Chidi Valentine-Okeke

Chidi Valentine-Okeke was a 2015 U.S. Army All-American. (247Sports)

Just hours before Chidi Valentine-Okeke was expected to announce his college football commitment Monday night, the offensive tackle had a change of heart.

The 6-foot-6, 305-pounder was all set to pick Alabama, Auburn or LSU on Fox Sports South's Next Class 2015, but says he needs more time.

"This is a period when I have to make a tough decision in my life," Valentine-Okeke said during the program. "I feel good, but schools are calling you. It's hard. I wanted to commit today, but I decided to changed my mind this afternoon. I just want to feel free this week to make the right decision.

"These three schools I'm looking at are all great schools. They all have good academics and good football programs. This has to do with me and my God. I always pray to God to direct me in whatever I'm doing. These schools, whichever one I choose, will take me to the next level. I believe in that. I have to give myself a little bit of time to ask God to direct me and to make my decision."

The Nigerian who has become a standout at Faith Baptist Christian Academy in Ludowici, Ga., visited LSU last weekend. He took trips to Tuscaloosa and Auburn last month and says he believes he'll make his commitment next Monday, the day before National Signing Day.

"Everybody who has been in my shoes as a 5-star player goes through this process," Valentine-Okeke said. "Every school is telling you they need you. 'Come to our school, we love you,' stuff like that. It's hard. I know I'm not the first person who ever felt this.

"I'm a big recruit and get all these phone calls all the time. Sometimes I wish I was a 1-star."