Alabama recruit Brent Calloway can play RB or LB

By Ben Glicksman, SI.com

When it comes to smashmouth football, nobody does it better than Alabama. Take last Saturday's Capital One Bowl. Nick Saban's squad bullied Michigan State, outrushing the Spartans by 323 yards in a 49-7 rout. It was a textbook Crimson Tide performance: win with running and defense.

That's also the strategy of Russellville's Brent Calloway, Alabama's prized recruit. His raw athleticism is nearly unparalleled, and his imposing build (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) is perfect for the SEC. It's also allowed him to flourish on both sides of the football. He's an All-State running back and linebacker.

"I can see how both sides of the ball react," he said. "It gives you an edge at the other position."

His statistics back up that claim. Calloway rushed for 1,973 yards and 26 touchdowns this season, making up 46.8 percent of Russellville's total offense. He was equally dominant on defense, compiling 22 sacks.

His football I.Q. is just as impressive. He served as an on-field coach of sorts, reading opposing formations and helping his teammates stay focused as the season wore on. His motivational presence -- and his outstanding play -- guided the Golden Tigers to an 11-2 record and Alabama 5A semifinal berth in 2010.

"I make sure everybody's good on what they're doing," he said.

Despite his tough guy exterior, Calloway's a comedian at heart. He loosens up the locker room with his frequent singing and dancing, shouting the lyrics of Trey Songz and Chris Brown. He performs everywhere from the practice field to the classroom.

After sending a team to the BCS championship each of the past five years, the SEC stands as the premiere football conference in America. Calloway is not backing away from the challenge.

"I know what I can do against high school players," he says. "What can I do when everybody on the field is just as good as me?"

At Alabama, he'll find out, though he's still unsure of at which position. While many scouts project him as an outside linebacker for his quickness off the edge, the answer is still up for debate.

"Coach [Saban] told me that he'd let me run the ball if I wanted to," he said. "Once I get there I'll figure it out."