By: Joe Tucker

It's a decision that effects kids for the rest of their life, where to get their education. Gifted athletes are pursued by colleges across America and enticed to attend their school with scholarships. You see, college football is a multi-million dollar business and the athletes are the pawns. Don't get me wrong, the athletes are given something more valuable than money, they are given an education. If the player is talented enough, stays healthy and is lucky, he may go on to play professional football, but football careers in general are short lived, while an education last a lifetime. Football fans follow recruiting as if their life depended on it. High school athletes go through the process knowing their life depends on it. The process is sometimes long and tedious, ask Freddie Milons, who told us in a previous interview, that he still doesn't answer the phone if he doesn't recognize the number, even though his recruiting days are long behind him. Ask the fans who tire of recruits taking visits to other schools or "dragging the process out." However, this is one of the most important decisions the kids will ever make, and besides, it can be fun.

Alonzo Lawrence is one of the most sought after players in the country. In an age where wide receivers are taller and faster than ever before, large cornerbacks are capable of shutting them down are a rare find. Look no further than Lucedale, Mississippi. There Georgia County High's Alonzo Lawrence has proven to the world that he can run with the best of them. Ranked the second best cornerback in the nation by Rivals, few corners display the athleticism of Alonzo. Capable of playing both offense and defense, as a senior, he had 91 tackles, 74 of which were solo, seven forced fumbles, two fumbles recovered, two fumbles returned for touchdowns and two interceptions. As a receiver, he had 30 receptions for 772 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned five kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns. Despite his stellar offensive performance, Alonzo knows his future is on the defensive side of the ball. Coach Nick Saban told him he thinks Alonzo could one day play in the NFL; and what better coach to get you there than Nick Saban?

As you can imagine Lawrence had his choice of colleges. The list of offers included Alabama, Auburn, LSU, Miami, Florida State, Ole Miss, and Miss. State to name a few. However, he chose the University of Alabama. Why because he felt that was the best place for him to get his education and to further his football career. He'll be spending the next four years at the Capstone getting an education and being a "lock down" corner for the Crimson Tide. He will become another important piece of the puzzle for this recruiting class that just might finish #1 in the nation. He reports a 2.0 core GPA and 16 ACT, but he plans to retake the test on February 9th. If he can qualify, he may end up with a championship ring or two before he graduates from Alabama. Click here to read his bio and watch videos of his highlights and of his coach discuss his skills.

Welcome to BAMA Mr. Lawrence!