Alabama gets commitment from four-star receiver

Melvin Ray, Scout.com four-star receiver, committed to the University of Alabama. The 6-foot-3, 202-pound prospect was in Tuscaloosa for the Tide’s summer camp and was in Tuscaloosa for a team camp in 2006. The connection of coach Kirby Smart helped this commitment along as well.

“I called coach [Nick] Saban and told him of my decision. I later spoke to coach [Kirby] Smart and coach [A.C.] Carter. Coach Saban was shocked. He didn’t expect it to happen so soon,” said Ray, a senior at North Florida Christian in Tallhassee, Fla. “Coach Smart is from south Georgia, and we have always had that connection.

“I learned a lot about the history of Alabama last year. I went to the Bear Bryant Museum a few times. You can’t get enough of that. It was really nice. Alabama has a lot of tradition. The fans love their football. It’s great.

“After going to Alabama’s camp it really helped out a lot. I learned a lot more about Alabama than just the history of the program. I learned that the coaches really care about you as a person. They support you in everything you do.”