Signing day sweeps Gulf Coast schools

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - As expected, McGill-Toolen quarterback Jason Smith stayed with the Tigers.  Smith is considered one of the greatest dual-threats in the state, and verbally committed to Auburn back in July 2012.

Alabama also had a big day, but the Tide emphasized the eastern shore. 

Spanish Fort defensive back Johnny Cook and defensive lineman Darius Paige put ink to paper Wednesday.

ESPN has Bama’s class ranked third in the nation, but Head Coach Nick Saban knows to taper expectations.

“Just because you buy the puppy dog with the biggest feet doesn’t mean it’s going to grow up to the greatest and biggest hunting dog,.” Saban said.  “It’s as simple as what I learned in West Virginia when I was little.”

South Alabama also brought into 22 new signees, divided nearly in half between Junior College players and high school players.

Head Coach Joey Jones said he was looking for “difference maker,” and one of them is Milton wide receiver Dejon Funderburk.

Funderburk was an honorable mention all-star as a senior and is a top-20 talent in the state of Florida, according to USA.

Similar to Saban, Head Coach Joey Jones knows not to get too excited.

“We felt like we really upgraded South Alabama’s football program with this class, and of course like we all say as coaches, until they get in here and prove it we have nothing,” Jones said.  “They have to come in here and so the job and they’ve got a long way to go, but I think we’ve recruited the types of players and the types of people we want here at South Alabama.”

For more on a long- but exciting- signing day, check out the video, as Russell Colburn provides a full recap in sports.