Stock Option Agreement

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:Incentive Stock Option: This option is a[n] [ Ince ...