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6/08/09

the Alabama coaching staff landed an early crown jewel for their 2010 recruiting class when five-star prospect Demarcus Milliner committed to the Crimson Tide in a public ceremony at the Stanhope Elmore gymnasium. "I know Coach Smart and Coach Saban will push me to become the very best that I can. No one is better at developing defensive backs than Coach Saban.

Keiwone Malone is still Solid to Bama:

"I am still solid to Bama and they are my top school. I had planned all along to take some visits and Ole Miss was one of those schools," Malone said. "They have great staff and school, but I am still committed to Bama."
 

5/24/08

Bama gets another big committ from Craig Sanders . Weakside DE
Ariton (AL) Ariton..Ht: 6-foot 4
Wt: 230 lbs 
Forty: 4.6 secs
Bench max: 405 pounds
Bench reps: 28
Squat max: 500 pounds
Vertical: 30 inches
GPA: 3.68
 

Alabama linebacker Prince Hall has transferred to Central Washington, according to the University.
 

Hall was suspended for spring practice in each of the last two seasons, as well as for several games during his career, and was rarely in good standing with head coach Nick Saban.

Hall was to be a fifth-year senior at the Capstone. His best season at UA turned out to be his first. That year, under then-coach Mike Shula, Hall made 77 tackles as a redshirt freshman and was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshman team.

"We wish him the best of luck as he finishes his collegiate career," Saban said.

Hall played in 36 games during his Alabama career while making 14 starts at linebacker. He recorded 152 tackles over three seasons his with 13 tackles for loss and three sacks.

"I would like to thank the University of Alabama, Coach Saban and the staff for helping me during my career," Hall said. "I think it will be a great opportunity to finish my last year of college at Central Washington, and I am looking forward to it."

Hall is the second linebacker to leave the program of late, joining Jennings Hester, who was medically disqualified.

4/28/09

Former Louisiana State cornerback Phelon Jones will transfer to Alabama."We just left Nick Saban's office and we're very excited," said Tony Jones, Phelon's father. "We got his release from LSU last Thursday, and everything is official now. He starts June 1, and he'll have three [years] to play two."
Jones (6-1, 185 pounds) received his scholarship release from LSU earlier this month, but at the time, Auburn was the only SEC school to which Tigers coach Les Miles agreed to allow Jones to transfer.Last year at LSU, Jones made 15 tackles and three pass breakups, playing in 12 games but starting only two.

When Alabama landed their tenth commitment of 2010 Monday afternoon, the Tide took a big step to shore up their special teams by landing perhaps the strongest leg in the country out of Southlake-Carroll, Tex. when Cade Foster made the decision to pledge to Tide Coach Nick Saban.

"Cade decided after he visited Alabama that he wanted to go to school there. He was going to commit a couple of weeks from now, but decided to go ahead and get it behind him," said Foster's kicking coach, Chris Sailer. "Physically, Cade has the tools to be an outstanding football player. I have also worked with former USC kicker David Buehler who just got drafted in the fifth round by the Cowboys, and Cade has his ability. They both have powerful legs, and were not only great kickers but outstanding athletes. When Cade kicks the ball, you just know it."

Draft update link

4/16/09

Alabama gets top QB out of Virginia ..#52 overall prospect in the Class of 2010 by Rivals.com and considered quite possibly the nation's very best quarterback.Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, VA) 6-foot-2, 215-pound signal caller Phillip Sims .Sims passed for 3167 yards, 38 touchdowns and only four interceptions during the 2008 campaign in leading the Tigers to an unblemished 15-0 overall record as well as the program's first ever state title.

Alabama coach Nick Saban said running back Mark Ingram would be held out of Saturday's A-Day game due to injury

4/10/09

Kerry Murphy doesn't believe that one acrobatic feat displays his potential on the football field. The Alabama freshman defensive lineman even appears slightly embarrassed at the mention of it.

But yes, Murphy admits, he can do a backflip.

"That's true," said the 6-foot-5, 320-pound former Hoover star on Jan. 12, shortly after becoming eligible to enroll at UA. "But I don't look at that to tell how good of a player that I am."

Instead, Murphy's credentials with the Bucs and his play in the spring does that for him. The highly touted prospect, who detoured to Hargrave Military (Va.) Academy and a local prep school before becoming eligible, waited two years from the time he signed to the time he began classes.

He has quickly reminded everyone that he's got game.

"He's another one of those crazy athletes," senior defensive end Lorenzo Washington said. "A big guy, but he can still move."

After leading Hoover to a slew of state titles, Murphy is finally at Alabama, fulfilling his goal when many had written off his chances of ever doing so.

After his academics drew scrutiny at Hoover -- and after Murphy was found to have received preferential treatment that resulted in grade changes -- he essentially re-did most of high school.

First, he took classes while playing on the offensive line at Hargrave. Then, while his mother Rosetta worked two jobs, Murphy (who said he had no knowledge of the improprieties) attended Hoover's Cahaba School to raise his grade point average enough to meet NCAA eligibility standards.

"I knew I couldn't fail," he said.

In January, he was in, rewarding those who believed.

"I had faith in him," said nose tackle Josh Chapman, a former teammate at Hoover. "It's that important to him."

From high school star to reserve nose tackle behind star Terrence Cody and Chapman, Murphy is hoping to contribute to the nation's No. 2 ranked rushing defense.

"I'd been able to work out, but I don't think I'm in Coach (Nick) Saban shape," said Murphy before he arrived at UA where freshmen cannot give interviews. "But I'm going to work hard."

Saban mentioned conditioning as a focus for Murphy, as well as shaking off the rust from a year away and re-learning life as a defensive lineman. He arrived weighing 345, has since lost 25 pounds, and is hoping to lose 15 more.

The expectation is that Murphy will take a year to get acclimated while Cody and Chapman hold down the nose tackle spot. Don't be surprised if it happens more quickly, either at end or nose.

"It's going to be a work in progress," Saban said, "for getting back in the kind of conditioning that he needs to be in. He's instinctive, he has some ability, and we're excited about trying to develop him as a player. He has a bright future if he works to invest the time and makes decisions about doing the (right) things."

At Alabama, Murphy has run into some familiar faces. In center William Vlachos of Mountain Brook, he saw an old high school rival. In Chapman, he saw an old teammate. In director of player development Jeremy Pruitt, he saw his old defensive coordinator.

That means there are plenty of people aware of his exploits, including his tumbling ability.

"He can actually do about two backflips in a row," Chapman said. "He proved it back in high school. Coach (Rush) Propst and a couple guys didn't believe it. Next thing you know, he's out there flipping for them. He's pretty slick."

Last year, fans rejoiced at tales that Cody, the 6-foot-5, 354-pounder can dunk. Considering Murphy can do backflips, what now for Cody?

"Oh, I can do one, too," Cody said. "I swear to God."
 

4/9/09

Cody even Better:Alabama's fan-favorite noseguard, by his own claim, is down to 354 pounds this spring - 11 pounds lighter than the Cody who earned All-America honors in 2008. As dominant as Cody was in his first season at UA, particularly on run downs before he was injured in mid-season, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban believes he can be even better.

"If we can improve his mobility a little bit, he might become a little better pass rusher for us and push the pocket in the middle, which to me is the most important thing about pass rush," Saban said. "Push the pocket in the middle so the quarterback can't step up and attack the middle of the field."

On Tuesday afternoon, the Tide landed its fourth commitment of the month of April when Westside-Macon wide receiver Ronald Carswell committed to Alabama Coach Nick Saban.

Wide Receiver
Macon (GA) Westside

Ht: 6-foot-0
Wt: 180 lbs
Forty: 4.5 secs

3/31/09

More Bama Girls Pix: Click Here

David Ross got some work at center on Wednesday. Sophomore John Michael Boswell, a tackle last fall, worked at right guard. Meanwhile, Alfred McCullough continued to work at offensive tackle. McCullough, who practiced at guard last fall, drew high praise from Saban on Monday for his offseason work. ... Sophomore Barrett Jones practiced at offensive guard on Wednesday.

 

Don'ta Hightower, who worked at the 'Jack' position on Monday, was back with the inside linebackers on Wednesday.

 

Defensive back Kareem Jackson remains in a cast on his left hand. He is cleared for contact though.

Baron Huber has been working with the tight ends.

Saban was hot about the lack of intestity for Mondays' practice.

Last season Alabama was one of the nation’s surprise teams, 12-0 in regular season, winner of the Southeastern Conference Western Division, ranked number one in the nation for five weeks, and finishing the year ranked sixth in the nation. So what does that mean for the 2009 Crimson Tide.



“Anything we did last year has done nothing but put a target on our back for this year,” Alabama Coach Nick Saban said Monday after the Crimson Tide’s return to the practice field. Bama had its second practice in shorts, 10 days after opening practice on March 13. In between Bama players joined their University of Alabama classmates with spring break.

“I doubt if anyone had Alabama down as a team to beat last year,” Saban said. “No one would have thought about having to beat Alabama to win the SEC West or the SEC championship. Everyone will have Alabama as a team to beat next season.”

Saban recognizes the culture of Alabama fans, that Crimson Tide followers are overly optimistic in their expectations. “We have the best fans in the world, but we have an issue here,” Saban said.

The expectations of fans have nothing to do with outcome, though. Saban’s main concern is with his players. “What we did last year has nothing to do with this year,” the coach said. “If this team think we’ve arrived, we’ve got a problem.”

Saban’s job right now is to have a team that does arrive.

Bama had the second of its 15 spring practices Monday. The team will work through the April 18 A-Day Game at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

There’s reason to believe that Monday’s practice was a tough one. For one thing, the head coach had a little hoarseness when he met with sportswriters. But more than how he said it was what he said.

He said that qualities such as focus, mental energy and intensity were “not what we need it to be.” Moments later, the coach listed “mental intensity, effort, the toughness to persevere, the ability to eliminate errors, and discipline” as areas in which “we need to make significant improvement. I am not pleased with where we are.”

Saban said the difference between players just trying “to get through it, to endure, and to not make mistakes that will displease the coach” is not the way to go. He said, “How about instead of trying to not do it wrong, to try to do it right?”

Using the analogy of building a house, Saban said if you want to build a house to be safe in a hurricane, you build it with concrete “for a hurricane that may never come. But we know we’ve got 12 hurricanes coming next fall.”

Saban said the problem is not physical. “We have to establish a chemistry and an identity,” he said.

“We have a long way to go,” Saban said. “But if we didn’t need to work on all this in the spring, in the summer off-season program, and in fall camp, we’d just show up for the first game. Obviously, we need it.”

He said a team chemistry and leadership has to develop and “it takes time. Sometimes a little adversity helps.”

Saban said some young players are overly sensitive to criticism. “They need to show toughness and intelligence,” he said. “When we correct them, they get upset. We’re not evaluating them. We’re trying to teach them.”

In answer to questions, Saban observed:

He has been “really pleased” with two new offensive linemen, junior-college transfer James Carpenter and early high-school graduate Chance Warmack. He also mentioned Tyler Love as doing well, and said that William Vlachos has done “really good” at center.

He also said Alfred McCullough, who was winner of the Dwight Stephenson Award as the top lineman in last year’s A-Day Game as a defensive end, might be at offensive tackle this fall. “He’s athletic and has long arms,” Saban said, adding he wishes now that McCullough had been redshirted as a freshman. “He had a good off-season.”

The coach said it’s difficult to evaluate some things when the team is not in full gear and contact drills, “but at least athletically” there have been some strides.

Replacing Rashad Johnson at safety may be work for a committee, Saban said. Well, a small committee. He named Ali Sharrief, Mark Barron and Robby Green as defensive backs working at safety. As an example, he noted that “Barron looks like he could play in the box” and that another might be more suited to playing deep. “Rashad could do it all,” he said. “We might have one or two or more to do all the things Rashad did.”

Saban said Alabama is working “six or seven” linebackers inside and out, looking at them in different positions. This is one of the things spring practice is for. He noted that Dont’a Hightower, who started last season as a true freshman at Will linebacker, an inside position, is also working at Jack linebacker. “We don’t have anyone as good as Dont’a at Will, but it may be we don’t have anyone who can rush the passer as well at Jack,” Saban said. “W won’t know until we work.” During preparation for the Sugar Bowl, Saban said that Hightower got some work as a pass rusher.

The coach noted that Cory Reamer, last year’s starting strongside linebacker (Sam, which is an outside position) could work all spring at an inside spot “and go back to Sam immediately if needed.”

Saban said he would like to come out of spring practice knowing where his linebackers can play and where, if anywhere, a newcomer could fit in. The experimentation “helps all of them,” the coach said. “In order to get the best players on the field, they have to go through a growing process.”

One linebacker to be counted on is upcoming junior Rolando McClain, a two-year starter and all-star performer. “Rolando is a good player,” Saban said. “He makes the (defensive) calls for us. He gives good effort. He had a good off-season and it’s important that he affects the other guys.

“We have to answer the questions: Who are the leaders? Who are the role players? Who impacts the others?”

(Saban did note that 2008 starting Jack linebacker Brandon Fanney, who he had announced prior to the first practice as being suspended for an indefinite period, was not back at practice Monday and said “I’ll tell you when he is.” Prince Hall, a back-up middle linebacker last year, has been suspended indefinitely, including the entire spring.)

Regarding running backs, Saban noted that only Mark Ingram, a back-up as a freshman last year, and Roy Upchurch, who is in a black shirt (signifying no contact) “have done something.” He said developing depth at the running back position “is really important.” Terry Grant, who had nice numbers in 2007 before being injured, might be used in a way different that the manner Tide tailbacks (notably the departed Glen Coffee) were used last year.

Saban said the plan is for Alabama to work in full gear Wednesday, though not necessarily with a great deal of contact, then to be back in “shells” (helmets, shoulder pads, hip pads) Friday and full gear Saturday. The Tide will have two scrimmages during the spring in addition to the A-Day Game, on Wednesday, April 1, and Friday, April 10. No practices other than A-Day are open to the public. This week the Tide is hosting a coaching clinic on Friday and Saturday.

Saban praised the work of high school football coaches who will be attending the clinic and said he and his staff look forward to hosting those coaches and making it a valuable experience for them. “It’s a chance to give back to those who do so much,” he said.

 

*** Linebacker Charlie Higgenbotham has been working with the second group at the Will (weakside) position, beside sophomore Chris Jordan, who is working at the Mike (middle) spot in the second group.

***

Running back Roy Upchurch (neck) and wide receiver Earl Alexander (shoulder) continued to practice with their teammates in individual periods, but are being withheld from contact by the UA medical staff. Saban has left open the possibility for either to be cleared for contact before the end of spring drills.

*** Wide receiver Marquis Maze made an impressive fingertip catch during the individual period Saturday on an out route from McElroy. Maze is among a bevy of receivers looking to solidify a role behind returning starter Julio Jones.

*** Offensive lineman Barrett Jones worked at offensive guard on Saturday. Jones, a freshman last season who is expected to receive a medical hardship for a redshirt, has worked at multiple spots on the line since he arrived at the Capstone.

*** Alabama resumes practice Monday afternoon.






 

3/5/09

Alabamas' First 2 committments for 2010:

Jalston Fowler

Running Back
Mobile (AL) Vigor

Ht: 6-foot-0
Wt: 240 lbs
Class: 2010

"After talking it over with friends and family, I decided to go ahead and get it over with today. I had a feeling I would be going to Alabama after they offered me last week," said Fowler who finished his eligibility for Class 5A Vigor in 2009 but has been reclassified as a 2010 prospect due to his age. "Coach Saban was real happy. He just told me to stick with my word and stay with them because they were excited to have me."

Fowler was one half of a potent running attack for the Wolves last fall who trampled the competition en route to their first state championship in several years.

At 6-foot, 245 pounds, Fowler could serve several roles for the Tide.

"I think they like me as a combo back. Someone who could run the ball at tailback or play a little fullback too. It doesn't matter to me as long as I can play," said Fowler who rushed for 1,182 yards and 25 touchdowns last fall. "I am a physical player and a good athlete to be as big as I am. When I visited Alabama it just felt like home."

Vigor Coach Kerry Stephenson feels the Tide got a real steal with Fowler, who had an offer from South Carolina last fall.

"Alabama loves those big backs and Fowler is just like Leron McLain in the pros. He will do that for alabama," said Stevenson. "That offense needs the big back. They love that and he fits the bill perfectly.

"For us he does everything. He's much shiftier than he looks. Just a great overall talent and person. Last year we lined him up on the defensive line and he would take on the 6-4, 280-pound offensive tackle. He was a key cog for our championship run."

2/5/09

Commitment list:

D.J. Fluker OL 6-7 350 4.9 6.1 Foley, AL

Nico Johnson LB 6-3 226 4.58 6.1 Andalusia, AL

Dre Kirkpatrick DB 6-2 180 4.5 6.1 Gadsden, AL

Trent Richardson RB 5-11 210 4.5 6.1 Pensacola, FL

Tana Patrick LB 6-3 215 4.5 6.0 Stevenson, AL

Michael Bowman WR 6-4 206 4.5 5.9 Rossville, GA

Kendall Kelly WR 6-4 210 4.45 5.9 Gadsden, AL

Eddie Lacy RB 5-11 210 4.4 5.9 Geismar, LA

AJ McCarron QB 6-4 189 4.8 5.9 Mobile, AL

Kevin Norwood WR 6-3 180 4.55 5.9 D'Iberville, MS

Darrington Sentimore DT 6-3 265 4.6 5.9 Destrehan, LA

Rod Woodson DB 5-11 200 4.5 5.9 Olive Branch, MS

Kenny Bell WR 6-1 160 - 5.8 Rayville, LA

James Carpenter OL 6-5 305 - 5.8 Coffeyville, KS

Quinton Dial DT 6-5 308 5.1 5.8 Pinson, AL

William Ming DE 6-4 265 4.8 5.8 Athens, AL

Brandon Moore OL 6-4 313 5.2 5.8 Montgomery, AL

Ed Stinson DE 6-4 227 4.6 5.8 Homestead, FL

Jonathan Atchison LB 6-3 216 4.54 5.7 Atlanta, GA

Chris Bonds DT 6-4 262 4.7 5.7 Columbia, SC

Anthony Orr DE 6-4 260 4.78 5.7 Harvest, AL

Petey Smith LB 6-0 230 4.6 5.7 Seffner, FL

Anthony Steen OL 6-4 297 4.9 5.7 Clarksdale, MS

Chance Warmack OL 6-2 329 5.5 5.7 Atlanta, GA

Kellen Williams OL 6-3 295 5.2 5.7 Snellville, GA

Darius McKeller OL 6-6 280 5.1 5.6 Jonesboro, GA

Mike Marrow RB 6-2 240 4.7 5.5 Toledo, OH

“I was elated, ecstatic, happy and really pleased,” Saban said. “I think Trent Richardson was a real key to the class because he’s an outstanding player at a position that a young player can contribute at next year. He may have the opportunity to do that because our circumstances have changed with Glen Coffee going off to the draft and Roy Upchurch getting injured this year, even though we are pleased with the progress that he (Roy) is making. A young player may have the opportunity to contribute and Trent certainly has the ability to do that. They (the Richardson family) are great people. In their minds there was never anything to worry about.”

A modern phenomenon of football recruiting is that players who are recruited for as much as a year or more pretend they can’t decide until the last possible moment which college they’ll attend for the next few years. Could it be that the opportunity to be televised doing a hat trick affects that affliction?

Saban said he’s not taken in by the ruse.

“I think even though, maybe publicly you don’t know what guys are going to do, I probably had a pretty good idea when I went to bed last night,” Saban said. “ If there were 13 guys we were waiting on, I probably had a pretty good Idea of what most of the guys were going to do today. You usually get an indication of that. If you listen and read between the lines, and you kind of know what to do to be able to manage it. We were pleased. Sometimes you get surprised on one end then get a good surprise on the other end. That happened today as well.”

Late Wednesday returns had Alabama ranked third in the nation after having been ranked first in the nation at this time last year. Predictably, Saban said he did not worry about ratings.

“The real significance of this class is what happens two or three years from now, in terms how they develop and how they contribute to the program and how many outstanding performers that we have in his class,” Saban said. “That’s the true evaluation of this class. It’s great that they are recognized. It’s great that our coaching staff could put such a good group together, but at the same time, their character and ability to develop as a group will ultimately determine the impact this class has on our football program, and our ability to win and win championships. That’s what’s most important to me.”

Saban said, “It’s the same analogy I use every year: the best puppy dogs don’t always grow up to be the best hunting dogs and that is what has to happen from freshman, sophomore and junior years, in terms of players developing. It’s so important. It takes a lot of maturity and it takes the right stuff for these guys to now go and get out of the limelight of what recruiting brings to them and go to work on what they need to do to be outstanding players at their particular position, to be a complete player at their position, in terms of what you need to do to be a college football player and a successful college football player. That’s what we’re here to support them to do. We want them to develop as people, so that they have a better chance to be successful in life. We also want them to develop a career off the field, in terms of graduating from school, which we have a fantastic track record of; and we want them to be the best football players they can be so that we have a chance to win a championship and they have a chance to develop to their full potential, so they have a chance to play at the next level. That’s what is important and that is where the focus needs to be now. It goes away from recruiting and it goes toward development of what you have to be to be a complete student-athlete in all those areas.”

One rumor making the rounds is that Alabama has at least one more possible signee, a defensive back. In his comments, Saban mentioned that the Crimson Tide recruiting class met many needs, but was short on defensive backs with only two—cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and safety Rod Woodson.

One thing that impressed Saban was Alabama signees understanding the word “commitment.” He said, “Every guy who was verbally committed to us, signed with us today. I think that says a lot about the character of the guys that we recruited and understanding what a commitment is and what a commitment means and we are very pleased and happy about that. We were able to attract a half-dozen other players that weren’t committed to us today, that were outstanding national recruits. We could sit here and talk about the couple of guys that we had an opportunity to get that went some place else, but I’d much rather focus our positive energy on the guys that we got, because we got some very outstanding players. If you’re in the thick of it at the end with a bunch of national recruits, you’re going to get your share, and we felt like we got our share today.”

Saban spread the credit. “Our coaching staff did a fantastic job of putting this class together,” Saban said. “I don’t think it just comes down. Today is a culmination of more than a year of work. It goes all the way back to the evaluation stages early on and developing the relationships, spending the time and energy to develop the relationships that you need to attract a quality player to come to your school.”

Alabama’s staff changed slightly in that time. Between the end of Alabama’s 12-2 season and Signing Day, Bama lost two coaches (Kevin Steele to Clemson and Lance Thompson to Tennessee) and added two (Sal Sunseri and James Willis).

Saban said the changes were part of the reason “this recruiting class turned out extremely positive for us. I think our coaching staff did an outstanding job with the transition. I 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 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.”

Saban said, “We have a lot of people here that contribute to this in a positive way. This is one of the places that I enjoy most to recruit to because the attitude toward recruiting here and the positive energy that we have. The administration does a fantastic job. Dr. (University President Robert. E.) Witt talks to every recruit every recruiting weekend. He is one of the finest administrators ever, in terms of helping us recruit football players. (Director of Athletics) Mal Moore is there every Saturday, every weekend, to help us recruit. Our athletics administrative staff does a phenomenal job, organizationally in helping us recruit each and every weekend. We just feel blessed to have so many people who do such a good job.

“My wife Terry does an awfully good job of making our house available to the prospects when they come in and all the coaches wives contribute to it.

“I’m not sure everybody knows how much everybody puts into this when it comes to recruiting and it’s not just one recruiting visit, its multiple visits and unofficial visits that all contribute to developing the relationships that you need to be able to attract quality guys and it takes a lot of time with our coaching staff, our administrative staff and our academic staff here. We do as fine a job academically as any place in the country when it comes to graduating our players. Our graduation rate is very high, but we also do a great job academically here of visiting with the prospects, relative to their major, even the deans of the schools all do a fantastic job. (Associate Athletic Director for Student Services) Jon Dever and his staff do a fantastic job of selling our academic support for our athletes.

“Our fans, the atmosphere and environment they create each Saturday that we play in Bryant-Denny Stadium is a real positive to be able to attract outstanding student-athletes. I mean 92,000 fans at the spring game (2007), 78,000 people at the spring game (2008). That kind of enthusiasm and passion is what our fans contribute to players wanting to be a part of such an outstanding program that is so important to so many people.”

Even the current players on the team got credit.

Saban said, “I think our players, as a whole this year, did the best job of any team that I’ve ever been associated with of recruiting on the weekends. We have guys that are very good hosts. Our entire team contributes in a more positive way by giving attention and time to the guys that came in and visited and developed relationships with us. There was a lot of positive energy put in from our team’s standpoint in trying to develop relationships with the players we were recruiting. I think it paid great dividends for us. I don’t want to single out any guys. We never had one guy that hosted a player for us that we were disappointed in the job he did or the time that he spent. I thought our players did a fantastic job this year of giving guys the kind of attention that they needed to be able to show them what it would be like to be a player here at the University of Alabama.”

Saban said, “One thing that I might also add about this — I think there are a dozen players from the state of Alabama and probably 16 or 17 from out-of-state — but the high school coaches, and other than my parents, probably the person that had the most significant impact on my life was my high school coach. I think that the job that these guys do in developing these players so we have an opportunity to recruit them, and we have a lot of great programs in this state and a lot of great coaches in this state and in the surrounding states that we recruit in. I would just like to comment on the fantastic job that those guys do in helping develop these guys to have an opportunity. I think it’s very important what they do as coaches.”

Getting to the recruiting class, Saban said, “We are certainly pleased with the quality of the class we were able to attract to The University of Alabama. Obviously, it’s a great blend of great athletes, some size players, some guys that actually solve some needs for us in the future, relative to complementing the players that we have in the program right now, as well a fine character group of young men that we’re pleased and happy to have join the quality of players that we have right now in terms of their character.

“In terms of needs, I thought it was really important that we get some big guys with long arms that could play on the edges of the offensive line. I think we were able to solve that. I also think there are skill players on offense who could make explosive plays and obviously getting a couple of runners like Trent Richardson, who is a great player, as well as some receivers and skill guys to go with that and to be able to attract one of the top quarterbacks in the country. I think all of those things will help us develop and sort of replace some the guys we lost on offense this year, which will be a real key to building our offense to what we need it to be in the future.

“Defensively, we got some good front seven players, some defensive linemen. We only got a couple of defensive backs, if there was one area where we would have liked to have taken another guy or two, that might have been it, but we are pleased with the guys that we were able to attract. I think the quality of linemen in this class, and I think there are 12 or 13 true linemen, big guys, is probably important to the future of the program. We have never had the numbers in the offensive line that we need to have since we’ve been here, in terms of depth and quality. So, that is something that we were able to do in this class.”
 


 

1/15/09

Assistant coach Lance Thompson will leave the Alabama coaching staff and will take a position with Lane Kiffin's staff at Tennessee.

Things look bright for Bama Recruiting for 2009,Dre Kirkpatrick,Kendall Kelly,Brandon Moore,Tana Patrick,Bobby Massie and Ed Stinson all look like the will be Alabama Bound.

Current Tide Committs look solid to Bama:D.J. Fluker "Tuscaloosa is where my heart is and I have a great relationship with Coach Saban, Coach Pendry, and really the entire staff. I want to be a part of something special and I know that's what is happening at Alabama."

Darrington Sentimore:"Roll Tide all the way. That is all I have to say,"

Rod Woodson: "I am solid to Alabama. I have no other visits scheduled and when I committed I knew that is where I wanted to be."

Trent Richardson:"I feel pretty good after this visit because Alabama was my commitment for a reason. I feel like teammates already with the players and recruits,"

Also Kerry Muprhy finally makes it to Bama.

Glen Coffee and Andre Smith headed to the NFL.

12/30/08

Andre Smith Suspended:

Alabama star offensive lineman Andre Smith has been suspended from Friday's Sugar Bowl against Utah for violation of team rules. The Crimson Tide's starting left tackle was not present at press interviews Monday morning at the media hotel, and was also not present at practice at the Superdome. Improper contact with an agent is the likely cause. The NCAA has rules, under penalty of ineligibility, that are designed to keep players and agents apart. Smith won the Outland Trophy as the nation's top lineman earlier this month, and is a target for agents because he is expected to be a high first-round NFL Draft pick if he chooses to make himself draft eligible.

12/17/08

Bama Gets Another Commit.

Kevin Norwood

Wide Receiver
D'Iberville (MS) D'Iberville

Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 180 lbs
Forty: 4.55 secs

   "I talked to Coach Saban at 6 p.m. and told him I was committing to Alabama," said Norwood. "Coach Saban told me that he has been traveling in bad weather all day and had gotten wet, but that this news made his day. He said it made it all worth it."

Chad Bumphis a four star recruit is down to two choices . Bama or Mississippi State

Added some photos to page 3 of Bama Girls. Gymnast Photos Link to Photos

12/8/08

Nice Quote form five star running back Trent Richardson: "The season Alabama had definitely helped them. I looked at the statistics this season and those boys improved throughout the year" said Richardson. "The scary thing is that they are young and this was supposed to be a rebuilding year. Alabama is going to get better and better."

The Alabama football team accepted a bid to the Allstate Sugar Bowl on Sunday, cementing its first appearance in the New Orleans event since winning the national championship in January of 1993."Our players are excited about coming. Our fans are excited about coming. This is a great opportunity for us to take part in a great event that has tremendous tradition," coach Nick Saban said. "Personally, I've been involved here twice before, even though it's a different school. There is no question this is a first-class event with first-class people and a great game."

Utah is ranked No.6 in the latest BCS standings after completing a 12-0 regular season in the Mountain West Conference. The Utes beat two BCS Conference teams, both narrowly, winning at Michigan 25-23, and at home against Oregon State, 31-28.

12/06/08

Great run Bama... We overachieved for such a young team. I look forward to our future it looks bright. Looking forward to Bowl Game!! RTR

Alabama Gets another commitment !!

Jonathan Atchison

Outside linebacker
Atlanta (GA) Douglass

Ht: 6-foot-3
Wt: 216 lbs
Forty: 4.54 secs
Bench max: 365 pounds
GPA: 3.0

"I actually committed to Coach Saban Thursday night but I am making my announcement tonight. Coach Saban was very excited to hear that I am coming aboard," said Atchison who stands 6-foot-3, 216 pounds. "This was a family decision. I talked with my mom and other family members last night and decided to make the call to Coach Saban. Everything made sense about Alabama.

"Coach Saban was probably the top selling point for me.

12/2/08

DJ Fluker, Dre Kirpatrick and Trent Richardson were blown away by their visit last Saturday. Richardson really enjoyed watching the Tide running game.

Bamas Gets another Committment :Coffeyville (Kansas) Community College offensive lineman James Carpenter became the Tide's 18th commitment tonight after returning from an official visit to Ole Miss.
Offensive guard
Coffeyville (KS) Coffeyville C.C.Ht: 6-foot-5
Wt: 305 lbs

"I sort of knew after my official visit to Alabama that Tuscaloosa is where I wanted to go," said Carpenter who is a four-star recruit. "I wanted to make sure and take all of my visits first. It was sort of hard because all of the schools had good situations but in the end Alabama had the best set-up for me. I can play early and they have a great coaching staff and a lot of momentum right now."

11/23/08

New format , just changing up a bit. Going to cover recruiting more than anything and team news. There will be 100 unofficial visitors for next weekend's home game with Auburn, the Tide has a handful of unofficial visitors scheduled to arrive at the Capstone to check out the big rivalry game.Two Florida prospects that the Tide hopes to gain ground on are Miami commit Olivier Vernon and Seffner-Armwood linebacker Petey Smith. Vernon is a potential "Jack" linebacker candidate that is looking around while Smith is thought to be an Auburn lean with his brother, Eric, already on the plains as a freshman running back.

Cartersville athlete Donavan Tate will also be taking an official to the Capstone, but the Tide's biggest obstacle here is baseball as Tate is expected to be a high MLB draft pick. Tate projects at safety or wide receiver if he decides to play football next fall.Richland-Northeast defensive lineman Chris Bonds has reportedly narrowed his college choices down to Alabama and Notre Dame, and as of Friday morning, a decision could be coming on Monday.

New Harris Pole

Tide commit Chance Warmack will be taking his official visit next weekend primarily because the 6-foot-2, 290-pound guard expects to enroll at the Capstone in January and backcount towards the class of 2008.
 

10/30/08

Our offensive player of the game for Tennessee is JPW for playing a controlled smart football game. Our defensive player of the game is Josh Chapman (Four tackles (three solo). for stepping in for T Cody and have a great game. Terrance Cody Report: Wednesday, UA coach Nick Saban made it clear the 365-pound noseguard is out for the Arkansas State game, but suggested he may be on track to be back for the Tigers.

"He's probably close to about the same as Smitty [Andre Smith] was the week that he missed one game," Saban said. "Hopefully he'll continue to progress and be able to contribute some next week."

Cody began jogging Tuesday after spraining the MCL (medial collateral ligament) in his right knee against Ole Miss.

"He's coming along nice. He did some football-related stuff today," Saban added. "... Hopefully he'll be able to start practicing next week but it depends on how he progresses. Everything is day to day. He'll do a little bit more every day and as long as he doesn't hit a bump in the road, we feel like he might have a chance."
 

10/21/08

Our offensive player of the game against Ole Miss is Nick Walker and the Defensive player is Rashad Johnson who had his best game of the year with 9 tackles (6 solo) ,a TFL, a fumble recovery and his first interception of the year. Noseguard Terrance Cody who sprained the MCL in his right knee against Ole Miss, was in a black, non-contact jersey Monday and worked with strength coach Scott Cochran, working the handle levers on a stationary bike but not using the pedals. No surgery will be required – something Saban suggested may be the case in his post-game news conference – and said the injury is likely an MCL sprain. An MCL injury is typically far less serious than an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which can often result season-ending surgery if torn.

9/30/08

It appears two players might not be ready to play against Kentucky. Mike McCoy with a hamstring injury and little used Preston Dial with knee issues. RB Mark Ingram looks ready to go after recovering from a knee bruise. Commit Trent Richardson and hopefully future commits Dre Kirkpatrick and Chad Bumphis were very impressed with the Tide last Saturday.

9/29/08

Our Offensive Player of the Game is the whole Offensive Line great job against a tough Dogs front. Our Defensive Player of the Game is Justin Woodall , he seemed to be all over the field and got another int. Big hit photo from Saturday: Click on thumbnail for full size.

9/22/08

Sorry for the long span between updates. Illness in the family. What a great span of games for the Crimson Tide. Absolutely loved the Arkansas game. Been waiting on some long runs by our backs for quite awhile. Our Offensive MVP for Arkansas was Glen Coffee and Defense was Javier Arenas. Still waiting for some big downfield passes but I am sure they will come. You got to love the way Saban responded to the black out from Georgia. "I don't think we should be too concerned by the way they dress"

Trent Richardson rates his commitment to Alabama as 8 out of 10 for a firm commitment.  The other schools he is looking at are LSU and Florida. He rushed for 136 yards and 2 tds this weekend . He also had a 97 yard kick return.

9/09/08

Looks as if the whole squad will be available for play this week vs Western Kentucky. All injuries from Tulane are healed up and thankfully big Andre is ready to go . The Crimson Tide struggled on the line with him and Marlon Davis out. Our Offensive Player of the game was Mark Ingram and Defense was Cory Reamer.

9/05/08

Look as if Big Andre Smith will sit out this week and be replace by Mike Johnson at LT and David Ross will start at LG. Smith has a knee sprain. Look for Tulane to open up the playbook with allot of trick plays and play with a nothing to lose attitude. The Crimson Tide are favored by 30. Coach Saban said Mike Johnson played the best game of his career against Clemson. I do not think Bama will overlook Tulane after last years ULM loss.

9/04/08

Nico Johnson a rivals 100 player committed to the Tide. He will provide immediate depth to the LB core. He has great instincts at finding the ball and good size and speed. Added some pics of the Clemson Game click here...

9/02/08

Andre Smith is questionable for the Tulane Game this Saturday due to a knee sprain. "Andre Smith has a sprained knee, he's going to be be day to day, will be out for a few days, I don't know if he'll play in this game or not," Saban said. "It's still up in the air and we probably won't know for a few days relative to how he heals." If he sits Mike Johnson will move out to LT and David Ross will move to LG. Also Earl Alexander has a sprained ankle and is questionable for Saturday.

SEC Players of the week: