Alabama Football: As Predicted, Alphonse Taylor Drops Seminoles, Goes Alabama

Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) As previously written about many players getting ready to switch commitments, another prediction came through when Alphonse Taylor dropped his commitment to Florida State to come to Tuscaloosa instead and play for the Crimson Tide.

Though the University is in a "dead period" where they can not talk to recruits, my pal Andrew Bone tweeted that the deal had been done.

Here's his twitter: @AndrewJBone.

Andrew Bone: "Just spoke with Davidson's Alphonse Taylor. He made his commitment to Alabama. Another big get for the Crimson Tide."

There were many reasons for the switch. Florida State needed the big 6'6'', 345 pound athlete for their offensive line, but he has continued to be recruited by Alabama even though he was committed to the Seminoles.

Taylor has decided he really wanted to play defense and there wasn't a pressing need for that at Florida State, but with his size and muscle, Saban had told him he'd be another run-stopping nose tackle for Alabama.

There were rumors that he wanted to join as early as last week, but there was some room that needed to be made for him to come in. Alabama has other "silent commitments" to fill some of the remaining vacancies in this year's recruiting class as well as a couple they think they'll get.

Taylor released the following statement on Friday:

"

After carefully considering the amazing opportunities in front of me, I am committing to play football for the University of Alabama and enroll in January. I appreciate the support of my family, friends, teachers, and coaches who have always helped and supported me. While there were many factors to my decision, ultimately I want to play nose guard for Alabama whose fierce and dedicated defenses are a tradition in this state and around the nation.

I maintain a tremendous amount of respect for Coach Fischer and the Florida State Seminoles.

"

Taylor is from the talent-rich Mobile area and committed to the Seminoles back in April. He is the No. 9 Birmingham News Preseason Super Senior and is a 4-star recruit.

He has been working very hard on his physical conditioning as well as his schoolwork and can enroll at Alabama early this January to go through the offseason and spring conditioning programs.

This pickup by the Tide simply puts this class over the top as one of Saban's finest yet.