With the 2013 recruiting class beginning to fill up, the University of Alabama addressed another position of need on Thursday, albeit a position that most didn’t expect the Crimson Tide to fill and one for which Nick Saban has never offered a scholarship.
Bakersfield, Ca., long snapper Cole Mazza originally committed to UCLA last month, but after receiving an offer from Alabama last week, he opted to switch his commitment, becoming the 18th member of the Tide’s current class.
“I loved both schools,” Mazza said. “It was a really tough decision, but I feel like I can’t pass on this opportunity to go to Alabama and be part of a national champion. I’m going to get my degree. I’m going to graduate school. I just feel like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. It’s just a great fit for me.”
Mazza visited Tuscaloosa last week for the Tide’s first prospect camp. After a standout performance at the camp, he was offered a scholarship by the UA coaching staff, and it didn’t take long to realize where he wanted to go.
"He went out there this past Saturday and dominated their camp,” said Chris Rubio, Mazza’s position coach. “They offered him on Sunday, which is completely rare. I don't know if rare is even the right word for it. Saban has never offered a long snapper a scholarship before."
