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Joshua Perry committed to Alabama on Monday. (photo courtesy 247Sports)

Joshua Perry grew up an Alabama fan in LSU country, and made a lifelong dream come true on Monday when he committed to play for the Crimson Tide.

Perry, a 6-foot-3, 190-pound defensive back, is rated as a three-star recruit on the 247Sports composite. He is from Amite, La.

"I've liked Alabama since I was a little kid, growing up watching them play," Perry said. "I went to one of my first camps there as a freshman and I just liked the vibe. When I finally got offered on A-Day, I was ready to commit then, but I had to think about it and come talk it over with my parents and make sure it was OK with them."

Perry made the trip on A-Day, where he earned his offer. He chose Alabama over LSU and Ole Miss, but had other offers as well.

"I've always been a 'Bama fan," he said. "When I got there, I felt like it was home. If I was to get hurt on the first practice of my freshman year, I'd still feel like I was at home. I'd still feel safe and comfortable with the campus and everything."

Perry said Alabama cornerback commit Shyheim Carter, a Kentwood native, is his best friend. Carter committed to Alabama last summer, but is feeling the heat from LSU and Ole Miss.

"He was real excited about me committing to Alabama, too," Perry said.

Carter tweeted Monday, "Me and (Perry) are going to turn Alabama around."

Perry is listed as a safety on recruiting sites, but could play there or at cornerback.

"Coach Saban said that's going to be up to me," Perry said. "He sees me playing both positions and I play them both well. As of now, I want to play safety because that's my favorite position.

"They told me that I'm a good open-field tackler from the safety position and I have good ball skills. They told me they like that type of player and the personality that I have as a young man, they like everything about that."

Perry said he wants to major in sports management. He plans on making his next trip to Alabama during its first prospect camp in early June, but will still listen to other schools.

"I'm still going to be open to other colleges, but I'm thinking that I'm going to stick with Alabama," Perry said. "I'm still going to be open to other colleges. I had other schools I was looking at, but LSU and Ole Miss were the main two other schools I was looking at."