A low-key summer for Alabama DB
In a strange twist, one of Alabama’s top prospects is also one of the state’s least discussed in some ways.
With a father who starred at the University of Alabama and a brother who signed with the Crimson Tide in February, Briarwood Christian’s Simeon Castille says the recruiting process has been surprisingly low-key for him thus far.
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“Everybody thinks I’m automatic for Alabama,” he said. “But the people who are close to me know I’m keeping my options open. I’m not eliminating anyone who has shown interest in me and offered a scholarship. I feel like I owe it to them to see what they have to offer.
“My family has been real supportive of that. My dad says I should just take my time, don’t rush into a decision, and pray about it. He says I need to follow my heart and go to the best place for me.”
Castille (6-1, 185, 4.55) has scholarship offers from Alabama, LSU, Vanderbilt and Louisville. A member of the Alabama Top 10 Team, he’s also receiving interest from Notre Dame, Georgia and Miami.
He noted the Fighting Irish sound like they may be close to offering a scholarship.
“I’ll probably go up there for one of my visits,” he said. “I like Notre Dame a lot.
“I like LSU, too. Coach (Nick) Saban took time to come by our school and see me personally this spring. That impressed me. They’ve shown a whole lot of interest.”
Still, Alabama must be considered the odds-on favorite.
“I was impressed by the new coaches,” he said. “They seem real interested in the overall well-being of their players, both on and off the field. They’ve established that trust with the players already. I like that.
“They also seem really focused on winning and getting Alabama back in the national championship picture.”
Castille made his lone camp appearance at Alabama this summer.
“I was a little disappointed in my 40 time. I had a 4.5 there on grass,” he said. “But I had a 38 ½ on my vertical.”
He also visited LSU for an NCAA track meet and participated in the Junior Olympics in Nashville, Tenn. His 4x400 team placed fourth in a talent-laden field.
As a junior, Castille recorded 107 tackles, 11 pass break-ups and three interceptions. He also excelled as a return specialist, averaging 28 yards on kickoffs and 19 yards on punts.
Academically, he maintains a 3.0 GPA and has scored a 22 on his ACT.