Alabama added a second quarterback to its 2007 recruiting class and perhaps put some teeth in coach Nick Saban's "you shop, we shop" philosophy.
Nick Fanuzzi of San Antonio, rated by Rivals.com as a three-star prospect, became Saban's second commitment Monday.
Alabama also picked up a commitment from defensive back Kareem Jackson of Macon, Ga.
The timing of Fanuzzi's commitment was curious. It came a day after Robert Marve, a quarterback already committed to Alabama, returned from an official visit to Miami.
Ironically, Fanuzzi had been committed to Miami when he made an official visit to Alabama over the weekend. Fanuzzi was recruited by Tide assistant Major Applewhite, a former Texas quarterback.
"In the end, I just felt like Alabama was the best place for me," Fanuzzi told BamaOnline.com.
Marve committed to Alabama last summer and had developed a close relationship with former Tide coach Mike Shula, who was fired in November.
Marve, who set a handful of Florida passing records as a senior at Tampa's Plant High, said he is still committed to Alabama. But his affinity for the Hurricanes appears to be growing.
"Miami is right there with Alabama," Marve told the Tampa Tribune in a Monday story. "I have to sit down with my family some more. We need to do more research, make sure everything is right and give (Miami) the same shot as we did Alabama."
Should Marve choose to sign with Alabama on national signing day Feb. 7, the scholarship will presumably still be available. Saban has said he will honor commitments made to Shula.
If both Marve and Fanuzzi sign, Alabama will have five scholarship quarterbacks on campus in August. Starter John Parker Wilson will be a junior, followed by sophomore Jimmy Barnes and redshirt freshman Greg McElroy.
Fanuzzi's father played quarterback at Kentucky and his brother played at Texas Tech.
Fanuzzi was selected to play in the U.S. Army all-star game on Jan. 6.
Jackson will start classes today at UA, according to BamaMag.com.
Jackson played for Fort Union, Va., Military Academy last fall and had five interceptions. He was a running back in high school in Macon, Ga.
Jackson, rated a two-star prospect by Scout.com, was committed to Vanderbilt.
As Reported By: The Huntsville Times
By PAUL GATTIS
Times Sports Staff
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