Alabama football recruiting notebook

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Asa Martin, four-star running back from Austin High School in Decatur, Alabama, will announce his college decision at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday. Martin will choose between Alabama, Auburn, Clemson and Florida.

Martin visited all four schools this summer including three stops in Tuscaloosa. He became a top priority for the Crimson Tide during the spring after receiving an offer from Nick Saban at A-Day.

Martin originally listed Auburn and Florida as his top two schools prior to receiving an offer from Alabama. Alabama is hoping to add Martin to this class with his ability to run and catch the ball. He is very similar to former Alabama star, Kenyan Drake.

Kearis Jackson, four-star wide receiver from Peach County High School in Fort Valley, Georgia, committed to UGA on Saturday instead of Alabama. He revealed a few days prior to his announcement he trimmed his list to the two SEC programs.

Jackson, who grew up a fan of the Bulldogs, visited Athens several times. He tried to build up a little drama prior to his commitment saying he was ready to, "shock the world." There was little shock or surprise to those who follow recruiting. He visited Alabama once.

Jackson had a committable offer from Alabama, but there was little doubt which school he would choose.

Alabama has been the long time favorite for JJ Peterson, Rivals100 linebacker from Colquitt County High School in Moultrie, Georgia. He planned to announce a decision before the start of his senior season.

"I would have liked to have had JJ done with recruiting in the summer, but he wasn't ready," Colquitt County head coach Rush Propst told Chad Simmons of Rivals. "We talked about it some, but he is still not committed to anyone right now."

Peterson is likely to wait until after he takes visits this fall before announcing a commitment. He visited Alabama, Auburn and Georgia during the summer.

Vernon Jackson, three-star athlete from Boling High School in Texas, will announce his decision on Saturday at 1:00 p.m. Jackson's finalists are Alabama, Texas A&M and TCU.

Many expect Jackson's decision to come down to Alabama and Texas A&M. He attended Alabama's A-Day game, and was also in attendance for the Champions Cook-Out in July.

Jackson has been a star on the offensive side of the ball for his high school team. He is recruited to play linebacker for the Crimson Tide.

Penei Sewell, Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, suffered an arm injury at The Opening this summer. He was diagnosed with a torn labrum last week. Sewell, however, played in his team's season opener on Thursday.

He plans to continue to play through the injury this fall. There may come a point where he decides to sit out the remainder of the year, or go ahead with surgery. He is playing for now with intentions to have surgery after the season.

Sewell remains undecided. He was expected to announce a decision before the start of the season. Alabama and Oregon appear the top two schools battling for his signature.

Click here for more information regarding Sewell's injury.

Quay Walker, four-star linebacker from Crisp County High School in Cordele, Georgia, committed to Alabama in June. He had favored the Crimson Tide for a while before he announced his decision. Walker took a few trips during the summer and will take all five official visits.

Walker will visit Alabama, Auburn, Florida, Florida State, and as of now to include South Carolina. There is some speculation he may visit Georgia instead of South Carolina. The Bulldogs continue to recruit the in-state target.

Saivion Smith, four-star safety from Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, received an offer from Alabama last week. He transferred from LSU in June. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder has collected offers from Alabama and South Carolina since his JuCo arrival.

Alabama is recruiting Smith to play cornerback. He does not have a favorite at this time. He will go through the recruiting process, enjoy games, and take official visits. Smith will not enroll at the school of his choice until next May.

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