7/31/2009

RB Eddie Lacy has still not heard Regarding his Academic Eligibility for the 2009 Season

As of earlier this afternoon, Louisiana running back and UA signee Eddie Lacy had still not heard from the NCAA Clearinghouse regarding his academic eligibility for the 2009 season.

"We're still waiting for the Clearinghouse. So we still don't know yet," Lacy said. "It was supposed to be today."


Wait continues for Tide signee Eddie Lacy

The Top 10 Most Disliked People In Sports!!!! #9 is?

NICK SABAN



The Most Disliked People In Sports

Fall Practice is about to Begin!

Alabama will practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Aug. 9, 15 and 22, the first being the annual Fan Day workout. Per usual, all practices except for Fan Day are closed to the public.

The team will hold two-a-day practices Aug. 11, 13 and 17.

The Tide will be off the 16th, and Aug. 23-24. It will start to get into its regular routine the final week of camp, with the regular practice schedule kicking into gear Monday, Aug. 31, in preparation for the Sept. 5 opener against Virginia Tech at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta.


Tide reports to Practice Next Week

7/30/2009

"Fan Day" will be Sunday Aug 9th

"Fan Day" will be Sunday, Aug 9th


UA's football program has announced that its annual "Fan Day" will be Sunday, Aug. 9 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Practice will begin at 2:30 p.m. and end at roughly 4:30 p.m. It is the only time all year that Alabama's practice is open throughout to media and the general public.

Another PreSeason Ranking ...

Houston Sports Examiner Top 25 college football preseason rankings

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. USC
4. Oklahoma State
5. Penn State
6. LSU
7. Oklahoma
8. TCU
9. ALABAMA
The Crimson Tide will be good again this year, but will have to replace quarterback John Parker Wilson, who was a solid game manager. There is talent here, but it is inexperienced. The Tide also face just three tough games -- at Mississippi, LSU at home and the opener against Virginia Tech.

10. Mississippi
11. VT
12. Rutgers
13. Ohio State
14. California
15. Georgia Tech
16. Notre Dame
17. Miami
18. Southern Miss
19. Nebraska
20. Georgia
21. Boise State
22. Cincinnati
23. Kansas
24. Utah
25. Houston

7/29/2009

Mike Johnson (OL) could "Rival Last Year"


Left guard Mike Johnson came away from this summer convinced that "We've worked harder this year than I can remember in the offseason," and that the new group could ultimately rival what Alabama enjoyed last year.


That is what I like to hear. Roll Tide Roll!!!



A few Alabama football links to pass some more time until fall camp ...

SPORTING NEWS’ TOP 50 COACHES, Bear Bryant #3



1. John Wooden, college basketball
2. Vince Lombardi, NFL
3. Bear Bryant, college football
4. Phil Jackson, NBA
5. Don Shula, NFL
6. Red Auerbach, NBA
7. Scotty Bowman, NHL
8. Dean Smith, college basketball
9. Casey Stengel, MLB
10. Knute Rockne, college football
11. Pat Summitt, women’s college basketball
12. Paul Brown, NFL
13. Joe Paterno, college football
14. George Halas, NFL
15. Chuck Noll, NFL
16. Bob Knight, college basketball
17. Joe Gibbs, NFL
18. Tom Landry, NFL
19. Mike Krzyzewski, college basketball
20. Bill Belichick, NFL
21. Adolph Rupp, college basketball
22. Joe McCarthy, MLB
23. Eddie Robinson, college football
24. Bobby Bowden, college football
25. John McGraw, MLB
26. Bill Walsh, NFL
27. Woody Hayes, college football
28. Connie Mack, MLB
29. Bud Wilkinson, college football
30. Pat Riley, NBA
31. Pete Newell, college basketball
32. Joe Torre, MLB
33. Bill Parcells, NFL
34. Tom Osborne, college football
35. Walter Alston, MLB
36. Bo Schembechler, college football
37. Toe Blake, NHL
38. Sparky Anderson, MLB
39. Al Arbour, NHL
40. Amos Alonzo Stagg, college football
41. Tony La Russa, MLB
42. Geno Auriemma, women’s college basketball
43. Dick Irvin, NHL
44. Ara Parseghian, college football
45. Chuck Daly, NBA
46. Bobby Cox, MLB
47. Hank Iba, college basketball
48. Tommy Lasorda, MLB
49. Gregg Popovich, NBA
50. Herb Brooks, NHL

Bryant named No. 3 on all-time coaching list

James Carpenter

Ht: 6'5"
Wt: 305
Bench: 355LB
Squat: 455LB
Class: 2009 (Junior College - Dec Grad)

Carpenter is a 6'5, 305 junior college offensive linemen transfer who could play either guard or tackle. He will have 3 years to exhast his final 2 years of eligibility.

Imagine Carpenter and Fulker as LT & LG? Talk about run to the left. Roll Tide.

Alabama some Preseason Odds...

- Alabama Crimson Tide 17-1 Odds to win BCS National Championship 2010.
- Odds are backing Alabama at +300 in the SEC.
- Odds are backing Alabama at +1500 for the BCS title.

2010 Alabama Crimson Tide Odds to Win BCS National Championship

2009-10 BCS National Championship Odds - Alabama 22/1

SEC Odds - Alabama +500 to win the SEC

Odds for the 2009 BCS National Championship - Alabama 40/1

7/28/2009

Appeal Filed!!!

The University of Alabama has filed its appeal with the National Collegiate Athletic Association, regarding the Committee of Infractions ruling to vacate 21 wins by the football program.

Prediction - Virginia Tech ACC Champions!

Virginia Tech picked to win ACC crown

The bad news is they have to start in Atlanta on Sept 5th against Alabama! Maybe, just maybe, they can rebound from their upcoming beating better than Clemson did last year. ROLL TIDE ROLL!!











Javier Arenas (from the Bleacher Report) is 1 of the 5 SCARIEST PLAYERS in the SEC!



At 5'9" and a 198 pounds, Arenas attacks the ballcarrier like a 290-pound defensive tackle. That makes Nick Saban scared, too. "He'll attack a huge fullback the same way he'll tackle a small receiver," said Saban, "But, so far, he's always jumped back up."

Arenas is an all-purpose danger, and other teams should keep the ball as far away from him as possible.


The Five Downright Scariest Players in the SEC

Getting the Roster Ready ...

Players Confirmed to have left Alabama Since Signing Day

- Kicker Corey Smith (transferred to West Virginia).

- Linebacker Prince Hall (transferred to Central Washington).

- Linebacker Jennings Hester (medical scholarship).

- Offensive lineman Evan Cardwell (earned degree).

- Linebacker Charlie Kirschman (earned degree).

- Wide receiver Chris Jackson (transferred to Georgia Tech).

- Defensive back Alonzo Lawrence (transfer pending).

- Linebacker Brandon Fanney (transfer pending).

- Preyear (transfer pending).

Incoming Signees

- Defensive lineman Quinton Dial did not academically qualify.

- Potential Grayshirt Anthony Orr.

- Potential Grayshirt Kellen Williams.

- Potential Grayshirt Kendall Kelly.

- Eddie Lacy is Awaiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse.

- Darrington Sentimore is Awaiting approval from the NCAA Clearinghouse.


REDSHIRT = A player has participated in a college's academic year, but did not participate during that year's sports season. By redshirting, a player gains an opportunity to learn schemes and techniques, rehabilitate an injury, learn a new position and/or physically develop without losing a year of eligibility.

GRAYSHIRT = An incoming player who waits until the second semester to enroll rather than the fall. College athletes are allowed a five year calendar to play four seasons. The calendar begins once one is enrolled. By waiting until the spring to start college, a player will be playing his last season in the sixth year after high school rather than the fifth. "

7/27/2009

The Tide will Roll

Here are 5 Reasons Why The Tide Will Roll Through The SEC:

This is how they are listed on the Bleacher Report:


1. Defense
2. Greg Mcelroy
3. The backfield
4. Receivers
5. The Coach


I agree with the list but in a little different order:

1. Greg McElroy. Greg McElroy. Greg McElroy. Greg's QB skills will be clear very early in the VT Game.

2. Receivers. Julio Jones, Mike McCoy, Marquis Maze. The sleeper will be TE Colin Peek. He will give Greg a big target in the Red Zone and out of the backfield. Colin will be an extra OL too. He should have a monster year.

3. Defense. Should be in the Top #3 in the nation. Lots of returning players mixed with the nations best young blood.

4. Backs. Ingram and Roy Upchurch are back! Oh, don't forget incoming freshman Trent Richardson.

5. Saban. Need I say more.

7/24/2009

Quotes from the SEC Media Days

"Those guys (Tana Patrick and Nico Johnson) have to take it to the next level," Saban said. "They can't be satisfied. You know, it's kind of human nature that when you're satisfied and you're ranked high in a lot of categories that maybe you don't challenge yourself as much. You get a little complacent, you get a little satisfied. That can't hap­pen."
Nick Saban

"I think he (Greg McElroy) will be surpris­ingly good this year," he said, "not surprising to us, but maybe to some other people because he has a good offensive line and it doesn't hurt to have Mark In­gram behind you to hand off the ball to."
Nick Saban

Rolando McClain called "McElroy the Tide's secret weapon."

Saban touts chemistry; Tide no Longer Underdog

Predictions: East - Florida & West - Alabama

Alabama, picking up 33 first-place votes, is picked to win the West crown, followed by LSU (15 first-place votes) and Ole Miss (16 first-place votes). Arkansas is picked to place fourth, followed by Auburn and Mississippi State.

Florida received all 64 votes as the team to beat for the East Division title. Georgia was selected as the East runner-up, followed in order by South Carolina, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky.

Florida picked to win SEC title in preseason poll; Alabama expected to take SEC West

“The kid’s a Freak Athlete"


"The kid’s a freak athlete. He probably outweighs (us) by 70 pounds and moves just as well,” Johnson said about lineman D.J. Fluker, who appears poised to challenge junior-college transfer James Carpenter at left tackle.

“The biggest thing is he’s willing to work to learn what he needs to do to be a better player and make us a better football team.”
Remember he is "bigger" than Mt. Cody.

- 6'7"
- 355lb
- *Bench 350
- *Squat 525
- *Forty 4.9 secs

* High School Stats

7/23/2009

Commitment #18 for the 2010 Class

Opelika High athlete Corey Grant announced at a news conference that he's going to sign with UA for the 2010 class. He picked the Tide over Auburn and Florida.


Opelika's Corey Grant picks Alabama

Jersey Numbers, Media Guide ... SEC Media Days

Jersey Numbers for Incoming Freshmen

- Jonathan Atchinson (49)
- Kenny Bell (7)
- Chris Bonds (93)
- Michael Bowman (88)
- D.J. Fluker (76)
- Nico Johnson (35)
- Kendall Kelly (81)
- Dre Kirkpatrick (21)
- Eddie Lacy (42)
- Mike Marrow (33)
- AJ McCarron (10)
- Darius McKeller (70)
- William Ming (56)
- Brandon Moore (59)
- Kevin Norwood (83)
- Tana Patrick (2)
- Trent Richardson (3)
- Darrington Sentimore (94)
- Petey Smith (38)
- Anthony Steen (61)
- Ed Stinson (47)
- Chance Warmack (65)
- Kellen Williams (63)
- Rod Woodson (18)
- Anthony Orr was in the media guide, but did not have a number listed.




Ineterested in purchasing the University of Alabama's 2009 Football Media Guide? Here is a link to the Media Guide Order Form.






Tide Releases Media Guide

7/22/2009

Brian Vogler to 'Bama?

**UPDATE** Vogler picks Tide over Sooners




TE Vogler to choose between Bama, Oklahoma today

Brian Vogler, a 6-foot-7, 245-pound rising senior at the Brookstone School in Columbus, has narrowed his choices down to Alabama and Oklahoma. The smart money should go down on the Crimson Tide.

6,400 Fans Spoke and the Winner is?

Birmingham News' 2009 SEC Coaches Power Poll

1. Urban Meyer, Florida Gators
2. Nick Saban, Alabama Crimson Tide
3. Mark Richt, Georgia Bulldogs
4. Steve Spurrier, South Carolina Gamecocks
5. Houston Nutt, Ole Miss Rebels
6. Les Miles, LSU Tigers
7. Bobby Johnson, Vanderbilt Commodores
8. Bobby Petrino, Arkansas Razorbacks
9. Rich Brooks, Kentucky Wildcats
10. Dan Mullen, Mississippi State Bulldogs
11. Gene Chizik, Auburn Tigers
12. Lane Kiffin, Tennessee Volunteers

7/21/2009

Alabama @ the SEC Media Days ....

Interview Schedule for Thursday, July 23
(8:30 - 10:30 am)
Nick Saban
OL Mike Johnson
LB Rolando McClain

A Great Position to be in...

The Tide came into this season needing to open up about 10 spots on its roster to be able to fit in its incoming class. ( The NCAA mandates no more than 85 players on scholarship at any given time)

The latest departure from the Tide is WR/DB Chris Jackson who is headed to Georgia Tech.

Already Departed are:

1. Evan Cardwell
2. Jennings Hester
3. Charlie Kirschman
4. Prince Hall
5. Brandon Fanney
6. Alonzo Lawerence
7. Corey Smith
8. Chris Jackson (Mentioned above)

"With Saban and his staff’s non-stop approach to recruiting, the Tide have reached the point of being able to re-load each season. It’s no longer an issue of finding top notch talent willing to join the Alabama football program.

The problem is finding spots to fit all of them".

7/20/2009

'Bama in the NFL...

Veterans From Alabama on NFL Rosters Today

Simeon Castille – Cincinnati Bengals (CB #21)
Antwan Odom – Cincinnati Bengals (DE #98)
Evan Mathis – Cincinnati Bengals (OG #66)
Deshea Townsend – Pittsburgh Steelers (CB #26)
Anthony Madison – Pittsburgh Steelers (CB #37)
Brodie Croyle – Kansas City Chiefs (QB #12)
Wallace Gilberry – Kansas City Chiefs (DE #92)
Le’Ron McClain – Baltimore Ravens (FB/RB #33)
Jarret Johnson – Baltimore Ravens (OLB #95)
Chris Samuels – Washington Redskins (LT #60)
Cornelius Griffin – Washington Redskins (DT #96)
Anthony Bryant – New York Giants (DT #75)
Jeremy Clark – New York Giants (DT #73)
Demeco Ryans – Houston Texans (MLB #59)
Roman Harper – New Orleans Saints (SS #41)
Tim Castille – Arizona Cardinals (FB #46)
Justin Smiley – Miami Dolphins (OG #65)
Mark Anderson – Chicago Bears (DE #97)
Charlie Peprah – Green Bay Packers (S #26)
Ramzee Robinson – Detroit Lions (CB #38)
Kenneth Darby – St. Louis Rams (RB #34)
Wesley Britt – New England Patriots (OT #65)

Rookies From Alabama on NFL Rosters Today

Andre Smith – Cincinnati Bengals (RT # 71)
Glen Coffee – San Francisco 49’ers (RB #29)
Antoine Caldwell – Houston Texans (OL #62)
Rashad Johnson – Arizona Cardinals (S #41)
John Parker Wilson – Atlanta Falcons (QB #4)
Travis McCall – Buffalo Bills (TE #48)

Update on Alabama football veterans in the NFL






LB Derrick Thomas Will Have His #58 Retired, Family to Receive HOF Ring at Arrowhead vs. Denver on December 6th




LB Derrick Thomas Will Have His #58 Retired

More 'Bama Football Predictions....

Combine the preseason rankings of four major magazines, and the Crimson Tide emerge as the No. 5 team nationally and the favorite to claim the Southeastern Conference Western Division. Only Yahoo! Sports picked the Tide to be in the top 5, but strong disagreement among the other three — Athlon, Lindy’s and Phil Steele — push Alabama down the chart. Nick Saban’s team is one of five programs to make the top 10 in all four rankings.

With several unanswered questions on offense, the prognosticators expect the Tide defense to carry the team through the season. Linebacker Rolando McClain landed on three first-team All-American teams and one third-team (Athlon) while nose guard Terrence Cody earned a spot on all four first-teams.


Freshmen such as running back Trent Richardson and offensive lineman D.J. Fluker have been given plenty of preseason hype. Lindy’s suggested the 6-foot-7, 350-pound Fluker could step into Outland Trophy winner Andre Smith’s role and open his freshman season as a starter.

Alabama football consensus No. 5 in preseason magazines

7/19/2009

More Predictions ....

How about some predictions?

Florida wins the East and the SEC. LSU emerges from a cluttered West, edging past Alabama and Ole Miss in a three-way tie. Arkansas boasts the offense no one wants to face (other than Florida's). Alabama possesses the defense no one wants to face (other than Florida's). Tebow wins his second Heisman Trophy. Florida loses to Texas in the BCS championship game.

7/17/2009

Pre-Season Predictions Con't...

"Bama is still a force in the SEC West, and they will prove it again. But a tough opener versus Virginia Tech in Atlanta, may be a bad way to start out. Look for VaTech to steal one here, but Bama recovers enough to win nine games, with slip ups to LSU and Ole Miss."

The Tide go 9-3 (6-2) with a 3-2 Division Record

SI Cover Again!!


Predictions for the SEC East/West

EAST

1. Florida
2. Georgia
3. Tennessee
4. South Carolina
5. Vanderbilt
6. Kentucky

WEST

1. Alabama
2. Ole Miss
3. LSU
4. Arkansas
5. Auburn
6. Mississippi State

These are the combined totals from Phil Steele, Lindy, Athlon & TSN. View the complete Pre-Season rankings @ 2009 Preseason Consensus

DJ Fluker makes Terrence Cody look Small..

DJ Fluker is 6'7" and at least 355 pounds of quick moving muscle , he is the prototype left tackle that you would genetically manufacture if you could. Quick feet, explosive blocking ability and a huge frame leaves no doubt why he was the number one offensive lineman in the country.

High School Stats:

- Bench 350lb
- Squat 525lb
- Forty 4.9 secs




Profile: D.J. Fluker



Terrence "Mount" Cody #62 is 6'4", 365lb and runs a 5.72 forty.

I have read articles that say he is down to the 354lb range coming in to the '09 season.




DJ & Cody are equals in weight. DJ has a 3" height advantage. Cody has the SEC Game experience. The best part is they get to practice against each other. Cody gets even better and DJ gets confidence! ROLL TIDE ROLL

7/16/2009

2009 SEC Coaches ALL SEC Team

2009 SEC COACHES PRE-SEASON ALL-SEC FOOTBALL TEAM

From Alabama:

1st Team Offense
1. OL - Mike Johnson
2. WR - Julio Jones

2nd / 3rd Team Offense
1. RB - Mark Ingram

1st Team Defense
1. DL - Terrence Cody
2. LB - Rolando McClain
3. DB - Javier Arenas

2nd / 3rd Team Defense
1. LB - Dont’a Hightower

Specialists
1. PK - Leigh Tiffin
2. RS - Javier Arenas

Sporting News Preseason Top 25

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Oklahoma
4. Southern Cal
5. Ole Miss
6. Virginia Tech
7. Oregon
8. LSU
9. Ohio State
10. Oklahoma State
11. Georgia Tech
12. Penn State
13. Alabama
14. Boise State
15. Georgia
16. Oregon State
17. Florida State
18. Notre Dame
19. Utah
20. Texas Tech
21. California
22. BYU
23. North Carolina
24. TCU
25. Kansas

Chris Jackson "looking" at Transfer Options

WR Chris Jackson Plans to Transfer

Jackson's brief playing career at Alabama included some special teams action, but the sophomore was never able to settle into a fixed position. He was an early enroller who began taking classes at Alabama in January 2008 and practiced at wide receiver during 2008 spring drills. He was eventually moved to defensive back, then back to receiver.

The 6-foot-1, 190-pound Jackson initially committed to Georgia Tech during his recruitment, but he eventually signed with Alabama after the Yellow Jackets ousted coach Chan Gailey and hired Paul Johnson. Robertson said he was unsure which coaching staffs Jackson would be in contact with.

7/15/2009

Another Pre, Pre-Season Poll ....

This one is from Gainesville.com Top 25 teams: No. 6 Alabama Crimson Tide

Pretty much in line with all of the other Pre-Season Polls so far...

Strength - Defense
Weakness - O-Line & QB
Star - Julio Jones
Rising Star - Rolando McClain
Toughest Game - Nov 7th @ LSU

Personally I think the toughest game is going to be V-Tech in Atlanta. By the time Bama gets to the LSU game we will have had some game experience and some time to gel.

I also think that Tight End - Peek and DJ Fluker will be the big suprises this year. Wait and see.

Let the Predictions Begin!

"Both of these teams are defensive powerhouses, both coaches are tops in their conferences, and both systems produce a ball control, defensive style of game. Both teams also want to use this game as a spring board for their season. Unfortunately, only one of them will. The X-factors are Tyrod Taylor and Julio Jones. Whoever has a bigger game will lead their team to a victory. Julio is a bigger talent, but I think Tyrod comes up with the bigger game, and leads the Hokies to a victory."

Prediction: Virginia Tech 23, Alabama 20 (OT)

I'll throw my prediction out here in the next week or so. What do you think? Tide or the Hokies?

7/14/2009

Greg McElroy ... Look Out SEC!

I have said it before.. I hate that JPW graduated but look out SEC. #12 Greg McElory will be the talk of the SEC before Bama finishes the first half of the Virgina Tech Game.

Greg McElroy!: Alabama's Big Surprise for Opponents

This is a small excerpt from the above article.

"Though people came to see Heisman hopefuls Colt McCoy of Texas, Oklahoma's Sam Bradford, Ole Miss phenom Jevan Sneed, and others duke it for top honors, they sat and marveled at McElroy's ability to outduel the top collegiate quarterbacks in many events.

So the next time you read a story where people downplay Alabama for losing their starting quarterback and starting a first-year player, you can chuckle in knowing this first-year starter just beat out every so-called hot shot in the nation."

7/13/2009

Greg McElroy, I like the way He Thinks!!!



Greg told USA Today staff writer Kelly Whiteside, “If you talk to most of our fans, without an SEC championship or national championship, the season can't be deemed a complete success. That's the attitude we want to establish around here.”

Like the atricle says and I agree, "Let him (McElroy) gain confidence early in the year, and he could lead the Alabama offense to its most productive season in some time."

7/11/2009

Derrick Lassic, Remember him?

Here's a poll asking who was the best tailback of the last quarter century? A Quarter Century of Great Tide Tailbacks

The options they give are:

Shaun Alexander
Kenneth Darby
Shaud Williams
Gene Jelks
Dennis Riddle
Sherman Williams
Siran Stacy
Glenn Coffee
Bobby Humphery

They are ALL GREAT! Of Course, Shaun Alexander is the most well known and the best on this list. However, I think they forgot one! Remember a back by the name of Derrick Lassic from the '92 National Championship? Remember his 2 touchdowns (3 yards & 15 yards) against Florida in the SEC Championship Game, which helped get 'Bama to the National Chamiponship Game?

His final stats for the '92 season were; 178 rushes for a net of 905 yards, 5.1 Yard-Per-Carry avg, 10 TD's, with a long run of 42 yards and a per game avg of 75.4 yards.

The Crimson Tide did destroy the Miami Hurricanes 34-13 and went on to a perfect 13-0 season! Who was on the cover of SI? Yes, Derrick Lassic!

Saban to Retire at 'Bama? Why?

This is a good article from the Bleacher Report Five Reasons Why Saban Will Retire at Alabama.

Here are the 5 Reasons:

1. Saban's Reputation
2. The SEC
3. Auburn (The Iron Bowl)
4. Recruiting
5. It is, after all, The University of Alabama

- After reading this article, I agree 100%. Saban is cocky, but he backs it up.

- It is the SEC! Hands down the toughest competition in the country.

- Recruiting, he's a master. Ah, Back to Back #1 recruiting classes.

- He is the Head Coach for the Crimson Tide and like the article said, that elevates him to rock star status in the state of Alabama.

- Last and after suffering years of watching Auburn drill us, it is nice to see the passion for destroying Auburn again. The passion is far more than just beating Auburn in the Iron Bowl, it is also beating them recruiting too. I think this pretty much sums it up. Prior to last years Iron Bowl Coach Saban was overheard saying I quote, “Don’t you know how much I f***in’ hate these guys?”

ROLL TIDE ROLL!!!!

7/10/2009

Bama's D-Line, Cody and ???

#62 Terrence Cody (AKA Mt. Cody) - SR @ 6'5"/365LB
#97 Lorenzo Washington - SR @ 6'5"/275LB
#95 Brandon Deaderick - SR @ 6'4"/287LB
#57 Marcell Dareus - SO @ 6'3"/280LB
#96 Luther Davis - JR @ 6'3"/299LB
#99 Josh Chapman - SO @ 6'1"/305LB
#94 Undra Billingsley - RSFR @ 6'3"/275LB
#32 David Blalock - SO @ 6'5"/221LB
#58 Nick Gentry - SO @ 6'1"/254LB
#54 Glenn Harbin - SO @ 6'6"/245LB
#64 Kerry Murphy - FR @ 6'5"/315LB
#90 Milton Talbert - JR @ 6'3"/263LB
#92 Damion Square - RSFR @ 6'2"/290LB

2009 Spring Roster

Most Power in the SEC?

I was reading the SEC's 10 most powerful people and here is the breakdown;

- There are only 2 head coaches in this list. As you would expect they are Nick Saban #2 & Urban Meyer #4.
- There is 1 Athletic Director.
- There is 1 Booster.
- There is 1 Agent.
- There is 1 Talk Show Host.
- There is 1 Basketball Head Coach.
- There is the Director of the SEC.
- There is 1 Quarterback. Tebow from Florida (actually at #5, just below his head coach)

3 of the 5 are from Florida (AD, Meyer & Tebow). 2 of the 5 are from Alabama (Saban & Paul W. Bryant Jr). The agent represents Saban among others. 6 of the top 10 "Most Powerful People in the SEC" have ties to Florida and Alabama. I'd say that is pretty accurate given that Florida & Alabama are now #1 & #2 (no particular order) in the SEC.

7/09/2009

Tyrod Taylor AKA "T-Mobile" ready to Face the Tides "D"?

The University of Alabama will face Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game set for September 5 at 8pm (ET) in the season opener in the Georgia Dome. The Tide faces quarterback Tyrod Taylor nicknamed "T-Mobile" who will lead the Hokies in Atlanta.

"T-Mobile" will be introduced to Mt. Cody & freinds in the Dome & have the same kind of day Clemson did the year before.

The Tide will be breaking in a new offense but the defense will be strong and dominate. Virgina Tech's O-Line will be no match for Mt. Cody & freinds.

Get ready to Roll in Atlanta...

7/08/2009

Who will have the biggest impact on the 2009 Season?

Who is it going to be? Who will have the biggest impact on the 2009 Season?

- Tana Patrick
- Dre Kirkpatrick
- Nico Johnson
- Alonzo Lawrence
- Colin Peek
- James Carpenter
- D.J. Fluker
- Brandon Moore
- Trent Richardson
- Eddie Lacy

There is allot of debate about which one of the incoming "freshman" is going to step up and have an immediate impact on the 2009 Bama Football Season. In my opinion there are 2 that really stand out:

#1 - D.J. Fluker. This young man is massive at 6'7" and a dainty 350lbs. He has the God given ability to become a dominate Tackle in the SEC. How quick can he adapt to the speed of SEC Football? If he adapts quickly, he will start every game and never look back. I think DJ has the biggest impact of any incoming player this year. Oh, did I mention that he is sub 5 seconds in the 40?

#2 - Colin Peek. A senior transfer from Georgia Tech. He will be the extra blocker on a young offensive line and yes, he has great hands too. As the O-Line gels, Greg will need a big reliable target, that will be Colin Peek.

Then there is Trent Richardson. Yes, the #1 running back recruit in the nation last year. I believe that he has the potential to become one of the Running Backs in the nation. Time will tell & Bama has a good stable of backs and a young O-Line. He will be an immediate impact, but not like Fluker & Peek.

7/07/2009

Bama Season Opener - SOLD OUT!!

Got a ticket for the Chick-fil-A Game on Sept. 5 between Alabama and Virginia Tech?

Better find yourself a good flat-screen.

Chick-fil-A Bowl officials announced Tuesday that the showdown between the likely preseason top 10 powers is a sell-out.

Bama-Virginia Tech game announced as sell-out

7/05/2009

More Preseason Polls!

Yahoo/rivals

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Southern California
4. Oklahoma
5. Alabama


Lindy's

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Oklahoma
4. Southern California
5, Virginia Tech


Athlon

1. Florida
2. Oklahoma
3. Texas
4. Southern California
5. Ohio State


Sporting News

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Oklahoma
4. Southern California
5. Ole Miss


Phil Steele

1. Florida
2. Texas
3. Southern California
4. Oklahoma
5, Penn State


Combined rankings

Each magazine's Top 25 list was used, with points awarded similar to the weekly Associated Press poll, going from 25-24-23, down to 3-2-1. Each school's points were then totaled for the final results.


Rank School Points

1. Florida 125
2. Texas 119
3. Oklahoma 114
4. Southern Cal 112
5. Virginia Tech 94
6. Alabama 91
(tie) Ohio State 91
8. Ole Miss 89
9. Penn State 83
10. Oklahoma State 77
11. LSU 74
12. Boise State 70
13. Cal 64
14. Georgia 56
15. Oregon 52
16. Georgia Tech 41
17. Florida State 36
18. Notre Dame 31
19. TCU 27
20. Nebraska 18
(tie) Utah 18
22. North Carolina 17
23. Iowa 16
(tie) Kansas 16
Brigham Young 16

Also: West Virginia 12, Oregon State 11, Rutgers 10, Texas Tech 10, Michigan State 8, Cincinnati 8. Illinois 7, Miami 5, Pittsburgh 3, UCLA 2, Clemson 1, South Florida 1.



Bowl matchups

(Based on combined rankings)

BCS National Championship: Florida vs. Texas
Rose Bowl: Southern California vs. Penn State
Orange Bowl: Virginia Tech vs. West Virginia
Fiesta Bowl: Oklahoma vs. Boise State
Sugar Bowl: Alabama vs. Ohio State
Capital One Bowl: Ole Miss vs. Iowa
Gator Bowl: Notre Dame vs. Georgia Tech
Cotton Bowl: Oklahoma State vs. LSU
Outback Bowl: Georgia vs. Michigan State
Insight Bowl: Nebraska vs. Illinois

Full Story: Football magazines have Gators back at No. 1

Alabama is Seeking to Get Under the 85-man Scholarship Limit before Fall Camp Begins

For a second consecutive year, Alabama is seeking to get under the 85-man scholarship limit before fall camp begins. An appoximate total of 70 current players are still thought to be on scholarship, meaning more attrition news is expected in the coming weeks.

Known departures to this point include:
- OL Evan Cardwell
- LB Jennings Hester
- LB Charlie Kirschman
- LB Prince Hall
- PK Corey Smith

Full Story: Tracking the attrition for Crimson Tide football ...

7/02/2009

Alabama vs Ole Miss in 2009.. Bama fans Relax ...

This is a very inetersting article on why Bama fans should not fear the Ole Miss match-up this year. Personally, I think the key point is this and I quote.

"If Alabama can, and you can see why I suspect they will, make Ole Miss a one dimensional offensive team this game rides on the shoulders of Jevan Snead.

The Ole Miss rushing attack won't be as good against Alabama this fall as it was last fall.

John Jerry, the Rebel right tackle, does return. His compadre, right guard Maurice Miller, isn't even listed on their depth chart.

And, as we just discussed, we see the damage success results the Ole Miss running attack had behind the right side of their line."


Alabama Fans Have No Reason to Fear the Ole Miss Game in 2009

Best Rivalry Games? Iron Bowl is NOT mentioned!

The midsummer quest was to identify which college rivalries are hottest now, right here in 2009.

#5 LSU Tigers-Alabama Crimson Tide (Date: Nov. 7)
Why It's Hot Now: Last year, roughly 90,000 LSU fans spent a tense and emotionally charged afternoon coating former-savior-turned-Alabama-savior Nick Saban in boos -- arguably the largest concentration of ill will upon a single individual in sporting history. (Go ahead, name me one greater.) Crimson Tide fans took it personally because they're Crimson Tide fans -- they take everything football-related personally. Thus, LSU coaches, players and fans should expect similar hostility in Bryant-Denny Stadium this year. In a league that never turns the other cheek, it's all about the payback.

Upper Hand Today: Bama won in overtime last year on its way to the SEC West title.

Upper Hand Historically: Alabama leads the all-time series 44-23-5, although LSU had won five straight before last season.

Big Al the Elephant to Mike the Tiger: Got Nick?

Mike the Tiger to Big Al the Elephant: Got any textbooks I can buy?

No mention of the Iron Bowl, not even an Honorable Mention!

Red-hot rivalries to provide '09 fireworks

Alabama signee Michael Bowman has Academically Qualified. Darrington Sentimore & Eddie Lacy still Up in the Air!

Alabama signee Michael Bowman has academically qualified and has been approved by the NCAA Clearinghouse, BamaOnLine.com has learned. Bowman will arrive in Tuscaloosa Sunday and is expected to begin classes at for UA's second summer term.

Defensive end Darrington Sentimore and running back Eddie Lacy also took summer classes in hopes of qualifying.

Alabama signee Michael Bowman has Academically Qualified

7/01/2009

Tight End Brian Vogler, heading to Bama?

Four star tight end Brian Vogler made plenty of Crimson Tide fans happy when he declared Alabama one of his top two schools along with Oklahoma.

Vogler talks UA

Saban and his Staff are Relentless Recruiters

Friday night, Alabama received its 16th commitment for the 2010 season.

Saban and his staff are relentless recruiters. Entering their third year at Alabama, they have forged relationships. Instead of being the 'new' staff on the block, they are familiar faces. That helps complement an unsung aspect of their success — their ability to recognize and target talent among high school freshmen and sophomores.)

There is, perhaps, one mystery left to solve. With just 12 slots left under the newly mandated SEC limit on total signatures, how will Alabama fit everyone who wants to climb aboard into a spot?

CECIL HURT: Crimson Tide saps suspense out of recruiting