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Alabama Crimson Tide: Arkansas Razorbacks

JACKSON, Miss. -- ESPN 150 offensive lineman Rod Taylor (Jackson, Miss./Calloway) has been camping at Alabama for years. He made a name for himself in Tuscaloosa when he was a freshman. Over the weekend, it didn’t matter that he was the nation’s No. 2 guard. He still went out and competed at the Crimson Tide’s OL/DL camp.

“It was good,” he said. “There was some good competition up there. It wasn’t like a normal camp. It was players who really can play.”


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Junior college offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (Scranton, Pa./Lackawanna) counted UCLA as his top school before this past weekend's official visit -- and now he counts himself as a UCLA commit.

Eluemunor pledged to the Bruins on Sunday night and became the fourth commit of the 2014 class.


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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s been a productive week to start the summer for 2015 quarterback Ty Storey (Charleston, Ark./Charleston). He’s already camped at Alabama and Oklahoma, drawing serious interest from the Crimson Tide and Sooners.


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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s easy to be awestruck when sitting down with Nick Saban, arguably the top coach in college football. But when the Alabama head coach offers you a scholarship, it should be a moment you remember, not one you forget.

That wasn’t the case for 2015 prospect Will Gragg (Pine Bluff, Ark./Pine Bluff).

The 6-foot-4, 247-pound tight end prospect camped at Alabama on Monday. When he finished the first session, he and his family met with Saban in his office where he received a scholarship offer from the Crimson Tide. It didn’t even register with Gragg. He had to call his recruiting coordinator on the way home to confirm it.

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Tuesday morning marks a much-anticipated time for ESPN 150 quarterback David Cornwell (Norman, Okla./North). Tuesday, however, won’t be the end of the world for him.

The nation’s top-ranked pocket-passer quarterback will go before the Oklahoma Secondary School Activities Association’s board of directors asking for one more semester of eligibility. By Tuesday afternoon, the four-star player will know if his high school career continues -- or if college football preparation for him begins a little earlier than expected.


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Safety Mattrell McGraw (River Ridge, La./John Curtis Christian) has a plan.

Right now, it’s cutting his list down to eight. By the time football starts, it’ll be down to three.


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A final six has emerged for one of the top juco players in the country, and his leaderboard has a national flavor to it.


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It’s been a little over two weeks since Daniel Gresham (Fort Worth, Texas/All Saints Episcopal) decided Texas wasn’t the place for him. Now, the nation’s No. 2 fullback is inching closer to finalizing where his new home will be.


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NORCROSS, Ga. -- ESPN 150 defensive end Lorenzo Carter seems to never stop grinning, even on the football field. His 100-megawatt smile calls to mind another affable defensive end, Michael Strahan, complete with the trademark gap. Even a shoving match with a teammate resulted in Carter falling down laughing about it later.

During the Norcross spring game on Friday, Carter and offensive tackle Horatio Walker tangled as they went at each other in the trenches. Walker held Carter’s jersey and was rewarded with a shot to the helmet.

“Well it was a run, and I don’t think Horatio respects me on the run yet, but it is all good,” Carter said between guffaws. “He tried to bully me around, but I was not having that so I had to hit him back. I was having fun out there.”


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The Big 12-SEC dream games

May, 17, 2013
May 17
3:30
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The SEC and Big 12 announced an annual challenge on the basketball court, but colleague Edward Aschoff wondered what it would look like if that challenge extended to the football field.

There are already two games on the schedule this season -- between TCU and LSU, and Oklahoma State and Mississippi State. What else would I like to see?

Let me start by saying that renewing the Texas-Texas A&M and Missouri-Kansas rivalries are a given. I'm omitting those matchups, but I'd love to see them.

Let's get started:

Oklahoma State vs. Alabama: OSU narrowly missed out on playing for the national title back in 2011, and both are among their conference favorites again in 2013. When the BCS "snubbed" the Pokes after the 2011 regular season, OSU coach Mike Gundy half-jokingly suggested these two play for the right to play LSU in the title game. It would be fun to see this one finally played out on the field.

Baylor vs. LSU: Straight up offense vs. defense. That's the Big 12 vs. SEC debate at its heart. Baylor just might be the Big 12's best offense, and LSU will put together another strong defense. These are the matchups we want to see. The Big 12 has faltered on the big stage, helping the SEC stretch its run of national titles, but seeing Bryce Petty sling it around against an athletic defense would be a lot of fun.

Texas vs. Arkansas: Arkansas' exit from the Southwest Conference helped usher in the birth of the Big 12 after the SWC crumbled. Texas has bigger rivals like Oklahoma and Texas A&M, but these two played some of the greatest games in college football history, and as an Arkansas native, I've seen up close how much Razorbacks fans detest the Longhorns to this day. The result would be a great game and a hyped atmosphere.

TCU vs. Texas A&M: Texas A&M fans take exception to the idea that TCU was an on-field "upgrade" over the Aggies in the Big 12. The Aggies largely struggled in the Big 12 after some early success and a Big 12 title under R.C. Slocum. Since leaving for the SEC, the Aggies have gone nowhere but up, and ended 2012 as the hottest team in college football. Aggies quarterback Johnny Manziel has a Heisman Trophy. Could he shred the Frogs? Want to prove TCU is not an upgrade? Beat TCU on the field.

Kansas State vs. Florida: Kansas State is perpetually underrated and wins with a bunch of junior college guys, and high school players overlooked by major programs. Florida won big under Urban Meyer, but has been largely overrated since Meyer left and was whacked by Louisville to end 2012. The Gators would be suiting up an army of recruiting stars, but could Bill Snyder, the Manhattan Magician, grab a win for the Big 12?
Oklahoma vs. Georgia: Mark Richt and Bob Stoops have one big thing in common: Neither fan base truly appreciates what their coach has accomplished. Consider this an opportunity for both to quiet the hot-seat talk. It's been a lot more intense for Richt, who endured a 6-7 season back in 2010, but he's won the SEC East in each of the past two seasons. Stoops has averaged just over 10 wins a season at Oklahoma, and Richt has averaged just under 10 wins. Call this the "Underappreciated Bowl."

The 2014 recruiting classes around the SEC are starting to take shape.

The latest class rankings by ESPN Insider has five SEC teams in the top-10 nationally and seven in the top 15. Obviously, it's going to change over the next several months. But right now, Texas has the No. 1 class.

Florida leads the way in the SEC at No. 2. LSU is No. 4, Texas A&M No. 5, Tennessee No. 7 and Alabama No. 9. Other SEC teams in the top 15 are Ole Miss at No. 11 and Georgia at No. 12. Vanderbilt is No. 18 and Auburn No. 22.

First-year Tennessee coach Butch Jones has made a big splash on the recruiting trail. The Vols already have 12 commitments.

Here's a look at our May recruiting scorecard:

ALABAMA

2014 verbal commitments: 6

Spotlight: Bo Scarbrough of Tuscaloosa, Ala., has been committed since last September. He's ranked as the No. 2 athlete nationally, but plays running back for his high school. The 6-2, 220-pound Scarbrough is a good enough athlete that he could also get a look on defense in college.

ESPN 150 members: 3 (Scarbrough, ILB Shaun Dion Hamilton of Montgomery, Ala., CB Kalvaraz Bessent of Kingsland, Ga.)

Key targets: Running back Leonard Fournette of New Orleans is the No. 1 player overall in the ESPN 150, and the Tide would also love to have five-star offensive tackle Cameron Robinson of West Monroe, La., as well as the country's No. 1 receiver, Ermon Lane of Homestead, Fla., and the country's No. 3 defensive end, Lorenzo Carter of Norcross, Ga.

ARKANSAS

2014 verbal commitments: 4

Spotlight: Defensive tackle Bijhon Jackson of El Dorado, Ark., is the top player in the state and ranked as the No. 5 defensive tackle nationally. The 6-2, 334-pound Jackson had a strong showing in January at the U.S. Army National Combine.

ESPN 150 members: 1 (Jackson)

Key targets: Defensive tackle Josh Frazier of Springdale, Ark., is being pursued by all the heavyweights, including Alabama, Georgia, Texas A&M and USC. ESPN 150 prospect Garrald McDowell of Covington, La., is another defensive tackle at the top of the Hogs' board.

AUBURN

2014 verbal commitments: 5

Spotlight: Linebacker Tre' Williams of Mobile, Ala., committed earlier this week and was a huge get for Gus Malzahn and the Tigers. He's ranked as the No. 5 inside linebacker nationally and was also being heavily recruited by Alabama. It's imperative that Auburn have some success in the Mobile area.

ESPN 150 members: 1 (Williams)

Key targets: ESPN 150 defensive end Justin Thornton of Prichard, Ala., is set to make his decision on Sunday. Auburn is one of three finalists, along with LSU and Texas A&M.

FLORIDA

2014 verbal commitments: 9

Spotlight: Running back Dalvin Cook of Miami has breakaway speed and is one of the more explosive athletes in this class. He's ranked No. 20 overall in the ESPN 150 and as the No. 4 running back in the country.

ESPN 150 members: 4 (Cook, QB Will Grier of Davidson, N.C.; OLB Christian Miller of Columbia, S.C.; DT Anthony Moten of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Key targets: Offensive tackle David Sharpe of Jacksonville, Fla., is right there at the top of the Gators' list. He's ranked as the No. 2 tackle nationally and is also strongly considering Georgia. Receiver Johnnie Dixon of Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., would fill a pressing need on offense. Dixon is ranked as the No. 4 receiver nationally.

GEORGIA

2014 verbal commitments: 5

Spotlight: The Bulldogs were able to wrestle away running back Sony Michel of Plantation, Fla., away from Miami. The 5-11, 194-pound Michel is an every-down back who can do it all. He's ranked No. 16 overall in the ESPN 150.

ESPN 150 members: 2 (Michel; TE Jeb Blazevich of Charlotte, N.C.)

Key targets: Five-star defensive tackle Lamont Gaillard of Fayetteville, N.C., has the Bulldogs at the top of his list along with Miami. He's ranked as the No. 2 defensive tackle nationally. Georgia will battle with Alabama for ESPN 150 defensive end Lorenzo Carter of Norcross, Ga. Carter is the No. 2 player in the state and the No. 3 defensive end nationally.

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Recruiting pitches: SEC

May, 10, 2013
May 10
10:19
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Inspired by Florida's "#ComePlayWRFortheJoker" campaign, our recruiting writers looked at other ways schools can sell themselves on the trail. Here's a look at recruiting pitches for the SEC:

Alabama Crimson Tide
What they are selling:
What's not to sell? Alabama is coming off back-to-back national championships, and the Crimson Tide had nine players taken in April's NFL draft, including three in the first round. For the critics who say you won't play early at UA, ask T.J. Yeldon and Amari Cooper how much they contributed as freshmen.

What they are missing: Although they won a national championship, the Tide didn't generate much pass rush last fall, and they had trouble containing freshman sensation Johnny Manziel. Also, they need to rebuild the offensive line, a unit that anchored the offense last year.

Arkansas Razorbacks
What they are selling:
New head coach Bret Bielema runs a completely different offensive system than the previous two Arkansas coaches. The Razorbacks are selling an opportunity for freshmen to come in and earn playing time early in their careers.

What they are missing: The Razorbacks signed only one offensive lineman, Denver Kirkland, who was rated a four-star prospect or higher last year. In this run-heavy system, look for Arkansas to focus on landing talented players along the offensive line.

Auburn Tigers
What they are selling:
It's a new regime for Auburn, but there's a familiar face running the show. New head coach Gus Malzahn knows the program from his days as offensive coordinator. He's already shown the ability to recruit, stealing ESPN 150 linebacker Tre Williams away from the Tide. There's a sense of excitement on The Plains again.

What they are missing: Malzahn filled out his first recruiting class with playmakers, but Auburn needs to build up front on the offensive and defensive lines. No matter what offense you run, if you want to win in the SEC, you need to be able to compete up in the trenches.

Florida Gators
What they are selling:
With no proven wide receivers on the perimeter, Florida is attempting to sell early playing time at the position. A chance to play for one of the best defensive minds in college football in Will Muschamp is another selling point to defensive prospects.

What they are missing: Production on offense. After finishing 114th nationally in passing offense, it will be hard to sell playing time to wide receivers without an explosive passing game in place.

Georgia Bulldogs
What they are selling:
Freshmen, if they're good enough, play early at Georgia. From running backs Todd Gurley and Keith Marshall to offensive tackle John Theus to defensive end Jordan Jenkins, several freshmen Bulldogs made major contributions on a team that was a few yards away from making the national championship game.

What they are missing: Georgia has brought in four top-12 recruiting classes in the last four years. Depth might become an issue for some recruits, but Georgia has certainly shown a willingness to play younger players.

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Alabama tops SEC in revenue

May, 8, 2013
May 8
4:30
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Alabama's athletic department led the SEC in revenue produced in 2012 and was fourth nationally, according to a USA Today report.

Alabama took in $124,899,945 in revenue and spent $108,204,867 for a subsidy of $5,461,200.

Texas was No. 1 nationally with $163,295,115 in total revenue.

Six of the top 12 schools in total revenue were from the SEC. Alabama, Florida, Texas A&M, LSU, Auburn and Tennessee were all over $100 million in revenue.

Below is a breakdown. The national rank is in parentheses:

(4.) Alabama: $124,899,945 in revenue; $108,204,867 in expenses

(5.) Florida: $120,772,106 in revenue; $105,102,198 in expenses

(6.) Texas A&M: $119,702,222 in revenue; $81,792,118 in expenses

(7.) LSU: $114,787,786 in revenue; $101,989,116 in expenses

(10.) Auburn: $105,951,251 in revenue; $96,315,831 in expenses

(12.) Tennessee: $102,884,286 in revenue; $101,292,015 in expenses

(14.) Arkansas: $99,757,482 in revenue; $82,470,473 in expenses

(18.) Georgia: $91,670,613 in revenue; $88,923,561 in expenses

(19.) Kentucky: $88,373,452 in revenue; $84,929,819 in expenses

(21.) South Carolina: $87,608,352 in revenue; $84,963,037 in expenses

(38.) Mississippi State: $69,828,880 in revenue; $67,926,160 in expenses

(51.) Ole Miss: $51,858,993 in revenue; $51,708,064 in expenses

(52.) Missouri: $50,719,665 in revenue; $66,980,889 in expenses


Holding more than 40 offers, running back Joe Mixon (Oakley, Calif./Freedom) is arguably the most sought-after recruit in the West region. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound, four-star back is the top running back in the West and the No. 135 player in the country. His offer sheet has seemingly grown by the minute this spring, but he isn't in any hurry to narrow it down.

Despite tweeting out a list of 16 programs several weeks ago, Mixon said Sunday that he only did that to highlight the schools recruiting him the hardest, not anything to be taken as a group of finalists.

"I'm still talking to a lot of people," Mixon said. "The recruiting thing has been crazy the past couple of weeks. I've pretty much been taking it well. I talk to them before school, during lunch and after school. I'm not to the stressful part yet, but the hard part has been staying in contact with everybody."


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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Since the conclusion of spring practice, the University of Alabama coaching staff has been busy hitting the road, evaluating recruits. No coach has compiled more miles than offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier.

Nussmeier, the Crimson Tide’s quarterback guru, has already seen three prospects this week. After checking in on DeShone Kizer (Toledo, Ohio/Central Catholic) on Tuesday, he made a stop in Norman, Okla., on Wednesday to watch David Cornwell, the nation’s No. 1 pocket passer.


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