Florida DB headed to SEC

The Alabama Crimson Tide got a nice commitment tonight, something they didn't expect for at least another week.

"I committed to 'Bama and decided not to take my official visit to South Carolina this weekend," said 6-foot-1, 172-pound cornerback Chris Rogers from Lakeland (Fla.) Evangel Christian. "I knew in my heart that I wanted to go to Alabama and my mom was trying to put together some money to go with me and stressing out and I told her not to bother. There was no point taking the visit anyhow, I was going to Alabama anyhow."

Rogers, who chose the Tide over offers from the Gamecocks, Maryland, Louisville, UCLA and others, said a call from Steve Spurrier gave him pause for a moment.

"He had called and told me he watched my film for like 10 seconds and saw enough to want me to play for him right away," he said. "That's flattering stuff since it's Steve Spurrier telling you that, but I have a great relationship with coach Ball at Alabama and I've always been a big 'Bama fan."

Rogers had been committed to Maryland since the summer, but Alabama's persistance paid off.

"A lot of people backed off when I committed to Maryland, but coach Ball stuck with me," he said. "He never gave up and I liked that. He stuck on me from the start."

Rogers will play cornerback at Alabama but can also play safety.