Former Theodore High football coach Eric Collier calls linebacker Cameron “Bobby” Pruitt the ultimate competitor.

“He doesn’t like to lose at anything,” Collier said.

The 6-foot-3, 185-pound Pruitt has suddenly become one of the state’s fastest rising recruits in the Class of 2024.

Pruitt received an offer from Notre Dame on Monday. That followed an Alabama offer last week. Collier, who stepped down earlier this month after 10 years as the Bobcats’ head coach, said Auburn coaches also have inquired about him and could offer soon.

“You are going to think I’m crazy, but Bobby can play in the NFL,” Collier said. “I said that about (2023 Mississippi State signee) Will James last year, and I still believe it. Will is an NFL player, and Bobby is as well.”

Pruitt started for Collier and the Bobcats as a freshman.

“He played against the Phenix City’s of the world as a youngster,” Collier said. “No environment at high school or on any level is going to intimidate him.”

In helping Theodore to the Class 6A state semifinals as a junior this past season, Pruitt averaged 8.3 tackles per game. He finished with 99 tackles, 15 tackles for a loss and 3 sacks. He also had 8 quarterback hurries, 2 forced fumbles, 5 pass breakups and an interception.

“His football IQ is really good,” Collier said. “Bobby understands what is going on and what the other team is trying to do to him. He’s also very explosive. His explosion at the point of contact is really good. He’s a little bit of hybrid kid who can play in the box but also go out in space.”

Collier said that is likely how a college will play Pruitt, who could end up being 210 or 215 pounds at the next level.

“Some places want him at outside linebacker,” Collier said. “Some want him to play the inside or ‘bandit’ spot, and I think that is probably what he will end up doing.”

Pruitt’s offers have piled up in 2023. Along with Alabama and Notre Dame, he boasts recent offers from Missouri, Mississippi State, Miami, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Memphis, Purdue, Texas A&M, Jacksonville State, Liberty and Colorado.

All of those offers came in the last month.

“He’s legit,” Collier said. “He’s everything you look for, and he’s a competitor and a great kid.”