ANDREW BONE: Recruits will be watching Tide this weekend

The University of Alabama received their first commitment of the football season when Star Jackson, Scout.com four-star from Lake Worth, (Fla.), announced his decision the day after Labor Day. Jackson is a nice addition to the class of 2008 and the highest ranked quarterback to commit to Alabama since Brodie Croyle. Jackson will have an opportunity to shine in Major Applewhite’s offense.

“Coach Applewhite adjusts to the talent he has in the backfield. Coach Applewhite will adjust to my style of play. His mind creates wonders,” Jackson said.

The season is a long way from over, but Alabama’s 2-0 start looks good under the Nick Saban era. A lot of recruits and fans hope coach Saban will bring another national championship to Tuscaloosa, and tradition is not out of style with potential signees.

“That means a lot. ‘Bama tradition is something you can’t duplicate. There is nothing like it. I get goosebumps every time I think about the past. It’s now time to get another 12 championships,” Jackson stated.

Jackson will begin to help recruit players to follow him to Alabama. Players like Julio Jones, one of the nation’s top receiver from Foley and T.J. Bryant, five-star cornerback from Tallahassee-Lincoln, (Fla.).

The Tide’s SEC match-up this weekend with Arkansas is not a threat in terms of recruiting battles betweem the two schools. The majority of Alabama’s top prospects left on the board are considering other schools and do not have the Razorbacks as one of thierfavorites.

However, with South Florida defeating Auburn Saturday night, a lot of in-state recruits will focus on the Crimson Tide this weekend.

Alabama defeated Vanderbilt and Western Carolina rather easily, but this weekend’s game is the first true SEC test. The Razorbacks will bring in two of the top running backs in the country with Darren McFadden and Felix Jones.

Auburn will host Mississippi State on the Plains this Saturday, and the in-state recruits may split between the schools taking unofficial visits for the games. Alabama’s game televised on ESPN will likely bring more recruits to Tuscaloosa.

Charles Whitlock, a four-star cornerback from Chester, (S.C), ranks as one of the top cornerbacks in the country and expects to visit Tuscaloosa this weekend. He has trimmed his list of favorites to Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina.

“I like the coaching staff at Alabama and the way the players treated me when I visited over the summer,” Whitlock said. “The facilities are also very nice. The coaches like my quickness and speed to play corner.”

Several big names are expected in Tuscaloosa the following weekend for the Georgia game including a few official visitors. Among the group expected to officially visit is Star Jackson.

Alabama’s commitments for the class of 2008 have completed two games into their senior season. High school games across the state give fans an opportunity to see future Tiders in action as we post on TideSports.com each Friday where you can catch a glimpse of them in action before watching the Tide play on Saturdays.

Tuscaloosa County (John Michael Boswell) has an undefeated season and will host Jackson-Olin this week.

Mountain Brook (Tyler Love) has fallen to 0-2 and will host Minor Friday night.

Huntsville (Wesley Neighbors) is undefeated, but will face a tough task Friday at Bob Jones.

Davidson (Jermaine Preyear) is 1-1 but played a tough game against Murphy Friday night. They will face a very good defense this Friday at McGill-Toolen.

Eufaula (Courtney Upshaw) turned things around Friday as it defeated Rehobeth 52-0 to even their record at 1-1. The Tigers will host B.T. Washington Friday night.

Pleasant Grove (Brandon Lewis) is undefeated and will travel to Woodlawn (Undra Billingsley) Friday night. Woodlawn is still seeking their first win and will likely fall this week.

Vigor (Burton Scott) is a surprising 2-0 to begin the season. They will travel to Spanish Fort this week after defeating UMS-Wright Friday night.

The biggest surprise defeat of the season came from Williamson embarrassing Class 5A top ranked St. Paul’s. Three Alabama commitments on St. Paul’s offense (Ivan Matchett, Mark Barron and Destin Hood) hope to get back on track this week at UMS-Wright.

American Christian (Brad Smelley) continues with ease through the regular season. The Patriots are undefeated and will host Thorsby Friday night.

Pickens County (Michael Williams) suffered a week one loss to Gordo, but bounced back to defeat Oakman at home. They are back on the road this week at Shades Mountain Christian.

Norcross, (Ga.) (Devonta Bolton) defeated Northview 31-7 this past week. They will host Grayson Friday night.

Lake Worth, (Fla), (Star Jackson) fell to Vero Beach 41-14. The Trojans will host West Boca Raton this week and Jackson, like Michigan’s Mike Hart, has guaranteed a victory.

The lone Texas commitment Damian Square, from Houston-Yates helped lead his team to a 13-7 win over Willowridge. The Lions will travel Friday to Madison.

Melvin Ray, from Tallahassee-North Florida Christian, (Fla.), helped his team to a 38-0 blowout over Potter’s House. The Eagles will travel Friday night to Florida A&M High School.

Bunker Hill-Musselman, (W.Va.) (Corey Smith), fell to Sherando 40-7. They will host Woodstock Central Friday night.

Keep up with the progress of all commitments by visiting TideSports.com.

TideSports.com hosts a recruiting chat each Wednesday from 1:00-2:00 p.m. and look forward to answering any of your recruiting questions.

Reach Andrew Bone at abone@scout.com.