By Jonathan Blaylock

Sports Writer

JBlaylock@RN-T.com

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team will look pretty familiar to Greater Rome during the next few seasons.

Pepperell offensive lineman Andy Dodd verbally committed with the university on Monday, and will soon join former Pepperell teammate Dakota Ball as part of the Crimson Tide.

“I’ve been there (several) times,” said Dodd. “Every time, I felt comfortable and knew it was the place I needed to go.”

Dodd said Ball playing for Alabama had a little to do with his decision, but his decision was mostly based on how quickly he’ll be able to get on the field.

“It’ll be great to play with a high school teammate,” said Dodd, who added he hopes to “have a chance to play early. They have a lot of guys graduating in the next couple of years.”

Pepperell athletic director Jeff Shiflett listed LSU, Auburn, Georgia Tech and South Carolina as schools Dodd was considering.

“Andy’s had a lot of opportunities as far as different schools over the last few months,” Shiflett said about the 6-foot-4, 325-pound player. “It’s a great opportunity for him to play at the next level.”