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HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL RECRUITING NOTEBOOK- al.com

Cordova's Tim Simon might have taken too long to decide where he will play college football. But the major college running back was not going to be rushed.

"It's a lot to go over and a big decision," Simon said. "I just want to take my time and my visits and figure out what's best for me."

According to Cordova coach Pete Bush, the longtime Auburn fan had scholarship offers from Alabama and Auburn - along with schools such as Clemson and Tennessee.

The Cordova runner has 87 career rushing touchdowns. Those efforts helped carry his team to the Alabama High School Association Class 3A state title last season.

But Bush got a call from Auburn recruiting coordinator Greg Knox last month saying the Tigers' offer was no longer on the table.

"Coach (Greg) Knox called and told me Auburn was full on running backs," Bush said. "They had their two running backs for this class and it was all they were likely to take."

That stunned someone who grew up a fan of Auburn runner Ronnie Brown - at least for a bit.

"I understand," Simon said. "Auburn did what's best for them. I'll do what's best for me the same way."

Simon is not looking back. He's looking forward with a new strategy in mind. He does not prefer a move to safety or linebacker to fit in for any school that wants him to play defense.

"I'm a running back," Simon said. "That's what I am. That's my nature. I want to go somewhere I can run it and make plays on that side of the ball. I'm going to go to a place that will let me run the football."

The 2007 Super All-Metro running visited Mississippi State on Saturday. The Bulldogs have also offered a scholarship. Simon heads into his senior season with more than 5,500 career rushing yards.

The 6-foot-2 player has beefed up to 212 pounds while shaving a tenth of a second off his 40-yard dash time.

"Wait till those schools see him run the ball this year," Bush said. "Anybody who took an offer off the table might have to think real hard about putting it back out there."