Could Alabama’s receiver coach leaving impact FSU’s recruitment of Henry Ruggs, Devonta Smith?

According to multiple reports, Alabama receivers coach Billy Napier is leaving the Tide to become the offensive coordinator at Arizona State. This could have significant recruiting ramifications for Alabama, but also for Florida State, who is recruiting against the Tide for two top receiver prospects in Henry Ruggs, and Devonta Smith. While Napier was not the lead recruiter for either prospect, he was certainly involved, and FSU will take any advantage it can get.

Ruggs, of Montgomery (Ala.) Lee County is one of the fastest rising prospects in America. A basketball star with limited football experience, but who doesn’t look at all out of place, catching the ball naturally.

Ruggs had his final in-home visit with Florida State earlier this week. You can bet this will come up in future phone calls.

Here was my writings on Smith Thursday.

Devonta Smith, four-star WR, Amite (La.)

Bud’s take: It is hard to discount his camp’s connection to Alabama defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt. The feeling from Alabama people is similar to the one they had with Shyheim Carter’s camp last year, who lived just 20 minutes away from Smith. (Alabama signed Carter, who followed Pruitt from Georgia to Alabama). As of now, I am picking Alabama. But the Tide are going to be fighting competition from the Hurricanes and Seminoles down the stretch, both of which have better situations for early playing time. If Alabama has room, I think it will land Smith. He loves Alabama. In fact, when I asked him for his top two NFL comparisons, he named Julio Jones and Amari Cooper, both former Crimson Tide stars.Devonta Smith, four-star WR, Amite (La.)