Samuels is making a move

This spring, Hoover (Ala.) junior Kyron Samuels knew it would be his last spring session in high school and definitely his most crucial. After playing offensive guard last year, the 6-foot-2 and 285-pound Samuels is making the switch to center.

So far, so good, said Samuels.

"We just started spring and just starting to get it cranked up and we've had three practices so far," said Samuels. "I am strictly playing center and I haven't had a bad snap yet. I believe I am eliminating any doubts that colleges had as far as me playing center.

"I just had to get used to the game speed and getting those reps with people coming at me. But I feel I have adjusted quickly and I am happy how it is going so far."

Samuels currently holds offers from Maryland, Southern Miss, East Carolina, Troy and Western Kentucky as well as drawing heavy interest from Mississippi State and Alabama. So far this spring, he noted that Mississippi State, Alabama, Southern Miss, UAB, Louisiana Tech and Louisiana-Lafayette have stopped by to check on his progress.

"Coach (John) Hevesy of Mississippi State came by last Friday," said Samuels. "He told me he saw all he needed to see in our inside run-blocking period when I talked to him the next day. And then Coach (Les) Koenning is coming by this week. Hopefully they see what they need to see and I hope an offer comes real soon. If they do offer they would be close to the top.

"Coach Pruitt of Alabama came to our first practice I guess to see if they might offer if they like what they see this spring. A lot of people up there say that offer may come around camp time when they can see me in their camps and in person again."

Of the schools that are offering and showing interest, it is little doubt Samuels has his sights set on the SEC.

"I am looking at Oregon, too, but my Top 3 right now are Mississippi State, Florida and Alabama," Samuels said. "And I would say Mississippi State and Alabama are the top 2 of that group. I am going to camps at both schools and I am also going to Florida's Friday night lights camp."

As noted before, Samuels' uncle Chris Samuels played his college ball at Alabama before moving on to an NFL career. Yes, Samuels hears the talk that it is a given he will go to Alabama ala his uncle if the Tide decide to offer him. But it's not that simple and laid out, said Samuels.

"That is totally not true," said Samuels. "My uncle gives me great advice and he tells me to pick the place I am most comfortable at. I am very comfortable in Starkville and I feel at home there just as much as I do in Tuscaloosa. People that say I am dead set on Alabama don't know me as a person. I will make the best decision for me, whether that is in Starkville or anywhere else."