Kenny483
May 05, 2008 Feb 15, 2012 49 1560
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Isiah Crowell says Alabama now leads
I know its football season and recruiting is not as important, but this is potentially big news. The lone thing Alabama looked to be missing this recruiting class is a running back. Isiah Crowell is arguably the best running back in the country and with the soon to be departures of Ingram and shortly there after Richardson, Crowell would be a huge get.
I will emphasize there is a lot of time left in recruiting but many here in Georgia thought he was a UGA lock.
Baseball America top 25
Here is the updated top 25 from Baseball America. After taking the series against Vanderbilt, Alabama is ranked number 20th. There are seven SEC teams that are currently ranked, and two more (Kentucky and Auburn) who should be just outside the top 25. It is going to be an extremely competitive SEC West, not to mention the SEC this year.
Kareem Jackson 4.41 and 4.45
All the necessary prerequisites regarding the uselessness of the 40-yard dash apply. Jackson ran unofficially two sub 4.5 40-yard dashes. It is amazing that the general supposition regarding Jackson has him going in the second round, maybe first.
Rewind to two months ago when Jackson declared for the NFL draft, and plenty of people were saying he was at best a 4th round draft pick.
AJC Recruiting Article
Chip Towers has some good information on the players Alabama is recruiting in the state of Georgia. Towers always provides good recruiting information, and is definitely worth a read every day or two.
I am really interested to see how Alabama does in the state of Georgia this season. I think people maybe a little too optimistic if they believe Alabama is going to sign more of the elite players than Georgia, but things are looking good for the Columbus duo (Wright and Crowell), and others.
Andy Staple's SI
A really cool article by Andy Staples, one of the best young writers. It had a special feeling for me, and I am sure it would for anyone else who has a family member who is/was sick. Someone very close to me loves Alabama as much as I, and I was glad they were able to make it to see Alabama win another national title.
The SEC's issue: Is bigger better?
This a pretty good article that raises good questions about the increasing revenues of SEC football. The really amazing thing that stood out to me was this quote:
"Les Miles, according to a 2008 contract tweak, is due $18.75 million if LSU decides to part company with him."
That is borderline criminal to allow that much money go to Les Miles if he is fired. I would assume it goes down over the remaining years, but do not know specifics. Does anyone else have any other information?
Mark Ingram Sr Interview
"He spoke to CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. The exclusive interview will air during the 5:30 p.m. Friday edition of the national news show."
I am busy tonight, but I will probably try and record it.
Charlie Strong to Louisville
Any chance we can get this done, and have him start recruiting and coaching before Saturday's game?
Ronnie Cottrell Article
A very fascinating article about one of the best recruiters ever. He definitely changed recruiting in the college game.
His time at Alabama will always be remembered for the sanctions that occured at Alabama after he was fired. I am sure some people still blame him for Alabama getting on probation. He was coaching at the high school level in Mobile, but I read recently that he was fired.
BJ Scott may redshirt
As OTS has pointed out in the past it appears that Alabama is at least considering redshirting BJ Scott for this year. It would seem very likely now that we are entering SEC play, and unless there is an injury or two I doubt he will see time.
The good news for Scott next year, is that three of the top four cornerbacks will be gone (Rogers, Arenas, and Johnson). Right now the only guys on the roster, besides Scott, that would legitimately be competing for playing time next year would be: Phelon Jones (LSU transfer), Dre Kirkpatrick, Robby Green, and Kareem Jackson. I put Robby Green in there as we look to have a little more depth at safety.
Smart Football Scathing Review of OSU
This is tremendous piece written by Smart Football's Chris Brown. He rips apart Jim Tressell, and rightfully so. I was watching that game and could not imagine being an Ohio State fan having to endure that completely unimaginitive offense.
There were many great points, but the one about the zone read really stood out in my mind. Pryor is supposed to be the best athlete on the field, yet his athleticism was never used. I agree Jim Tressell just is not an elite coach. He is a good coach, coaching at an elite institution.
Brandon Deadrick is not Playing
As expected Deadrick will not play on Saturday, and it appears that Dareus will be the starter.
Harrison Jones Commits
To the surprise of no one, Barrett Jones brother committed to Alabama last night.
Blake Sims interview, recruit for 2010
Deangelo Benton
"I looked at DeAngelo and made some hard, fast decisions with him," Miles said.
It appears what everyone was saying yesterday regarding LSU pulling Benton's scholarship was true. Essentially, Miles let a recruit's father (Reuben Randle's dad) dictate who does and does not get a scholarship. I have never heard of anything this crazy. Not sure what the consequences will be, but it has the potential to be a big story. I cannot remember a player having their scholarship taken away from them that late in the process, especially who has stuck with his commitment.
A little background information for those who do not know about the decision. Reuben Randle's dad called a local Louisiana sports radio show, and was complaining about how the LSU coaches had been untruthful regarding what position Randle and Benton would play. Apparently, Miles talked with Randle's dad, and decided that in order to get Randle into LSU he would have to witdrawl the scholarship offer to Benton. This is definitely the ugly side of recruiting, and possibly one of the strangest stories I have heard.
Nick Saban Transcript
"think the two new coaches hit the ground running in what they needed to do to compliment our coaching staff and our recruiting staff, and worked hard to do that. It is my theory and philosophy that when a coach comes from another school, we don't recruit players that they were recruiting at the other school. We didn't do that. Sal Sunseri didn't have that problem, he was in pro ball. We are very pleased with the way these guys have adjusted in our program. I think they are going to be very positive additions. The transition of how our staff positively made the transition in recruiting didn't have a significant impact on the quality of our class."
I wonder who that last quote was for. Anyways, here is the transcript for anyone who did not get to watch the press conference.
New DC of Alabama
by Kenny483 on Jan 5, 2009 7:10 PM EST
on Roll 'Bama Roll
As many people have read, and seen it appears Kevin Steele is leaving to be the defensive coordinator at Clemson. I know this has been pointed out, but frankly I want to talk about anything else, but the Sugar Bowl bowl that shall not be named.
My guess is that Kirby Smart takes over the full responsibilities of defensive coordinator, even though that was his official title this year. His primary responsibility was in game planning against the pass, with Steele primarily in charge of the run defense. The question then becomes who do we get to become the new secondary coach?
One name that immediately comes to mind is Chris Ball. He was the secondary coach at Alabama from 2003-2006. He was really good in developing quite a few solid secondaries, and was probably the best recruitier on the staff during Shula's tenure. He is currently at Washington State as the co-defensive coordinator, but may be willing to leave that train wreck.
Another name to think about is Giff Smith. He is currently the defensive line coach at Georgia Tech, but he has worked in the secondary at his time at Georgia Southern. He is also the recruiting coordinator at Georgia Tech, and is another great recruiter. He would be a steal, and has great ties in Georgia an area that Alabama is trying to get into as far as recruiting. He might be difficult to get with his ties to Atlanta, and Coach Johnson.
The only other person I could think of was Tony Hughes, and to be honest I had to look up his name. He is currently the secondary coach at Southern Miss, and had the same role at Ole Miss. I do not know a lot about him, but he was one of the better recruiter's on Orgeron's staff at Ole Miss, and he was instrumental in landing 5-star DeAndre Brown to Southern Miss last year. He could be a great pickup, as Mississippi is an area that we always get players from.
It is important to remember that Steele played a significant role in developing the defense this year. There is too often a penchant to undermind the role someone played once they leave. While, I do think that replacing the production Steele brought as a defensive coach will not be impossible; the more difficult part may be what Steele brought as a recruiter. He was widely believed to be one of the best recruiters in the nation, and it will be extremely important for whoever comes in to be able to do the same. Anyways, fire away if you have any guesses.
23 commentsBJ Scott to CB?
There has been a lot of talk at BJ Scott being the secondary receiver to help Julio. I ran across this quote:
"Former Vigor standout B.J. Scott is telling friends back home that he would be interested in switching from wide receiver to cornerback for his sophomore season at Alabama.
It's unclear if Scott has discussed a move with Crimson Tide coaches or if there is a plan to act it out in practices before this season's Sugar Bowl. "
Interesting, but not too surprising many people thought he would make a better defensive player, than a wide receiver.
All-SEC Team/SEC Coach of the Year
by Kenny483 on Dec 8, 2008 3:46 PM EST
on Roll 'Bama Roll
The All-SEC team was released today, and here it is. There were no major surprises as far as Alabama players go. I thought Julio probably should have been first-team, but I understand since Alabama does not throw the ball as often as other teams the stats were not there. I was glad to see Javier Arenas was named second-team All-SEC corner. It was amazing how much he has improved as far as a corner back.
It should come as no surprise that Nick Saban was named SEC Coach of the Year. All hail the Dark Lord! I am not sure what else could possibly be said about this selection as this was probably the easiest choice anyone could make.
Jonathan Atchison Commits
I was up early this morning getting ready for the game, and just saw this bit of news. We have been after him awhile, the staff seems to really like him, as he was one of the few linebackers we offered. A great sign of things hopefully to come today. Roll Tide!
This has been making the rounds, another example of Auburn of a cheap play by Auburn's offensive line. You can see the right tackle trying to take out Luther Davis from behind.
Kiffin to Tennessee
I have no idea if this is even remotely true, but I sure hope so. Kiffin has done absolutely nothing to make anyone believe that he would be a great head coach. He was not even that good of a coordinator at USC. Can you see anyone being frightened of Boy Kiffin as head coach?
SI Article Coach Bryant
I found a great article on Coach Bryant in the Sports Illustrated archives. The archives by the way, are really great, and give you a fascinating look back at different events at certain times.
Anyways, a great article for anyone who is interested in Alabama or Coach Bryant's history.
Franklin Fired?
by Kenny483 on Oct 8, 2008 3:56 PM EDT
on Roll 'Bama Roll
So, there are a ton of rumors about Tony Franklin being fired from Auburn today? I have seen no hard evidence of this, but a couple of people have been emailing me and texting me. Has anyone heard anything? If someone gets a legitimate link that states that he has been fired, could you please post it? It really sounds like things are going very badly down there. I think they may be in total meltdown on the Plains.
Auburn Spred by Smart Football
Not Alabama related, but a great article on what offense Auburn is or is not running. I know a lot of us have enjoyed watching the offense. Smart Football makes the point that most have said, Auburn is not running the offense that they hired Franklin to run.
Auburn Spread is Dead
I just saw this article. I know it is not a part of Alabama football, but it is fascinating. Here is a very revealing quote from Tuberville:
"One day we'll have the talent that we can say, 'Well, we'll run 100 percent of what Tony likes to run,'" Tuberville said. "Right now, we don't have that talent in some areas."
I cannot think of a team changing their offense in the middle of a season, without a major injury in the offense. It is difficult seeing how this ends well for Auburn or Franklin. Of course, who would be unhappy to see that.
Kentucky Links/Injuries
by Kenny483 on Sep 29, 2008 5:26 PM EDT
on Roll 'Bama Roll
I am excited for the upcoming game against UK, and it looks like they have some problems to overcome.
Kentucky's best defensive player, Micah Johnson, is likely out for the game. Johnson. He was preseason third team All-SEC selection at linebacker, and was one of the most highly sought after recruits in UK history. This does not bode well for their run defense, as he was a really good run defender.
Also, right tackle Justin Jefferies is out for the game. He has 17 career starts.
Then of course you have starting safety for Kentucky. He was arrested on Friday.
He is charged with second-degree stalking, third-degree terroristic threatening, and harassing communications.
Not sure if he plays or not, but that too does not bode well for the Wildcats. He did not play against WKU.
There was a great quote from WKU running back, Bobby Rainey comparing the two teams.
"To me, they don't match up," Rainey said. "Alabama is bigger and faster. As far as Kentucky, to me, they're softer up front."
Most people thought that Kentucky would have a good defense, and they seemingly do at this point. In fairness their toughest opponent would seem to be Louisville, who still looks like a train wreck since Petrino left, so not sure how much you can gleam from this game.
I will guarantee that you will constantly hear about how Kentucky beat LSU last year around this same time (October 13, 2007). Over/under 4.5 times that Saban mentions this during his press confrences this week. It will be interesting to hear how Saban thinks practices are going in his mid-week press confrence. He will usually provide a lot of information, and let people know how his team is practicing.
Trent Richardson Weekly Update
25 carries, 131 yards, 2 TD, 2 kickoff returns, 107 yards, TD
238 All-Purpose Yards 3 TDs.
Trent Richardson All-American Player of the Week
The legend of Trent Richardson grows. He looks to be special, and on his way to having an incredibly special senior year.
This thread always breaks down into "I do not think he is coming, because we have so much depth at runnigback," but I say untill you see Saban actively recruiting another big time runningback, worry not. I would also remind everyone that those were Auburn excuses that they used last year, because they were sooooooo deep!
SEC observations (opponents)
by Kenny483 on Sep 14, 2008 10:04 AM EDT
on Roll 'Bama Roll
Auburn - I am not sure what to say about this game. It looked like Auburn resurrected Brandon Cox as QB. The offense is absolutely horrible. They are a team that almost singly relies on bubble screens and other types of screens for the passing game; though, they did hit a few nice deep 3rd down throws. The defense is as advertised, fast and tenacious. It is hard to say where this team is going, but unless they make a big turnaround the LSU game could be ugly. I am sure we would like to see an epic fail, but Tuberville has usually done a good job of righting the ship. They still have a fairly easy schedule, and could easily be 6-1 going in to the WV game. Really, I think the most interesting thing will be what the Auburn spin will be, for this game. I am assuming it will be, woot our defense is awesome...who needs offense?
UGA - We play UGA in two more weeks, and I was severely disappointed in their game. Willie Martinez, UGA DC, got out-coached entirely in the second half. He kept playing their base 4-3, even in multiple WR sets, and was lucky that South Carolina could not capitalize on some of their opportunities. I was also not impressed with the UGA play calling on offense either, especially in the second half. They seemed to play a lot more finesse, and I do not think they got the ball in Knowshon Moreno's hands nearly enough. They also had a lot of drop passes in the game. Tripp Chandler, who was almost the Alabama MVP in last year's UGA/Alabama game, did the same thing yesterday with three more drops. The other thing I was surprised to see was the lack of a pass rush. UGA was the same team that led the SEC in sacks last year, but had a very difficult time getting a consistent pass rush in this game. Their kicking game on kickoffs could also be a problem, as I do not remember a kickoff that was anywhere near 10 yards of the end zone, Javier Arenas enough said. I will say that running against UGA will be very difficult as they seem to be extremely physical up the middle. South Carolina abandoned the run almost completely in the second half. They definitely did not look like the number 2 team in the nation, and probably will not be come Monday.
Mississippi State - They did not score a single point on offense. This offense looks putrid. They went 0-14 on third down, 0-3 on fourth down. They did hold Auburn to a field goal, but I wonder if that had more to do with the terrible Chop, Block, and Roll Auburn offense. At one time I thought they would have been better punting the ball on 1st down, and seeing if they could either get a defensive touchdown or another safety. They looked completely inept.
Tennessee - They beat UAB. UAB is probably worst than WKU. Jonathan Crompton did not look good, and UAB again is terrible. He threw two interceptions, and looked completely unbalanced at times. He did make some nice throws, but he seemed to struggle especially in the first half. Again, this all happened against arguablly the worst defense in D-I, sorry Todd. UT hates Arian Foster. He does not touch the ball nearly enough, and UT seems to like to throw the ball to setup the run. Arian Foster touched the ball a total of 13 times. Their offense pretty much seems to be the same as last year, where they inexplicably abandon the run for stretches at a time, no matter the effectiveness. I am not going to say anything about their defense, as they were playing UAB. I will say they seemed to be more aggressive this game, mixing in a few more blitzes. UT's secondary is clearly going to be good. Perhaps the most damning thing that happened to UT was the BYU/UCLA game. BYU won the game 59-0. UCLA definitely looked like the team in transition that everyone thought it would be going into this season.
It is only one week, and all the usual disclaimers still hold true, but I think you would have to be happy to see what some of out opponents look like at this point. I would be interested to read anyone else's comments about our upcoming opponents or Alabama.
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