Mississippi State was the only Division-1 offer for former Daphne running back Arnil Stallworth, who led Alabama's largest class in rushing his senior year. Stallworth is still puzzled by the lack of interest he received in high school, but is thankful that the Bulldogs gave him an opportunity to show his talents.

After making his first start against UAB, Stallworth is anxious to rehab his injured ankle and get ready for LSU.

"It's been hurting, but I been rehabbing trying to get it 100 percent for the game this week. I can walk on it, but running was kind of difficult at first," he said.

The lack of depth and experience at the running back position was evident to Stallworth when he signed with State. He knew he would get an opportunity to show what he could do, but he did not know that it would be this soon.

"I had expectations of playing, but I did not expect to start this early in the season. My original mindset was to come in here, work my butt off, learn the system, and just contribute to the team. As the season has progressed, I have had to alter my attitude a little, because of some of the injuries. B.T. got hurt, and Coach Croom gave me some opportunities to show what I can do," he explained.

Stallworth led Alabama's largest football class and rushing as a senior and it was not good enough to garner any worthy offers. He and his family waited patiently on a major offer to come, and Mississippi State was the first to come calling.

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