UPDATE: 3/14: The NCAA has implemented a "Dead Period" through April 15 which prohibits in-person contact between coaches and prospects. Recruiting over the phone, Twitter, FaceTime, etc. is still permitted.

Amid concerns over COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Coronavirus, the SEC will shut down on-campus and off-campus recruiting visits until at least March 30, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey announced on Thursday.

"We did have conversations about recruiting I referenced and have stopped off campus and on campus recruiting for a period of time," Sankey said. "That could be extended. I've identified the NCAA needs to fully engage on this issue as well. The practice issue may be for them nationally. I think we had some conversations. I don't know that we came to a destination, so that means it's still on that list that we're creating."

Sankey was asked about information that led to the decision to put a halt to not only recruiting visits, but the cancelling of the SEC Tournament and all SEC events until March 30.

"I don't have all of that detail, Adam. We have a representative on the NCAA board of Governors, Dr. Eli Capilouto," Sankey said. "They had a call that was called suddenly yesterday afternoon, as I understand, and in my debrief with him, just the overview of that information, what was being shared, there are six medical doctors on the COVID-19 advisory panel. There's another individual who works in international events, security and management, and a set of former and current student-athletes. They shared information. I don't have all of those details, but it was about spread, about the need to interrupt the potential spread, and the role of college athletics and big events in engaging in stopping that potential spread."

The spring portion of the calendar often sees a number of big visitors make their way to the Capstone, all culminating to the marquee recruiting event of the spring, A-Day.

Alabama was set to see a number of prospects visit the next few weeks, including five-star offensive tackle Tommy Brockermeyer, five-star defensive tackle Damon Payne, four-star wide receivers Mario Williams and Agiye Hall, and others. Depending on how long recruiting visit operations are suspended, some of these visits may have to be rescheduled.

It’s not clear how or if the recruiting calendar will be adjusted to make up for this period of time. Had operations continued as normal, the next Dead Period — which prohibits in-person contact between prospects and coaches — was set to go into effect on June 22 and run through July 24. While the calendar is not yet available beyond July, the last two years we’ve see the month of August be a Dead Period as well.

Alabama's 2021 class currently sits with one commitment in Mobile (Ala.) Mobile Christian standout Deontae Lawson. UA capped off the No. 2-ranked signing class in the nation, per the industry-generated 247Spots Composite Team Recruiting Rankings, back in February.

Stay tuned to BamaOnLine for more on this developing story.

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