Franklin County High School defensive end Marcus Tillman committed to LSU before the start of his senior season. However, since that May pledge Tillman, 6-foot-4, 250-pounds, has decided to take three official visits before making his final choice.

"I'm going to visit Ole Miss (1/13), LSU (1/20) and Alabama (1/27) before I make a firm decision," Tillman said. "I want to take all three visits before I decide because I have to make sure it's the right choice for me.

"I'd still say I'm committed to LSU but I have to take these visits. I've thought about it a lot and this is the biggest decision I've ever had to make. I want to make sure I didn't rush into anything.

"I've talked to the LSU coaches and they aren't very happy. They asked me not to go but I explained that I felt I had to."

When the Mississippi native decided to look around Alabama was one of the first schools that came to mind.

"I've always liked Alabama and the style of defense they play. They have a great tradition when it comes to defensive linemen and putting them in the NFL," Tillman said. "Anyone who saw them play this year has to be impressed with their season and how strong the defense was all year. I think that if they hadn't suffered a few key injuries they would have been even better.

"Coach (Sparky) Woods is a real good guy. He's been recruiting me for a long time and when I decided to take other visits I knew Alabama would be one of them because of him. He always told me that if I would visit Tuscaloosa then I would love it."

Heading into his three official visits in January it appears that LSU is still the team to beat for Tillman's signature.

"When I committed LSU seemed like the perfect fit and I still think that I can't go wrong if I choose them in the end," Tillman said. "I love the defensive line coach and they have a great reputation on defense as well.

"Baton Rouge is only an hour or two away from home so my family could come and see me play easier. That factors into my decision a little but not as much as some think.

"LSU is still in good shape and it would take one of the other schools really impressing me on my visit to change my mind but if I was 100% sure I wouldn't be visiting anywhere else."

Tillman, who recorded 54 tackles and eight sacks as a senior, runs a 4.65-40, bench presses 265-pounds and boasts a 34-inch vertical jump.