4-Star Tarik Black Details Favorites, Outlines Critical Factor in Recruitment

It had been nearly four months since 4-star receiver Tarik Black visited Alabama's campus back in the summer.

The 6'3 ½", 206-pounder from Cheshire Academy in Connecticut made his way back to Tuscaloosa last weekend on an official visit for the Crimson Tide's big win over Mississippi State.

It's safe to say he left Tuscaloosa heavily impressed with what the Tide have to offer as a program. 

"That trip was awesome," Black told Bleacher Report. "I absolutely love Alabama. Every time I go to Alabama, I just get a good feeling about it."

Black has taken notice of the Tide's high-flying offense under offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, but what really opened his eyes was the life on campus at the Capstone.

"[Alabama is] a place that I can see myself spending four to five years there or whatever the case may be," Black said. "I just absolutely enjoyed myself. The coaches were great. The southern hospitality was great. Everything was great."

His most recent trip to Tuscaloosa was the third official visit he's taken. The previous two were to Michigan on Sept. 2 and Auburn on Sept. 9.

He also broke down his thoughts on both the Wolverines and the Tigers and what stands out about each of those programs.

Auburn: "They have been recruiting me the hardest out of all of the schools I talk to. [Wide receivers] Coach [Kodi] Burns, literally every second of the day, we are building that relationship up and have been since they offered me and I camped there in the summer. Ever since then, we've had a bond that will be hard to break."

Michigan: "Great coaching staff. Great academics. I like what they are doing and how they are building that program back up to what it used to be and what it is supposed to be. I definitely like what they are doing with the offense. I can definitely see myself in that offense. I think it will definitely prepare me for the NFL being in a pro-style system."

Black doesn't have concrete plans set up for his final two official visits, but he does have an idea of which schools could earn those trips.

"I think I will visit UCLA and probably Miami," he said.

Black admits that those five programs are the main schools he is still considering.

Black—who reports a 3.4 GPA with plans to major in "something in the business field"—also confirmed that he plans on enrolling early at whichever school he selects in January—which means time is running out before he has to make that decision.

When that choice is made, there will be one pivotal characteristic he is searching for.

"Just being comfortable," Black said. "I just want to be comfortable, and I want to go to a school where I want to be in that environment for four years. I don't want to go somewhere that I get tired of the atmosphere around campus. I want a school that really feels like home and makes me feel like I want to be there."

Sanjay Kirpalani is a National Recruiting Analyst for Bleacher Report. Unless otherwise noted, all quotes obtained firsthand, and all recruiting information courtesy of Scout.com. 

Follow @SanjayKirpalani