Castille rolling toward Tide
Birmingham's
Advertisement
Castille is sounding more and more like a player on the verge of a
decision.
"Alabama is definitely out in front," said the 5-foot-11,
225-pound running back, "mainly because I grew up right here within 45 minutes
of campus and I go down there about two or three times a month with my dad. I've
spent so much time there that I'm really comfortable with things. It's a great
family atmosphere.
It should feel that way. His father, Jeremiah, was a
standout for the Crimson Tide from 1979-82 before moving on to the NFL.
So is he ready to follow in his father's footsteps?
"I'm really looking hard at that right now," Castille said.
"But I'm still wanting to see how things go. I don't know if I'll commit early
or anything.
"My dad's been real good through the process. He's
obviously biased with Alabama, but he wants what's best for me personally, and
says I've got to make my own decisions as a man."
Castille also has offers from Tennessee, LSU and Georgia
Tech. Virginia rounds out his top five, but he hasn't received an offer from the
Cavaliers.
He was scheduled to camp at Tennessee this summer, but
"something came up and I couldn't make it." His lone camp appearance will be a
one-day event at Alabama.
His main goal for the summer is working out hard in
preparation for his senior season at Briarwood Christian.
"When I was in eighth and ninth grade, we won two state
championships," he said. "I've missed out on that feeling the last couple of
years. I want to be back on top, playing for a championship, so I've worked
harder than I ever have in the offseason."
Castille also has an individual milestone he's chasing. "I
want to be the first player in Alabama to have over 10,000 all-purpose yards. If
I have a big year and stay healthy, I think I can do it."
He has rushed for more than 2,700 yards, caught 3,814 yards
in passes and amassed over 600 return yards in his career. With eight more
touchdowns, he'll also reach the 100 mark in that category.
As a junior, Castille ran for 913 yards and 22 touchdowns
while recording 825 yards receiving and 12 scores.