Five-star ATH Bo Scarbrough inks with Crimson Tide

Bo knows recruiting.

Bo knows football.

Bo knows schools.

And five-star prospect Bo Scarbrough made sure Wednesday afternoon that everybody knows that he is part of the University of Alabama's No. 1-ranked recruiting class when he signed his national letter of intent at Clark's Sports Pub and Grille in Northport.

The Northport resident and current Tuscaloosa County High School student transferred home after spending last fall at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla., where he played his senior season. He previously played at Northridge, so he is now on his third school in less than a year.

"Switching schools, you have to do what was best and I did what was best for me," he said.

Scarbrough, who committed to Alabama during his junior season, considered switching his college commitment. He gave Ole Miss a strong look, and also listened to overtures from Florida State.

"Around November I thought about it, but once you leave a place and your heart tells you this is where you need to be, that's where you need to be," he said. "And that's where I think I should be."

In the final analysis, Scarbrough considered Alabama home.

"It's very important to me because you're not far away from home and you can always get to your family, you can always see your mom, they can always come see you play," he said. "I think by me staying in Tuscaloosa, Ala., was a very great choice for me."

Rated as the No. 2 athlete in the 2014 class of prospects by Rivals.com, Scarbrough has played running back in high school. He rushed for 1,118 yards, averaging better than 10 yards per carry, and scored 19 touchdowns as a senior. Some recruiting pundits, however, have speculated that the 6-foot-2, 234-pounder with 4.5-second speed in the 40-yard dash might end up at wide receiver at Alabama.

"From Coach (Nick) Saban's standpoint, he told me I would play running back," Scarbrough said. "I don't care how many (running backs) they've got, it's all about competition."

Scarbrough's signing not only gives Alabama another five-star recruit. He played an active role in recruiting players who signed on Wednesday, and in last year's top-rated class.

"I actually recruited Rashaan Evans and Da'Shawn Hand and Reuben Foster and Dee Liner and I can keep going and keep going," Scarbrough said. "I'm real good friends with all those guys, and to be a part of something like this is a blessing."

Scarbrough is working hard to be eligible to enroll at UA, and expects to be eligible.

"As of right now we're still working on it," he said.