Ariton star commits to Alabama

Ariton football standout Craig Sanders said Alabama has been his college choice for some time.

Late Tuesday night, he made it official, verbally committing to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide program.

“I feel Alabama is home for me, and I feel I will excel the best at Alabama,” Sanders told the Dothan Eagle Wednesday.

“I get along with the coaches, and I love the campus.”

Sanders, a 6-foot-4, 240-pound ascending senior linebacker / defensive end, has been a dominating player at Ariton, earning all-state honors the last two
years. He was a finalist for the state’s Class 1A Lineman of the Year award, finishing second to a senior.

Though he played in all phases of the game, Sanders is projected as a ‘Jack’ (outside linebacker / defensive end) in Alabama’s 3-4 defensive scheme.

“I can either rush the passer, drop back for a pass or sit and read the play,” Sanders said.

He may also see time on special teams, especially on punt defense for blocking kicks.

Most Southeastern Conference and Atlantic Coast Conference school expressed high interest in Sanders, including Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Clemson,
Ole Miss and Tennessee. However, Sanders said there was never a doubt where he was going.

“It was Alabama the whole way,” Sanders said.

Behind his strength (a state powerlifting champion), speed and physical style of play, Sanders has been a terror for opposing offenses and quarterbacks at
Ariton.

This past season, his reputation led teams to try and run away from him or double and triple team him, but he still earned 71 tackles, including 32 for losses
and 12 quarterback sacks. He also had 18 quarterback hurries, an interception (returned for TD) and a caused fumble on defense.

As a sophomore, he amassed 67 tackles, 55 solos, including 25 for losses, 19 of which were QB sacks. He also had 12 QB hurries and two pass
knockdowns. His freshman year, he made 60 tackles.

Sanders is also a kick-blocking specialist. Last year, he blocked four point after attempts and a punt. As a freshman, he blocked six punts, including a state
record four in one game.

Though defense and blocking kicks are his forte, Sanders has also been a force on offense. This past season, he was moved to running back and rushed for
1,057 yards (96.1 a game, 8.7 a carry) and 16 touchdowns despite only 12 carries and 89 yards in the first three games (968 yards in last eight games, 121
average). He also caught 13 passes for 259 yards (19.9 per catch) with six touchdowns.

He was also an all-state honorable mention tight end as a freshman, catching 12 passes for 347 yards and three touchdowns.

“He is a dominating player in all phases of the game — kicking game, offense and defense,” said David Collins, who coached Sanders at Ariton.

Sanders’ physical stature, especially at the Class 1A level, is another asset, said Collins.

“He is an intimidating force when he steps off the bus,” Collins said.

Collins, a veteran of 36 years in coaching, including 15 as a head coach and at big and small schools, put Sanders in elite company.

“Craig is one of the best football players I have ever coached, and I have done this for a long time,” said Collins, ranking Sanders in the top three or four he has
coached.

Though he plays at a small school, Collins said Sanders’ talent can match up at any level.

“He can start at any school in the state,” Collins said. “If he was at (Class 6A) Hoover, he would be a starter.”

While a standout, Sanders is far from an ego-driven player, said Collins.

“He is a very smart player and a very humble person,” Collins said. “He is not caught up into himself. He is all about the team.”