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CrimsonConfidential.com - Mobile's West picks Alabama

West, who will play at Faith Academy this fall after transferring from Davidson High School, chose the Crimson Tide over more than a dozen scholarship offers. His four finalists also included Auburn, Arkansas and Southern Miss.

"I just got off the phone with coach Nick Saban," West said. "He was very excited about it and he said he's really looking forward to me coming up there. He said he likes my footwork and my change-of-direction. He said he's looking forward to coaching me.

"I feel great about. I have no regrets. I feel like this decision is best for me. My family can come up and watch me play every game. I'm really happy about that."

The 5-foot-11, 160-pound West is the first defensive back to commit to Alabama for 2009, and the fourth defensive player overall. He totaled 36 tackles and three interceptions in 2007.

West is the son of J.J. Johnson, the former Mississippi State running back. At Alabama, West will get the chance to work first-hand with Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban, a longtime defensive backs coach who helps defensive coordinator Kirby Smart instruct the defensive backs in every practice.

"That was a big part of my decision," West said of Saban's involvement with his position. "He's the best DB coach around."