Calloway skips recruiting fray, commits to Crimson Tide
By Staff
Scot Beard
TUSCALOOSA – Since coming to the University of Alabama in 2007 Nick Saban has put together some of the nation's top recruiting classes.
He got a jump-start on the Class of 2011 this past weekend when Russellville rising junior Brent Calloway verbally committed to play with the Crimson Tide.
Calloway was in Tuscaloosa to attend a basketball camp when he got the news Saban wanted his services.
"I met with Coach Saban just before our game this afternoon and he told me that he was offering," Calloway told the Tider Insider after committing to the Tide. "He asked me if I wanted to verbally commit and I told him I did."
Calloway, who is 6-foot-3 and weighs 210 pounds, has recorded a speed of 4.63 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
He led Russellville in rushing with 1,460 yards on 236 carries for 23 touchdowns.
He also caught 18 passes for 224 yards and another touchdown.
As accomplished as he is on the offensive side of the ball, Saban wants Calloway to play linebacker in Tuscaloosa.
"Alabama recruited me as an athlete, but (coaches) have talked to me about linebacker," Calloway told the Tuscaloosa News. "I don't mind playing linebacker at Alabama at all. I have the size for it. I don't see why I wouldn't play it."
As a sophomore Calloway spent time at both linebacker and running back before senior running back Scotty Freeman was lost for the season due to an injury. Calloway was then moved to the starting running back slot and was no longer used much on defense.
During his brief time on defense, Calloway recorded 25 tackles and two sacks. He also recovered a fumble and returned it for a touchdown.
Attempts by the Franklin County Times to reach Calloway for comment were unsuccessful.
"This is a great opportunity. I can't think of anything better. So I decided to that I wanted to go ahead and make my decision," Calloway told the Tider Insider. "I come down here to Alabama all the time. It's a great place. They have everything I'm looking for. It's a great program."
