Richard McBryde grew up an Alabama fan. He considers the Crimson Tide “one of his teams,” so of course he said yes when Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart asked if he wanted to speak with Nick Saban.

Earlier this week, Saban officially extended a scholarship offer to the Charles Henderson linebacker, bringing McBryde’s total offers to 15.

“Coach Saban said he finally had a chance to look at my tape, and he liked what he saw,” said McBryde. “He told me he wanted me to play for Alabama, and offered me over the phone.”

Alabama joins an ever-growing list of schools vying for McBryde’s services in 2015.

A good bulk of the Southeastern Conference, including Tide rivals LSU, Auburn, Tennessee and Ole Miss, have extended offers to McBryde, along with Troy, UAB, Southern Mississippi, Louisville, Miami and North Carolina State.

At the moment, Auburn still sits atop McBryde’s list, with Kentucky a close second. However, he did say Alabama could join the top three soon.

“You never know,” said McBryde. “Someone could leave or go somewhere else, and Alabama could move up. I just biding my time right now and getting ready for the season here (Charles Henderson).”

McBryde led the Trojans to the 2013 AHSAA 4A State Championship Game, and was named Lineman of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association.

The soft-spoken junior finished the season with 163 tackles, 37.5 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, one interception and three forced fumbles.

McBryde’s defensive coordinator, and head coach, in 2013 was current Mary G. Montgomery head coach Mike Dean.

Dean used the same type of defense that Saban and Smart utilize in Tuscaloosa, but McBryde said the similarities go deeper.

“Coach Dean is a very intense guy,” said McBryde with a grin. “He and Coach Saban are a lot alike, and even look a little alike. I know I am more prepared for the next level because of playing for someone that is intense all the time.”

McBryde is rated a four-star recruit by the recruiting databases Rivals and 247sports, is the ninth best player in the state and 18th rated outside linebacker in the nation.