re: 2020 FB Recruiting & Roster

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Maye spoke to AL.com recently, and here’s excerpts from the conversation:

Q: Why did you choose Alabama and why make the decision now, before you even play your junior season of high school football?

A: "I was down at Alabama in the spring and watched them practice and sat with the coaches and Coach Saban. Then, in the summer I went again to throw, and then kind of sat down with Coach Saban. He said I was the guy he wanted in my class, and a lot of quarterbacks were already committing – there’s probably six or seven of the top guys were already committed. That was the situation. I loved Alabama. I think it’s hard to turn down when Coach Saban wants you to be his quarterback. That’s basically it.”

Q: How or is life different now that you’re recognized as Drake Maye, Alabama QB commit?

A: “It’s a lot different. A lot of people are coming after me know. Now, people in my area and playing in high school, they’ll be coming at me. It’ll be fun. It’s been awesome so far. I’m really excited. I’m trying to recruit, try to get some other guys committed to Alabama. So, it’s fun.”

Q: You have two full high school seasons to go, but how do you balance concentrating on high school while already knowing your college destination?

A: “I think it’s very important to be a leader on the team. I’m going to play (at Alabama), but at the end of the day that doesn’t matter as much as winning a state championship, so I’m just focused on the first game. That’s the ultimate goal, to win a state championship.”

Q: What are you doing better today than, say, 365 days ago?

A: “I feel a lot of more comfortable back there. I’ve got comfortability to check the play at the start. I’m a big leader on the team now, I’m an upperclassman now. I just feel like a full year of experience and making it to the semifinals is a lot. I think that helps along the way. I’m looking forward to the season. It’ll be fun.”

Q: Leadership comes with playing quarterback and you mentioned recruiting other players to Alabama. How do you feel about that role in shaping the Tide’s 2021 class?

A: “It’s very important. People, they look at a class and say, ‘Who’s the quarterback?’ That’s the first thing they ask. I think me just getting guys around me and getting guys just as good or better, it’s very important. Grow the relationship with some of the top guys in the country. It’s a big deal. I’m looking forward to talking to some guys at game or talking to some guys over the phone. I enjoy it a lot. It’s been fun.”

Q: You do have two high school seasons to play and there’s a significant amount of time before you can sign, can you see any scenario in which you wouldn’t sign with Alabama?

A: “As of right now, no sir. I’m 100% all-in. I’m focused on my high school season, but I’m looking forward to getting down there this fall. Right now, all Alabama. Roll Tide!”

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