COLUMBUS, Ohio — Many college football experts believe that Ohio State and defending national champion Alabama could meet for the 2010 national title.

Regardless, a head-to-head recruiting battle was won by Alabama on Friday.

Springfield linebacker Trey DePriest, one of the top football recruits in the country, announced that he intends to sign with the Crimson Tide in February.

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DePriest was also considering Ohio State as a college choice.

The 6 foot 1, 225-pound linebacker had over 100 tackles as a junior in 2009, 10 of which were for a loss.  DePriest also recorded seven sacks.

On offense, DePriest ran for more than 800 yards and scored 13 touchdowns.

DePriest is a good friend of Huber Heights Wayne quarterback Braxton Miller, who has already announced he will attend Ohio State next year.

Miller is widely considered the top high school quarterback in the country and was featured in this week's issue of Sports Illustrated.

Ohio State has 17 verbal pledges for the Class of 2011.  Players can officially sign letters of intent on Feb. 2.

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