The BCS Game in California Is a Double Homecoming For Alabama's McElroy

Going to California will be a double homecoming for Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy.

He was born in California and still has a lot of family there. I've corresponded with his aunt and uncle out in California and I'll just bet you that they'll be there at the game somehow.

It will also be a time to see three old Southlake-Carroll players who now play with the Texas Longhorns. These are guys who have seen with their own eyes what McElroy can do and inwardly must now fret having to face him as an opponent for the first time.

Texas is also the school he yearned to play for as a high school athlete after moving to Texas at about age 10. So he will re-unite with both old and present states at the Rose Bowl.

But for McElroy, who also loves the history and tradition of football, playing in the Rose Bowl is a big deal too. How big is his love of tradition? Putting this article together, I can't help but remember what he said on why he picked Alabama in the first place.

McElroy said, "The tradition is felt before you even get there. People from all over the country are Alabama fans. I met people in Aruba and on my cruise that were big Alabama fans. Everyone is so proud to be a part of the Alabama family.

"The team, the staff, the people in the community and the students are all a big family. Everyone cares so much about Alabama. It is such a big a deal. That was the biggest part of my decision.

"Well, the day they offered me was the day of the Cotton Bowl. I was a little against Alabama because they had not offered me but the coaches continued to tell me to wait. It probably took a few days. When I went on my official visit it took only a matter of hours and minutes. When I stepped out on the field, it only took a few seconds to know this where I want to be," McElroy concluded.

So now for McElroy, there is yet one more place that will be called a homecoming when he returns, and that is Alabama, because he is one win away from becoming an adopted son forever.