ANDREW BONE: Recruits like what they see at Alabama

Prospects are gearing up for summer camps across the country and many are seeing some college campuses for the first time. Several Scout.com National 100 prospects have a high interest in Alabama, and we take a look at some familiar names and some not so familiar as the recruitment heats up for the class of 2009.

Tana Patrick, Scout.com five-star strongside linebacker from North Jackson High School in Stephenson has been rehabbing an injured shoulder during the spring. Patrick is fully recovered and expects to take a few summer visits. One stop on his tour is Tuscaloosa. Alabama was one of the first schools to offer the 6-foot-3, 220-pound prospect. He does not list any favorites, and plans to make a decision after the 2008 season.

“The players and coaches are really standing out to me,” Patrick said. “They are dedicated to winning. That is what I am all about.”

Jamar Travis, Scout.com three-star defensive tackle from W.S. Neal in East Brewton lists Alabama and Auburn as favorites. He holds offers from the Tide and Tigers as well as Florida State, Georgia Tech, Clemson and Oregon. Auburn is considered to have the edge, but Travis will take a serious look at Alabama before making a decision.

“I don’t know too much, but I have met the coaching staff,” Travis said. “I met all of them more than once. I like their defense a lot. That is the big thing about Alabama. I like the location of Tuscaloosa.”

Tim Simon, running back from Cordova High School made headlines as a junior when he was named Super All-State. He helped lead Cordova to the Class 3A state title as well. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound athlete could play either side of the ball on the next level with Alabama as one of several schools who has offered. Simon grew up an Auburn fan and holds an offer from the Tigers as well. Simon took a recent unofficial visit to the Capstone.

“I went up to Alabama last Thursday,” Simon stated. “I toured the school and talked to all the coaches. They were talking to me about the basics, and what I need to do to get into school. I think the coaching staff is very nice. They are real cool.”

They get along with everyone. I really like their campus as well. They have one of the nicest campuses I have ever seen.”

A player who is beginning to emerge on the recruiting scene is Marlin Sims, Scout.com three-star defensive end from Central of Phenix City High School. Sims holds offers from Auburn, Mississippi State and South Alabama. He plans to camp in Tuscaloosa, and hopes to earn an offer from the Tide.

“I like the football program at Alabama more than anyone,” Sims explained. “They have a real good college. It’s real big.”

One out-of-state prospect to key a watchful eye is Jordan Barnes, Scout.com three-star linebacker from Homestead High School in Ft. Wayne, Ind. Barnes visited Tuscaloosa in the spring for an unofficial visit. Barnes holds close to 10 offers and ranks Alabama and Michigan at the top of his list. He will return to Tuscaloosa this summer and hopes to make a decision in August.

“I love the facilities, coaches,” Barnes said after his visit. “I felt real comfortable around them. They have the biggest weight room in the country.”

A player who remains very high on Alabama is Mardrecas Hood, wide receiver from Pickens County High School in Reform. Hood was a hot name at the beginning of the recruiting process and reports a verbal offer from Alabama.

“Their recruiting class really stuck out to me,” Hood said. “The past few classes been really good.”

Alabama landed Scout.com four-star running back Trent Richardson from Escambia High School in Pensacola, Fla. as a commitment Monday morning. Another running back to keep a watchful eye is Mike James, from Ridge Community High School in Davenport, Fla. James has over 15 offers, and hopes the next one comes from the Tide.

Mike James stated, “I love the way they play football. I love it. I love the atmosphere. The coach [Jim McElwain] approached me with honesty. He is not only my recruiter, but like my best friend. I think Alabama could be a home away from home.”

Erick McGriff, from Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla. is a 6-foot-3, wide receiver and the son of former major league great Fred McGriff. The Sunshine State prospect has collected offers from Auburn, Arkansas and Troy. He plans to camp at Alabama in the summer and lists the Tide as a top five school.

“They are definitely on the way up,” McGriff said. “They are really good. I think it would be a good fit.”

Mike Marrow, Scout.com three-star fullback from New Albany High School, Ohio., has received several offers including Alabama, Maryland, Nebraska and Penn State. Marrow is expecting to make a decision by July.

“I like Alabama the best so far,” Marrow reported. “I like coach [Nick] Saban a lot. He coached my dad at Toledo. I really like Alabama a lot. I also like Penn State and Nebraska.

Another out-of-state prospect, Jonathan Atchison, linebacker from Douglass High School in Atlanta, Ga. Atchison has received over 15 offers with Alabama high on the 6-foot-3, 215-pound prospect’s list.

”I really like Alabama,” Atchison said. “I have a open mind, but I have been talking to coach Nick Saban a lot. They are a top school right now. When I went down there I went for one of their Junior Days. I liked the campus and their facilities. I met with the coaches and walked on the field. Coach Nick Saban seems like a great guy. Coach Lance Thompson seems like a great guy as well.”

Look for recruiting reports next week after high school prospects visit Tuscaloosa for summer camps.

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