D.J. Fluker of Alabama is Ready For Prime Time

D.J. Fluker is a household name throughout the state of Alabama.

The young man committed to the University in January of 2009 and folks all around the state immediately thought he would be the next Andre Smith, becoming a stalwart on the offensive line for the following four years.

As a high school senior out of Foley, Fluker stood at 6'7", weighed 350 pounds, and demonstrated extreme athleticism and agility for a kid of his size—or, for all intents and purposes, a kid half his size. As a high school senior, his maximum bench press was listed at 375 pounds, and maximum squat at 525 pounds.

In addition, he was gifted with the speed of a linebacker and leaping ability of a small forward.

He was the complete package as a high school recruit.

In 2009, D. J. Fluker was listed as the No. 3 prospect in the entire country, behind running back Bryce Brown and wide receiver Ruben Randle.

He was listed higher than RB Trent Richardson, QB Matt Barkley, LB Jelani Jenkins, and DB's Janzen Jackson, Jarius Winston, and fellow teammate, Dre Kirkpatrick.

Every major program in the country held out offers to Fluker and many callers promised more than they could truly deliver, simply to try and get the young man to pen his name to a letter of commitment to their program.

But Nick Saban and Joe Pendry were given the nod.

They had a plan for the young man's development that would be on their time and schedule, not on anyone else's. Whatever that time table turned out to be, it would be in the best interest of D. J. Fluker and the University of Alabama football program.

Not to say that Fluker wasn't given the chance to compete for a starting position during his freshman year, but he was going to have to earn it. Fluker ended up redshirting his freshman year, while redshirt freshman Barrett Jones held ground and joined the starting rotation during the 2009 campaign.

During the 2009 season, Fluker worked hard at his position and learned the footwork patterns necessary to fill the shoes of the departing All-SEC and All-American lineman, Mike Johnson and All-SEC lineman, Drew Davis.

In his own words, his freshman year was very difficult, at times downright depressing, but very productive.

In the spring A-Day game, Fluker was primarily positioned at right tackle. He performed very well. He weighed in at 375 pounds in the spring yet remained agile, but not as smooth as he had been as a freshman.

One of the more memorable moments of the game was when Fluker got out of step while backpedaling. It was not a moment to remember in his favor.

In one sweeping motion by third year linebacker Dont'a Hightower, Fluker was thrown backward five yards and knocked flat on his backside, leaving his quarterback A.J. McCarron exposed to the rush.

It was a moment that was replayed more than once. Many took that single event as a show of Dont'a Hightower's raw strength, but Fluker took it personally, knowing that he had to improve and improve quickly if he was to fulfill his dream of starting as an offensive lineman for the University of Alabama.

Over the ensuing months, Fluker has been a constant figure in the weight room and has continued to improve his agility and athleticism. He now weighs in at 325 pounds, wears a size 22 shoe and has transformed his body from merely broad to chiseled.

Broken down, Fluker is at 23 percent body fat and 200 pounds of lean muscle. That only leaves 50 pounds for bones and solid organ weight. He is balanced and fearless.

His weight room dedication and commitment to reshaping his body has turned the heads of his coaches and teammates alike. He is becoming a leader in the locker room, which will translate to leadership on the field.

He has also been willing to play at any position on the offensive line and is versatile enough to perform in each position at a high level. Pendry has taken this high school recruit and gently changed him into a young man who is aware of his abilities and prepared to compete at the highest level of competition.

It looks for now that Barrett Jones will remain at right guard and Fluker will be along side Jones in the right tackle position. Jones carries the experience of a full year starter during a championship season. He will be a great help in the development of Fluker during the season.

At center will be returning starter, William Vlachos, a Remington Award watch list nominee. On the left side, Chance Warmack at guard and pre-season All-American, James Carpenter at left tackle. Fluker is surrounded by talent and will take the line to an even higher level of performance with his presence.

He has the respect and admiration of his teammates and his coaches.

During his interviews on Fan Day, Fluker is respectful, very humble, and exudes the confidence he lacked as a freshman. He is ready for prime time.

The Alabama fans are in for a real treat when this gentle giant hits the field in 2010.