Alabama announced Wednesday that eight football players have enrolled early and are eligible to go through spring practice.
The early arrivals are quarterback Blake Barnett, running backs DeSherrius Flowers and Bo Scarbrough, offensive linemen Brandon Kennedy and Dallas Warmack, defensive tackle Jonathan Taylor, and safeties Ronnie Harrison and Deionte Thompson. Barnett, Scarbrough and Thompson are each five-star prospects, with Scarbrough having signed with the Crimson Tide last year before failing to qualify.
Taylor was dismissed from Georgia last July after an arrest on felony aggravated assault and family violence. He played this past season at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College, where he tallied 44 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks.
“Jonathan Taylor was admitted to the University of Alabama following the same procedures that the UA admissions office uses to evaluate any student who has dealt with legal issues,” the university said in a statement. “The admissions process includes representatives from academic, legal, student affairs, student conduct, UAPD and counseling. Athletics is not involved in the admissions process.
“Taylor’s continued enrollment depends on his ability to fulfill all requirements the university has specifically mandated for him during his time as a UA student.”