Crimson Tide get a Huge Recruit

 http://www.CrimsonTideLive.com

The Crimson Tides latest commitment for the class of 2010 is a big one - literally. Memphis-East defensive tackle Brandon Ivory gave the Tide the good news Sunday, and on Thursday morning he made the announcement official.

"I told Coach Saban Sunday that we had our own little private commitment between the two of us. I knew I wanted to go to Alabama, but I didn't want to do anything public until I talked to the coaches from Memphis first," said the 6-foot-3, 330-pound defensive tackle. "I felt like I owed them that and I sure didn't want them to find out about it in the newspapers or on the Internet. I have a lot of respect for Memphis and I will always root for my hometown team even when I am at Alabama.

"My trip to Alabama really sealed it for me. Everything about it was perfect. The campus and players and coaches are amazing. I felt at home immediately. I told Coach Saban Sunday that I was ready to play for him, and he couldn't have been prouder of my decision."

Ivory had to jump a few family hoops before making the decision official.

"My mom really wanted me close to home and that is why she liked Memphis. But when we got to Tuscaloosa, she thought that it was an outstanding opportunity for me to grow as a person and get out on my own," said Ivory. "Plus, she would have never let me go to Alabama if she didn't think Coach Saban would help develop me into a man. She really thinks highly of Coach Saban and Coach (Curt) Cignetti.

"The other deciding factor for me was the defense. I fit in better with the Crimson Tide. I am pretty much custom made for Mount (Terrence) Cody's position. I hope to get to Alabama and get a lot stronger and even quicker and have a big impact soon. I am just feeling real blessed right now."

Ivory racked up over 60 tackles and seven sacks as a senior.
No more posting till next Friday, going on a much needed vacation.

Nicknames in Sports

Different people have nicknames in sports. These words describe them and their performance in the team. Most of the time, they are blessed with these nicknames by their fellow teammates or by the commentators of the game. Michael Jordan was called the Air Jordan. He acquired this because of his ability to suspend in air when making a shot and his fancy moves when making a shot. George Herman Ruth, Jr. was popularly known as the Babe Ruth because he was considered as the new Babe of Jack (owner of the Baltimore Orioles). However, it is not only players of the sport, who gets a chance to have name attachments. Coaches have nicknames too.

If you ask, who was the bear of football? It is no other than Paul Bryant. He got this nickname because of accepting a challenge to fight with a bear in exchange for a dollar. Despite having this nickname attached to him since he was thirteen years old, this person have coached many teams. However, he was best associated with the team whom he has helped to win six National Championships. He became a part of the Hall of Fame for College Baseball because of his performance with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Mike Ditka was also one of the football coaches who earned a nickname. He was called as the Iron Mike back in his professional playing years. This was because He led the Chicago Bears to win their Super Bowl Title in 1986.

Earl Louis Lambeau, head coach of the Green Bay Packers from 1921-49, was called Curly. If you ask why he was called such, well all you have to do is look at is photo. He had a stadium named after him and it is called Lambeau Stadium. This is the home field of the Green Bay Packers.

Steve Superior, head coach of University of South Carolina Football team, was also called as "The Ol' Ball Coach". This was the nickname he incurred in his coaching years and it is like a slang of the other one which is "The Head Ball Coach". He led the University of Florida in to winning Championships Titles from SEC and the Nationals. He also won the Heisman Award back in 1996.

If we have the Bear, we also have the Papa Bear in Football. He is no other than George Halas, Sr.. He was also called as the Mr. Everything. He took hold of the Chicago Cubs in 1921 were he practically became everything, a player, administrator and owner of the team. He even coached them even when he was playing. No wonder this guy is called Mr. Everything! He managed to help the team win six championship titles. This guy deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.

Nicknames for coaches apply from amateur teams like Alabama Crimson Tide to professional teams like Chicago Cubs. Not many players or coaches have nicknames that they can go by with. Sometimes, it only comes for those who have made memorable moments, performed well and made a big impact for the NFL.

Check out Kansas City Royals Watch or his Los Angeles Dodgers Watch

Crimson Tide , A Day 2010

http://www.CrimsonTideLive.com
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama will start spring football practice on March 12 and will finish it with its annual A-Day game at 2 p.m. Saturday, April 17 in Bryant-Denny Stadium, the school announced today.

Admission again will be free for A-Day.

The March 12 practice will come before Alabama's March 15-20 spring break.

The 2009 nation champions will resume drills on March 22. Of the 15 practices, all except the A-Day scrimmage will be closed to the public.

Last year, A-Day drew a crowd of 84,050. The "game" was televised nationally by ESPN.

2010 Crimson Tide Commitments: Jalston Fowler, with Video

http://www.CrimsonTideLive.com
Jalston Fowler
 Fullback
Prichard, Alabama
Vigor

    * Ht:6'0"
    * Wt:240 lbs
    * 40:4.8 secs
    * Class:2010 (High School)
Planning to enroll in January to get an early start with the Crimson Tide.

Six Crimson Tide Players in Senior Bowl

Crimson Tide tailback Roy Upchurch has accepted a late invitation to attend this week's festivities. He'll replace former LSU running back Charles Scott, who is still unable to go because of a collarbone injury sustained in the Tigers' November defeat at Alabama.
Upchurch played in 39 games for Alabama, finishing with 923 yards and nine touchdowns on 168 carries.
CB/KR Javier Arenas, DL Terrence Cody, OL Mike Johnson, TE Colin Peek and PK Leigh Tiffin were already down to represent Alabama at this year's Senior Bowl.
Practices begin today heading into Saturday's game.

Two Tide players in Texas vs. Nation Game & Press-Register's final recruiting rankings

 http://www.CrimsonTideLive.com
On Feb. 6 in El Paso, Tx.

Just checked the game's website (texasvsthenation.com)and noticed running back Roy Upchurch and defensive lineman Lorenzo Washington on the Texas roster. Stillman OLB/DE Junior Gallette is also on the Texas roster, along with JSU (via LSU) QB Ryan Perrilloux and Troy QB Levi Brown.

 Press Register Final

ALABAMA ELITE 18
1) DeMarcus Milliner, DB, Stanhope Elmore
2) Jarrick Williams, DB, Blount
3) C.J. Mosley, LB, Theodore
6) Corey Grant, RB/ATH, Opelika
9) Jalston Fowler, RB, Vigor
10) Nick Perry, DB, Prattville
17) Deion Belue, DB, Deshler
SUPER SOUTHEAST 120
4) Milliner
23) John Fulton, DB, Manning (S.C.)
27) Williams
30) Mosley
48) Adrian Hubbard, DE, Norcross (Ga.)
62) Brian Vogler, TE, Columbus (Ga.)
71) Grant
79) Keiwone Malone, WR, Memphis
97) Fowler
100) Perry
111) Blake Sims, ATH, Gainesville (Ga.)

2010 Alabama Commitments: Jarrick Williams

http://www.crimsontidelive.com
Jarrick Williams
Safety
Eight Mile, Alabama
Blount

* Ht:6'2"
* Wt:205 lbs
* 40:4.6 secs
* Bench Max:315
* Squat Max:505
* Vertical:32 inches
* Class:2010 (High School)

Lean, but muscular safety. Needs to get a little lower on his tackles. Very hard hitter, could grow into a linebacker eventually.

New Video Intro for 2010 at the Stadium.. Official Video

Very cool video!
http://www.crimsontidelive.com

A look at Crimson Tide Football in 2010

 http://www.CrimsonTideLive.com

2010 Crimson Tide Football  is already being widely forecast as a preseason No. 1 despite the loss of key stars like linebacker Rolando McClain, cornerback/kick returner Javier Arenas, nose tackle Terrence Cody, tight end Colin Peek, left guard Mike Johnson, cornerback Kareem Jackson, place-kicker Leigh Tiffin and others.

While the Heisman Trophy winner and an unbeaten starting quarterback return, an early glance at next season reveals a few big questions, particularly in the secondary and kicking game.

What follows is my best estimate. Though it's an educated guess, I'll caution that it's still a guess at what you might see when Alabama opens 2010 against San Jose State ...



QB: Greg McElroy (Sr.); AJ McCarron (R-Fr.)
No matter what you may hear through the grapevine, a quarterback who has not lost a single game is not and will not be under threat to lose his starting job. Star Jackson (Soph.) could stick around and make a run at regaining the No. 2 role.
Freshman to watch: Phillip Sims

TB: Mark Ingram (Jr.); Trent Richardson (Soph.)
This again sets up to be a No. 1 and No. 1-A kind of deal. A very impressive freshman year for Richardson tended to get overshadowed by Ingram's Heisman run, and both figure to get plenty of opportunities next season. Depending on the status of Terry Grant (Sr.), Demetrius Goode (Jr.) or Eddie Lacy (R-Fr.) are the top options to step in the No. 3 role.
Freshmen to watch: Jalston Fowler, Corey Grant

Just to clear it up: Darius Hanks, who stepped up as a junior, will be listed as a senior next season.
WR: Julio Jones (Jr.): Earl Alexander (Sr.)
WR: Marquis Maze (Jr.); Michael Bowman (Soph.)
WR: Darius Hanks (Sr.); Brandon Gibson (Jr.)
Other than senior Mike McCoy, basically the entire receiving corps returns next season, which will make it again difficult for younger players to push for meaningful playing time. Bowman still appears to be the top option among the 2009 true freshmen.
Freshman to watch: Keenan Allen

TE: Michael Williams (Soph.); Brad Smelley (Jr.)
TE/HB: Preston Dial (Sr.); Chris Underwood (Jr.)
Colin Peek will be missed for his pass-catching ability, though Williams did a nice job filling in during Peek's mid-season knee injury. Smelley also could be a nice option in the passing game. Dial probably won't get the catches, but his efforts as a physical blocker in the run game this season were often underestimated.
Freshman to watch: Brian Vogler

LT: James Carpenter (Sr.); Tyler Love (Soph.)
LG: Barrett Jones (Soph.); Brian Motley (Sr.)
C: William Vlachos (Jr.); David Ross (Sr.)
RG: Chance Warmack (Soph.); John Michael Boswell (Jr.)
RT: Alfred McCullough (Jr.); D.J. Fluker (R-Fr.)
Guessing a two-deep for a Joe Pendry offensive line is difficult since he mixes and matches so much. Needless to say, there will be widespread competition to replace the two departed starters up front. By season's end, McCullough was the clear backup at both tackle spots, while Warmack has been impressive. Fluker, of course, could also be an option. And after a strong freshman year at right guard, Jones could be an option to move over to All-American Mike Johnson's left guard spot.
Freshman to watch: Anthony Steen (Redshirt)

NT: Josh Chapman (Jr.); Kerry Murphy (Soph.)
DE: Marcell Dareus (Jr.); Darrington Sentimore (R-Fr.)
DE: Luther Davis (Sr.); Damion Square (Soph.)
Much will be made over the fact the defensive line lost starters at all three spots, but Chapman, Dareus and Davis have each played a lot the past two years and are more than prepared to step in. Murphy and Square - who is recovering from knee surgery -- are budding stars. It will be wide open for other reserve roles in a talented group.
Newcomers to watch: Alfy Hill (DE/LB), Brandon Lewis (JUCO transfer)

Jerrell Harris will have an opportunity to step in at linebacker after two seasons
JACK LB: Courtney Upshaw (Jr.); Ed Stinson (R-Fr.)
MIKE LB: Dont'a Hightower (Jr.); Chris Jordan (Jr.)
WILL LB: Nico Johnson (Soph.); Tana Patrick (R-Fr.)
SAM LB: Jerrell Harris (Jr.); Jonathan Atchison (R-Fr.)
Is this the year that Harris steps up and fulfills the promise he had as a blue-chip recruit? He'll have an opportunity on a group that loses Rolando McClain, Eryk Anders and Cory Reamer. Hightower is likely to roll into McClain's middle role upon return from injury, while Upshaw has experience at Jack and Johnson stepped up last season at Will.
Freshman to watch: C.J. Mosley

CB: Dre Kirkpatrick (Soph.); Phelon Jones (Soph.)
CB: B.J. Scott (Soph.); DeMarcus Milliner (Fr.)/John Fulton (Fr.)
S: Mark Barron (Jr.); Rod Woodson (Soph.)
S: Robby Green (Jr.); Robert Lester (Soph.)
This will be an interesting spring for Nick Saban and Kirby Smart in the secondary, as there will be plenty of playing time for young players to grab. That's particularly true at cornerback, where guys like Kirkpatrick, Jones and Scott will have an opportunity, as will rookies like Fulton and Milliner, each of whom enrolled early.
Freshmen to watch: Fulton, Milliner

PK: Cade Foster (Fr.)
P: Jay Williams (Fr.)
Will Alabama have true freshmen starting at both place-kicker and punter? It sure looks that way, as Saban and company invested scholarships on two kicking prospects, each of whom were told they'd have an opportunity to start right away. Foster enrolled early, while Thomasville star Williams will be the only scholarship punter on the team.

2010 Crimson TIde Commitments : DeAndrew White, Video Included

http://www.CrimsonTideLive.com
DeAndrew White
Wide Receiver
Galena Park, Texas
North Shore


    * Ht:6'0"
    * Wt:170 lbs
    * 40:4.4 secs
    * Class:2010 (High School)

Rivals 4 Star and Rivals #73 in country

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Newcomers who contributed in 2009

 http://www.crimsontidelive.com
WR Michael Bowman -- Played in four games in 2009. Caught one pass for 7 yards. Big Physical Receiver .


OT James Carpenter - JUCO newcomer , Carpenter solidified the offensive line, starting all 14 games at left tackle. As important to UA’s 2009 success as any other first-year player.

LB Nico Johnson -- Played in 12 games with two starts in 2009. Recorded 28 total tackles; 4.5 tackles for loss; two pass breakups; and a forced fumble as a true freshman. Named freshman all-SEC. 

CB Dre Kirkpatrick -- Played in 12 games in 2009. Recorded eight total tackles while playing mostly on special teams.  

DL Kerry Murphy -- Played in six games in 2009, recording three assisted tackles. 

RB Trent Richardson -- Alabama’s second-leading rusher in 2009, piling up 751 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Rushed for 109 yards and two touchdowns in the Tide’s BCS title win against Texas. Freshman all-SEC. 

OG Chance Warmack -- Played in five games in 2009.

S Rod Woodson -- Played in 12 games in 2009. Recorded seven tackles while working on special teams coverage units.

2010 Crimson TIde Commitments : Phillip Sims

 http://www.CrimsonStore.com


Phillip Sims
Pro-style quarterback
Chesapeake, Virginia
Oscar Smith


    * Ht:6'2"
    * Wt:209 lbsverified
    * 40:4.8 secs
    * GPA:2.5
    * Class:2010 (High School)
Very Good Arm Strength and very accurate passer. Needs to develop more muscle , a redshirt year is probably the best for him.
  

Could the Tide Repeat?

"Now I guess we'll go analyze this film and go start looking for (national championship) No. 14, huh?" said TE Preston Dial.
A 14-0 finish and national title has the Crimson Tide clearly perched as the team to beat entering the 2010 season. Early polls already have Alabama carrying a preseason No. 1 ranking into the season opener against San Jose State.
Looking at what has happened and which players return, it's not a far-fetched thought.

The Alabama offense will be loaded again in skill players with the return of Heisman Trophy-winning tailback Mark Ingram, tailback Trent Richardson, quarterback Greg McElroy and wide receivers Darius Hanks, Julio Jones and Marquis Maze. In fact, the only starters leaving  on offense are All-American left guard Mike Johnson, right tackle Drew Davis and tight end Colin Peek.

The defense stands to lose as many as nine starters.All-American nose tackle Terrence Cody, and three linebackers, including Rolando McClain, who opted to declare for the NFL draft after winning the Butkus Award during his junior season and also Kareem Jackson.

Don'ta Hightower will be back from season-ending knee surgery to step into McClain's key middle-man role.
"We had a team this year that really probably won because we ran the ball effectively and we played pretty well on defense for the most part, and we're going to lose a lot of players on defense," Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said. "We have some good young players, and it'll be a great opportunity for them. But every team is different, and every team has issues and problems that you have to resolve. Now, we do have a lot of good players returning on offense. Hopefully we can build on that and improve."
Alabama also must replace All-American place-kicker Leigh Tiffin and long time punter P.J. Fitzgerald, likely with true freshmen in each instance.

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Blake Sims Re-commits

"Basically when I talked to Coach Saban and told him I wanted to decommit, I couldn't sleep that night. It ate me up the whole next day and me and my family were just sitting there at breakfast wondering what we had done," said Sims who stands 6-foot, 200 pounds. "I knew I had to talk to Coach Saban as soon as I could. We talked a little bit that Friday morning and then we talked a lot longer that Saturday.

"Coach Saban told me that he considered me family, and that as family we would work everything out. He told me to come on my official visit and any kind of issues or concerns I had we would take care of."

"Coach Saban said they would be glad to welcome be back, and that I was a huge priority for them. He told me that he would never play me somewhere that would be a negative towards my career and that I would get a chance to play where I want to play and they would take it from there, said Sims. "I have all the faith in the world in Coach Saban. He really has my best interest at heart. I told him I wanted to come back home and recommit and he was happy about that.

"My decision to commit to Alabama is final. I am not taking any other visits. There are some schools like Michigan that want me to come up and visit, but I have what I need here at Alabama."

Guess at 2010 Alabama Football Depth Chart

I now it is early, but just for the fun of it , our guess at 2010.


QB G Mac
RB Mark Ingram
RB T Rich
TE Michael Williams
TE Preston Dial
WR Julio
WR Marquis Maze

LT James Carpenter
LG Anthony Steen
C Wm. Vlachos
RG Barrett Jones
RT Tyler Love (I know some who think Fluker but I think Love IF he is healthy)


Defense:
DE Marcel Dareus
NT Josh Chapman
DE Damion Square

LB Sam Jerrell Harris or Chris Jordan
LB Mike Donta Hightower
LB Will Nico Johnson
LB Jack Courtney Upshaw or Tana Patrick

CB BJ Scott
CB Dre Kirkpatrick
FS Robby Green
SS Mark Barron 

Video: University of Alabama football national championship celebration & Rammer Jammer

Alabama head coach Nick Saban's speech and Rammer Jammer at the national championship celebration

Alabama Cornerback Kareem Jackson goes pro

 I  personally think he needed another year before going pro.

I'm entering the draft," Jackson said. " ... I had really made up my mind about my decision. I just hadn't really gone public with it."
Jackson has informed Nick Saban of his decision. Today was the deadline for underclassmen to declare for the draft.
Jackson said he was projected in the second round by the NFL draft advisory committee.
"It was a real tough decision," Jackson said. "I think I made the right decision. I'm pretty confident about it. I'm just ready to get to work and kind of prove myself to be a player at the next level."
Jackson added later, "I set a goal and made a promise to myself and my parents to finish my degree so I definitely plan on doing that."
A native of Macon, Ga., Jackson started all but one game during his three seasons with the Crimson Tide, posting five interceptions and 159 tackles. He spent at year at Fork Union Military Academy before signing with Saban soon after the coach's arrival at Alabama.

2010 Alabama Commitments:CJ Mosley With Video

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CJ Mosley
Outside linebacker
Theodore, Alabama
Theodore

    * Ht:6'2"verified
    * Wt:212 lbsverified
    * 40:4.5 secs
    * Bench Max:315
    * Shuttle:4.3
    * Vertical:36 inches
    * Class:2010 (High School)
    * - data verified (events)
Alabama T Shirts



GHBNSXF15403591

Willis' possible replacement after he goes to Texas Tech

Saban could promote Jeremy Pruitt to an on-field assistant. Saban likes young and hungry coaches, and Pruitt fits that bill.
He's spent the last three years at Alabama as director of player development, but the former Alabama player has a coaching background, too.
Pruitt spent 10 years as a coach in high school and college.
In 1997, he was a student coach at Alabama under head coach Mike DuBose and defensive backs coach Curley Hallman.
Pruitt joined his father's staff at Plainview High School in 1998, spent the 1999 season as the secondary coach at West Alabama, where he earned his bachelor's degree, and returned to Plainview High in 2000.
He followed his father to Fort Payne High School from 2001-03, then gained a measure of fame at Hoover High School from 2004-06.
Under head coach Rush Propst, Pruitt coached the defensive backs for three years and coordinated the defense the last two seasons. The Bucs won the Class 6A state title in two of Pruitt's three years there.
Crimson Tide Gifts

2010 Alabama Commitments: Alfy Hill- With Video

Alfy Hill
Strongside defensive end
Shallotte, North Carolina
West Brunswick

    * Ht:6'4"
    * Wt:222 lbs
    * 40:4.59 secs
    * Bench Max:265
    * Squat Max:405
    * GPA:2.85
    * Class:2010 (High School)
Needs to get a little stronger , but has great speed. See Video. Good motor just needs some more strength.

2010 Alabama Commitments: DeMarcus Milliner- With Video

DeMarcus Milliner
Cornerback
Millbrook, Alabama
Stanhope Elmore


    * Ht:6'2"
    * Wt:180 lbs
    * 40:4.45 secs
    * Bench Max:240
    * Squat Max:350
    * Class:2010 (High School)

Huge vertical leap of 40 inches, needs to add some weight but that will come when he arrives at Bama. Could also be a good return man. His size and speed will allow him to stay with big receivers. Could eventually be a big free safety.




University of Alabama Clothing

McClain Goes Pro and Kirby Smart Stays

Alabama junior middle linebacker Rolando McClain has announced that he is going to the NFL.

The 2009 Butkus Award winner said today that he will forgo his senior season with the Crimson Tide and will make himself eligible this spring for the NFL draft.

McClain led an Alabama defense that helped Alabama win the 2009 national championship. The Crimson Tide defeated Texas 37-21 last week in the championship game. Also today, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart has turned down a lucrative offer from the University of Georgia and will remain at Alabama, according to head coach Nick Saban.

As many as 11 2010 commitments could enroll Today

As many as 11 early enrollees are expected to begin classes today at UA and be officially added to the Crimson Tide's roster. New players began moving to campus this weekend and will be able to participate in offseason workouts and spring practice with the defending national champions.
Today's expected list includes six high school players who are thought to have completed course work early, three grayshirted signees from last season, one junior college transfer and former Vigor standout Jalston Fowler, who wasn't able to play high school football this past season because of AHSAA rules on age limitations.
Vigor coach Kerry Stevenson said Sunday that Fowler, a bruising 245-pound running back, is already on campus and "good to go."
"He'll bring another dimension to that backfield," Stevenson said.
Other high school enrollees expected to enroll are Texas place-kicker Cade Foster, South Carolina defensive back John Fulton, Texas offensive lineman Chad Lindsay, Georgia offensive lineman Austin Shepherd, Virginia quarterback Phillip Sims and defensive back DeMarcus Milliner, a Stanhope Elmore star who's widely considered to be the state's top prospect for 2010.
Milliner moved to Tuscaloosa on Sunday and will start classes today, Stanhope Elmore coach Jeff Foshee confirmed.
Fulton publicly announced a commitment to Alabama Football at last week's Under Armour All-Star Game, stating that he's "going to try to contribute from day one."
Sims, a highly rated 6-foot-2, 210-pound prospect, has similar goals.
"You've got to come in with the mindset that, 'I'm going to be the starting quarterback for one of the best teams in college football,'" Sims said last week. "If they decide to redshirt me, I'll do it. But I'm going in with a chance at a starting spot, and I'm going after it."
Defensive lineman Brandon Lewis of East Mississippi Community College, who signed in 2008 with Alabama and failed to qualify academically, plans to rejoin the Crimson Tide with two years of remaining eligibility.
And three 2009 signees who delayed enrollment -- offensive lineman Darius McKeller, defensive end Anthony Orr and linebacker Petey Smith -- are also expected to enroll, though McKeller told the Tuscaloosa News last week by e-mail that he is recovering from wrist surgery that will limit his availability for spring drills.
STILL WEIGHING OPTIONS: After meeting with family this weekend, Alabama junior cornerback Kareem Jackson has still not reached a firm decision regarding possible early entry into April's NFL draft.
A source close to Jackson said he plans to return to Tuscaloosa and meet with Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban before finalizing plans for next season.
Draft eligible players have until Friday to declare. Junior linebacker Rolando McClain has not announced a decision, but the Butkus Award winner has been projected as a first-round selection and is expected to turn pro.
National Championship T Shirts and More!Click Here!

2010 Alabama Commitments: Keenan Allen

Keenan Allen
Safety
Greensboro, North Carolina
Northern Guilford
View Map

    * Ht:6'3"verified
    * Wt:195 lbsverified
    * 40:4.56 secs

Very tall safety who also could become a good outside LB with some added weight. Covers a ton of ground in the secondary. Just needs to add some weight and  a little more quickness. Could see playing time as a true freshman. #1 rated safety in nation and #8 overall.

Keenan on the Crimson Tide:
"Alabama has the best fans in the world, so I wanted to let them know I was going to play for them for the next four years on a special day like this one just to keep the momentum going. I had been thinking for a long time how I would announce my commitment, and I really couldn't pick a better day than this."

"Coach Saban told me that they want to play me at receiver and line me up on the other side of Julio so teams will be forced to pick someone to double-cover," Allen said. "When I committed to Coach Saban, he was so excited that you could feel it over the phone. He was happier than I have ever heard him. He just told me welcome to the Alabama family and that he hoped I was ready to go to work."

Crimson Tide Football Gets another Big Commitment

Theodore linebacker C.J. Mosley made his verbal commitment to the Tide in front of a national TV audience Saturday afternoon. "Basically, it came down to a comfort level with the coaches and the players at the school. I know Alabama develops their talent and prepares them not just for the NFL and the next level in football but in life," said Mosley. "My family and I are happy about the academics at Alabama as well. It had everything I needed in a school.

"My relationship with Coach Willis was important as well. I have known Coach Willis for a long time now back to when he was coaching at Auburn, and he is just a real easy guy to get along with. It is a big plus that he is my position coach as well."

According to Mosley, he has known his decision for several weeks.

"I have had a good feeling of where I wanted to go for awhile now, but I sort of made it final back in November," said Mosley. "We had a great in-home visit with Coach Saban, and my parents basically had all of their questions answered then.

"I feel like I can come in and compete for playing time pretty early. I could play inside or outside, but I will probably play inside at Alabama."

Mosley is the 91st-ranked prospect overall in the Rivals100.

Alabama Crimson Tide 13 national championships gear!

Video: A warm reception for national championship Tide on a frigid night

Alabama fans greet team

alabama national championship shirts

Rammer Jammer Video from Rose Bowl

university of alabama clothing

Video : Post Game Conference with Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus

Mark Ingram and Marcell Dareus after the 2010 BCS Championship Game

university of alabama clothing

Rose Bowl Notes

An Alabama or Southeastern Conference team had never gone gone 14-0 to win the championship, much less beat the last three national champions along the way and land the Heisman Trophy.

"I'll tell you what I told the team, that I've never been prouder of a group of guys for their resiliency, their buy-in, their hard work, the blood, sweat and tears that they put worth to accomplish what they accomplished this season," said Nick Saban, who became the first coach in modern college football history to win national titles at two different schools. "I think most of us don't realize how difficult it is, the togetherness that it takes, the discipline and execution that it takes, and certainly the hard work that these guys did."

While her husband was on the victory stand at midfield, preparing to accept the crystal trophy that goes to the national champion, Terry Saban grinned.


 "I think he'll smile for 24 hours," she said of Alabama coach Nick Saban.


 Then she smiled.


 "But that's it. No more."


 During the 33-day buildup to Alabama's 37-21 victory over Texas on Thursday night, Saban forgot his wedding anniversary.

"I'm way over that," Terry said.


Greg McElroy only completed only 6-of-11 passes for 58 yards, and he was sacked five times.

It turns out any one of those sacks could have knocked him out of the game, as his counterpart -- Texas star senior quarterback Colt McCoy -- was early in the first quarter.

McElroy reportedly was playing with cracked ribs.

"It's bad," he said outside the locker room, according to an ESPN.com report. "I got it numbed up before the game and it was killing me at halftime."

He supposedly suffered the injury during the third quarter of the Tide's 32-13 victory over Florida on Dec. 5 in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game.

He has been in considerable pain since then, and he played despite great pain Thursday night.

He wore a flak jacket and protected the ribs more with extra padding.
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Crimson Tide Tonights the Night, Things to look for..

Crimson Tide football is seeking the long awaited 13th championship tonight. Some things to look for:

1. Mark Ingram. If any de­fense is good enough to load the box to slow down the Heisman Trophy winner and still play decent pass defense, it's Texas' . . . but this defense was burned for 532 yards and 39 points by Texas A&M.

2. One dimension. Texas' short passing game is its running game. If Alabama can take that away, and if it can keep Texas QB Colt McCoy from breaking loose for long runs, the Tide could dominate. Big ifs?

3. Turnovers. Texas has forced 35 but given up 23. Alabama has 26 takea­ways and only 10 turnovers. The team that takes the best care of the football should win.

Key matchup:
Alabama CB Javier Arenas vs. Texas WR Jordan Shipley. Not only will the two All-Americans go head-to-head when Texas has the ball, but both are stand­out punt returners who could make a difference with an ex­plosive play.

Crimson Tide Bowl Practice Notes: New Backup QB and some Transfer news!

Alabama coach Nick Saban said freshman quarterback A.J. McCarron has overtaken Star Jackson as the Crimson Tide's No.2 quarterback, and would play the Mobile native if starter Greg McElroy were to be injured in the BCS title game against Texas.

"A.J. McCarron has really sort of been our backup quarterback since the bye week. It's been in our plan that if we had to play him, that we'll play the guy that gives us the best opportunity to win the game, and that's what we would do," Saban said.

"Star Jackson is also an option for us. We've gotten this far, so I think in fairness to everyone, we would put the guy in the game that would give us the best opportunity to win," Saban added. "If the person who has sort of been the backup quarterback needs to do that because he's performed the best, practiced the best and sort of put himself in that position, I'm pretty certain that's the direction we would go.

Star Jackson on the possibility of transferring:
The crowded depth chart has led to open speculation that Jackson might transfer this season to give him a better chance to play, which the 20-year-old did not dispute.

"I mean I ... this is the game I'm worried about," he said. "That might come up, I'll think about it, but right now I'm worried about the national championship."

When asked about a specific school, Jackson didn't comment.

Thomas Darrah is definitely leaving the Capstone is sophomore Thomas Darrah.

"Last week I decided to transfer to Jacksonville State," he said. "I move my stuff on Saturday and start school on Monday. Quick turnaround."

Darrah has played in three games without attempting a pass. The 6-foot-6, 210-pound walk-on is from from Newnan, Ga.

"There were two choices, UT-Martin and Jacksonville State," he said. "The deciding factor was it was closer to my parents, only an hour-and-a-half away from where I live at home, and then I just fell in love with the offensive coordinator there, Coach (Ronnie) Letson, I think we're going to have a good relationship, it's a good offense, pro-style offense."

As for competing for the national championship his last game at Alabama, he said "I'm going to love it. It's a great, once-of-a-lifetime opportunity to be in a national championship game."

Rolando McClain will be good to go after having a stomach virus for a couple of days.

Crimson Tide Practice Notes and more

Reserve tailbacks Roy Upchurch and Terry Grant each were withheld from contact during Monday's practice in Costa Mesa. Both wore black, no-contact jerseys as practice ended, through Upchurch was participating in drills. Grant was not.

Upchurch has battled injuries much of his college career, including a high ankle sprain for much of this season. Grant has been out of action since midseason with an abdominal strain.

Cornerback Marquis Johnson continues to practice full-speed with a cast on his left hand to protect a thumb fracture. Johnson is expected to play Thursday.

Mark Ingram on Crying after winning

Heisman
"I just remember, when he was reading the card, my heart was beating in my chest, a feeling that you really can't explain," Ingram said. "It was like, 'I can't believe that happened. I can't believe I was crying.'

"I'm not embarrassed at all," Ingram said. "It was all in the moment."

Ingram wasn't the only one in the Alabama family who shed tears at that historic moment.

"My mom and dad were bawling," said McElroy, who watched the ceremony back home in Texas. "I'm not much of a crier, but I had to hold it back. Bite my bottom lip."

Crimson Tide Gifts

Video: Nick Saban, players after Alabama football practice

Nick Saban after Alabama practice, 1-3-10

Alabama adds 24th Committ for 2010 and it is a big one.

Alabama landed their 24th commitment of the class of 2010 in a high profile setting Saturday afternoon when four-star cornerback John Fulton made his decision public on national television during the Under Armour All-Star game.

"When I went to Alabama's camp before my junior season, it just felt right then. First of all, Coach Saban is going to push me and work with me to make me the best at my position that I can be," said Fulton. "I wanted to be pushed and I wanted the challenge of going to a school where they compete for championships and everyone around you is going to make you better because they are building a powerhouse.

"The other thing is that Alabama just felt like a home away from home for me. It was just comfortable, from the people to the coaches. I never felt like I was a long way from my house even though it is a long drive. I started becoming friends with guys like Julio Jones and Mark Ingram and when I went down there for my official visit I already felt like I was part of the team."
CornerBack
# Ht:6'1"
# Wt:180 lbs
# 40:4.43 secs
# Bench Max:275
# Squat Max:435
# Vertical:36 inches

Coach Nick Saban says this is a Business Trip

Alabama's football team had arrived for the 2010 BCS national championship game.

Coach Nick Saban, accompanied by his wife, Terry, sat in the front seat of a first bus that read "Tradition" on the side. He quickly exited with players dressed semi-formally and carrying luggage behind him.

"It is a bowl trip," Saban said, "but it is a business trip."

Four of Alabama's four team buses were marked specially for the BCS game with words "Strength," "Passion" and "Honor," slogans that mirror BCS banners that have been placed on street lights throughout the area of Orange County where both Alabama and Texas will base operations before Thursday's game.

Intentionally, there was little fanfare -- or "clutter"-- awaiting the Crimson Tide's arrival. UA chartered two flights Friday morning from Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. The first, which carried the team and coaches, lasted four hours and eight minutes and touched down at John Wayne Airport at 1:14 p.m. (Pacific).

To halt any greeting party, buses wheeled onto the tarmac to collect the Crimson Tide, though a team official estimated that about 30 or 40 fans could be spotted atop a nearby parking garage.

Meanwhile, the Westin had blocked off a hallway on its interior to allow easy passage for the team. Security personnel barred fans, media and other non-guests from hotel property.

"This is the request of Alabama," said Steve Paliska, an official from PPS Parking Inc., which was helping with security.

One determined fan, Richard McCay of Laguna Beach, remained outside the hotel. He wore an Alabama hat and waved a Crimson Tide flag as Saban and players rolled past him.

Crimson Tide Arrive in California

Alabama's team touched down at the John Wayne Airport in Santa Ana, Calif., at 1:14 p.m. (Pacific time) today.

About 30 minutes later, four BCS-marked buses and a swarm of police escorts pulled up to the front of the Westin South Coast Plaza in Costa Mesa, which will serve as the team's headquarters leading up to the Jan. 7 BCS national title game versus Texas.

The school enlisted no fewer than a dozen security staffers to guard the hotel for the team's arrival today. Fans and media were not allowed anywhere on the property, which means myself and AL.com colleague Dennis Pillion were moved across the street as the Crimson Tide rolled up to the hotel.

Nick Saban and wife Terry rode in the front of the first bus.

One determined fan, Richard McCay of Laguna Beach (orginally of Oneonta), wore an Alabama hat and pulled out a flag he waved and wore as a cape as Saban and players rolled past him.

UA chartered two flights today from Birmingham's airport. The first carried the team and coaches. The second, which carried school officials and other members of the traveling party, touched down about an hour later.