Top lineman chooses Alabama this time

Top offensive line prospect Cyrus Kouandjio has opted to play for Alabama instead of Crimson Tide's rival Auburn. Alabama received a faxed letter of intent from Kouandjio (kwan’-RO) on Saturday.

Kouandjio of DeMatha High School in Maryland is regarded as the nation’s No. 1 offensive tackle and one of the top five prospects overall. He committed to Auburn on national TV Wednesday but never sent the binding letter of intent. Kouandjio had posted on his Facebook page earlier that he would play with his older brother Arie, a redshirt freshman offensive lineman, at Alabama followed by “ROOLLLLL TTIIIDDDEEE!!!” The Facebook post drew hundreds of comments in the first hour.

Alabama’s recruiting class was already rated No. 1 nationally by Rivals.com.