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Nine Alabama players invited to NFL Scouting Combine

2012-02-07T09:43:00.001-08:00

Nine members of the Crimson Tide's 2011 BCS Championship football team have received invitations to the NFL Scouting Combine, including six players from the Tide's top-ranked defense. National Football Scouting, the organization that operates the annual Scouting Combine for the NFL,released a full list of the players that have received invitations to the event on Tuesday.

Included on the list were seven Tide seniors and two juniors: safety Mark Barron, defensive tackle Josh Chapman, wide receiver Darius Hanks, linebacker Dont'a Hightower, cornerbacks Dre Kirkpatrick and DeQuan Menzie, wide receiver and return specialist Marquis Maze, running back Trent Richardson and linebacker Courtney Upshaw.

A Look at the #1 Alabama Class of 2012

2012-02-02T11:31:00.000-08:00

RYAN ANDERSON*

LB, 6-2, 250, Daphne, Ala.

Ranked No. 33 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 and No. 5 on the Elite 18. ... Registered 105 tackles, 12.5 sacks in 2011 ... Ranked a five-star prospect by 24/7 Sports.com, No. 19 overall and the No. 1 outside linebacker prospect ... Ranked a four-star prospect by ESPN.com, Scout.com and Rivals.com ... Also considered Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, Illinois and Kentucky.

DAKOTA BALL

DL, 6-2, 295, Lindale, Ga.

(Pepperell)

Played defensive tackle in the Under Armour All-America Game ... Ranked a four-star prospect according to Maxpreps.com ... Ranked a three-star prospect by Rivals.com ... Also considered Georgia, Tennessee, Georgia Tech and South Carolina.

CHRIS BLACK*

WR, 5-11, 180, Jacksonville, Fla.

(First Coast)
Ranked No. 23 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 A consensus four-star prospect ... Has run a 4.5 second 40-yard dash and has a 36-inch vertical leap ... Ranked the No. 2 wide receiver prospect and No. 22 overall in the ESPNU 150 ... Caught 55 passes for 881 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2011 ... Also considered Florida State, Florida, Georgia, Auburn, Notre Dame, Miami, Clemson and Tennessee.

DEION BELUE*

DB, 5-11, 150, Tuscambia, Ala.

(Northeast Mississippi CC)

A second-team NJCAA All-American in 2011 after he registered 24 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack and 1 interception ... Ranked a four-star prospect by 24/7 Sports.com, the No. 7 JUCO player in the nation ... Also considered Auburn, UAB and Southern Mississippi.

LANDON COLLINS

DB, 6-0, 202, Geismer, La.

(Dutchtown)

Ranked No. 3 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 ... A consensus five-star prospect ... Ranked the No. 1 safety in the country by ESPN.com and 24/7 Sports.com ... Parade All-American ... First-team USA Today High School All-American ... Ranked the No. 3 prospect overall by 24/7 Sports.com ... Runs a 4.39 40-yard dash, and has posted a 43.5-inch vertical leap ... First player in Louisiana Sports Writers Association history to earn 5A all-state honors on both sides of the football ... Registered 34 tackles, 4 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns) and rushed for 1,218 yards and 21 TDs in 2011.

AMARI COOPER*

WR, 6-1, 185, Miami, Fla.

(Northwestern)

Ranked No. 13 on the Press-Register Super Southeast 120 ... Had 36 catches for 722 yards ... Had a 75-yard touchdown catch in the Under Armour All-America Game and a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown ... A consensus four-star prospect ... Ranked No. 45 in the Rivals.com 100, and the No. 6 wide receiver ... Also considered Florida State, Miami and Ohio State.

DENZELL DEVALL

LB, 6-2, 243, Bastrop, La.

Ranked No. 48 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 ... No. 2-ranked player in Louisiana by Rivals.com ... Finished his senior season with 73 tackles, 53 solo tackles, 2 sacks, 3 pass breakups, 1 forced fumble and 1 fumble recovery ... Also considered LSU, Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Arkansas and TCU.

TRAVELL DIXON*

DB, 6-1, 195, Miami, Fla.

(Eastern Arizona College)

A four-star prospect with Rivals.com, Scout.com and 24/7 Sports.com ... A first-team NJCAA All-American ... Ranked the No. 3 JUCO prospect by Rivals.com ... Registered 39 tackles, 4 interceptions, 4 pass breakups and 1 fumble recovery in 2011 ... Also considered Florida State, Miami, Mississippi State, Arkansas, Arizona, Arizona State, Texas Tech, Oklahoma and Texas A&M.

KENYAN DRAKE

RB, 6-1, 204,

Powder Springs,

Ga. (Hillgrove)

Ranked the No. 88 player by 24/7 Sports.com ... Ranked the No. 13 prospect in Georgia by Rivals.com ... Ran for 1,610 yards with 18 touchdowns in 2011 ... Georgia's Gatorade player of the year ... Won the 100-meter championship in Class AAAAA.

KURT FREITAG

TE, 6-4, 240, Buford, Ga.

Ranked a four-star recruit by ESPN.com, and the No. 13 tight end in the nation ... A three-star prospect by Rivals.com, ranked the No. 13 tight end nationally ... A member of three state championship teams ... Also considered Florida, Arkansas, Auburn, Florida State, North Carolina and South Carolina.
BRANDON GREENE

OL, 6-5, 292, Ellenwood, Ga.

(Cedar Grove)

Ranked No. 93 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 ... A consensus four-star prospect ... ESPN.com ranked him the No. 6 offensive tackle nationally ... Also considered Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina and North Carolina.

ADAM GRIFFITH

K, 5-10, 174, Calhoun, Ga.

Ranked as the nation's No. 1 place-kicker by 24/7 Sports.com and Scout.com ... Average kickoff is 68 yards per kick ... Kicked a 32-yard field goal in overtime, leading Calhoun to the Georgia AA state championship ... Also hit a 46-yard field goal in the state championship game ... Had a long field goal of 52 yards in 2011 ... 43 of 56 kickoffs were touchbacks ... Also considered Georgia, LSU and Vanderbilt.

CALEB GULLEDGE

OL, 6-4, 280, Prattville, Ala.

Ranked as a three-star prospect and No. 61 offensive tackle by 24/7 Sports.com ... Ranked as a three-star prospect and No. 32 offensive guard by Rivals.com ... Played in the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game ... Helped Prattville to the Class 6A state championship ... Earned second-team All-American honors from USA Today on defense.

TYLER HAYES

LB, 6-2, 210, Thomasville, Ala.

(Thomasville)

Ranked No. 44 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 and No. 6 on the Elite 18 ... Ranked a consensus four-star prospect ... Starred at both linebacker and running back at Thomasville, where he led the Tigers to the 2010 Class 4A state championship ... Ranked the 10th-best outside linebacker in the nation by ESPN.com ... Registered 97 tackles as a senior at Thomasville with 5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries and 1 interception while rushing for 716 yards and 11 touchdowns ... Also considered Auburn and Southern Mississippi.

BRANDON HILL

OL, 6-6, 350, Collierville, Tenn.

(St. George's)

MaxPrep 2011 U.S. Air Force Medium Schools All-American ... Scout.com rates him as the nation's No. 25 offensive guard prospect ... Rivals.com rates him the No. 57 offensive tackle ... Earned all-state honors in Tennessee in Division 2A ... a three-star recruit ... helped St. George capture the Class A Division II Tennessee title.

CYRUS JONES

ATH, 5-10, 192, Baltimore, Md. û

(Gilman)

Can play wide receiver or defensive back ... Runs a 4.45 40 and has a 37.5-inch vertical leap ... Parade All-American ... Under Armour All-America participant ... Ranked a five-star prospect by Scout.com and the No. 45 player in the nation ... 2011 Maryland Gatorade player of the year ... Had 2,365 all-purpose yards with 24 touchdowns and had 5 interceptions.

KORREN KIRVEN

DL, 6-5, 292, Lynchburg, Va.

(Brookville)

Ranked No. 100 in the ESPNU 150, and the No. 8 defensive tackle ... ESPN.com also rates him the No. 2 player in Virginia ... A member of the Virginia AA Division 3 state championship team ... A late edition to the class, who chose the Tide over Virginia Tech.

DARREN LAKE

DL, 6-3, 315, York, Ala.

(Sumter County)

Ranked No. 16 on the Press-Register's Elite 18 ... A consensus three-star prospect by Rivals.com, Scout.com, 24/7 Sports.com and ESPN.com ... Ranked the No. 24 defensive tackle prospect by Scout.com ... Registered 48 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 pass breakup and 1 safety ... Also considered Tennessee.

DILLON LEE*

LB, 6-4, 240, Buford, Ga.

Ranked No. 41 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 ... A consensus four-star prospect ... Runs a 4.6 in the 40-yard dash with a vertical leap of 35.5 inches ... Ranked No. 59 by ESPN.com and the No. 5 player in Georgia ... Had 84 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9 sacks and 5 interceptions in 2010 ... Also considered Florida State, Auburn and Clemson.

ALPHONSE TAYLOR*

DL, 6-5, 340, Mobile, Ala.

(Davidson)

Ranked No. 100 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 and No. 10 on the Elite 18 ... A consensus four-star recruit ... Will play nose guard at Alabama ... Ranked the No. 15 defensive tackle and the No. 9 player in Alabama by ESPN.com ... Had 30 tackles in 2011 ... Also considered Florida State, Auburn, Georgia and LSU.

ALEC MORRIS

QB, 6-3, 225, Allen, Texas

A consensus three-star prospect ... A pocket passer who will fit into Alabama's pro-style offense ... Ranked the No. 26 pro-style passer by 24/7 Sports.com and No. 85 player in Texas ... Threw for 3,242 yards, 35 touchdowns and 6 interceptions in 2011 ... Ran for 329 yards and 9 touchdowns ... Originally committed to Wake Forest.

REGGIE RAGLAND

LB, 6-2, 247, Madison, Ala.

(Bob Jones)

Ranked No. 25 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 and No. 4 on the Elite 18 ... A two-sport star who also plays basketball ... Registered five tackles in the Under Armour All-America Game ... Ranked a five-star prospect by Scout.com ... Posted a 4.6 40 and a 34.5-inch vertical leap ... Finished his senior season with 97 tackles, 22 tackle for loss and 6 sacks ... Also considered Auburn, Florida and Tennessee.

GENO SMITH

DB, 6-0, 182, Atlanta, Ga.

(St. Pius X)

Ranked No. 18 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 ... Registered 80 tackles with 3 interceptions and rushed for more than 800 yards ... A consensus four-star recruit ... Ranked the No. 2 cornerback and No. 31 player overall by ESPN.com ... Also considered Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Clemson, Georgia, Notre Dame, Southern California, Arkansas, Stanford and Georgia Tech.

DALVIN TOMLINSON

DL, 6-2, 266, McDonough, Ga.

(Henry County)

Ranked No. 49 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 ... Widely ranked as a four-star prospect ... Ranked the No. 11 defensive tackle by Rivals.com ... A two-time state wrestling champion in Georgia ... Registered 109 tackles, 8.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups and a blocked field goal in 2011 ... Also considered Georgia Tech and was recruited by Harvard.

EDDIE WILLIAMS

WR, 6-3, 204, Panama City, Fla.

(Arnold)

Ranked No. 8 overall in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 ... A two-way star, and first commitment for Alabama's 2012 signing class ... A consensus five-star prospect by ESPN.com, Rivals.com and 24/7 Sports.com ... Ranked the No. 1 player in Florida by ESPN.com ...Played quarterback, wide receiver, cornerback and safety ... Also considered Florida State, Florida and Auburn.

T.J. YELDON*

RB, 6-2, 210, Daphne, Ala.

Ranked No. 5 in the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 and No. 2 in the Elite 18 ... Named Mr. Football in the state of Alabama by the Alabama Sports Writers Association and a first-team all-state selection ... second-team USA Today High School All-American ... Ranked a five-star recruit by Rivals.com and 24/7 Sports.com ... The nation's No. 2 running back according to Rivals.com .... Had 2,193 yards and 31 touchdowns and averaged 9.5 yards per carry in 2011 ... Caught 19 passes for 506 yards and a touchdown ... Totaled 6,155 career total yards and 73 touchdowns ... Also considered Auburn, Florida, Arkansas and Clemson.

Alabama recruiting class widely regarded as nation's best

2012-02-01T18:29:00.000-08:00

Saban said there were virtually no surprises, unlike a year ago. He admitted there were challenges with the SEC's new 25-man cap on signees; Saban said 26 players signed with one back-counted toward the 2011 class.

"We couldn't send out a lot of scholarships on a maybe because if too many guys decided to come here we would have gotten penalized," Saban said. "It worked out well from that standpoint the fact we had a lot of guys commit to us a long time ago. To stick with those commitments was also a positive thing for us in terms of our management in recruiting this year."

The Crimson Tide picked up the first surprise of the day by landing Lynchburg (Va.) Brookville defensive tackle Korren Kirven (6-5, 292), who picked Alabama over Virginia Tech and Tennessee.

Then came announcements to Alabama from McDonough (Ga.) Henry County defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (6-2, 266) followed by Ellenwood (Ga.) Cedar Grove offensive lineman Brandon Green (6-5, 292).

Not every player who had committed to Alabama signed with the Crimson Tide.

Atlanta (Ga.) Washington running back Justin Taylor, who had been asked to grayshirt by Alabama, instead decided to sign with Kentucky. Vigor defensive lineman Darius Philon was offered a grayshirt but signed with Arkansas.

Moments after Saban did an on-camera interview on ESPNU standing in front of the 2012 BCS championship trophy, Eddie Goldman, rated the nation's No. 1 defensive tackle prospect, announced he would go to Florida State over Alabama and Auburn.

Columbia (S.C.) wide receiver Casey Gladney signed with Texas Tech after he had committed to Alabama. Various reports say he was an academic concern.

Fresh off winning the national championship, Alabama claimed the consensus top honors in recruiting for a second straight year by filling needs for what was the nation's top defense in 2011 and adding explosive offensive players, most notably at wide receiver.

Alabama had the nation's No. 1 recruiting class according to Rivals.com, ESPN.com and 24/7 Sports.com. Scout.com rated Alabama No. 2 behind Texas.

Alabama signed four defensive backs, including junior college transfers Deion Belue and Travell Dixon to help absorb the losses of cornerbacks DeQuan Menzie and Dre Kirkpatrick.

Alabama also brought in three of the nation's top wide receivers in Panama City (Fla.) Arnold's Eddie Williams, Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast's Chris Black and Miami (Fla.) Northwestern's Amari Cooper.

Saban said he was seeking explosive players on offense and all three fit the mold.

Black and Cooper are among eight January enrollees trying to gain an edge by enrolling in time for offseason conditioning and spring practice.

Alabama did not land a blue-chip quarterback with failed pursuits of Gunner Kiel (enrolled at Notre Dame) and Hueytown's Jameis Winston, who said Wednesday he will sign with Florida State. Instead, the Crimson Tide mined three-star prospect Alec Morris from Allen, Texas.

Alabama signed the nation's No. 1 place-kicker in Adam Griffith of Calhoun (Ga.).

According to Rivals.com, Alabama signed three five-star recruits, including Daphne running back T.J. Yeldon, who was one of the early enrollees. Also on that list is Geismer (La.) Dutchtown defensive back Landon Collins, whose mother, April Justin, has made headlines voicing her displeasure with her son's decision to attend Alabama. He signed Wednesday, and Saban was asked about what Justin has described as a contentious relationship.

"We have a very good relationship with the people around Landon," Saban said. "Landon's got a great family. Landon's a great person. We want to do everything that we can to help him be successful in the future."

Kwon Alexander picks LSU over Auburn

2012-02-01T09:31:00.001-08:00

Linebacker Kwon Alexander is leaving his home state to play for LSU.

The four-star linebacker from Oxford chose LSU over Auburn in a ceremony today. He had also taken an official visit to Alabama.

Alexander wore an LSU bow tie and suspenders for the announcement.

The 6-foot-2, 212-pound prospect is ranked No. 45 on the Press-Register's Super Southeast 120 list. He suffered a knee injury that caused him to miss most of the 2011 season. In 2010, he had 144 tackles.

Scout.com recruiting analyst Chad Simmons said Alexander needs to gain weight, but "speed, agility and play-making skills are all there."

Alphonse Taylor - Alabama Signee profile

2012-02-01T09:28:00.001-08:00

Height/Weight: 6-foot-5/330 lbs

Position: Offensive/defensive tackle

Hometown: Mobile, Alabama

Ranking:247Sports: 4-star, No. 33 offensive tackle, No. 13 in Alabama

Rivals: 3-star, No. 39 defensive tackle, No. 16 in Alabama

ESPN: 4-star, No. 15 defensive tackle, No. 9 in Alabama

Scout: 4-star, No. 31 offensive tackle, No. 239 overall

Accolades: 2011 Super Southeast 120 (Mobile Press-Register). Originally committed to Florida State. Graduated in December and is currently enrolled at UA.

Expert Analysis: "It's going to be interesting to see how big "Shank" looks a year after being in a college strength and conditioning program. He's a massive prospect who is surprisingly athletic for his size." - Tim Watts, BamaOnline

Eddie Williams Alabama signee

2012-02-01T09:26:00.001-08:00

Height/Weight: 6-foot-4/215 lbs

Position: Athlete

Hometown: Panama City, Florida

Ranking:247Sports: 5-star, No. 2 athlete, No. 8 overall

Rivals: 5-star, No. 1 athlete, No. 24 overall

ESPN: 5-star, No. 2 athlete, No. 11 overall
Scout: 4-star, No. 3 safety, No. 53 overall

Accolades: Played in the 2012 Under Armour All-American Game. 2011 Super Southeast 120 (Mobile Press-Register). Super 75 (Florida Times-Union).

Expert Analysis: "Williams is perhaps the most talented prospect in this class from an athletic standpoint. The biggest question right now is which side of the ball he will find a home on. He could be a standout safety, but might get his first look on offense." - Tim Watts, BamaOnline

Fultondale's ArDarius Stewart, New Orleans WR Raheem Falkins commit to Alabama

2012-01-29T09:08:00.001-08:00

Fultondale High School athlete ArDarius Stewart and New Orleans wide receiver Raheem Falkins both committed to Alabama during the Crimson Tide's Junior Day recruiting event, according to reports from BamaOnline. Stewart and Falkins become the sixth and seventh members of the Tide's 2013 recruiting class and the second and third to commit to Alabama this weekend with the earlier commitment of running back Altee Tenpenny.

Stewart became the only junior named to the Alabama Sports Writers Association's Super 12 list in 2011 after accounting for over 3,400 yards of total offense for Fultondale and scoring 20 passing touchdowns and 30 rushing touchdowns during his junior season. Stewart was also named Class 2A Back of the Year by the ASWA and is currently rated the No. 52 player in the nation by 247Sports.

Falkins, a 6-foot-4, 195-pound receiver out of George Washington Carver High School in New Orleans becomes the first wide receiver to commit to the Crimson Tide's 2013 recruiting class. Falkins is rated a 4-star prospect by 247Sports and the nation's No. 27 receiver prospect.

Falkins told BamaOnline that he has received a scholarship offer from LSU but that he preferred Alabama after visiting both schools.

"I didn't want to drag anything out, and in my heart I felt this is where I belonged," Falkins told BamaOnline's Shane Youngblood LSU told me they had an offer for me, but I did not feel the same way that I did when I was at Alabama today. It felt like home.

RB Justin Taylor meets with Saban, remains committed to Tide

2012-01-26T19:52:00.001-08:00

Atlanta running back аnd Alabama commit Justin Taylor re-affirmed һiѕ commitment tо tһе Crimson Tide aftеr аn in-person meeting witһ head coach Nick Saban on Tuesday, аccording to а report from The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Taylor was asked bу thе Tide coaching staff tо delay hiѕ enrollment untіӏ January of 2013, a technique knоwn as "grayshirting", аnd aftеr recently expressing disappointment wіth tһe move, Taylor's coach and legal guardian Stanley Pritchett ѕaіd Taylor plans on enrolling аt Alabama.

"This is һіѕ life аnd hіs decision," Pritchett told tһе AJC's Michael Carvell. "He wants to go tо Alabama nеxt year, and I'm goіng to support hіm with thаt decision."

Taylor tore hіs ACL prior tо hіs senior season at North Atlanta High School аnd hiѕ ongoing recovery was noted as а major reason behіnd Saban's request thаt Taylor delay hіѕ enrollment. Taylor's options fоr thе upcoming fall semester include attending аnd еѵеn playing football at a prep school, wһісh wоuӏd not count agаinѕt hiѕ college eligibility.

"The plan is tо make ѕurе һe gеtѕ some rehab fоr һіѕ knee," ѕaіd Pritchett. "They sаіd һe cаn tаke somе classes аt a community college іn tһe fall, thrее оr ѕіx hours, where he won't be а full-time student. Or he can gо tо a prep school if hе wants. Actually, it waѕ Justin wһo brought up tһe idea of а prep school. Coach Saban is fine witһ іt аѕ long аѕ tһе doctors clear һim to play. They don't want him tо get him injured again. They dоn't wаnt һim playing аgain until hе'ѕ 100 percent."

Chris Samuels joins Alabama coaching staff

2012-01-24T16:14:00.001-08:00

Former University of Alabama All-American offensive tackle Chris Samuels will join the Crimson Tide coaching staff as an offensive line assistant, according to a report from The Washington Post. Samuels, who started 42 games for the Crimson Tide from 1996 through 1999, was chosen third overall in the 2000 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins and was a six-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle before being forced to retire due to injuries in 2010. He spent the 2011 season as the offensive coordinator at Blount High School in Prichard, Alabama.

Samuels told The Washington Post's Mike Jones that he plans to complete his degree while coaching at Alabama.

"They'll pay for me to finish my degree, and I'll be able to learn from some great coaches over there at Alabama. ...It's just been a blessing for me," Samuels said. "It's a huge opportunity for me. I learned a great deal about football from all those years of playing and being around a lot of great coaches."

Samuels won the Outland Trophy in 1999 after leading Shaun Alexander and the Crimson Tide offense to 1,383 rushing yards.

The hire follows the recent departure of Crimson Tide assistant Rob Sale, who accepted a position at McNeese State on Tuesday as offensive line coach. Sale had served as a weight room assistant and offensive video analyst for Nick Saban since 2007.

Update on Alabama linebacker C.J. Mosley

2012-01-22T05:53:00.000-08:00

Alabama - C.J. Mosley suffered a dislocated hip during Alabama's 21-0 BCS National Championship Game victory over LSU on Jan. 9.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban addressed an estimated crowd of 32,000 on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium during a national championship celebration.

Saban has not been available for interviews since Jan. 10, the morning after winning Alabama's 14th national championship - his third, and second in three seasons.

At the time, Saban said Mosley had suffered the injury, and his prognosis was unclear.

Alabama linebacker Nico Johnson was asked after Saturday's celebration how Mosley is coming along.

"He's doing all right," Johnson said. "He's walking around fine. He just had a dislocated hip."

Mosley finished the season with 37 total tackles, two sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and an interception.

Alabama Elite 18 list of football prospects heavy on linebackers

2012-01-21T09:28:00.001-08:00

The complete Elite 18:

1. Jameis Winston, QB, Hueytown (6-4, 200). Racked up more than 3,000 yards of total offense and 44 total touchdowns, ending the year with an MVP performance in the Under Armour All-American game. Committed to Florida State.

2. T.J. Yeldon, RB, Daphne (6-2, 210). Proved he's a power back in 2011, rushing for 2,193 yards and 32 TDs to earn Mr. Football honors. Already enrolled at Alabama.

3. Chris Casher, DE, Davidson (6-4, 240). Forced to sit out the 2011 season after transferring from Faith Academy, but he had a strong week at the Under Armour game. Committed to Florida State.

4. Reggie Ragland, LB, Bob Jones (6-4, 245). Also a standout on the basketball court, he is a sideline-to-sideline pursuer and was among the most impressive LBs at the Under Armour game. Committed to Alabama.

5. Ryan Anderson, LB, Daphne (6-3, 250). After switching from DE, made 105 tackles, 12½ sacks as a LB in 2011. Already enrolled at Alabama.

6. Tyler Hayes, LB/ATH, Thomasville (6-3, 215). Two-way star made 97 tackles and 3 sacks as a LB, could also play H-back or S in college. Committed to Alabama.

7. Kwon Alexander, LB, Oxford (6-2, 212). Playmaking linebacker missed much of his senior year with a torn ACL. Alabama, Auburn and LSU lead.

8. Cassanova McKinzy, LB, Woodlawn (6-2, 224). Twenty of his 108 tackles in 2011 were for losses. Committed to Auburn.

9. Darrion Hutcherson, TE/DE, Dadeville (6-7, 247). Physically imposing player caught 30 passes for 572 yards, 6 TDs, but likely projects as a DE. Committed to Auburn.

10. Alphonse Taylor, DT, Davidson (6-6, 340). Athletic lineman played both OT and DT for Warriors, but Crimson Tide wants him to play nose guard. Committed to Alabama.

11. Javiere Mitchell, LB, Leeds (6-2, 197). Active defender played defensive tackle in high school, but projects as a linebacker in college. Already enrolled at Auburn.

12. Darius Philon, DL, Vigor (6-1, 282). Made 65 tackles and 11 sacks in 2011, playing the last half of the season with a knee injury. Committed to Alabama.

13. Tyler Nero, DT, Escambia County (6-2, 290). Sixteen of his 74 tackles in 2011 were for losses. Committed to Auburn.

14. Beniquez Brown, RB/LB, Florence (6-2, 210). There is some debate about which position will suit him best. Was a 1,000-yard rusher in high school but may play LB in college. Mississippi State and Tennessee lead Arkansas, Ole Miss and North Carolina State.

15. Trae Elston, DB/WR, Oxford (6-0, 183). Had 8 interceptions and more than 100 tackles on defense, 700 yards and 12 TDs on offense. Oklahoma State leads Arkansas, California, Central Florida and Louisiana-Lafayette.

16. Darren Lake, DT, Sumter Central (6-3, 330). Massive nose guard made 48 tackles and 5 sacks as a senior. Committed to Alabama

17. JaMichael Winston, DE, Vigor (6-5, 226). Tall, rangy defender racked up 97 tackles and 17 sacks and was a finalist for 5A lineman of the year. Committed to Arkansas.

18. Justin Shanks, DT, Prattville (6-3, 306). Made 60 tackles and 5½ sacks as a senior for 6A state champion. Committed to Florida State.

Best of the rest (with commitments): Justin Thomas, QB, Prattville (Georgia Tech); Caleb Peterson, OL, Auburn (North Carolina); Robert Leff, OT, Fairhope (Auburn); Derrick Moncrief, DB, Prattville (Southern Miss); Caleb Gulledge, OL/DE, Prattville (Alabama); Eric Lee, DE, Daphne (South Florida); Kyron Samuels, C, Fairhope (undecided); Jonathan Wallace, QB, Central-Phenix City (Southern Miss); Jonathan Curry, TE, Central-Phenix City (Purdue); Michael Flint, OL, Oxford (undecided); Harding Harper, LB, Carver-Montgomery (undecided); Kelton Brackett, DB, Blount (UAB); Laronji Vason, DB, Prattville (Wake Forest); Jacoby Glenn, DB, Vigor (Kentucky); Kivon Coman, DB, Florence (Mississippi State); Chris Humes, DB, Spain Park (Arkansas); Taylor Stargel, LB, Gulf Shores (Georgia Tech); Torren McGaster, DB, Daphne (Vanderbilt); Beau Hankins, LB, Jackson-Olin (undecided); K.J. Maye, RB/WR, Murphy (Minnesota).

Nick Saban's statue updated to reflect Alabama's 14th national championship

2012-01-20T08:10:00.001-08:00

Alabama updated Nick Saban's statue Thursday to reflect the Crimson Tide's 14th national championship in football.

A fresh etched "2011" appeared next to the "2009," both years signifying the two national championship teams Saban has coached at Alabama.

The latest came via a 21-0 victory over LSU on Jan. 9 in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana.

The update comes just in time for Saturday's national championship celebration set to take place at 2 p.m. inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Saban has three national championship teams. His first was in 2003 at LSU.

ESPN projects three Tide players drafted in Top 10 of 2012 NFL Draft

2012-01-19T07:28:00.000-08:00

ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper projects three members of Alabama's 2011 BCS Championship team will be taken in the first 10 picks of the upcoming NFL Draft. Kiper released his first mock draft projecting all 32 picks in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and the Crimson Tide feature heavily at the top of Kiper's list with Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson projected to be the first Tide player selected. Kiper projects Richardson to be taken with the No. 5 pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick is projected to be taken by the Carolina Panthers with the No. 8 pick. Kirkpatrick was arrested early Tuesday morning for marijuana possession, though Kiper does not address in his analysis whether the arrest is expected to impact Kirkpatrick's draft status.

Kiper projects linebacker Courtney Upshaw to be taken with the No. 10 pick by the Buffalo Bills. The Bills used their first round selection in 2011 on another Tide defender, defensive end Marcel Dareus.

Safety Mark Barron also appears in Kiper's mock draft as the No. 16 selection for the New York Jets. Barron is listed as the top safety by Kiper.

Kiper's mock draft includes a total of nine players from the SEC, including two from LSU (Morris Claiborne and Michael Brockers), two from South Carolina (Melvin Ingram and Alshon Jeffery) and one from Georgia (Cordy Glenn).

Lance Thompson returns to Alabama

2012-01-18T05:54:00.000-08:00

Thompson is one of the most proven recruiters in the SEC in the last decade. He played a major role in Alabama signing the 2008 and 2009 classes that were ranked No. 1 in the country and formed the heart of the 2009 and 2011 BCS championship teams.

Sunseri did some serious recruiting himself as Thompson's replacement. Saban, for all of his own expertise in that area, values that skill in his assistants so it was important to replace Sunseri with someone who knew the territory.

No one fit that description better than Thompson. As a bonus, he wouldn't have to spend one second learning how to work with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart or for Saban. Thompson's done both, with Smart at Alabama, with Saban at LSU, too.
In a sense, he's Saban's prodigal coaching son returned.

Anyone inclined to consider Thompson a traitor should recognize that college football is a business for the men who coach it. It is true that, after he left Tuscaloosa for Knoxville, Thompson took a verbal jab or two. Remember the boast he made at a supposedly private UT recruiting event that Saban wasn't going to get any more of "his" players?

Saban responded with a commitment from a Memphis wide receiver about 90 seconds later.
That was nothing more than gamesmanship. Thompson's true feelings about Saban and Alabama, where he also worked under Mike DuBose, never changed. He shared them, when he was allowed to speak to the media, during his time in Knoxville. I sat down with Thompson and former Auburn assistant Eddie Gran, another coach taken in by Kiffin, in 2009.

"Coach Saban was always great to me," Thompson said that day. "A lot of people, when I left, being fans and being emotional, thought it was about Nick. It had nothing to do with Nick. Just the opposite. I had the opportunity because of him."
Truth be told, people close to him say, Thompson wishes he'd never left Alabama three years ago. Considering the turmoil at Tennessee, including the transition from Kiffin to Derek Dooley, hasn't the man suffered enough?

No doubt Thompson has learned from that experience, but he hasn't lost his zest for recruiting. Where was he April 27, the day tornadoes ripped through this state? On the recruiting road in north Alabama as trees fell and a funnel cloud passed. He's showed friends photos and videos he took with his phone that day.

Tuesday was his first day back on the job at Alabama, and he's not wasting time getting acclimated. As reported by AlabamaIntel.com and confirmed to me by a recruiting insider, Thompson and two other Alabama assistants, Jeremy Pruitt and new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, are expected to watch Hueytown quarterback Jameis Winston go through a baseball workout tonight for the San Diego Padres.

For Thompson, it's just like the old days. It's game on.

Justin Taylor now says he won't sign with Alabama

2012-01-17T12:46:00.001-08:00

After being asked to delay his enrollment at Alabama until next year, previously committed running back Justin Taylor has decided to seek out another school to sign with in February.

Taylor, a 5-foot-11, 200-pound running back from Atlanta's Washington High School, told the Atlanta-Journal Constitution in an interview Sunday that he was still planning to sign with the Crimson Tide after head coach Nick Saban asked him to delay his enrollment until January of 2013, a process known as "grayshirting", due to Alabama having more committed recruits than the 25 they will be allowed to accept on National Signing Day. Taylor now says he has changed his mind.

"At first I was cool with it but the more I thought about it, the less I liked it," Taylor said in a phone interview. "I have already missed an entire season of football because of my injury. I decided I just can't miss another season. It's no hard feelings against Alabama but I just decided it's best for me if I go somewhere that I can be at least practicing with the team this year, even if I have to redshirt. I haven't talked to any other schools yet but I will start looking right now."

After suffering a torn ACL for which he underwent surgery in early September of 2011, Taylor missed his entire senior season at Washington. In his junior season, Taylor rushed for 11 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards.

"I am about a month and a half away from being fully healthy again," Taylor said of his injury. "There's really no reason I couldn't be working out and practicing with my new team by the time the summer starts. I am sorry it had to work out like this but I think it will work out for the best for everybody."

Taylor is rated a three-star prospect by 247Sports.com and is ranked No. 37 among running backs in the 2012 class.

Alabama sends six to Senior Bowl; two questionable with injuries; one out

2012-01-16T09:39:00.001-08:00

e Senior Bowl officially announced the names of the Alabama players Saturday that have accepted invitations to the annual NFL showcase game in Mobile.

The Crimson Tide contingent includes linebacker Courtney Upshaw, center William Vlachos, wide receiver Marquis Maze, cornerback DeQuan Menzie, safety Mark Barron and nose guard Josh Chapman.

A Senior Bowl spokesman said Chapman is out, and is due to have knee surgery Tuesday. Maze and Barron are questionable with injuries. Maze suffered a hamstring injury during Alabama's 21-0 win over LSU for its 14th national title. Barron, a Mobile native, has been coping with a rib injury.

The game will be played Jan. 28 in Ladd-Peebles Stadium capping a week of practices, and activities flooding the town with NFL personalities, coaches and scouts.
For some, it's an opportunity to improve their NFL draft stock.

Upshaw headlines the Crimson Tide's participants fresh off his defensive player of the game honors for his contribution against the Tigers in the BCS National Championship Game. Upshaw (6-2, 265 pounds) finished his senior campaign with 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and an interception returned 45 yards for a touchdown. The first-team All-American was a big part of Alabama's No. 1 nationally ranked defense.

Vlachos (6-1, 294 pounds) was a three-year starter for the Tide, a finalist for the Rimington Trophy. According to his profile, Vlachos only missed eight assignments in 733 snaps (99 percent on assignments). As the veteran leader, his role was to make identifications and calls at the line. Started all 13 games in 2012, including a team-high 40 straights starts for his career.

Menzie (6-0, 198 pounds) started 13 games at cornerback this season, a total of 19 during his two years at Alabama. He was a first-team All-American by the AFCA. Menzie had a career high 41 tackles, including four solo tackles in the national championship game. He had 11 pass breakups, 1.5 sacks and an interception.

Maze (5-10, 180 pounds) was Alabama's leading receiver with 627 yards and one touchdown. He also had 436 punt return yards, including an 83-yard touchdown return in a 38-14 win against Arkansas on Sept. 24. Maze, who had 54 career games and 35 career starters, was second team All-SEC wide receiver and return specialist.

Barron (6-2, 218 pounds) returned for his senior season fully recovered form a pectoral muscle injury, which ended his junior season after a 28-27 loss to Auburn in the 75th Iron Bowl. Barron, who finished his career with 39 starts, was a unanimous first-team All-American after he flourished once more at safety as Alabama's second-leading tackler. He had 78 tackles including five pass breakups, two interceptions, one sack and one quarterback hurry.

Chapman (6-1, 310 pounds) anchored the defensive line playing through his injured knee throughout the season. His role, not often flashy, was to take on double teams and afford the Tide's linebackers and secondary an opportunity to splash in the glory of statistics. Chapman finished with 23 tackles, two sacks and two pass breakups.

Six Tide players earn Senior Bowl invites

2012-01-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

The Southeastern Conference will have 51 of its senior football players participate in at least one of four post-season all-star games.

The first all-star game of the post-season is on Jan. 16 in Tucson, Ariz. At the Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game. The league will have six players in that game, which is at 8 p.m. ET and will air on FOX Sports Net.

On Jan. 21, 12 SEC players will participate in the East-West Shrine Game in St. Petersburg, Fla., which is at 4 p.m. ET on the NFL Network. On the same date, ten SEC players will participate in the Battle of Florida, which will be held in Boca Raton, Fla. starting at 8 p.m. ET on FOX College Sports.

The final post-season all-star game will be on Jan. 28 in Mobile, Ala. at the annual Senior Bowl. The SEC will have 23 players in that game, which will air on the NFL Network at 4 p.m. ET.

The list of the players is below. Look for additional players named to these games on SECDigitalNetwork.com.

Casino Del Sol College All-Star Game
Jan. 16 / Tucson, Ariz.
8 p.m. ET / Fox Sports Net

Chandler Burden OT Kentucky
Wayne Dorsey DE Ole Miss
Broderick Green RB Arkansas
Austin Johnson LB Tennessee
Jarrett Lee QB LSU
Anthony Mosley CB Kentucky

East-West Shrine Game
Jan. 21 / St. Petersburg, Fla.
4 p.m. ET / NFL Network

John Brantley QB Florida
Greg Childs WR Arkansas
Bruce Figgins FB Georgia
Jerry Franklin LB Arkansas
Kentrell Lockett DE Ole Miss
Tauren Poole RB Tennessee
Travian Robertson DT South Carolina
Quentin Saulsberry OL Mississippi State
Bradley Sowell OT Ole Miss
DeAngelo Tyson DT Georgia
Blair Walsh PK Georgia
Jarius Wright WR Arkansas

Battle of Florida
Jan. 21 / Boca Raton, Fla.
8 p.m. ET / Fox College Sports

Enrique Davis RB Ole Miss
Sean Ferguson DE Mississippi State
Stephen Garcia QB South Carolina
William Green DE Florida
Karnell Hatcher LB LSU
Greg Shaw OL LSU
Taiedo Smith SAF Kentucky
Deonte Thompson WR Florida
Ronnie Sneed LB Kentucky
Dan Wenger OL Florida

Senior Bowl
Jan. 28 / Mobile, Ala.
4 p.m. ET / NFL Network

Joe Adams WR/RS Arkansas
Antonio Allen SAF South Carolina
Vick Ballard RB Mississippi State
Mark Barron SAF Alabama
Jake Bequette DE Arkansas
Will Blackwell OG LSU
Drew Butler P Georgia
Brandon Boykin CB Georgia
Josh Chapman DT Alabama
Cordy Glenn OT Georgia
Jaye Howard DT Florida
Josh Harris SN Auburn
Casey Hayward CB Vanderbilt
Melvin Ingram DE South Carolina
Ben Jones C Georgia
Marquis Maze WR/RS Alabama
DeQuan Menzie CB Alabama
Brandon Mosley OL Auburn
Deangelo Peterson TE LSU
Chris Rainey RB Florida
Brandon Taylor SAF LSU
Courtney Upshaw LB Alabama
William Vlachos C Alabama

Sal Sunseri is Tennessee's new defensive coordinator

2012-01-13T17:57:00.000-08:00

Sal Sunseri is Tennessee's new defensive coordinator, a source with direct knowledge of the hire has confirmed to al.com newspapers.

The school announced Sunseri's hire through its website later Friday morning.

"Sal has had unparalleled success over the last decade in not only contributing to team and unit success, but also in his ability to motivate and develop elite individual talent," Tennessee head coach Derek Dooley said in a statement. "His combination of defensive knowledge, recruiting success, high-energy personality, ability to connect with players, and personal integrity and character make him an exceptional fit for Tennessee."

Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a press release "Sal is an outstanding coach and really did an excellent job with each and every responsibility he had while he was here at the University of Alabama. Although we hate to see Sal go, we understand this is an opportunity for him to grow in this profession and take on the role of defensive coordinator. We appreciate all that he did in terms of his time and his dedication in contributing to the success we've had at Alabama."

WNML's Jimmy Hyams reports via Twitter that Sunseri's deal is worth $700,000 to $800,000 annually for 2 to 3 years.

The Knoxville News Sentinel reports the deal is worth $2.4 million over the course of three years.

Sunseri earned a $390,000 salary last season after he received a $40,000 raise in March.

Sunseri will replace Justin Wilcox, one of two Tennessee assistants to recently join Washington's staff.

Sunseri was Alabama's assistant head coach, and linebackers coach last season. He joined the Crimson Tide in 2009 after seven seasons with the Carolina Panthers.

Sunseri has been credited with being one of the nation's top recruiters, and was credited last year with signing linebacker Trey DePriest and left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio. He was named 2011 recruiter of the year in an article by 247Sports.com's JC Shurburtt which appeared on SI.com's website in February.

Sunseri also was instrumental in the development of outside linebackers such as Courtney Upshaw, who had 52 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 11 quarterback hurries, two forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown.

Sunseri celebrated Monday's national championship, a 21-0 victory over LSU, with his son, Vinnie Sunseri. The father-son tandem joined forces for the Tide.

Vinnie, a true freshman, finished with 31 tackles, and matched a season-high six tackles against Auburn.

"I love my dad, this is a great opportunity and I'm really happy for him," said Vinnie, in a statement released by Alabama. "In terms of my status, the University of Alabama is the place for me and that is what my heart and my mind tells me. This is my home and there is no place else I'd rather be. I'll root for him every day of the year except for the third Saturday in October."

Sunseri interviewed at Tennessee this week.

It's likely Sunseri would have been in line for a raise at Alabama. The Tide's defense was one of the best in college football history finishing the 2011 season No. 1 in all major defensive statistical categories.

Tennessee has constructed a pipeline from Tuscaloosa to Knoxville, Tennessee. First, the school hired Dave Hart to be its new athletic director. Then Tennessee hired away Jon Gilbert and Mike Ward in October from Alabama.

Alabama already is searching for an offensive coordinator to replace Jim McElwain, who is the new Colorado State head coach.

Sunseri inherits a Vols' defense ranked 27th nationally in 2011 (340.5 yards per game), 36th in scoring defense (22.58 points per game), 69th in rushing defense (162.67 yards per game), 12th in passing defense (177.83 yards per game).

Tennessee went was 5-7 overall, including 1-7 in the Southeastern Conference, which led to many pundits within Tennessee's borders to question Dooley's future as head coach.

"The chance to work with Derek Dooley, who has been around championships and knows what it takes to build an elite program, combined with the rich tradition of the University of Tennessee makes this opportunity so exciting to me," Sunseri said in a statement. "I am fired up to work with all of the young talent on the defensive side of the ball, and I can't wait to get up to Knoxville and coach them."

Tide juniors Trent Richardson, Dre Kirkpatrick announce they are turning pro (press conference video)

2012-01-12T16:29:00.000-08:00

It's official. Alabama juniors Trent Richardson, Dre Kirkpatrick and Dont'a Hightower will skip their senior seasons and turn pro this spring.

Richardson and Kirkpatrick made their announcements Thursday at a formal press conference, which opened with comments from Alabama coach Nick Saban.

Richardson then spoke, and the record-setting running back was followed by Kirkpatrick, a standout cornerback.

In this video, see and hear what each had to say.

Alabama QB AJ McCarron wore bracelet during title game for gravely ill Mobile girl

2012-01-11T16:17:00.000-08:00

Last Friday morning, DeAndra Chapman leaned in close and whispered to her 3-year-old daughter, Starla, that Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron was wearing a bright yellow bracelet that she’d given him when he visited her hospital room on Christmas Eve.

He was still wearing it Monday night when he helped lead the University of Alabama to victory in the BCS National Championship game.

Starla was diagnosed with a rare form of leukemia in September, and has been treated at the University of South Alabama Children’s & Women’s Hospital ever since.

Last week, after enduring three rounds of powerful chemotherapy treatments, Starla went into cardiac arrest. Now, a machine helps the little girl breathe.

“She responds to us through tears,” her mother said. “Medically, there is nothing else they can do.”

But on Christmas Eve, Chapman said, her daughter was awake and excited to meet the star football player from Mobile. She sported a Crimson Tide cheerleader outfit and a huge grin.

“Starla asked him to be part of her team,” Chapman said. “He said he would wear it to the big game.”

“He wanted to do something to give back,” said Dee Dee Bonner, McCarron’s mother, who joined her two sons and their father, Tony McCarron, on the visit to the children’s hospital that day. “When we met Miss Starla and her family they were all wearing Alabama gear and she just melted our hearts. Such a sweet baby.”

Once upon a time, both A.J. and his younger brother, Corey, were both patients at the hospital, she said. A.J. was taken there after crushing the left side of his face in a Wave Runner accident when he was 5,while Corey underwent treatment for an illness as an infant.

“He hasn’t taken it off,” Bonner said of the yellow bracelet.

And, she said, he fulfilled a promise to Starla by pointing to the bracelet Monday during the LSU game when he knew that the cameras were on him.

Tuesday afternoon, as the Chapmans sat close on a small couch, they asked that friends and family “continue lifting us up before God as we wait for a miracle.”

Robert Lester will return to Alabama for his senior season

2012-01-11T16:14:00.001-08:00

Robert Lester will return to Alabama for his senior season, according to ESPN's Joe Schad via Twitter.

Schad's Tweet read, "Alabama S Robert Lester has told coaches he is STAYING in school after considering NFL Draft."

Lester would be the fourth underclassman to choose to stay in school rather than make the early jump to the NFL. Offensive linemen Barrett Jones, Chance Warmack and D.J. Fluker all announced last month their intention to return to school.

Last year, Alabama had four first-round draft picks - a program first. Three of them were underclassmen - wide receiver Julio Jones, running backMark Ingram, and defensive endMarcell Darius.

Others expected to weight their options include running back Trent Richardson, linebacker Dont'a Hightower and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick.

It is widely believed Richardson and Hightower depart for the NFL. Richardson set the single-season rushing record with 1,679 yards and also scored 21 touchdowns. Hightower led the Tide with 85 tackles, five sacks, eight quarterback hurries and three pass breakups.

Lester had 39 tackles, and three pass breakups and two interceptions.

In 2010, Lester had 52 tackles with eight interceptions, four pass breakups, two quarterback hurries and one sack.

Saban gives update on C.J. Mosley injury

2012-01-10T11:00:00.001-08:00

Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke to reporters on Tuesday morning following his team's 21-0 victory in the BCS Championship Game and among the topics discussed were the injury sustained by linebacker C.J. Mosley. The sophomore defender intercepted a pass from LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson in the third quarter and after being tackled by Jefferson was carted off the field by the training staff.

"C.J. Mosley is, we think, OK," Saban said. "He had a dislocated hip, which they put back in, which X-rays were OK. But we need to do an MRI probably today or tomorrow. If the MRI comes out OK and there wasn't any damage to the joint, he'll be fine in six weeks. If there is any bone chips or fragments, they'll have to scope those out, so that's as much as I can tell you about that right now."

Mosley finished the season with 37 total tackles, two sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss and an interception.

Alabama 21, LSU 0 #14..........

2012-01-09T21:31:00.001-08:00

The debate will rage on all offseason about tweaking the system to determine a national champion. But no one can deny Alabama making the most of its shot at redemption.

On the field, there's no debate.

The Crimson Tide tamed the Tigers on Monday night in the Big Easy to claim its 14th national championship Monday night with a 21-0 victory in the BCS National Championship.

Nick Saban snapped a two-game losing streak to LSU and coach Les Miles and did so claiming his third national championship, including his second in three seasons.

Looking for legends?

Look no further than Alabama's defense, which cemented its place as one of college football's all-time greats.

The Tide shutout the Tigers, limiting LSU to 92 total yards.

Look no further than linebacker Courtney Upshaw, who led the defense with 7 tackles including a sack while shining brightly on college football's biggest stage.

Look no further than sophomore quarterback AJ McCarron, who wiped away all of the criticism to show the college football world he isn't scared to throw tough passes in tight spots.

Together with outgoing offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, who is the new Colorado State coach, McCarron shined throwing for 234 yards.

Looking for kickers?

Field goals were a major concern during Alabama's 9-6 overtime loss to LSU in Tuscaloosa.

Not Monday.

Look no further than Jeremy Shelley, who scored every point for Alabama until Trent Richardson's fourth quarter touchdown and set all-bowls records with seven field goal attempts and five field goals made.

The stories are endless, and will continue for years to come padding Alabama's historical archives with another stacks of tales for its libraries.

LSU’s Tyrann Mathieu Plans To Trash Crimson Tide Moms

2012-01-09T10:39:00.000-08:00

LSU star cornerback and Heisman Trophy finalist Tyrann Mathieu is preparing for the BCS National Championship Game in a rather odd way — by looking up the names of mothers of Alabama football players for some trash talking on the field.

“You try to get the edge any way you got to,” Mathieu said. “When you are on the field you’re just having fun, you’re just talking. If you can get a player out of his zone, you win the battle.”

Mathieu, who is nicknamed “Honey Badger” for his ferocious play on the field, is known for his trash talking.

“I’m not trying to be arrogant about that,” Mathieu said. “We are so good on defense, nobody wants to get in a shouting match with me.”

Alabama defensive tackle Josh Chapman said trash talking is just part of the game.

“I hope a lot of them know my momma’s name,” Chapman said. “Because if they’re trying to do that much to find out your momma’s name then you’re doing too much besides learning about some football.”

Alabama wide receiver Marquis Maze wants Mathieu to leave his mother out of it.

“I have respect for him,” Maize said. “But if he says something about anyone in my family, I will have real problems with it. I trash talk, but I mainly keep people’s families out of it.”

Mathieu, a 5’9” sophomore, has had an incredible season. He ranks No. 1 in college football in fumble recoveries, No. 1 in the SEC in forced fumbles and No. 2 nationally in punt return yardage.

Alabama's Nick Saban not thinking about his ties to LSU

2012-01-09T06:46:00.000-08:00

Nick Saban often has been asked about his emotional ties to LSU.

Now finishing his fifth season with Alabama, Saban was the head coach for the Tigers from 2000-04, winning his first national title in '03 at the Sugar Bowl.

Saban tried to defuse the situation Sunday placing the emphasis on Alabama, and its players.

So when does he think about his legacy?

"Certainly not in the next-how-many hours we have until the game," Saban said, followed by a few laughs from reporters. "I'm focused on what we can do for our team.

"I guess when I go back to West Virginia and I get on the side of the mountain and watch the creek go by, I might think about some of that. I don't know when that time's coming, but I hope not too soon."

'A touch much' of gamesmanship

LSU coach Les Miles was asked Sunday if he was aware of talk that star cornerback Tyrann Mathieu has been looking up the names of mothers of Alabama players for trash-talk purposes.

"That would be news to me," Miles said.

If it's true, Miles does not approve.

"Gamemanship is one thing," he said. "I think that might be a touch much."

Walkthrough ends preparation

Alabama held its final walkthrough Sunday at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

The Crimson Tide will face undefeated LSU at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the BCS championship game.

Alabama's game-week preparation began last week. Sunday's walkthrough was the equivalent to what the Tide does Friday before a game.

The game will be broadcast on ESPN. Brent Musberger will handle play-by-play with color commentary from Kirk Herbstreit.

Saban the Intimidator

Many won't find the scene too hard to imagine when Saban's daughter, Kristen, brought boys home to meet her father.

Saban offered the anecdote trying to make the point about what quality he looks for in Kristen's prospects, and his players as well.

"You know, when Kristen first started dating and those boys came knocking on the door, I go open a door, the first thing I'd ask them is: 'What do you play? What do you play?'" Saban said.

"I want to know if the guy was a competitor. I wanted to know if he made a commitment, worked and did something that was sort of going to make him somebody that could overcome adversity and do the right things.

"Of course, none of them really ever answered me. They were so intimidated, so I never got much good information."

Saban on Smart

Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart spoke last week about his aspirations to be a head coach and about the opportunity he has had to work closely with Saban. Saban was asked why he decided to promote Smart the defensive coordinator in 2008.

"To me, Kirby's got all the right stuff," Saban said. "He's very bright. He's been with us for a long time, so he really understands the system that we play. Not only understands how to teach it, he understands how to implement it, which I think is even more critical, especially on game day.

"He and I work well together."

Saban said Smart has various strengths including his ability to teach and bond with players.

"It would be very difficult for me to really give a reason why Kirby shouldn't have been the coordinator and what his weakness has been since he's been the coordinator, because he's done a marvelous job for us," Saban said. "Fantastic job, in terms of how he's developed the players, developed the togetherness, and if you look at the body of work, there's been quite a bit of success there as well."

Coach Terry?

Both Saban and Miles made references Sunday to their wives.

Saban was asked what advice he will get from Terry before the game.

"Well, I don't think there's any advice she's going to give me before the game," he said. "I get that advice on a daily basis."

He then talked about his morning routine.

"We get up at 6:15 every day and watch the Weather Channel for about 30 minutes before we start our day," he said. "And I get most of my marching orders in that 30-minute segment of what we should do or how I should do it or why it's important to do it that way, what I need to talk to the team about.

"I mean, I get coached up very well in that 30-minute segment of the Weather Channel."

Miles was asked how he handles self-evalutation.

"Well, my self-evaluation really reflects around my wife, and if she thinks I'm doing a good job, then maybe I am," he said.