Alabama gets quarterback commitment from a “10”

By Darrell Laurant  |   Thursday, May 08, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Alabama Crimson Tide
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article!

The last time a hotshot quarterback came out of the Mobile area, the University of Alabama didn't get him.

You may have heard of him, a kid named JaMarcus Russell. Wound up at LSU.

And so when A.J. McCarron, who quarterbacked St. Paul's Episcopal School of Mobile to the state 5-A title as a junior, expressed an early preference for the Tigers, there was a strong sense of deja vu. Then LSU offensive coordinator Jimbo Fisher left, the emphasis in Baton Rouge seemed to tilt more toward a running quarterback, and the Crimson Tide was in the hunt again.

On May 6, McCarron -- rated the No. 1 quarterback in the state by Rivals.com -- gave a verbal commitment to Nick Saban's Tide. It may have been a clue that he chose the wings restaurant owned by former Tide lineman Bob Baumhower for his announcement, disappointing LSU, Oklahoma, Miami and a number of other schools in the process.

"I want to help Alabama win a national championship," said McCarron, a 6-foot-4, 180-pounder who threw for 2,562 yards and 26 touchdowns against just three interceptions last year.

Of course, there may have been another reason for his choice -- Alabama has already recruited four of his high school teammates.

Saban has a history of recruiting success in the Mobile area (he was the one who lured Russell across the border when he was coaching LSU), and the Tide came away with the top eight players from Kenny Stabler country this time around. Only one of 'Bama's 2008 recruits was a quarterback, however -- Star Jackson of Lake Worth, Fla.

McCarron has already asked for, and been promised, his high school No. 10, last worn at Alabama by Walter Lewis.
Got something to say?

Sign Up and be the first to comment on this article! (0)

About Darrell Laurant

...Sorry, Darrell Laurant's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report