Though the state of Alabama may be somewhat down this season, it does not mean that there still won't be quite a few division one prospects. The name that may top some lists is Stevenson (Al.a) North Jackson athlete Ali Sharrief.

"I got my first offer not too long ago, from LSU," Sharrief said.

"I had been calling coach Saban and talking to him a little bit and he told me that they were pretty close to offering me. A day or two before I went to their junior day they send the written offer to my coach, but I didn't get it until I went back, so they told me while I was down there."

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Sharrief runs the forty yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He boasts an amazing 585 pound squat, but says that his bench press is not up to his standards and does not want it listed.

"My top schools right now are LSU, Alabama and Auburn," he said. "I don't really have a leader, but LSU is definitely up there. I'm going to take an official visit to all three of those and probably Georgia, too."

So what exactly does he like about each of his favorites?

LSU: "Well I mean first of all they are the national champions and it is an honor that they would want me to come and play for them. It's also a very good school and some people say that it might be the best atmosphere in college football."

Auburn: "I really like the coaches at Auburn, they are really great and are doing great things with that program. It's out in the country too, there is nothing there but a college. That's cool though, I like that because I'm a country boy."

Alabama: "I don't know much about Alabama, but they have the best tradition in college football. Around here there are a lot of Alabama fans and there are a lot of people wanting me to check it out. I think the coaches that are there now are going to turn it around."

Sharrief plays tailback on offense and outside linebacker on defense. During an injury-shortened junior season, he averaged 8.4 yards on 92 carries for 769 yards and 13 touchdowns including an impressive 95-yard touchdown run. He also averaged 21.6 yards per kickoff return. On the defensive side of the ball, he recorded 73 tackles with one sack.

As a sophomore, Sharrief piled up 125 tackles on defense and rushed for over 1,300 yards and 17 touchdowns on offense.

“I probably won’t make an early decision because I want to check out all my options and make the right decision," he said. "This whole process is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I plan on making the most of it.”