Taylor Pharr remembers exactly when he decided he was going to someday play for Alabama. "I was four years old," says the 6-6, 270-pound offensive lineman from Shades Valley. "I was at a game with my dad. When Alabama came running out of the tunnel, I told my dad that someday I'd be running through that tunnel for Alabama."
Pharr moved a step closer to that dream this afternoon when he accepted an offer to play for the Crimson Tide. Pharr, considered one of the state's premier offensive linemen, was offered a scholarship by the Alabama following his outstanding performance at the Tide's camp last Sunday. "I knew the second I walked out of Bryant Denny Stadium on Sunday exactly where I was going," Pharr says. "When they offered me, there was never really any doubt." Pharr will become the third member of his family to play for the Crimson Tide. Two relatives -- Buddy Beard, who played on a Tide Rose Bowl team under Frank Thomas, and Happy Beard, who played on the Tide's national championship team of 1941 -- are a part of Alabama's glorious past. "I've always heard about them playing for Alabama," Pharr says. "I've always wanted to be the next family member to follow in their footsteps and play for Alabama. It just feels great. "I've always loved Alabama football. Watching Alabama play all these years, it's just like a dream come true. My family is very excited with my decision." Pharr called the Alabama staff this afternoon with his decision. "I talked with Coach Shula and Coach Harbison and told them I was ready to commit," Pharr says. "Then I spoke with Coach [Randy] Ross. They were all excited to hear my decision." Pharr has the size and athleticism to play either tackle spot. "I really don't know which side I'll play yet," he says. "I'm left-handed, but it really doesn't make any difference. I can play the right side as well as the left side." Pharr's commitment comes less than 24 hours after another lineman, Autaugaville's Brian Motley, committed to Alabama. Pharr and Motley join defensive back Tremayne Coger of Columbia, TN, safety Andy Davis of Briarwood Christian and linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham of Mountain Brook as the Tide's prep commitments for the 2006 class. Bama also has commitments from two junior college players, wide receiver Nikita Stover of Itawamba CC and defensive end Jerami Holifield of MW Mississippi CC. Notes: Pharr has been timed at 4.9 in the 40. He bench presses 325 and squats 425. _______________________________________________ RTF mailing list RTF@rolltidefan.net http://rolltidefan.net/mailman/listinfo/rtf_rolltidefan.net
