Tide's in-state signees could make immediate impact

The University of Alabama signed the No.1 recruiting class in the country on National Signing Day on Feb. 6. The players will arrive with plenty of accolades on their high school resumes, and their former coaches rave of the star athletes in their off the field qualities.

The signing class is made up of three Scout.com five-stars and a national high 17 four-star recruits. We discussed the five-star recruits in last week’s column, and today we take a look at the in-state Scout.com four-star signees.

Jerrell Harris, Gadsden City linebacker, announced his college decision National Signing Day in front of a packed auditorium at his high school. Harris kept a low-profile throughout the year, but especially in the last month prior to signing day. He announced his decision to sign with Alabama by pulling a houndstooth hat from underneath the podium and placing it on his head.

“I will be attending the University of Alabama,” Harris proclaimed. “I didn’t want to go too far away from my family,” Harris said in post-interview. “I have a great relationship with all the Alabama coaches.”

Harris could provide immediate playing time once he arrives in Tuscaloosa. He has played defensive end throughout his high school career, but the 6-3, 220-pound athlete will play outside linebacker for Alabama. Harris was rated by Scout.com as a four-star weakside linebacker and the fourth best prospect in the state.

Harris was named ASWA first team All-State and Super 12, Under-Armour All-Star game (Orlando), finalist for Alabama’s Mr. Football, Orlando Sentinel All-Southern Team Alabama Linebacker, Parade Magazine All American Team 2007, AJC Super Southern 100 linebacker, ScoutSouth.com Star of Alabama and was first team All-State for his junior season.

“He’s been a pleasure to coach,” Gadsden City head coach Joe Billingsley said. “He exemplifies a great work ethic. He’s a young man that if he keeps the same work ethic that he had for us, which I fully expect for him to do, he should excel anywhere he goes.

That’s the reason he’s taken his God-given ability and used it in that manner, and that’s what separates him from other players. Jerrell is kind of reserved. He doesn’t talk a whole lot, but when he does people listen to what he says. A very humble young man, very appreciative of everything he’s achieved.”

Marcel Dareus (Huffman) did not receive as much hype throughout the year as other signees in the class, but wait until he steps on campus. The 6-4, 285-pound defensive tackle had a strong senior season as schools from across the country started vying for his signature. He was rated by Scout.com as fifth best defensive tackle in the country and the fifth best player in the state. Dareus waited until National Signing Day to announce his decision.

“It seemed like the best decision for my family for all of us to stay close to home,” Dareus said. “I felt like I was at home down there.” His brother Demerius will enter junior college for two years before arriving in Tuscaloosa.

Dareus was recognized by the ASWA as All-State honorable mention and made the Press-Register’s Elite 18 and AJC Super Southern 100 as a defensive tackle.

“It’s been a pleasure to coach him,” Huffman head coach Alan Plump said. “He’s a gentle giant. He’s a type kid that’s been very cooperative and has really displayed leadership over the last two seasons. He’s been an impact player for the Huffman Vikings.”

Alabama landed several household names throughout the season, but Tide fans are thrilled to have Burton “B.J.” Scott. The 5-10.5, 190-pound athlete could star on either side of the ball and may get the opportunity to do both.

“I chose Alabama because I will have a chance to come in and play early,” Scott said. “I had opportunities at other schools, but I could come in the fastest at Alabama and play right away.”

Scott was honored as Scout.com National 100 cornerback, Scout.com four-star cornerback (7th nationally), Press-Register Elite 18, No.21 on Press-Register Super Southeast 120, ScoutSouth.com Star of Alabama, Under Armour All-Star Game (Orlando) and AJC Super Southern 100 as Athlete. He rated as the sixth best prospect in the state.

“He’s a truly, truly special kid,” Vigor head coach Kerry Stephenson said. “Not just talented. He has a big personality. He doesn’t meet a stranger, really respectful person and a heck of a football player. He’s not going to hold back. He’s going to work to win, and he’s going to make sure you’re working your tail off too. You can’t go wrong with B.J. Scott.”

Micheal Williams (Pickens County), is tall, athletic prospect who became the first high school commitment of the 2008 class. The 6-6, 270-pound signee was a standout defensive end and tight end in high school, but he expects to begin his career on the offensive side of the ball.

“When you grow up and go to ‘Bama games it just stuck with me. When I received the offer I knew that was where I wanted to go,” Williams said.

Williams was named a Class 2A Lineman of the Year finalist, All-State and ScoutSouth.com Star of Alabama. Scout.com rated Williams a four-star prospect and the 10th best player in the state.

“I think Alabama is going to get a kid that is going to be a leader on and off the field,” Pickens County offensive coordinator Russ Wallace said. “His character is unquestionable. He’s the type of kid you want in your program. He will be a positive influence and role model for young kids, and be a positive influence on guys that are there.”

Courtney Upshaw (Eufuala) is one of the most underrated signees in the class after having played football for only two years. The 6-3, 230-pound defensive end developed into one of the best football players in the South.

Upshaw’s decision to sign with the Tide was easy as he committed the first week of the summer after growing up a life-long Alabama fan. He considered taking official visits to Auburn and LSU, but in the end only visited Alabama.

“I just like everything about Alabama,” Upshaw said. “I really like coach Saban and coach Smart. I like everyone at the school and the fans. I just love the school in general.”

Upshaw was honored as a Scout.com four-star, ASWA first team All-State defensive lineman, Press- Register Elite 18, Under Armour All-Star Game (Orlando), Press-Register Super Southeast 120 at No.35, ScoutSouth.com Star of Alabama, Orlando Sentinel All-Southern Team Alabama defensive end, AJC Super Southern 100 defensive end and Alabama Mississippi All-Star game. He was rated as the 11th best player in the state.

“He’s made it easy as far as being a superstar-type player and not requiring any extra special attention,” Eufaula head coach Dan Klages said. “We haven’t had to treat him any differently than anybody else. Not that we would anyway. He’s just one of the guys. He’s a tough kid. Obviously playing both ways in the league we’re in there’s several times, practice games and he was banged up. I don’t even remember him even coming to the training room for two years. I think that will serve him well on the next level.”

Stay tuned to the Tuscaloosa News each week for our Tuesday column as we take a look at the out-of-state Scout.com four-star signees in next week’s column.

Visit TideSports.com for Andrew Bone’s recruiting coverage. Reach Andrew Bone at abone@scout.com.