Little Rock Christian Running Back Michael Dyer tells FOX16's Morgan Adsit Auburn is his first choice.

The 5’9”, 220lb running back had narrowed his choices to the Auburn, Arkansas and Tennessee, but says his relationship with Gus Malzahn helped put the SEC school over the top.

Commitments however are non-binding till letter of intent signing day in February.

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Michael Dyer’s football prowess is nationally known. College scouts drool over him, media members wait in line for interviews and fans try to persuade him to go to their school. But, he’s discovered the Little Rock Christian locker room is the one place he’s respected for more than his ability.

“We have a good relationship on this team,” Dyer said. “It doesn’t matter if it is Michael or Dakota (Mosley) or Jesse Stone. Everyone sticks together. We are all going to be there to help and support. We work together and do everything together.”

The 5-foot-9, 210-pounder (4.4 sped, 330-pound bench press) has contributed plenty to the LRC program the past three seasons. Dyer  has rushed for 5,595 yards and 53 touchdowns. Dyer needs just 1,527 yards to break the state’s all-time rushing record.

 The two-time all-stater led the Warriors to the 5A State Championship in 2006. He’s a five-star recruit and ranks in some publications as the top prep running back in the nation. He’s the obvious pick for the No. 1 spot in VYPE’s in-state recruiting Class of 2010 and captains the VYPE Super Squad.

However, Dyer’s accomplishments have made him a target for opponents. Dyer said he’s routinely poked and punched while at the bottom of a pile. Diminutive departed receiver George Cress nearly started a fight with a player piling on Dyer last fall.

“We have each other’s backs’ out there,” said Dyer, who owns a 3.4 GPA. “It’s what makes this team special. I’m glad to know those guys are looking out for me.”

Dyer earns his respect by doing what’s best for the team. The past two years that meant playing linebacker. Even when he nursed an ankle injury the final six games last fall, he couldn’t be pried off the field by former coach Johnny Watson.

“On offense I do my part, and on defense I do my part,” he said. “It’s kind of tough balancing it, but I do my best. If you can do it, you can do it.”

It’s not uncommon for a player at school the size of Christian to platoon. However, it is rare for a national Top 10 recruit to extend himself.

“I do what is best for my team,” Dyer said. “I like hitting people, and I like running over people. I’ve always wanted to play both sides of the football. In high school is where you make memories. I want to go back and say, ‘Yeah, I hit that guy hard, or ‘Man, I really ran him over.’ That’s my favorite part.”

His least favorite part is dealing with the pressure of big-time recruiting. Last spring Dyer received an average of 40 calls per day from coaches and media. He can rarely eat at a restaurant in Little Rock without being spotted by fans, which naturally hope he attends the University of Arkansas.

Dyer’s shortlist includes Auburn, Ole Miss, Tennessee and Arkansas. The Rebels jumped into the picture last week when Dyer attended a practice. He planned to announce his decision before the season but in light of the visit has decided to take more time.

He’ll take more visits and make a decision closer to signing day. Now, he’s focused on enjoying his final year of high school football.

“I’m going to do everything in my power every game to get us to (the state championship),” Dyer said. “I think we will be here. There is no doubt in my mind. Right now, that is not my issue. I just want to have fun and play with my guys.”