2019 DE Derrick McLendon grew up Alabama fan, he gets the offer

Coaches are on the road all over the country evaluating players, handing out new offers and one went out minutes ago from Alabama to 2019 defensive end Derrick McLendon.

The 6-foot-4, 225 pound rising junior out of Tucker (Ga.) said this "solidifies" himself as a top recruit because he views Alabama as the best program in the country.

"They are on top," said McLendon. "Alabama has been the best team in the country for a little while now. They win and I think of Alabama at football university. Now that have offered me, that tells me I have a chance to be one of the best. It shows me that a top program thinks I can play for them."

McLendon has camped in Tuscaloosa (Ala.) two times and he has had interest in the Crimson Tide for about 10 years.

"I camped at Alabama after my eighth grade year and after my ninth grade year. I worked with coach [Tosh] Lupoi (outside linebackers) last year and he is great. He worked with me at the position Alabama used Tim Williams at the last few years.

"It was great be over there at camp and now to have the offer because I have been a big fan of Alabama's since I was around seven years old. I used to think I was a running back as a kid and I wanted to be the next Mark Ingram. I loved Ingram, Julio Jones and all those guys when I was growing up.

"Getting an offer like this is pretty amazing."

Florida has had the edge for McLendon for a couple months, Georgia he said made a big move last weekend after his visit to Athens (Ga.) and the Crimson Tide are right in the mix.

"I can't even say what my interest is like in Alabama right now," said McLendon. "I know I like them, I know I will be back over there this summer and I have loved them since I was a kid.

"They are a top team and I know I have some interest in them now that I have the offer."

Derrick Ansley, Alabama's defensive backs coach stopped by Tucker High School Thursday to tell head coach Bryan Lamar about McLendon's offer.