Brandon Shell, Showing Some Interest in Alabama? Some Say Yes

Larry Burton (Panama City Beach, Fla.): Close observers didn't have to wait too long to see who Nick Saban has set his eyes on after one of the nation's top centers, Isaac Luatua from California, signed up last week to be part of what is shaping up to be one of the top classes in America for 2011.

The latest prospect tried to slip into town with little notice and fanfare, but when you're 6'7" and 290 pounds and you're traveling with NFL Hall of Fame player Art Shell, you're kind of hard not to notice.

Such was the case when Brandon Shell, a high school offensive lineman, someone who could be playing either guard or tackle in the future in big-time college football.

He had hoped to come in, take a fast look around in a very unofficial visit and meet with coach Saban, but with summer camp in session, and reporters here to cover that, there was no way Brandon could go unnoticed.

I'd love to give you some snappy quotes, but Shell doesn't like to give them and really hates the whole recruiting process.

Though dozens of schools would love to have him, he has narrowed his focus down to five schools.

According to his coach, Chuck Reedy of Goose Creek High School just outside of Charleston, S.C., said "Shell will announce for South Carolina, Clemson, Georgia, Alabama and Miami (Fla.)."

He also added that the Gamecocks, Tigers, Bulldogs and Crimson Tide have "done the best job of recruiting him."

Though early indications leaned toward the South Carolina School, Alabama and Georgia, but now there is talk that Georgia and Alabama have just as good a shot. At least that is the scuttlebutt from Shell's friends.

One thing is for sure, Brandon is leaning heavily on the advice from his uncle, Art Shell, also an offensive tackle and a man with a great history in the NFL. Not only an All Pro player, but a former head coach in the NFL.

He also worked for the league as a senior vice president for the NFL, in charge of football operations.