Burgess-Becker talks Bama
Shawn Burgess-Becker loves a lot about Alabama but what really impressed him - and kept him committed this long - is that the Crimson Tide reached out first.
The Coconut Creek (Fla.) Monarch four-star defensive back said last week at the B2G West Coast Bowl that he really appreciated Alabama's attention early on and that's one reason why he's stayed committed since April.
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"They were the first team to approach me so that really showed me a lot about them," Burgess-Becker said.
"They stayed in contact so I just built a better relationship with coach Mario Cristobal and others on the coaching staff there so that's why I decided to make that decision."
Burgess-Becker, rated as the No. 11 safety and the No. 187 prospect in the 2015 class by Rivals.com, said his relationship with Cristobal was crucial in his decision-making process.
That connection was a big factor on why Alabama stood out so much.
"He's a really good coach and he's a really good friend, too," Burgess-Becker said. "I can talk to him about anything. He's a great guy and I need people like that around so that's why I made the decision.
"They said I can come in and make an impact right away. That's what I'm going to do."
Just weeks after playing in the Under Armour All-America Game, Burgess-Becker was out in California for the B2G West Coast Bowl. He said his time in Orlando was definitely worthwhile and that he learned a lot.
"It was a new experience," Burgess-Becker said. "There was a lot of talent all over the field so it really expanded my game a lot and I had a tremendous time over there.
"I learned a lot from Herm Edwards. He taught me a lot of back-pedal drills and showed me some stuff I shouldn't do so I learned a lot."