Walton Quarterback Chooses Alabama

The path between the campus in East Cobb and Tuscaloosa, Ala. has been well-traveled in recent months. 

After returning from a recent camp at the University of Alabama, Walton quarterback Parker McLeod announced Friday that he's decided to play college football with the Crimson Tide. 

He's the second Walton star to make such a pledge. Running back Tyren Jones, one of top players in Georgia as a junior and one of the top prospects in the nation, to Alabama in February. 

Alabama, which won the BCS national title last season, already has another commitment from Utah prep quarterback Cooper Bateman, who is rated one of the best in the nation. 

“I know there’s going to be competition wherever I go,” McLeod told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “The Alabama coaches told me that they would give us both an equal shot to compete. I’m just looking forward to competing and trying to get my spot.”

Walton coach Rocky Hidalgo told The Marietta Daily Journal that McLeod's physical and leadership skills -- he was a clutch performer in to -- endeared him to the Crimson Tide staff. 

“I think he’s an Alabama quarterback. He can go in and manage a game. He’s a smart player, a tough player, and they like the fact he can hang in the pocket and deliver the ball.”

Verbal commitments do not tie a player to his announced college choice; scholarship offers become official on signing day in February.

Another Walton player, lineman Brandon Kublanow, this spring and said this week he's working to convince Jones to change his mind and come play for the Bulldogs.