Tide offers 4-star DE McLean
On National Signing Day, while the entire football recruiting world was watching the 2014 class sign their national letters of intent, Alabama offered defensive end Adam McLean from North Potomac (Md.) Quince Orchard.
"I told my dad the news and I cried, I really did, because a year ago I couldn't picture this," said the 6-foot-2, 275-pound McLean. "After I got off the phone it was hard to keep my composure. This wasn't something that I thought would happen to me.
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"I talked with Nick Saban and he said I was a top priority for them and he knows how I play," he said. "Kids go their entire high school career hoping for an opportunity like this or just to be able to speak to coach Saban."
Needless to say, McLean really likes the Crimson Tide.
"I always feel like Alabama is going to be a strong program," McLean said. "With the loses this year, it happens. Those games were decided on one play that could have easily gone their way. Who knows what would have happened it Auburn didn't return that kick.
"It doesn't take away from what the program has already done and what they are doing," he said. "With the guys they are bringing in and the guys that are already there, they have a ton of talent and will still be one of the top programs in the country."
Alabama isn't the only big time offer McLean has added recently. Florida, South Carolina and North Carolina have all entered the McLean sweepstakes.
"I talked to coach Muschamp and he had some very good things to say," McLean said. "I was texting with Jalen Tabor that night when I received the offer.
"I like South Carolina," he said. "Coach Mangus is telling me that they like me a lot. I could come there and play early. I'm leaving early on Friday for my visit down there this weekend. I'm pumped for that. It's the first SEC school I'll visit.
"I like North Carolina too," said McLean. "Coach Gilmore and I have a really good relationship. He's been by the school a few times. I've been talking to them for a long time and I like the fact that the school isn't just throwing an offer out there."
McLean is also planning one more visit.
"I'll probably get down to Maryland next weekend," he said. "I want get around those guys again because I haven't been down there in a while. The defensive line coach and coach Edsall came up to my school recently. I want to spend some one on one time with them."