic that their inability to recruit a QB likely cost them the national championship this year).

Anyway, as an homage to Alabama's recruiting prowess over the past few years, here's a photo recap of some of the athletes that have propelled them to the #1 ranking. (Sourced as of 1/27/17 from the public Instagram accounts of 2016 rostered players only):

Jonathan Allen – DL #93
https://www.instagram.com/p/pU69K6mvHB/?taken-by=jonallen93

Anthony Averett Jr – DB #28
https://www.instagram.com/p/BNUmNIYjbAR/?taken-by=antaverettjr_

Shyheim Carter – DB #5
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOcs6_Gjhr_/?taken-by=s.carter5
https://www.instagram.com/p/wpAevhFsbS/?taken-by=s.carter5

David Cornwell – QB #12
https://www.instagram.com/p/oyp-67ze5r/?taken-by=davidcornwell12

BJ Emmons – RB #21
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHsGYoFDEFB/?taken-by=ill_mindedemmons

Rashaan Evans – LB #32
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPvULEuA_1U/?taken-by=l3g2nd

DaShawn Hand – DL #9
https://www.instagram.com/p/BFKoRPCkdww/?taken-by=dhand_9

Ronnie Harrison – DB #15
https://www.instagram.com/p/BPq0ey9jaD2/?taken-by=ronniej15
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLrxYJnDj22/?taken-by=ronniej15

Eddie Jackson – DB #4
https://www.instagram.com/p/BKyUBrpA_jy/?taken-by=ejackson_4
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHs6_ukArJI/?taken-by=ejackson_4
https://www.instagram.com/p/BHc6PT_AptL/?taken-by=ejackson_4

Anfernee Jennings – LB #33
https://www.instagram.com/p/BBu3plBsjPE/?taken-by=anferneej33

Shawn Jennings – LB #19
https://www.instagram.com/p/BI_kG0yBWbj/?taken-by=yung_jefe_19

Nigel Knott – DB #13
Link: https://www.instagram.com/p/BH-VovYhWCT/?taken-by=nigelknott_xiii

Alec Morris – QB #11
https://www.instagram.com/p/2eUJg2B_Hp/?taken-by=alecmorris_5