Tider Insider's
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PRE-SIGNING INTERVIEW
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| The Outback Bowl was a good example of the role LBs have
played in the success of Alabama's defense through the years. Ralph Staten
was magnificent, chasing down Michigan's fleet running back Clarence Williams
to prevent a TD. What more needs to be said about Dwayne Rudd's performance?
It was possibly his finest in a Crimson Tide uniform.
Unfortunately, Staten has finished his Tide career. And Rudd appears to be heading to the NFL a year early. Middle LBs Tyrell Buckner and Fernando Davis, seniors, will also be missed. Our point is, as we've said many times before, it's obvious that Alabama must sign a banner group of LBs this year. There were reports earlier this week that the Tide had started off in the right direction by getting a commitment from an outstanding LB prospect. Several sources throughout Alabama reported this week that North Jackson LB Carlton Person had verbally committed to Tide coaches. Although that is not the case, the Tide is looking very good. We spoke to Carlton on December 28. |
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| TI | Carlton, tell us which schools you are considering? |
| CP | Alabama, Tennessee and Ole Miss are my top three. I am planning to visit Alabama on January 10th and Ole Miss on the 17th. I need to talk with the Tennessee coaches to set up a visit there. |
| TI | Do you have a favorite? |
| CP | I really like the way I feel about Alabama. I like coach DuBose. He's a real straight-up type of guy. He seems interested in the student-athlete, not just the athlete. Ole Miss coaches are the same way. |
| TI | Do you expect to play inside or outside linebacker in college? |
| CP | I can play either. I prefer inside because I have the speed to play sideline to sideline. Playing in the middle I can make plays all over. |
| TI | So are you a big-play type linebacker? |
| CP | I'm a combination of speed and power. I make a lot of big plays like sacks and running people down from behind. But I can also step up in the hole and stop the run. I'm really aggressive. My feeling is that you can have all the talent in the world, but if you're not aggressive you will not be successful on the football field. |
| TI | Your high school coach, Phillip Lolley, told us you are the most intelligent football player he has ever coached. |
| CP | That's probably why he had me calling the defensive signals. It makes me feel good that my coaches look to me to be a leader. I like to take charge on the field. |
| TI | What can you tell us about Kenny Smith, who played at North Jackson last year? |
| CP | I didn't play at North Jackson my junior year, so I haven't played with him but I've seen him play. He is a lot like me, but bigger. People are not going to believe the way he can run down backs from behind. |
| TI | Have both of you talked about possibly going to the same school? |
| CP | It would be good if that happened. It would be a lot of good publicity for Stevenson to have two kids playing on a major college team together. We will just have to see what happens though. |
| QUICK FACTS: Carlton says he is 6'1, 232 and runs a 4.5. He says grades will not be a problem. In just six games this season Carlton recorded 97 tackles, which includes 12 sacks. He was also credited with 13 pass knockdowns and 5 INTs. Carlton wore number 21 in HS. | |
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