Five-star OL talks more of commitment

Elliot Baker, five-star offensive tackle from City College in San Francisco, Calif., had never been to Tuscaloosa prior to a recent unofficial visit to Alabama.

"Alabama offered me back in April," Baker said. "There was immediate interest. I kept in regular contact with Tosh Lupoi and Brent Key. I took my first visit there a few weeks ago.

"It was an amazing experience. I didn't set too many expectations. Everything was more than I could have ever asked for- the environment, the people, the sense of community. It was a great overall experience obviously since I committed.

"I didn't plan on committing, but I knew once I got the feeling I was going to feel at home I would commit. The main reason I pulled the trigger on committing was because I know I will play with the best of the best at practice. I saw how those guys work. I knew it was the place for me.

"I spent a lot of time with Coach Lupoi, Coach Key and Coach Cristobal. It was great. I spent a lot of time with them on the phone and through texts before the visit. Meeting them in person and talking to them face-to-face on a daily basis solidified my relationship. Obviously, they are all well respected and know what they are talking about.

"Coach Saban sat me down in his office. He talked about the process. He talked about what goes into winning four of the last seven national titles, and why they have 54 guys in the NFL. Guys buy into the process.

"Coach Saban is committed to developing us as a player and man. He is going to help get you set up for life whether it's the NFL, getting your college degree or a job. He has so many connections he has built while he has been there. Those are some of the main things he talked about."

There is no need for Baker to visit other schools.

"The campus was beautiful," he said. "I loved it. I loved all the trees and the red brick buildings. It was intriguing. It was a college town. I really do love it there.

"The facilities are insane. It was eye-opening. I knew once I saw the complex, the players lounge, the locker room, training room and weight room I didn't need to take a visit to Georgia or Auburn or anywhere else. I knew where I wanted to be.

Attention increased or decreased?

"Recruiting really hasn't slowed down, but I feel like I have the monkey off my back," he said. I am focused more on finishing school and helping my team win another title. The other schools I was looking hard at before committing to Alabama were Georgia, Oregon and Auburn. I am not going to take any other visit. I will enroll at Alabama in January."

The 6-foot-7, 300-pound lineman hopes to return to Alabama in the fall for an official visit. He has already making friends with a few commitments.

"I spent time with Alex Leatherwood," he said. "I got to meet with Najee (Harris) and VanDarius (Cowan). They are great guys. Alex was telling me about the coaches and campus the whole time since he has been committed for a while. It was great. All those guys are great guys."