ANDREW BONE: Crimson Tide staying strong on recruiting trail

The University of Alabama is currently ranked No. 5 in the Scout.com National recruiting rankings, which change daily based on commitments and de-commitments.

Several of the Crimson Tide's verbal pledges for the class of 2010 have discussed the start of the season and the big Southeastern Conference road game against Ole Miss.

Wilson Love, Scout.com three-star defensive tackle from Mountain Brook High School, has a big region game Friday night at home against Hoover, which is undefeated and No. 1 in Class 6A. Love, younger brother of Tide offensive tackle Tyler Love, will travel to Oxford, Miss., the following day to watch Alabama take on the Rebels.

'I have been really impressed with how everything has been going this season,' Wilson Love said. 'I have been impressed with Greg's (McElroy) leadership role. I am impressed how Trent (Richardson) has stepped up like Mark (Ingram) did last year as a freshman.

'There have been mistakes every game, but they can fix those. It reminds me of last year's season, but I feel better about it. The quarterback is better, but not as experienced. It's really awesome.

'The Ole Miss game is going to be a great game. It's a big SEC game on the road. Alabama is going to prove how good they are. It is probably the toughest game of the season. It's on the road, and it's in the SEC.'

Another Tide commitment impressed with the season is Jalston Fowler, Scout.com four-star fullback from Vigor High School in Prichard. Fowler has to miss the 2009 high school season due to his age, but Alabama benefits by his early enrollment next January.

'They look real good,' Fowler said of the Tide. 'I want them to keep doing good. Trent Richardson and Mark Ingram have been real impressive. Greg McElroy has done good. I am surprised. First time playing, I didn't think (McElroy) would be this good, but he proved me wrong.'

Fowler is anxious to watch the Tide and Rebels this weekend.

'Alabama is going into a battle,' he said. 'It should be a real good game. I know Alabama is going to come out on top.'

Jay Williams, Scout.com three-star punter from Thomasville High School, is enjoying his senior season even though he is not punting the ball very much. Thomasville is ranked No. 1 in Class 4A and blowing out the opposition. Williams did have one punt last Friday night of 50 yards in a 51-0 win over Andalusia.

'I think the offense is working together really good,' Williams said of Alabama. 'The defense is doing great. Javier Arenas is having big returns, which is really helping the momentum of the game. I think we have a great shot at going all the way this year.

'Greg McElroy is so calm out there. He never gets worried. As long as the guys up front keep blocking and get the ball to the guys who can make plays we are going to be all right.'

Ronald Carswell, Scout.com four-star wide receiver from Westside High School in Macon, Ga., has also enjoyed watching UA.

'I think Alabama have been doing pretty good this season,' he said. 'I have been impressed with them. I think the new quarterback is doing a great job. I haven't thought too much about the Ole Miss game because we have a big game coming up, but I am hoping they win.'

Carswell had two receptions for 128 yards and two touchdowns in last Friday night's 56-22 win against Lee County.

Austin Shepherd, Scout.com three-star offensive guard from North Gwinnett High School in Suwanee, Ga., is solid with his commitment to the Tide. He plans to graduate in December and will enroll at Alabama next January.

'Alabama is playing good, but they start off extremely slow,' said Shepherd. 'If they start off faster they will be unbeatable, and they're going to have a challenge this weekend because Ole Miss is a good team. They upset Florida last year, but if Bama starts off fast they will have no problem with beating them.'

Cade Foster, Scout.com four-star kicker from Carroll High School in Southlake, Texas, likes what he sees from the Tide.

'Alabama is looking better than I ever remember seeing them,' said Foster. 'The team chemistry looks great, and looks like the coaches are doing great as well.

'After watching Bama play these last few games, it really makes me excited about being committed to play there. The Ole Miss game will be huge. They are a highly-talked-about team, and always seem to lay it all out on the line.'

Visit TideSports.com and Scout.com for Andrew Bone's recruiting coverage.