Due to rumors and speculation, the Tide’s sophomore right tackle DJ Fluker announced yesterday that he would be returning next year to play for Bama.

Fluker released this statement:

“I know there have been a few stories and different things out on the message boards lately about me possibly leaving school early,” Fluker said in a written statement. "I want to go ahead and put all of that to rest and make it clear that my intentions are to stay in school. At my position, I still have a lot to learn in order to mold myself into the best offensive tackle I can be.

“I've learned a lot from my coaches in my three years here and I feel like I can only get better with more experience. The most important reason is to finish my degree. Right now, I am on track to graduate next December and that's one of the things I promised my mother that I would do when I decided to come to the University of Alabama. This is a special place and I'm looking forward to spending another year with my friends and teammates, graduating, and playing in front of the best fans in the country.”

Nice to know that Fluker understands he still has some growing to do; the money for the pros will always be there.

Alabama Products For Sale: