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December 5, 2008

UA picks up Peach LB
Shane Youngblood
BamaOnLine.com Recruiting Analyst

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Although hope looked lost for the Crimson Tide when speedy outside linebacker Jonathan Atchison committed to Auburn earlier in the fall, the Alabama coaching staff stayed persistent and picked up their 19th commitment of the class of 2009 on the eve of their biggest game in 16 years.



Douglass-Atlanta linebacker Jonathan Atchison switched his commitment to UA on Thursday night.
"I actually committed to Coach Saban Thursday night but I am making my announcement tonight. Coach Saban was very excited to hear that I am coming aboard," said Atchison who stands 6-foot-3, 216 pounds. "This was a family decision. I talked with my mom and other family members last night and decided to make the call to Coach Saban. Everything made sense about Alabama.

"Coach Saban was probably the top selling point for me. I respect him and I know he is going to demand the best from me on and off the field. On top of that, everyone associated with Alabama just showed me a lot of love. I had a great time last weekend on my visit to the Auburn game and they rolled out the red carpet for me."

Atchison expects an in-home visit with Coach Saban next week and had another visitor today at his high school.

"Coach (Lance) Thompson came by my school today and got a chance to talk to my grandmother and my mom. I feel like he is family to me by now, and my family feels the same way," said Atchison. "One of my coaches at my high school is practically best friends with Coach Thompson. They go way back, and I know Coach Thompson was born and raised in Atlanta. He had a lot to do with my decision as well."

Atchison expects to play Will linebacker for Alabama.

"In Alabama's scheme, I can probably play just about any of the linebacker spots. I know they like me out in space making plays," said Atchison. "I don't have a preference really. I will figure it out when I get there."

Next up for Atchison is an official visit to the Capstone on January 16.

"I am solid to Alabama. I had strong feelings for Auburn and for Coach (Terry) Price and all of their coaching staff, but I was already starting to feel Alabama and when the Auburn staff left, that sealed it," said Atchison. "My mom really liked the Alabama coaches and especially Coach Saban. It was pretty exciting giving him the news last night."

Atchison is the 22nd-ranked outside linebacker nationally.