LAKE BUNA VISTA, Fla. -- LaBryan Ray is aware that the prevailing thought as it relates to his recruitment includes an eventual commitment to Alabama. The narrative is not lost on four-star defensive end. Still, that doesn’t mean he’s going along with it. According to Ray, there’s plenty more to his story.

Alabama is among the frontrunners, sure, but Ray has other programs to check out. If the Crimson Tide does lead his recruitment, Ray isn’t confirming it.

“I have visits coming up to Mississippi State, Alabama, Tennessee and Florida,” Ray said on Tuesday. “I don’t know all the dates, but Tennessee is going to be up first probably. That’s on [Jan.] 13.”

Ray says he doesn’t know where the Alabama-leads narrative began and won’t deny that the Tide is his likely landing spot. He stays reserved on the subject when pressed.

“Alabama is a great school,” Ray said. “I just want to look at everyone else and make that decision for me and my family.”

Tennessee assistant coach Walt Wells recruited Ray’s older brother to Western Kentucky years ago. How much that matters to Ray and his recruitment, however, is unclear. Whatever the case, it’s a talking point for the Vols.

“Coach [Wells] lets me know about that all the time,” Ray said. “He’s a fiery guy. He’s a great coach and he tells all the jokes.

The No. 2 strongside defensive end and the No. 54 overall prospect in the class, Ray played his high school career at Alabama’s James Clemens High School. He has not announced a timetable for his verbal commitment.

IN HIS WORDS: I’m looking to see a couple things [on the visits],” Ray said. “Of course the football program is important. I also want to see how the coaches treat the players on and off the field. That and the feel of the campus.”

RIVALS REACTION: Ray seems to be an Alabama lean. He’s been a major priority for the Tide for some time now. Barring an exception al visit to another school, the highly regarded defensive end is likely to choose the in-state power.