Alabama coach Nick Saban is highly regarded by college recruits, especially Anthony McFarland Jr. of Hyattsville, Md.

“He’s like a god,” McFarland told Chris Kirschner of SEC Country. “It’s an honor to talk to him. For him to always want to reach out to me, I feel like that’s a good sign. He’s one of the best college football coaches ever.”

Kirschner caught up with McFarland Sunday following “The Opening” regional competition camp in Washington, D.C. to discuss the all-purpose back’s recruitment. When it comes to Alabama, McFarland points to the team’s history of dominant ball-carriers.

“I like how they breed (running) backs,” McFarland told Kirschner. “Even though I’m not a power back, I think it’s one of those schools that I can showcase my abilities. Not just running the ball, but playing in the slot as a receiver, too.”

As the No. 1 recruit in Maryland according to 247Sports composite, McFarland has a long list of offers. He hasn’t yet released a list of top schools, but he did tell Kirschner that Maryland, Georgia, South Carolina, Ohio State and Oklahoma were among the other schools standing out to him.

McFarland’s performance Sunday earned him an invite to “The Opening” finals in July at Nike headquarters in Beaverton, Ore. Reports from the event describe McFarland as a versatile addition to the Crimson Tide or any other team.