Tider Insider's
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PRE-SIGNING INTERVIEW
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So far, two of Alabama's five commitments are from out-of-state prospects, both of which are from Bolles HS in Jacksonville, FL. That is significant because it's been many years since the Tide has gotten top prospects out of Florida who were coveted by the Florida schools. In the case of Sam Matthews, it is especially significant because he is regarded by many as the top prospect in Florida this year. The Tide is also receiving strong consideration from top prospects in other southeastern states. One of those players is Tennessee standout RB Shaun Bohannon of Oak Ridge. Tider Insider spoke to Shaun on Saturday, December 14. |
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TI |
Shaun, tell us about yourself as a RB. |
SB |
I'm a north-south runner. There's not much juke mixed in. I just get up field and turn on the speed. That's my biggest asset, speed. |
TI |
Who would you compare yourself to? |
SB |
Let's see. Well, I guess I'm a little like Jay Graham. I just use sheer speed to break long runs. |
TI |
Your teammate, Mike Gipson, told us a couple weeks ago that you remind him of Lawrence Phillips. |
SB |
[Laughing] I always tell my teammates before a game, "Don't call me Shaun during the game. Call me Baby Phillips." |
TI |
Is that something that intimidates your opponents? |
SB |
Well, I'm a good sport and everything. I'm not into all that trash talking. But yes, I think it kind of freaks them out a little, but mainly it motivates me. |
TI |
So, have you given much thought to which schools you like the most? |
SB |
Alabama and Tennessee are my top two. I will look at Florida, Auburn and Georgia Tech too. Right now, I have visits set to Alabama on January 10th and Tennessee on the 17th. |
TI |
What do you like about Alabama? |
SB |
I like the way they use their running backs. They get the ball a lot. Plus, I know about Alabama's tradition of winning national championships. Coach Swinney is recruiting me and he's a nice guy. He has done a good job recruiting all of us Oak Ridge guys this year. |
TI |
What does he try to sell you on? |
SB |
Well, he was up here yesterday [Friday 12/13]. He tells us about the school. Like what the classes are like and the educational opportunities. As far as football, Coach Swinney explains how each of us would fit into their plans. He also explains the Alabama tradition. |
TI |
Tell us what you like about Tennessee. |
SB |
It's only 30 minutes from home. That's good, but not necessarily important. They have sent a lot of their running backs to the NFL lately. That's something that catches my eye. Plus, I know their coaches very well. They are very nice guys. |
TI |
Would it be difficult to tell them no? |
SB |
It would be tough, because they are such nice guys. Plus, there's a lot of pressure to go to Tennessee. |
TI |
When you say pressure, what you are referring to? |
SB |
Not pressure from their coaches. I mean from fans. Everywhere I turn people say, "You need to go to UT. You've gotta go to UT." And stuff like that. I think I can withstand the pressure, but it is something I think about a lot. |
TI |
Are you and Mike Gipson planning to go to the same school? |
SB |
I'm not sure about that right now. We will do what we feel is best for us. So, maybe we will. Maybe we won't. |
TI |
Just out of curiosity. Some people compare Gipson to David Palmer. What do you think about him as a player? |
SB |
You know, Coach Swinney played with Palmer. He says that's kind of who Mike reminds him of. He's the best utility player in this state. He's just an awesome offensive weapon. Once he gets his hands on the ball, he's trouble to tackle. I mean, he just makes people miss. |
QUICK FACTS: Shaun says he's 6'2, 200 and runs a 4.4 40. He expects to academically qualify. Shaun gained over 2,000 yards rushing this season. He wears number 10 in HS. |
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