John Michael Boswell commits to Alabama

NORTHPORT | John Michael Boswell, a big man on the Tuscaloosa County High School campus, visited a bigger school on Saturday and made a decision about his future.

Boswell, a 6-foot-6, 300-pound All-State offensive tackle, committed to sign with the University of Alabama. National signing day for high school players won’t be until February. But Boswell said he no longer has a top five list of favorites.

“I’m solid," he said. “I’m committed. I know Alabama is where I want to go. Being an Alabama fan most of my life, it’s like a dream come true."

Boswell attended Alabama’s A-Day game on Saturday and saw 92,138 fans squeeze into Bryant-Denny Stadium. Following the game, he told Alabama head coach Nick Saban of his decision.

“I knew I had to decide what was best for me, but it was definitely impressive to see them fill the stadium like that," he said. “Alabama’s got a lot of fan support, and that’s definitely good for the program.

“I think he’s a great coach. He’s going to turn the program around. I saw what he did at LSU, winning the national championship there in his third year. I think he’s starting out with more at Alabama than what he started with at LSU. That’s encouraging. The goal is to win the national championship in college."

Boswell said his personal goals for his senior year are to earn All-State recognition again and to help the Wildcats win the Class 6A championship.

Boswell gained a starting role at right tackle when he was a sophomore. He moved to left tackle for his junior year.

“I feel like I’m a good pass blocker and a good run blocker," he said. “I concentrate on my techniques. Everything I try to do, I try to do it right. I know I’ve got to keep working and try to get better at all of it."

Boswell posted a 92 percent grade last season with 31 knockdown blocks. TCHS coach Robert Higginbotham said Boswell “dominated" every defensive lineman he faced.

“I’ve had some really good linemen through the years, but when you look at everything about John Michael he’s probably the best prospect I’ve ever had," Higginbotham said.

“He’s got the height, the strength and the agility -- all those things it takes to be a great lineman.

“Basically, all of the good schools were after him. I think he made the best decision because he’s going to be here at home and he’ll play for an outstanding coach.

“I’m pleased that he’ll be playing for Coach [Joe] Pendry [Alabama assistant]. He’s the type of guy who can develop John Michael to his fullest."

Boswell’s decision won’t stop the recruiting process, and he has plenty of time to change his mind.

“I’ll just tell them I’m committed to Alabama," he said.

Higginbotham said he doesn’t think Boswell will get distracted, even if he continues to get letters and phone calls and text messages.

“He’s a very mature kid," Higginbotham said.

“I don’t think he lets a lot of things go to his head. I’m expecting him to be the bell cow on our offensive line this year. I’m expecting John Michael and all of our seniors to have a great year."

Reach Andrew Carroll at andrew.carroll@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0223.