Tider Insider's
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POST-SIGNING INTERVIEW
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| The biggest surprise of this Alabama recruiting class may
have been the signing of All-American RB Shaun Bohanon from Oak Ridge,
TN. Bohanon grew up less than 30 minutes from the University of Tennessee
campus. Very seldom will a home grown talent the caliber of Bohanon escape
UT's grasp -- especially to bitter rival Alabama.
Two weeks before national signing day Bohanon shocked followers of Alabama and Tennessee by selecting the Tide. Many believed that Bohanon would eventually change his mind and sign with the Volunteers. On February 5th Bohanon signed with Alabama. Tider Insider spoke to Shaun on February 15. We discussed the recruiting process and his expectations for the future. |
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| TI | Shaun, when we spoke to you during the recruiting process, you said there would be a lot of pressure to go to UT. What was the reaction among Tennessee fans when you committed to Alabama? |
| SB | Some Tennessee fans tried to put a lot of pressure on me. They would say things to me. I really just turned my head and didn't listen to what they said. |
| TI | How did the Tennessee coaches react when you committed to Alabama? |
| SB | Actually, they accepted it pretty well. Coach Cutcliffe came by to see Mike Gipson [Bohanon's teammate who signed with Florida] the day after I committed to Alabama. He talked to me a little bit and then just said good luck. |
| TI | You visited Alabama on the weekend of January 10th. The next weekend you visited Tennessee. We understand that after your visit to UT, you went home and telephoned your father who lives in Atlanta. Reportedly, your father was completely sold on Alabama, and by the time the conversation had ended, you were sold too. |
| SB | Yes, we did talk it over. We talked about Alabama being known for running backs. We also talked about Alabama's great tradition of winning national championships. Alabama's in the SEC championship game every year too. After a while, I realized that Alabama was the best place for me. |
| TI | Have you ever had any second thoughts about your decision? |
| SB | Never. |
| TI | Now let's look forward. You were quoted as saying you wouldn't mind redshirting next season if that's what Alabama's coaches decided. There have also been reports that you could make an immediate impact returning kickoffs next season. What are your thoughts? |
| SB | I'm not sure how much playing time I'll get next year with some of the other running backs they have coming back, but I'd love to return kickoffs. I returned kickoffs in high school. Hopefully, I can go down there and return kickoffs next season for Alabama. |
| TI | You'll be joined at Alabama by Jason McAddley, a high school teammate of yours at Oak Ridge. Are you excited about that? |
| SB | Oh yes, I am. It's going to be great going down there with Jason. He's going to be a great player. We're looking forward to it. |
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