By WESLEY HALLMAN / Sports Editor

Briarwood Christian School rising senior quarterback Ben Craft committed to play college football at UAB on July 11 after receiving interest from several Southeastern schools.

Craft, who led Briarwood Christian to a 13-2 mark and an appearance in the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A championship game a year ago, chose the Blazers over interest from Mississippi State, Southern Miss, Middle Tennessee State and Samford. UAB was the lone school to offer the 6-foot-3, 205-pound quarterback a scholarship.

Craft, who was named the Shelby County Reporter Player of the Year last season, completed 182-of-315 passes for 2,433 yards and 20 touchdowns with only eight interceptions. Craft completed 57.8 percent of his passes as a junior.

Craft also rushed for 495 yards on 147 attempts and scored an additional 17 touchdowns on the ground. Craft averaged 3.4 yards per carry. Craft finished with 2,928 yards in total offense last season.

Craft is the second Shelby County player in the Class of 2012 to make a college commitment.

Spain Park High School rising senior Justin Carter committed to play college football at Rice in April.

Carter, a 5-foot-11, 185-pound safety, enters his senior season as a three-year starter for the Jaguars.