Alabama DL still wide open

The 6' 2", 260 pound defensive tackle out of Phenix City (AL) got off to a slow start for the '08 campaign but things have picked up.

"The first game, it was kind of a disaster because I got hurt in the jamboree game, but in the second half, they put me in and my foot felt fine," added Marlin Sims. "We ended up winning 27-14. We played against Enterprise, and I made 7 tackles in 10 plays. Then against Dothan, I had a really good game. I had a couple of sacks and double digit tackles. Everything feels good now. I am back in the groove. I am glad I did not listen to my doctors because they wanted me to sit out the first four games (laugh). I couldn't let my teammates down like that."

Marlin's junior season was solid but not spectacular, by his standards.

"I mean, it was a pretty good season. We went 6-4, not too good, but I was shocked that I made All-Big City because I did not do as good as my standards. I had 64 tackles and 9 sacks. It was still a pretty good season. I hurt my shoulder, so I had to get that right."

Marlin currently plays defensive end, but he knows that tackle is in his future plans.

"I play end here, but in our system, it is still the tackle position. I was playing at 285 pounds last year, but I got it down to 255-260 after I hurt my shoulder. I am going to work myself back up. My strength increased although I lost 30 pounds."

Any college recruiting calls this month?

"South Alabama called me tonight. Auburn offered me a full scholarship. Alabama is suppose to get back in touch with me. I get a lot of letters from them. Georgia Tech, Tennessee, Ole Miss offered me, Alabama, Clemson, and Kentucky are also writing me a bunch."

When did Ole Miss get interested?

"They offered me in the Spring. I do not know why. I had never even spoke to them, but they offered me, and I hope they come watch some of my games this year. I have not talked to them since the Spring, but I hope they are still interested."

When did Auburn get involved?

"I went to their Jr Day and Coach Tub came to my school and talked to me. They are recruiting me as a defensive end. I did not go to any of their camps because my shoulder was hurt, but I did not go to any camps this summer."

And Alabama?

"They never had my personal information, so I went over there to Jr Day. They said they were going to get up with me, and I am waiting to hear back from them. I have to get my official visits lined up. I will visit the out of state schools like Ole Miss and Clemson. The instate schools I can just go over there anytime and check them out."

When did Clemson come into the picture?

"They were the first school to start recruiting me. I was getting letters from them the summer before my junior year. Auburn was the first to offer, but Clemson was the first to show interest in me. That is why I am interested in Clemson. I also hear they send a lot of good defensive linemen."

Anybody else heavily involved?

"Vandy wants me to take an official visit. I am thinking about doing it."

Keep it here at Scout.com to read the latest on Marlin Sims.