Alabama building towards huge class in 2017

The monster class that Avery Johnson and Alabama were counting on in 2016 just might arrive a year later in 2017.

The Crimson Tide's 2016 recruiting wasn't bad by any means, but the de-commitment of five-star shooting guard Terrance Ferguson -- who eventually ended up going pro in Australia -- certainly put a damper on things. With 2016 squarely in the rearview mirror, it looks like that monster class may come this recruiting cycle.

Johnson and the Crimson Tide received huge news Thursday when in-state four-star prospects Herb Jones and Alex Reese both announced their commitments just days after official visiting Tuscaloosa together.

Ranked No. 72 overall, Jones is a 6-foot-7 wing with huge upside. He's got a smooth looking jumper with range to beyond the three point line, he can put the ball on the floor and he looks like one of those guys that is just scratching at how good he can be. In many ways, he has some similarities to a young Joe Johnson.

A power forward with touch and size, Reese ranks No. 73 overall in 2017 and committed just a few hours after Jones.

Reese has excellent hands, is plenty mobile and has a body to build on in the Alabama weight room. He makes jumpers with regularity from 15 feet and is also a good passer out of the low post, he just needs to get a bit stronger.

By adding Jones and Lee on the same day, Alabama has landed multiple four-star or bettter prospects from within the state border for the first time since 2011 when they landed Trevor Lacey, Levi Randolph and Rodney Cooper.

While Jones and Reese are a heck of a start to Alabama's 2017 recruiting efforts, they are still hoping for much more.

The Crimson Tide look to be leading for three-star big man Galin Smith but the real action is with five-star Collin Sexton (No. 7 overall), five-star Troy Brown (No. 12) and four-star John Petty (No. 30). They've all visited and if the Crimson Tide can add any one of those highly touted guards the 2017 class will be a smashing success.