Stanford targets Alabama LB K.J. Britt
The state of Alabama has quietly emerged as a key recruiting area for Stanford in the 2017 and 2018 recruiting classes. Cardinal fullback commit Bailey McElwain is from the state, as are top defensive line and quarterback targets Ryan Johnson and Jack West.
Last month, Stanford went back to Alabama to extend a rare new scholarship offer in the 2017 class (Stanford has offered only two 2017 prospects in the last four or so months) to top linebacker K.J. Britt.
Britt started hearing from Stanford several months back. The Cardinal expressed strong interest in Britt then, but only offered after getting a better sense for Britt's academic resume. (Which included an improved ACT score.)
"I heard from them in like March," Britt said. "They were telling me how important I was to them in March. They were just telling me be patient with them because they have really low (numbers in this class)... My grades were fine, but at Stanford they want your full year junior transcript and the ACT scores. I think when they saw my grades and my transcript, that's when they offered."
"I felt honored (to receive the Cardinal scholarship). Not everybody has a Stanford offer. Not everybody can say that they're being recruited by such a prestigious school. They have a 100 percent graduation rate, that's big."
Stanford defensive coordinator Lance Anderson, inside linebackers coach Peter Hansen and Alabama area recruiter Lance Taylor have been in contact with Britt.
"They tell I'm an ideal fit for the linebacker for them," Britt said. "They came down to watch me practice twice - two coaches came down to watch me practice the first time, and they came back this spring. They used their two visits on me, so I'm going to try to use a visit on them. They just tell me that they want me and I'm ideal for them and my grades are better than what's required to get into Stanford. They just tell me I'm a perfect fit. I talk to them pretty often."
A summer trip to The Farm is a possibility.
"They talk to my dad all the time," Britt said. "Me, my parents and my brothers are trying to get out there. I think we're going to do it in July. We're just being patient but seeing how everything will (be) planned out."
Britt released a top 10 two months ago that did not include Stanford. But the Cardinal has his attention now that they've offered.
"They're playing a big part in my recruitment," Britt said. "I don't know right now, because I'm set to graduate early but I know I can't early enroll (at Stanford). So right now I'm just trying to play it out... I'm just being patient. But they're one of the schools that I'm really considering. So, I mean, I'm just being patient."
Stanford's coaches aren't the only ones recruiting Britt to The Farm. He's also heard from multiple Cardinal commits - Colby Parkinson, Stu Head, Bailey McElwain and Dylan Powell.
Georgia, Auburn, Florida, LSU, Michigan, Virginia Tech, Tennessee and Duke are also among the numerous schools involved in his recruitment.
"(I'm looking for) just somewhere I can call home," Britt said. "Great academics, like Stanford. Wherever I feel comfortable and whatever the place lands is in my heart, that's what I'm looking for."
