PREP FOOTBALL: Alabama offers John Hardin's Elam (2/24)

John Hardin junior defensive tackle Matt Elam is 2-for-2 so far.

Two weeks ago, Elam received an offer from the University of Kentucky on the school’s junior day. After receiving an invitation to the University of Alabama’s junior day, Elam attended it Saturday and Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban offered Elam a scholarship.

“It was a great day,” Elam said. “It started with me meeting Coach Saban and then we toured the facilities. It’s just a dream come true. Listening to what he had to say and just seeing the facilities, it was unreal.”

Alabama becomes the third school to offer Elam. Eastern Kentucky, which signed John Hardin linebacker Domonick Brown earlier this month, was the first school to offer Elam.

Despite Alabama’s offer, Elam doesn’t plan on making a decision any time soon. He plans on going to camps during the summer and taking his official visits before making his college choice.

“It was extremely hard,” Elam said of not giving the Crimson Tide a verbal commitment. “I wanted to say it. I wanted it to come out, but I knew I shouldn’t.”

Elam plans on attending the University of Tennessee’s junior day in the next few weeks.

“It’s really nice being recruited,” Elam said. “I’m having fun with it right now.”

Former John Hardin coach Mark Brown said all the attention Elam has received has helped him focus more.

 “To get an offer by Alabama, that’s something,” Brown said.  “I think he has great potential. I think it’s helped him work even harder. He’s getting more serious about it. It’s going to do nothing but help him in the long run.”

Elam was the Area Defensive Sophomore of the Year a year ago and the Area Lineman of the Year this season. Elam was a first team Associated Press defensive line as a sophomore and he made second team last year.

Chuck Jonescan be reached at (270) 505-1759 or cjones@thenewsenterprise.com.