Oklahoma State football: Former OSU quarterback commit Luke Del Rio 'felt wanted' as walk-on at Alabama

“I like my chances at competing there next year once A.J. (McCarron) goes to the NFL,” Del Rio told Mile High Sports. “Hopefully I can earn whatever job I can earn, and I'll go from there.

“I just felt wanted there when I went there, and that was big for me, and to be treated fairly and the same as the other quarterbacks. I didn't see a reason why I shouldn't be there.”

Del Rio, from Valor Christian in the Denver area, had been committed to OSU since May but had been visiting other schools in the fall. After OSU offensive coordinator Todd Monken — a longtime family friend — was hired as Southern Mississippi's head coach earlier this month, Del Rio decommitted from OSU.

Del Rio was still considering the Cowboys as an option, along with Oregon State and UCLA. He has completed his high school course work and is expected to enroll at Alabama for the spring semester.

OSU does not have a quarterback in the 2013 recruiting class. The coaching staff is still in the market for one, but it isn't a must-have piece.

With Clint Chelf, Wes Lunt and J.W. Walsh — each of whom have started and won games this season — returning next year, along with the addition of Arizona transfer Daxx Garman, depth and competition at the position will be strong.

Garman sat out the 2012 season because of NCAA transfer rules, but will be classified as a sophomore next season.