Trey DePriest: Can Alabama's Nick Saban Land This Buckeye Bomber?

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fla.) Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Texas, Mississippi, Michigan, California, South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have all sent native sons to come play for Nick Saban at Alabama. Isn't it time to include an Ohio native?

Nick Saban and Sal Sunseri sure think so and they are targeting a junior who may be another Rolando McClain type linebacker. He's smart, quick on his feet, and always seems to make the right read.

With 15 schools vying for this talent, including Ohio State, who landed his friend Braxton Miller, the quarterback from his team, there's lots of competition out there.

Watch this video of him as only a 15 year old high school sophomore and you'll see why. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HZjW1Opa-A

He had an huge total of 75 tackles as a sophomore. That was while playing outside linebacker. As a junior, he moved to inside linebacker, where Saban and others think he could and should play by the time he reaches college.

Now as a junior, this guy kicks off, punts, kicks field goals and extra points, plays inside linebacker, halfback and quarterback in the wildcat where he's crossed up defenses and thrown the touchdowns too.

Take a look at this video, and see for yourself all the things this young man can do. http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1418565565?bctid=36115411001

He ended the year rushed for 812 yards, scored 13 touchdowns, kicked 13 extra points and played several positions on offense and special teams. As a linebacker he made 101 tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, seven sacks, and three fumble recoveries, and was the defensive player of the year.

One could only wonder if he doesn't choreograph the cheer routines, conduct the band at half-time, and show up early to pop the popcorn.

There is nothing he won't do if asked, and that includes being a great student as well.

"I'm excited about the move inside," DePriest said. "Some of the college coaches I've talked to think that's where I should be and now so does my high school coach. It's helped me with my leadership too, as I can see everything and move some guys where they're needed."

Everyone who sees him wants him, but DePriest says the only three are in the running at this point: Alabama, Ohio State and Florida.

Even though he's an Ohio native, DePriest grew up a Michigan Wolverine fan, but claims with all the problems they have right now, they're not high on his radar.

"I like Alabama. It's pretty sweet. I saw the academic set up and I liked it. I got a chance to look at everything on my visit. I met with Coach Sunseri and I like him quite a bit," DePriest said when speaking of Alabama.

Though the 6'2", 235 pound player still needs to gain some additional weight and muscle for the college ranks, his assets right now are his quick feet and smarts. 

He's not blindingly fast, but very quick in bursts and changes directions in the blink of eye, all things that make a linebacker so valuable.

DePriest seems ready to take his time in making a decision.

"I've enjoyed every visit, and while some have my attention more than others, there's still plenty of time to make this decision," DePriest said.

When it's all over, whoever has him will have landed something special.