bradley bozeman

Bradley Bozeman originally opted to take a "grayshirt" offer from Alabama, delaying his enrollment until January 2014. He will now enroll this week at Alabama. (Photo courtesy of 247Sports)

After spending his offseason planning to grayshirt this fall before enrolling in January, Alabama football signee Bradley Bozeman received some surprising news on Tuesday.

"They called me and told me to head down and join the team," Bozeman said.

The 6-foot-5, 306-pound offensive lineman from Handley High in Roanoke signed in February with the intent to delay his enrollment until January of 2014 after suffering an ACL tear during his senior season last fall. Bozeman said the Crimson Tide coaching staff had told him this summer that there was still a possibility he could enroll in time for the 2013 season but he wasn't given the green light until Tuesday morning.

"I'm pretty excited. I'm packing my stuff up now and I'll head to Tuscaloosa tomorrow. I have been busting it all summer trying to get back in shape and I don't believe I will be limited at all once I get to fall camp. I am excited to get back out there and play football again."

Bozeman said that despite originally believing he would not be a member of the 2013 Crimson Tide, he remained in touch with the coaches and several members of the 2013 signing class.

"I have spoken with Coach (Mario) Cristobal several times this summer as well as with Coach Saban and they just kept telling me to be ready to play and I took them seriously. I also have stayed in touch with Reuben Foster, who is a good friend of mine and grew up with me."

Bozeman said the last year, which included receiving a scholarship offer from Alabama, committing to the Crimson Tide, ending his senior season with an injury, and being asked to grayshirt, has been an emotional roller coaster but has provided him with some invaluable life experience.

"It has been a really up and down year for me but honestly I'm glad it all happened. I've honestly never faced much adversity in my life. I've always been the biggest and strongest guy on the field and I have great people around me. Going through all of this has taught me something I never could have learned any other way. It has taught me to deal with adversity and to work hard when life hands you obstacles. I think I will be a better player, a better teammate and a better person because of what I've gone through."

Bozeman signed with Alabama as a three-star prospect and the nation's No. 27 offensive guard according to the 247Composite rankings. He chose the Crimson Tide over offers from Auburn, Clemson and Ole Miss.