Prized commit Sims helping recruit for Bama

"I'm not a guy who wants to just come in and be the only big name of the class," said Sims, who also considered Georgia, Florida State and Tennessee. "I mean, if I feel like we need to get other guys in here to get a better team, I'll do it. Recruiting is fun and everything, but winning is more important."

This is music to the coaches' ears. Fighting Illini coach Ron Zook loved it when Whitmer told him he would embrace this role from the beginning.

As for Sims, Saban has celebrated how his recruits commit and begin to bond with one another early.

Sims said he'll listen to Saban or assistants such as Sal Sunseri or Curt Cignetti for advice on which players may be headed the Crimson Tide's way. Then, Sims will make contact and help where needed.

Like Whitmer, Sims is adamant he doesn't push prospects one way or another. He may do it by accident.

If you receive a text from him, it always ends with this signature: *Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer* -- the Crimson Tide cheer.

He'll come to summations like these: "I felt there was no better history than Alabama football. If other guys are going through the same process, they need to know the same things that I know."

And he's already hooked one member of the Tide's star-studded, 20-person class ranked No. 4 by ESPNU.

Alfy Hill, a 6-4, 240-pound defensive end from West Brunswick (Shallotte, N.C.) High, is the No. 6-rated player at his position in the country. He knew nothing about UA before talking to Sims.

"I asked the coaches for his number," Hill said. "Me and Phillip got close. He was telling me how the coaches were, and he talked to the players and how they were. I went down there, and it was a really good place. Every time he made a comment, it all matched up."

Hill saw Sims' motivation as simple.

"That's where he wanted to play college football," Hill said, "and he wants to get as many good people as he can get to play there."

To read the entirety of this story, click HERE.