Sewell family welcomes Saban and company in-home

Penei Sewell, Rivals100 offensive tackle from Desert Hills High School in St. George, Utah, will announce his college decision next Wednesday. He will also sign his letter of intent. Alabama head coach Nick Saban, offensive line coach Brent Key and area recruiter Tosh Lupoi had an important in-home visit with Sewell and his family on Wednesday.

"I don't even know how to explain it," Sewell's father, Gabriel, said about Nick Saban visiting his son on Wednesday. "In our region in Utah (southern) it was like the President of the United States was coming in town. The cheerleaders put out a banner. I'm sure it was the last thing he wanted, but you are not going to keep it a secret that Coach Saban is coming in town.

"We loved the visit with Coach Saban, Coach Tosh (Lupoi) and Coach Key. It was a blessing and honor to have them in our home. I don't think years ago when I started helping kids get recruited I could have dreamed this big. To have this happen to my own kids has been great.

"We love Tosh. He's been here a few times. He is a great individual. We are very comfortable around Tosh. I think he (Penei) talks to Tosh more than he talks to me. Even around us he is just a great guy. My family loves Tosh.

"This was Coach Key's third time coming out here. He visited during the spring. He was here last week and again this week. It's another great relationship. Tosh has been more than Key, but we have spent a lot of time with him. He (Penei) really likes Coach Key as well."

Sewell is one of Alabama's top offensive targets. He participated in Alabama's camp in June and returned for an official visit in October. Nick Saban gave a final in-person recruiting pitch to Sewell and his family prior to his scheduled announcement on Wednesday.