TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) - Alabama officials have declined to comment on reports that coach Nick Saban might have violated NCAA rules limiting contact with potential recruits.

The Miami Herald and canesports.com reported that three south Florida junior prospects described conversations with Saban during his recruiting trip last week that might have exceeded NCAA rules limiting face-to-face contact with recruits between April 15th and May 31st. Coaches are allowed to evaluate high school players at their schools during that period.

If violations occurred, they were likely secondary and would NOT lead to significant penalties.

Miami Krop junior linebacker Etienne Sabino said Saban told him he's "the big physical type of linebacker" Alabama needs.

Miami Northwestern High junior Brandon Washington said Saban asked if "my heart was in Miami." He has verbally committed to playing for the University of Miami Hurricanes.

Northwestern teammate Marcus Fortson said he spoke to Saban for "a few minutes" and that the coach told him Alabama "is a great place to get a degree."

(Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)