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Blue is one of the top class of 2016 prospects in Alabama. (Mark Almond/malmond@al.com)
Meeting Nick Saban and getting to spend one-on-one time with him was a mythical experience for P.J. Blue.
"It was almost like talking to God," Blue said.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound junior athlete from Jemison High School said as a kid he never envisioned he'd get a chance to meet people like Nick Saban. Spending time with the Alabama coach was intimidating at first, but Blue, who grew up an Alabama fan, couldn't stop smiling afterwards.
Alabama is one of multiple SEC programs recruiting the four-star prospect and has invited him to multiple games in Tuscaloosa this season. He was at Bryant-Denny Stadium last Saturday when the Crimson Tide knocked off No. 1 Mississippi State, and Blue said the crowd "was electric." He was also on campus for wins against Florida and Southern Miss, and plans to be back in Tuscaloosa for the Iron Bowl. He was wowed the first time he was able to explore the school's campus.
"Alabama has great facilities and it makes you want to go there instantly," he said. "But there's more to it than just facilities and I'm going to have to look at it more."
There is mutual interest between Alabama and Blue, but Saban hasn't offered him a scholarship yet. He'll need to bulk up if he wants one.
"Alabama told me I needed to get bigger if I want to play linebacker for them," he said. "They say I have the frame but need more weight. My target weight is going to be 210."
Blue already has scholarship offers from Clemson and UAB. He believes his first SEC offer -- from South Carolina -- is just a matter of time. South Carolina has told Blue it plans to offer him, but wants to wait until an assistant coach can visit Blue at his school.
LSU and Auburn have also expressed interest in Blue, who plays both receiver and outside linebacker in high school. Auburn likes him in its "Star" position -- the hybrid spot of safety and linebacker. He visited Auburn for the school's win against LSU earlier this season.
The recruiting process is just starting to crank up for Blue and he plans to take his time. He admits he'd like to make his college commitment this summer, but has been advised to wait and is now looking at a November 2015 decision.