Ishmael Sopsher wants to play college football with his older brother, Rodney, and suggested the two could be a package deal.

"We always dreamed of playing together,” Sopsher said.

The public acknowledgement of the Sopsher brothers as a package deal is a relatively new development in the recruitment of Ishmael, the nation’s No. 1-ranked 2019 defensive tackle, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, from Amite, La.

The 6-foot-3 1/2, 334-pound Sopsher has officially narrowed his list to seven schools -- Alabama, LSU, Texas, Ole Miss, Florida State, Oregon and Texas A&M -- but virtually everyone believes this is an LSU vs. Alabama recruiting battle. In Orlando, Florida for the Under Armour All-American Game, Sopsher admitted there’s pressure to stay in-state and pick LSU.

"The fans might tell me, you know, (to) stay in Louisiana and all that," Sopsher said, "but it's just about the best opportunity for me and my brother to go somewhere and get developed and be great."

RELATED: See complete coverage of Alabama football

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Sopsher’s older brother, Rodney, is also a defensive lineman. He spent time at junior colleges in Mississippi and Iowa, left Ellsworth (Iowa) Community College last fall, and apparently landed at Southwest Mississippi Community College, according to 247Sports. Ishamel said it’s not yet clear if Rodney would sign this season or spend another year in junior college.

LSU signed 19 players during college football’s early signing period, including two defensive lineman, and coach Ed Orgeron said “defensive line, defensive line, defensive line, defensive line, defensive line and defensive line” are the priorities for the six remaining spots.

Alabama signed 23 players during college football’s early signing period, including six listed as defensive linemen, but Kevin Harris (6-4, 230) and King Mwikuta (6-5, 240) -- two players listed as weakside defensive ends by recruiting services -- said they expect to be stand-up linebackers at Alabama.

Alabama also has a commitment from West Jones (Miss.) defensive lineman Byron Young, but LSU is also making a late push to flip him. Alabama also remains involved with 4-star Jaqueze Sorrells, a 4-star defensive tackle from Orlando, Florida, and Mississippi State defensive line commit Nathan Pickering, another 4-star prospect from Seminary, Mississippi.

Defensive line is clearly a position of emphasis this season for Alabama, with starting defensive end Isaiah Buggs graduating and underclassmen Raekwon Davis and Outland Trophy winner Quinnen Williams emerging as possible first-round picks and likely NFL early entries.

That's why Sopsher remains a top target for LSU and Alabama.

What's LSU's pitch? "Just to come in, win a national championship and bring the state of Louisiana back together," he said, "and just add on to the great players they've already had there."

What's Alabama's pitch?: "Come in, start early and just be dominant and get developed. That's what I'm really looking for in a school is (to) get developed."

Asked by a reporter about the prospect of Alabama losing all three starting defensive linemen, Sopsher said it could influence his decision.

"I'm looking for a place that needs me, not just wants me," he said. "But anywhere you go, you're going to have to work. Nothing is just going to be gave to you. With those three leaving, that's most definitely something I'll be looking into."

Sopsher plans to announce his decision on Feb. 6, the traditional National Signing Day, and has three more official visits available. He's already taken official visits to Oregon and Texas A&M.

“Like my parents, just take it day by day and step by step,” he said. “Just be patient, you know, and stay calm and collected. Just don’t have too much pressure on you, because you’ll wind up making a mistake. It’s all about taking it slow.”