Alabama Director of Athletics Bill Battle released a statement on the Crimson Tide's signing of defensive tackle Jonathan Taylor on Wednesday. Below is Battle's full statement:

"One of our priorities is to make every effort to help develop young people into well-adjusted, well-rounded people. In this particular situation, we thoroughly investigated numerous sources regarding the young man. I had extensive discussions with several people who have been very close to him, including a lengthy visit with this young man. Our coaches and I feel he is worthy of a second chance at completing his college football career at this level, and that he fully understands the position in which he has placed himself.

"All of us in the University community have a role in helping student-athletes reach their potential - in competition, in the classroom and in life. It's important to note that the young man will become a part of our program after going through an extensive process conducted by the University. As one of our state's most high-profile entities, we are acutely aware of our responsibility to the University, our student-athletes, our community and our state."

Taylor, who began classes at Alabama on Wednesday, spent last season at Copiah-Lincoln (Miss.) Community College. He was the No. 3-ranked JUCO defensive tackle, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings.