Tider Insider's
Recruiting Recap

PRE-SIGNING INTERVIEW
with
JOE YOUNT

The Tide has major need on the defensive line. The state's top DL prospect is probably Albertville's Joe Yount. We talked to Joe on Monday, November 4, 1996.

Joe, have you begun to narrow your list of schools?

I'm looking at Alabama, Auburn, Tennessee, Arkansas and possibly Ole Miss. I think Alabama is looking pretty good right now.

Are you near a decision?

I don't think I'll drag it out, but I'm not ready yet. Hopefully I'll have a decision within a few weeks or so.

Some reports list you as a DL. Others say you'll play TE in college.

I expect to play somewhere on the defensive line in college. I'm fairly aggressive and think defense is best for me.

What are some of your career highlights?

We haven't won any championships, but we still have a chance to win our county this year. Individually, I think my best game this season was against Gadsden Southside.

Tell us about that game.

Let's see, I had about 13 tackles. I caused two fumbles and recovered one that I returned for a TD. One of my teammates blind sided the QB and the ball popped up. I caught it in mid-air and ran 40 yards for the TD. I felt like that was a pretty good game for me.

Have you had the opportunity to play against any other top prospects this year?

I don't know who all the top prospects are, but I played against a very good one last year. We played North Jackson last year and they had Kenny Smith playing TE and DE. I went up against him when he was on offense. He's the best I've ever played against. He's a really good athlete.

QUICK FACTS: Joe says he's 6'4, 255 and runs a 4.75 40. He wears number 1 in HS. Obviously that will not be his college number. He's recorded 60 tackles and 10 sacks this season. Grades will not be a problem.