Manor (Texas) Rivals100 linebacker Erick Fowler has established himself among the nation's top defensive playmakers. He is explosive and fast, and he is quick to put his opponent into the ground.

The 6-foot-3, 235-pound defender's play has quickly caught the attention of college coaches across the country, and on Wednesday he received a phone call from the heart of SEC country.

"My coach told me I had a phone call waiting for me and he wouldn't tell me who it was until I got on the phone. I really didn't know what was going on. Then Nick Saban told me I had an offer," Fowler said. "I was excited. I'm really blessed to even get looked at by them to tell you the truth."

The Crimson Tide also invited him to attend Junior Day or make his way to Tuscaloosa for a spring practice. He is not sure when, but he does know he would like to get a closer look at the Alabama program.

"They're top notch in everything they do," Fowler said. "That's definitely big for me. They're surrounded by the best. They told me all of their players have competed for a championship so far. That's definitely big for me as well. I like to win. I'm a sore loser."

Another SEC program has also made a strong push in the last few weeks. The LSU Tigers recently extended an offer to Fowler and the Texan is eager to make his way to Baton Rouge.

"They've been my favorite team since I was a little kid. That was definitely a big one for me. I'll definitely have to get up there. That one I definitely have to go experience," Fowler said. "Their defense was always nasty. They always had dogs on the field. Everyone was playing mean and vicious."

Fowler plans to visit LSU's Junior Day on February 21, and he has plans to attend the Texas Junior Day on February 28. He has already visited Baylor for the Bears' Junior Day.

"It was definitely nice," Fowler said. "I didn't see anything I haven't seen before but every time I go down there it's never dull. It never gets old. It's always hype and everyone is always excited. There's definitely a lot of energy."

He is also planning to visit TCU for a practice and is talking to Oklahoma and Oklahoma State about visiting in the future.

Fowler is currently ranked No. 50 in the Rivals100, No. 6 among the nation's outside linebackers, and No. 6 in the Rivals.com Texas Postseason Top 85.