Florida standout chooses Alabama

Alabama had one of the most impressive visitor lists in recent memory this past weekend when over 100 recruits made their way to Tuscaloosa to watch the Tide beat the No. 5 ranked Florida Gators. The atmosphere and hard work paid off today with Alabama head coach Mike Shula picking up his first commitment from Sarasota (Fla.) Booker High School star Marquis Johnson.

"I called Coach (Dave) Ungerer and told him last night I was coming to Alabama," Johnson said. "Maryland was a great place and I enjoyed it as well. It was a tough decision but Alabama was just better for me overall for football and my future goals.

"The visit this week sealed it for me. I love the atmosphere and the way they play football there. They are a program on the rise and I want to go and help them win. I play the same style they do so I know I'll fit in pretty easily.

"Also, the school and everything was nice. It's not a big city but big enough. They have my major and not many schools had it so that also helped."

Johnson, 6-foot-1, 180-pounds, said he has a few goals heading into next season and one is helping the Tide win.

Marquis Johnson VideoClick "I want to play as a true freshman and help Alabama win a championship," Johnson said. "The adjustment to college is going to be difficult but I'm doing everything I can to prepare in the classroom. Also, I'm going to finish my senior season strong and then hit the weightroom. My main goal is to hit the field early."Here to view this Link.