Doug Nussmeier lands a big one

Alabama’s struck out the last two seasons on big time quarterbacks but new offensive coordinator Dough Nussmeier struck gold out west landing a big fish today in Salt Lake City Utah prep quarterback Cooper Bateman.

Batemen was on Alabama’s short list, possibly as high as #2 on our board nationally.   Rivals rates him as the #6 QB in the country.  He was said to be the most impressive QB at the eliete 11 camp and has been invited to the finals of that competition.

Bateman is similar in size and build to current starter AJ McCarron and has similar abilities.    The departure of our expected next starter Phillip Sims made landing a big time quarterback this year a top priority.

If AJ McCarron decides to go pro after this season Bateman will enter the 2013 season competing with Phillip Ely and Alex Morris for the starting job.  From what I’ve seen of Ely he would be unlikely to beat out Bateman.  We don’t know much about Alec Morris.  He was very much a late bloomer in the recruiting process and was considered a longer term developmental project.  If McCarron does bolt for the NFL Bateman has a better than average chance of starting as a true freshman in 2013.   At worst he would be #2 and would be prepared to take over the number one spot during the season if needed.

No doubt Phillip Sims leaving made his decision very easy.

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Alabama’s changing defensive front

Alabama linebacker Adrian Hubbard

Alabama won two national championships with a single defensive scheme.  One would think they would stick with it but that’s not really Saban’s style.  He’s always looking to improve and I believe this fall we will see changes in the front 7 on defense.

One reason is to keep apposing coaches guessing.  They no doubt will be scheming for ways to defeat the Saban defense. The other is to take advantage of the skills of current players.

After years of recruiting Jack linebackers, which are a tweener between a big linebacker and a fast defensive end Alabama now has two viable options.  So the Sam spot which was often taken by a lesser player is now being manned by our best Jack, Adrian Hubbard.   The Jack spot is being held by true sophamore Xzavier Dickson.

When Alabama goes to nickle and dime sets that remove the Sam linebacker Hubbard will switch over to the Jack and Dickson will go off the field.

The end result is that in base sets Alabama will have two end players who are big, fast and physical to pinch in on the quarterback.  You may remember a similar approach in the 1992 championship season.

If that’s not giving offensive coordinators enough to think about Alabama now has one of the most athletic nose guards ever in Jessie Williams.  Williams is approaching Mt Cody effectiveness against the run but unlike Cody this guy can rush the passer right up the middle.  Add two senior defensive ends Quinton Dial and Damion Square to the mix and you have a potential QB killer defense.

Alabama’s young secondary took a pounding in 2010 and without much help up front the results were a fourth place finish in the SEC west.   Alabama has much more potential up front to prevent exposing a young secondary this time around.   The prospect of seeing more pressure on the quarterback has to have fans licking their chops at the prospect.

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Bama NFL draft Tracker + Free Agents

Note: For those who believe “stars don’t matter” on national signing day. Since Nick Saban has arrived a staggering 11 players have been picked in the first round of the NFL draft.  Of those 11 four had a four star ratingsix had a four star rating.  The only sub-4 star player was Marcel Dareus.  Dareus was possibly one of the most grossly under rated players coming out of high school.  I don’t say that only because he ended up one of the top 5 players taken in 2011,  but also because he was instantly Alabama’s most dangerous rushing defensive lineman from the day he arrived on campus and has not been equaled since.

Running Back Trent Richardson: Round 1, 3rd pick  Cleveland Browns

In recent times running backs have been de-valued in the NFL draft due to the fact that NFL teams pass so much.  Of all the recent players out of college only Adrian Peterson has been able to truely be a difference maker.  Trent Richardson has the kind of skill to breach that gap.  Many analysts believe he is the best prospect since Peterson came out of Oklahoma.   Trent going third overall is about as high as you’re going to see a running back go in this day and age.  Cleveland is badly in need in offensive firepower.   Their leading rusher Payton Hillis averaged only 3.6 yards per carry and is no longer with the team so Richardson will be the feature back from day one.  Cleveland quarterback is Colt McCoy who has not excelled in the NFL so Cleveland picked quarterback Brandon Weeden from Oklahoma State later in the first round to come in and compete for or perhaps to take McCoy’s job.   Weeden threw for a lot of yards at Oklahoma State. If he can win the job and duplicate some of that look for Trent to have a big year.

Safety Mark Barron: Round 1 7th pick – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NFL teams have been actively seeking the kind of safety that can both cover and support the run.   Mark Barron’s first round status comes from his ability and willingness to run up to the line and lay devastating licks on any runner and do it over and over without letting up.   I consider Mark Barron to be the best defensive back to ever play at Alabama.  Tampa Bay’s defense was just flat out awful last season setting a franchise record for most points allowed.   Barron’s help is desperately needed.

Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick: Round 1 pick 17 Cincinnati Bengals

Kirkpatrick was the top rated corner in the country out of high school.   Being from Gadsden Alabama seemed like a logical destination but Texas made a huge push.  Texas rarely pursues players outside of their borders but they wanted Kirkpatrick badly.    He signed with Alabama and after a year of mostly special teams duty locked down the corner spot for two seasons.   Leaving as a Junior Kirkpatrick had become a complete player being able to cover and support the run.   Kirkpatrick fell behind a few other top corners in the first round but was considered the last of the truly elite corners in the draft.   Cincinatti has a veteran secondary so Kirkpatrick might be a year away from starting duty.

Linebacker Dant’a Hightower Round 1 Pick 25  New England Patriots

Hightower should be a solid starting NFL linebacker from day one.  Perhaps he would have gone higher if he had not blown a  knee earlier in his career.   Whatever Hightower lacks in speed he makes up for in intelligence and tenacity.  He’s big enough to play any linebacker spot or defensive end.  Other teams rejected him but Nick Saban’s close friend in the NFL Bill Belichek pounced on the linebacker.  The Patriots are one of the best teams in the league but have now lost two super bowls because they failed to defend well enough.  Hightower will team with former Tennessee linebacker Jarad Mayo who was also drafted in the first round.

 

Linebacker/DE Courtney Upshaw:  Round 2 35th pick Baltimore Ravens

Was expected to go in the first round but the analysis were split on Upshaw.   Some complain that he does not have the eliete speed that NFL teams look for when looking for that big time pass rusher.   Other’s while admitting he isn’t that fast keep pointing to the film.  Where for two seasons Upshaw terrorized quarterbacks week in and week out.    Most scouts see Upshaw as a player who is highly likely to be a productive NFL player from day one.  He may play outside linebacker in a 3-4 or a defensive end in a 4-3.  He played both effectively at Alabama so that is not a problem.   In the end however it looks like the NFL guys favored USC product Nick Perry,  a similar player who has the speed the NFL Is looking for yet has not been as productive as Upshaw.   The Packers took Perry and it will be interesting to watch and see which player actually does better.    Upshaw didn’t have to wait long in the second round as he was the third name called by the Baltimore Ravens.   The Ravens are the perfect destination for Upshaw as he is the kind of physical play maker they like.

Update 5/3/12: the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs ruptured an achilles tendon during workouts and will be out for the 2012 season.  Courtney Upshaw will now have an opportunity to start and prove he should have been a first round pick.

DT Josh Chapman Round 5 136 pick Indianapolis Colts

Non rushing run stuffers aren’t drafted high in the NFL but that doesn’t mean they aren’t important.   The Colts have based their defense off of small speed rushing defensive lineman for years.  The new coaching staff for the Colts want to get bigger and quit being pushed around,  Chapman will flat out get that done.   Chapman likely fell further down the draft because he recently had knee surgery.  Surgery he could have had early in the year,  but Chapman put off the surgery to help his teammates win another National Championship.  Why loyalty of this magnitude isn’t viewed positively by the NFL is a rather pathetic sign about how they think in the league.

DB DeQuan Menzie Round 5 pick 146 – Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs just like Alabama players and they have signed quite a few recently.   DeQuan is probably going to have to work hard to become a starter in the NFL but  he has had the best training available and has the raw skill to get it done.   Menzie will team with another over achiever from Alabama Javier Arenas who was a starter at nickle for the Chiefs.

H-Back Brad Smelly Round 7 pick 247 Cleveland Browns

Just in case Trent Richardson doesn’t have any friends that far north Cleveland drafted Alabama tight end Brad Smelly.  Smelly is an outstanding receiver and has been since his freshman season,  but his blocking was a while in coming.  In his final season he proved to be an excellent blocker and in the end was virtually uncontrolled as a receiver against LSU.

Of those who were not drafted several signed free agent contracts.

One national website listed WR Marques Maze as the single best player who did not get drafted.   ESPN expert Mel Kiper listed Maze as a later round pick.    Maze wasn’t able to do much in after season camps due to his injury from the national championship game but I still find it surprising he was not drafted.   Pittsburgh picked him up for free so to speak and I would not be surprised to see him make the team and contribute.   Maze is also an excellent kick returner.

Guard Alfred McCullough who started the last half of his senior season was signed by the Baltimore Ravens.

Center William Vlachos and LB Alex Watkins will make their run at the NFL with the Tennessee Titans.

Linebacker Jerrell Harris signed with the Atlanta Falcons.  I was surprised Harris was not drafted late, though his career was slow in coming he has the measurables that so often excite NFL guys.

WR Darius Hanks and DB Phelon Jones both signed with the Washington Redskins.

 

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2012 A-Day Impressions

Freshman TJ Yeldon had a huge day Saturday

Alabama didn’t suffer any significant injuries in spring practice and that is always welcome news.    Running Back Eddie Lacy never practiced.   We already know what he can do.   Lineman Arie Kouandjio and Running Back Blake Sims also missed spring with previous injuries.  Both needed the work badly so this may be a big set back for both.  Probably more so for Sims since he plays a well stocked position.   Alabama’s relative lack of depth at offensive line will allow Arie to get back in it.

Special Teams:

Punter Cody Mandel suffered through a tough year as did all the kickers in 2011.   Mandel had a very good day punting and seems much more consistent.    Both place kickers made field goals and several players fielded punts.   No one muffed a punt so overall I’d say it was a good day.

Defense:

The secondary had many new faces.  Overall the coverage was tight all day.  Even though this could still be a problem area for the Tide the players replacing the old ones are definitely gifted and will again be very strong with experience.

The one young defensive back who really stood out was Vinnie Sunsuri.  The true sophomore lined up all over the field,  linebacker, safety, corner.  I predict next season he will be one of the most cursed players in the SEC.   He was certainly a thorn in the side of the offense today.

There were other big plays by rest but Sunsuri was the one that disrupted players all over the field.  He finished his day up by taking a fumble recovery to the house and picking off another pass and going the distance as well

On the defensive line I noted a general uptick in pressure from the line.   With a cast of senior defensive lineman returning I expect a good year.

I did take note of one individual LaMichael Fanning.   I took notice of him because I’ve been hearing all year this guy had the look of an NFL defensive end.  He certainly does have that look but from what I saw he isn’t aggressive enough coming off the line.   He may still need to grow into his body before he will get higher than third string.

The linebackers were typically effective.  I say this as if it’s boring but there is a lot of talent there still even with the loss of Hightower.   Nico Johnson was his usual active self and Trey DePriest had a few major sticks.  In one particular play DePriest stood up 245 lb tailback Jalston Fowler.  DePriest dropped him where he made contact which is something you’re not going to see often.

Offense:

Quarterback AJ McCarron was effective most of the day.  No surprise there.    Backup quarterback Phillip Sims has been nursing a sore shoulder all spring and hasn’t had much work.  Today he was dealing with poor pass protection and backup receivers but still managed to have a very good second half.     If he does NOT transfer from Alabama he will be the unquestioned #2 QB.

Third stringer Phillip Ely didn’t have a very good day.   He too dealt with poor protection but he doesn’t look to have much effectiveness past the 10 yard range.   Currently he does not look like an SEQ quality starter.   This may open the door for true freshman Alec Morris to come in this summer and compete for the #3 spot which could become the #2 spot if Sims transfers.

Alabama has a gaggle of good wide receivers.   In my opinion the best of them is true sophomore Chris Jones.   He is the one who you can almost bank on the catch no matter how difficult.  He had a highlight reel catch for a touchdown.   Kenny Bell is definitely still the deep threat and he wowed the crowd with a duplicate copy of the flea flicker touchdown bomb that he and McCarron stung Auburn with a few months ago.

After that Deandrew White, Kevin Norwood, as well as true freshman Amari Cooper and Chris Black all had their moments.

I was actually pretty happy with the tight ends.  There were a number of good plays by some of the new ones.   It was disappointing to see veteran Michael Williams get a ball stripped late in the game.  He was the player who had the ball stripped near the end zone in the first LSU game that was so pivotal in that loss.   I was actually happy with converted running back Brent Calloway at H-Back.    He needs work in all areas and he needs to get bigger and stronger but he brings an athleticism to the position that could make him a very dangerous player down the road.  When he catches a pass out of the backfield he can really cover ground on a corner before they can get him down.

At running back Jalston Fowler was powerful and consistent.   He didn’t run the ball that much today.  I wonder if they were afraid he would actually hurt some of our defensive players.

Dee Heart had his first action in front of a crowd since last spring.  He is still recovering from torn knee ligaments.   It seemed obvious to me that he is still hesitant to cut full speed on the knee.   When he gets the occasion to run straight ahead he is deadly fast and will likely be used as a third down back this year.   He was especially effective in catching short passes out of the backfield.

Without a doubt the biggest splash of the day was true freshman TJ Yeldon.   Little has been said about Yeldon since he arrived on campus in wake of a huge recruiting controversy in which he spurned Auburn for Alabama.   Previous scrimmage stats for freshman are almost never released.   I don’t know how he did in earlier scrimmages and he has been dealing with an injured wrist but  Yeldon exploded against the second team defense for 179 all purpose yards.  It was the second team defense but we are talking ALABAMA’s second team defense which is better than some defenses we will see on the field this fall.

There is simply no way to downplay this,  TJ Yeldon is the real deal.   Barring injury or off field problems there is no doubt he will become a great running back at Alabama.   He is not built like either of the previous stars Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson.   He is taller and runs a little more upright.    If I’m forced to compare him to someone I would say his running style reminds me of former NFL Running back Erick Dickerson.  He is strong, has great vision, and speed to burn.   He needs some weight room work this summer but from what I saw today this guy will play this year and play a good bit.   He is very fluid when he moves and when he breaks a tackle he can rip off huge yardage very quickly.

 

 

 

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Early Spring Practice News

It’s still early in spring practice but some information is seeping out,  be it ever so slight.

From what I can tell linebacker Trey DePriest who is a true sophomore may be moving to a full time starter with Nico Johnson and CJ Mosley continuing to split time according to the situation.  They have done that the last two years and it works well so I guess they figure why change it.   Last time we saw DePreiest he came into the national title game and showed everyone he can play on a big stage.

True Freshman Dillon Lee has reportedly picked up the defense faster than any other freshman recently.  Though it seems unlikely he will make a dent in our deep inside line backing corps he likely will get cover team duty which will put in in line for the super valuable trash time.

The outside linebacker spots might be less clear.  Adrian Hubbard has the most experience at Jack and has to be the favorite but Xzavier Dickson and true freshman Ryan Anderson are big strong boys and could push him.   Last season Hightower switched to this spot often but I don’t think DePriest will do that,  so plenty of playing time is available here.

Long time bench warmers Tana Patrick and Johnathan Atchinson are likely battling it out for the Sam position.   Both had great potential but have not achieved much in their careers.  Atchinson in particular seems to have been held back by injury.

Running Back Brent Calloway has moved to outside linebacker.  He insisted on getting a shot at running back and the staff gave him that shot but now he’s way behind.  He might as well prepare for a year of scout duty.  He is very fast though,  his only chance to get on the field is as a rabbit rusher.

On the offensive line the job of left tackle has now been taken over by sophomore Cyrus Kouandjio.  The transition was under way last season but a knee injury derailed his freshman season.    All-American Barrett Jones will move to Center.  If Cyrus gets into trouble due to a speed rusher Jones will switch back and Junior Kellen Williams might play center.  That could change depending on who else cross trains at center.

The only real question mark is right guard Anthony Steen.  He has been a weak link for two years and he needs to show the consistency that the staff has been wanting to see.  If he again struggles we might see a younger player get a shot.   I said the same thing about Warmack last year and he became a rock solid guard.  Hopefully Steen will follow suit.

Former recruit Deion Belue who failed to qualify and spent two season in junior college has reportedly made a great early impression on the staff.    Look for him to see the field this fall,  both at corner and in the return game.

Belue is battling DeMarcus Milliner, Travell Dickson, John Fulton, Jebriel Washington and Bradley Selve for the three corner spots.   You can bet Milliner will take one so that leaves two spots for the other five.    We may not know the result of this battle till the fall.

Starting running back Eddie Lacy is out for the spring healing up his turf toe that plagued him all last season.  That leaves a knock down drag out competition for the coveted #2 spot.   This spot almost guarantees future stardom.

True freshman TJ Yeldon wisely enrolled early to get a shot at the job.  He will battle it out with red shirt freshman Dee Hart who is recovering from a knee injury,  Junior Jalston Fowler who rushed for  385 yards last season.  Blake Sims could have been in that battle but he hurt himself playing basketball over the break and he is in Saban’s dog house.

The starting three on the defensive line will be Quinton Dial and Damion Square at ends with Jessie Williams in the middle.  The real drama is over who will spell them.   Alabama has recruited hard in this area and there is much playing time to be had.  Alabama is also looking for a guy to play a roll similar to what Nick Gentry has done the last few years.  A smaller quicker defensive lineman who can generate pressure directly up the middle.    We don’t know who is doing well and who isn’t but there is reportedly a heated battle there for the coveted number 2 spots.

Ed Stinson played a good bit last season so you can bet he will contend strong for a #2 spot.

Brandon Ivory is battling a massive true freshman Alphonse Taylor to back up Jessie Williams.   This battle is huge because if either can cover the nose well enough they could move to starter and allow Williams to move back to end.

At end jeoffrey Pagan, LaMichael Fanning, DJ Pettway, and Chris Bonds are all fighting over what is probably the final open spot in the rotation.  Last season Pagan won the early playing time,  but many have said LaMichael Fanning is a physical beast who looks like an NFL end waiting to happen.  It could be just a matter of Fanning figuring out the defense.

Recruiting is continuing to roll along.  I’ll deliver an update on that in the near future.

 

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Bama 2013 Class Beginning to Form

Alabama just put the final touches on a spectacular 2012 signing class but Nick Saban never quits and Alabama hosted a huge group of juniors this week.

To begin with, prior to today Alabama had 6 players committed.   Rivals only recently came out with their early rating so we really didn’t know much about them except that Bama offered.  Well,  Rivals has every last one of them rated four stars except linebacker Reuben Foster and he is rated a five star.

With a huge junior day camp this week Alabama has been raking in the commitments.  Just today Alabama got two four star rated players.

Running Back Tyren Jones is the top running back in Georgia.  At 5′ 8″ and 185 lbs he is smaller than the average Saban back,  but don’t expect him to follow up on what ever roll Dee Hart will play at Alabama.   Jones  is a power back who runs very similarly to Mark Ingram.   Others have noted he is only slightly smaller than Ingram was as a high school junior.   Either way this guy is a yard gaining monster who has blown away the 6A competition in Georgia.   Jones is rated four star by Rivals.

Jones joins Arkansas player Altee Tenpenny who will be one of the top running backs in the nation this year.

The other player who committed verbally today is Offensive Lineman Grant Hill.   Hill is a large tackle prospect at 6′ 5″ 330 lbs from Huntsville Alabama.

With relatively few large offensive lineman signed in the last two classes expect more ground shakers in this class.  Hill is rated four stars and joins Bradley Bozeman from Roanoak who looks like a Guard.

Some Other players committed thus far:

Athlete Ardarius Stewart 6′ 3″ 190 lbs will be a defensive back or wide receiver.

Wide Receiver Raheem Falkins is 6′ 3″ 190 lbs from New Orleans.

Linebacker OJ Howard who is another fine player from Prattville.  Howard is 6′ 5″ 220 lbs.   He could grow into another Hightower.

I mentioned Reuben Foster,  he is 6′ 2″ 232 lbs and reminds me of current tide starter Nico Johnson who was also a five star player.

 

 

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Moving Up: Kenny Bell

In 2009 Kenny Bell was ranked the 40th ranked wide receiver in the country by Rivals,  36th by Scout.    Rated four stars by Rivals he caught 46 passes for 816 yards and 9 touchdowns his senior year out of Rayville, La.

Bell could have been ranked higher but he only weight 160 lbs and was considered somewhat slight and would need time to bulk up.

Originally considered an LSU lock Bell was a signing day surprise.   The day before signing day in 2009 word began to leak that Alabama was going to get a surprise switch and Kenny Bell turned out to be it.

Currently listed at 6′ 1″ 175 lbs Bell is still not big enough to power his way through bump coverage,  his strength is speed and if he gets by a defensive back they are in trouble.  He has great hands and can fly.

After red shirting in 2009 Bell played in 10 games but only snagged two catches and no touchdowns.

In 2011 Bell was part of the young trio of receivers who came off the bench for regular playing time.   Bell was definitely the one of those three that showed the sort of deep threat Alabama had been looking for.   Bell is the leading returning receiver for Alabama in 2012.

This past season he netted 16 catches for 229 yards.   He scored two long touchdowns,  one a 39-yard strike vs. Tennessee and the other a thrilling 41-yard flea-flicker in the Iron Bowl that was part of the offensive explosion that doomed Auburn’s chance of the upset.

Bell needs to continue to add size and work on getting off the line against more physical defensive backs but is in a great position for a starting roll in 2012.    Spring training will be key with numerous young receivers,  many of whom are bigger wanting to get past him.

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Moving Up: Trey DePriest

DePriest Makes Hits against LSU

The NCAA problems at Ohio State and the subsequent career crash and burn by their coach Jim Tressel had one immediate impact.  Top Ohio linebacker recruit Trey DePriest bailed on Ohio State and rolled with the Crimson Tide.  With Urban Meyer taking over there we may not see another Ohio recruit.

All the recruiting services had DePriest listed in their top 10 linebackers nationally.   His list of top this and top of that is impressive.  His senior season at Springfield he amassed 117 tackles, 12 tackles for loss and nine sacks.    Rivals listed him as a four star while Scout had him as a five star.

DePriest arrived at Alabama at over 240 lbs and was still very mobile at that weight.  He made impressions early in fall camp and was a regular on the field on both special teams and subbing for inside linebacker Hightower and Johnson.

By mid season as often happens DePriest sort of hit a wall with the stiffer competition and played mostly on special teams.

There was an ugly moment late in the season when he went the wrong way on a kickoff and allowed Auburn an easy touchdown.     Saban was on him like white on rice and he did not see the field again.

After that I wondered if we would see him again this season but apparently during the time between the iron bowl and championship game he earned himself back out of the dog house.

Alabama’s horrible kick coverage had been the focus of much of the championship preparations and Trey DePreist laid a thundering hit on the LSU return man to open the game and send a message.  The message was the return game isn’t going to work today,  and it didn’t.

Early in the second half CJ Mosley went down with a hip injury against LSU and was not able to continue.  With a national championship still on the line and the brightest spotlight possible in college football true freshman Trey DePriest was the man off the bench.

DePriest was unfazed by the spotlight and played well in relief of Mosley recording another solo tackle.

A smart player who was quick to pick up Nick Saban’s complicated defense DePriest may be a favorite to take over Hightower’s Mike inside position which makes all the defensive calls.  Alabama may also try Nico Johnson at that spot and CJ Mosley will continue to be a big part of the inside package unless he moves outside to Sam.

Either way expect to see plenty more of Trey DePriest on the field this fall.

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National Signing Day 2012

Yeldon Receives Alabama's Mr Football Award

Alabama has signed it’s 2012 football class and it’s a good one.  In fact,  it’s a GREAT one.  Several services including Rivals and ESPN have Alabama’s class ranked as the number one class in the country.

The day went down about as expected except on the defensive line.  But first let’s talk about some changes to how recruiting works.  In the past Alabama would sign players and then ask some of them to take a grey shirt offer.  This means they don’t report in the fall but rather report in the winter effectively making them part of the next class.

Teams can no longer do that after the fact.  Alabama is required to tell a player up front if that is the case and if so they will remain available for other teams to recruit up until they actually report.  A player can still grey shirt,  but only if they themselves choose to do so.

Alabama lost a running back from this class, three star rated Justin Taylor.   Taylor was a very good runner but blew a knee his senior season and Alabama asked him to take a grey shirt offer.  In the end he chose to sign with Kentucky.

Three star Wide Receiver Casey Gladney switched from Alabama to Texas Tech this morning.  He was not expected to qualify anyway so we were not counting on him being part of this class.    The academic standard there might allow him to play this year.

Here is a quick run down by position

Defensive Line:

Korren Kirven was a surprise announcement for the Tide

The Signing day drama was all on the defensive line.   Alabama got two commitments today from top ranked defensive lineman.   Four star rated Dalvin Tomlinson is 6′ 2″ 270 lbs from McDonnough, GA.   It was felt if there was a slot open he might choose Alabama.    The other was a big surprise in Korren Kirven a four star rated 6′ 4″ 272 lb player from Lynchburg Virginia.     Because of the two big gets early that morning Darius Philon who also injured a knee his senior year was asked to take a grey shirt.  Philon still announced he wanted to sign with Alabama but he will be available to sign by any other school until this winter.  This results in 6 defensive linemen in this class.   It’s very possible one or two may end up playing on the offensive line.

In addition to the new additions are Prattville player Caleb Gulledge is 6′ 4″ 280 is possibly under rated at three stars.  He played both ways in high school   Lindale, Georgia’s Dakota Ball is 6′ 2″ and 282 lbs.  He is rated three stars.    Massive Darren Lake is 6′ 3″ and 328.  He is also rated three stars.  Alphonse Taylor was a Florida State commit and he switched to Alabama to play nose guard.  He is 6′ 6″ and 354 lbs.   He’s also in school already and will particpate in spring training.

Linebacker:

Ryan Anderson

Alabama has a heavy class of linebackers.   Two possible Jacks in Ryan Anderson is 6′ 3″ 248 and Denzel Devall is 6′ 2″ 240.    I’ve seen Anderson described as Courtney Upshaw 2.0.

Middle linebacker Reggie Ragland is 6′ 4″ 245 and reminds me of former Alabama great Rolando McClain.    Dillon Lee who is 6′ 4″ 240 chose Alabama over Georgia even though his brother plays at Georgia.  Lee is already in school as is Anderson.  Tyler Hayes is a 6′ 3″ 220 lb outside linebacker who could also play other positions.   All of the linebackers were rated four stars by rivals.

 

Defensive Back:

Landon Collins

The star of this group could be Landon Collins a 6′ 1″ 205 lb bag of muscle from Geismar, LA.  Rated five stars by Rivals he is one of the top players in the nation.    He should be a safety for Alabama.   Alabama also got one of the top junior college corners in Travell Dickson.   Geno Smith is a top rated corner as well from Atlanta.   Alabama got Deion Belue back.  He signed two years ago but went to Jr College.  Belue is a top kick returner as well.

Alabama signed two more top defensive backs in five star rated Eddie Williams and four star Cyrus Jones.  Both however may play wide receiver at Alabama.

Wide Receiver:

In addition to Williams and Jones Alabama inked four star rated Chris Black and Amari Cooper.  Both have reported early and will be available for spring drills.

Tight End:

Alabama only signed one tight end,  Three star Kurt Freitag from Buford, GA.  H is 6′ 3″ 245 and will be an H-Back.    Small tight ends aren’t usually rated highly because not every team uses H-Backs like Alabama does.

Offensive Line:

Alabama only signed two.   Both are tackles.   Brandon Hill is 6′ 6″ 352.  Rated three stars out of Colliersville, TN he still has work to do to qualify academically.    Brandon Greene is 6′ 5″ 276.   He is rated three star and up until a year or two back played primarily basketball.   He is very athletic and still learning the position.   While he may need work to get ready the upside on Greene is tremendous.

Quarterback:

Quarterback Alex Morris

Alabama signed a relative unknown in Alec Morris.   His nickname is “big”.   He’s 6′ 3″ and 235 lbs.   Out of Allen, Texas he played at one of the big Texas power house schools so he has played well aginst top competition.    Though not rated high by recruiting services the coaches loved what they saw from him at their camp last summer.    Morris may need some grooming but the arm is there to become a big time quarterback.

Running Back:

Alabama signed two,  Four star rated Kenyan Drake out of Powder Springs, GA and five star rated TJ Yeldon who is 6′ 2″ 205 out of Daphne, AL.    Yeldon is already in school and I expect him to be the #2 or #3 back next season.   Drake could move to wide receiver or bulk up to stay at running back.

Kicker:

Normally kicker recruits are received with a collective “Ho Hum” from fans,  but not after 2011.   With two kickers who struggled mightily Alabama needs someone who can  AT LEAST put the ball in the end zone on kickoffs.    Kicker Adam Griffith can apparently do that so he will be a welcome addition.

Alabama continues to hit hard in Georgia and Florida.   The breakdown by state is as follows:  Alabama – 8, Georgia – 8, Florida – 4,  Louisiana – 2,  1 each from Texas, Maryland, Virginia and Tennessee

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Moving Up: Kevin Norwood

In installment #2 of my Moving Up series I move to offense.  Many casual fans wondered in Alabama’s stunning victory against LSU who is this Norwood kid?   Truthfully I was not surprised how well he played.

In fact as good as Marques Maze has played Norwood had the skill set Alabama needed to defeat LSU’s tight coverage.    They just didn’t know until that moment if he could come through on a stage that big.

Signed in 2009 Norwood was the 22nd ranked wide receiver and 3rd ranked deep threat receiver according to Rivals.   He was a member of the Rivals 250 and the Super Southeast 120 by the Mobile Press Register.

In High School he was a first team All-State selection for D’Iberville Mississippi where he snagged 64 passes for 1,100 yards and 13 touchdowns as a senior.

After red shirting the 2009 season he got early playing time in 2010.   Norwood caught notice early in the season with an over the middle catch that he powered through the secondary for an impressive touchdown.  Unfortunately he decided to somersault into the end zone,  an act that could have resulted in the touchdown being taken away starting in 2011.

It’s also an act that gets you into Nick Saban’s dog house which is where Norwood spent most of the rest of the 2010 season.  Still late in the season you began to see him sneaking onto the field here and there.

In 2011 Norwood once again had an impressive camp and it payed off against Penn State where he caught 3 passes for 25 yards.   Norwood was fighting with several other young wide receivers for playing time.  All of them had impressive days and other day’s they barely saw the field.

Norwood had another big game against Mississippi State where he caught 2 passes for a whopping 60 yards.   The next week he caught a 22 yarder against Georgia Southern.

Then of course came the explosion against LSU where he snagged four passes for 78 yards against one of the best secondaries in college football.    Norwood finished the season with the highest average per catch on the team.    He has clearly cemented himself as a serious contender for a starting job in 2012.

At 6′ 2″ and 193 lbs Norwood has the size to go up and get the ball over smaller corners.  He uses his body well to block defenders and aways catches the ball with his hands,  away from his body.

In 2010 playing time for receivers was highly dependent on who practiced well that week.  Norwood will have to prove he can play at a high level consistently every day in practice to be an every down starters.   Kenny Bell and Deandrew While also had big days for the tide during the season so all three are going to be fighting for that consistency that will elevate them above the others for that starting roll.

After Norwoods game against LSU however early betting has to be on him.

 

 

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