Gwinnett Daily Post

On Sunday afternoon, Darius Hanks finally got the big-time offer he was hoping for.

On Monday morning, the Norcross wide receiver accepted.

Hanks committed to Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide at around 11 a.m. on Monday, culminating a roller-coaster recruitment that began with offers from Kent State and Ball State before the season began and that ended with an offer from the traditional SEC power.

Hanks, who was also offered by Houston, Mississippi State and a handful of mid-major schools, was also receiving serious interest from Georgia, but as a defensive back.

At Alabama, Saban told the senior speedster he would be used at his favorite position.

"He said I had great route-running ability," Hanks said. "He said I was the best receiver he had seen on film in a while."

The first-team All-County performer really seemed to click with the new Alabama coach, who joined the Crimson Tide after a two-year stint as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

Alabama was not actively recruiting the two-way standout until Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa.

"He was really good," Hanks said, "I liked him as a person. He is strictly about business. He said he was not playing any games, he was there to win. I like that."

And obviously, Saban likes Hanks.

During a tremendous senior season, the multi-dimensional Hanks had 55 catches for 795 yards and seven TDs. He also rushed for 75 yards and three touchdowns on 14 carries and had a team-high six interceptions, returning one for an 85-yard touchdown.

"I think he'll have a great career," Norcross head coach Keith Maloof said. "... Coming into his senior year we knew he was one of the better ones in the county. And more than just one of the best in the county, we thought he was one of the best in the nation.

"He makes tough catches, he makes the easy catches. He just does a lot of great things."

Now he's ready to start doing those great things on the next level.

"I like the tradition (at Alabama)," Hanks said. "I like their style of offense. Coach (Saban) said their offense would be a good fit for me. I would have the ball in my hands a lot."

Two more Blue Devils find home

Hanks wasn't the only Norcross senior to choose a college over the weekend.

Linebacker James Simien verbally committed to Navy, while fellow linebacker Matt Tribble committed to Austin Peay.

Simien, a first-team All-County performer, and Tribble both finished the season tied for the team lead in tackles with 156.

Simien also had 10 sacks and 25 tackles for loss during the Blue Devils' 12-1 season.

With the commitments of Hanks, Tribble and Simien, Norcross now has four seniors committed to play college football - defensive end Brooks Cunningham chose Tulane earlier in the month.

Quarterback Bryce Dykes is still mulling over offers from Air Force and Austin Peay among others.

Green Wave makes another splash in Gwinnett

The Tulane coaching staff seems intent on starting a pipeline to Gwinnett County. After receiving verbal commitments from Duluth offensive lineman Andrew Higgins and Norcross' Cunningham two weeks ago, the Green Wave got word that another Gwinnett star would be heading to New Orleans for his college football.

Peachtree Ridge defensive back Phillip Davis committed to Tulane over the weekend.

Davis, who finished the season with a county-high seven interceptions in helping lead the Lions to the 2006 state title, had originally committed to Navy.

North's Williams choosesAir Force Academy

North Gwinnett defensive end Jasper Williams verbally committed to the Air Force Academy over the weekend.

Williams racked up 72 tackles, 51⁄2 sacks and three interceptions in helping lead the Bulldogs to a 11-2 record in 2006.

Chapple getting offers

Greater Atlanta Christian quarterback Lee Chapple waited a good while to pick up his first offer. But since the University of Richmond offered the Spartan QB, a number of schools have followed suit.

The University of Alabama-Birmingham and James Madison have both offered Chapple, as have a few smaller schools, including Elon.

Chapple said in a Q&A on Scout.com that UAB, James Madison and Richmond were his leaders and that he plans to make a decision before National Signing Day on Feb. 7.

The strong-armed QB threw for 1,904 yards, 19 touchdowns and six interceptions this season.