Exhibit 10(a)

STOCK OPTION AGREEMENT

ENERGEN CORPORATION 1997 STOCK INCENTIVE PLAN

[Incentive Stock Option / Nonqualified Stock Option]

Dated as of ____________,_____

A stock option is hereby granted to the below named Participant. This option is granted under the Energen Corporation 1997 Stock Incentive Plan ("the Plan"), dated November 25, 1997, as amended, and is subject in all respects to the terms and provisions of the Plan which is incorporated herein by reference. Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, this option is subject to the exercise and transferability restrictions set forth in the Plan. Words defined in the Plan and used in this Agreement shall have the meanings set forth in the Plan. The attributes of this option are as follows:

1. Incentive Stock Option: This option is a[n] [ Incentive Stock Option / Nonqualified Stock Option ].

2) Participant: Name

3) Shares subject to option: Shares 4) Date of Grant: ___________

5) Exercise Price per share: $_____ 6) Expiration Date: ___________

7) Vesting: The option shall become exercisable on [ 100% on a specified date / in increments on specified dates ]. Any exercisable portion of the option may be exercised in full or, from time to time, in increments of at least 100 shares.

8) SARs: This option [ does / does not ] include stock appreciation rights (see Plan Section 6.2(i)), [but such stock

appreciation rights are payable only in shares of stock, they are not payable in cash].

9) DEs: This option [does / does not ] include dividend equivalents (see Plan Section 6.3(j) of the Plan) [, but such dividend equivalents will be payable only if and to the extent that the option is exercised].

10) Additional terms and conditions: [ None / specified additional terms and conditions ].

ENERGEN CORPORATION The Participant hereby accepts this option and

agrees to accept as binding, conclusive, and

and final all decisions and interpretations of

the Committee and/or the Board, upon any

questions arising under the Plan.

By:                                                                                 

Its: ________________________________________

Participant - Name