Alabama Crimson Tide: Baylor Bears
TYLER, Texas -- ESPN 150 athlete Davion Hall (Texarkana, Texas/Liberty Eylau) committed to Baylor on Feb. 2 and still has plans of putting on the green and gold.
But in the back of his head, ever since late last week, the idea of putting on Alabama crimson and white has been something to consider. After picking up an offer from the Crimson Tide, Hall said while his commitment to Baylor is still solid, he’s got a lot to think about.
But in the back of his head, ever since late last week, the idea of putting on Alabama crimson and white has been something to consider. After picking up an offer from the Crimson Tide, Hall said while his commitment to Baylor is still solid, he’s got a lot to think about.
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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?
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."
Q&A: 4-star prospect Martin deciding soon 
May, 15, 2013
May 15
1:00
PM ET
By
William Wilkerson | ESPN.com
AUSTIN, Texas -- Versatility is a trait widely admired by college programs, but one that doesn’t always come in the form of someone 6-foot-6 and 247 pounds.
Koda Martin’s size alone makes him an attractive prospect, but couple it with his ability to play on either side of the ball and it’s easy to see why the four-star recruit from Manvel, Texas, has close to 20 offers.
Martin, who is rated as the No. 21 offensive tackle and No. 43 player in the state of Texas, was in Austin on Saturday to get a better feel for one of those schools that offered him.
We caught up with Martin at the Texas State track and field meet to see how everything went with the visit with Texas, and where he stands overall.
Koda Martin’s size alone makes him an attractive prospect, but couple it with his ability to play on either side of the ball and it’s easy to see why the four-star recruit from Manvel, Texas, has close to 20 offers.
Martin, who is rated as the No. 21 offensive tackle and No. 43 player in the state of Texas, was in Austin on Saturday to get a better feel for one of those schools that offered him.
We caught up with Martin at the Texas State track and field meet to see how everything went with the visit with Texas, and where he stands overall.
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Recruiting has steadily picked up for four-star quarterback Brandon Harris (Bossier City, La./Parkway), and that trend continued Monday.
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MANVEL, Texas — On the wall across the Manvel (Texas) High School locker room and weight room, there is a poster with the words "Hoka Hey."
Though the term's original meaning was "It's a good day to die," when Crazy Horse let the Sioux to a victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, around Manvel High, it takes on a much more amiable meaning. Specifically, it's used to symbolize teamwork. At the top of the poster are the words "Hoka Hey = Play Unselfish."
Though the term's original meaning was "It's a good day to die," when Crazy Horse let the Sioux to a victory at the Battle of Little Bighorn in 1876, around Manvel High, it takes on a much more amiable meaning. Specifically, it's used to symbolize teamwork. At the top of the poster are the words "Hoka Hey = Play Unselfish."
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#BlueChipBattles: ESPN 150 release edition
April, 19, 2013
Apr 19
12:49
PM ET
By RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
Student Sports, ESPN, ESPNSpeedy Noil, Adoree Jackson and Da'Shawn Hand are three of the most coveted recruits in the Class of 2014.
: RecruitingNation summoned its writers from around the country to outline the recruiting battles for the ESPN 150's top 10 prospects.
Plus, rank the battles in SportsNation.
#TopFBMixtapes: Athlete mixtapes are all the rage in this highlight-crazed era of sports. We reached out to our Twitter followers to find out which 2014 football stars had the best highlight reels on YouTube, then had our staff rank and comment on the top submissions.
Tom Luginbill writes
: After talking to many coaches across the country and hearing their frustrations, here are their five biggest complaints about homemade highlight videos.Lessons Learned: Orlando NFTC
March, 18, 2013
Mar 18
12:47
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By Derek Tyson & Kipp Adams | ESPN.com
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The 2013 Nike Football Training Camp tour continued in Orlando on Saturday as several top players from the Central Florida area showcased their skills at West Orange High School. There were individual standouts at every position as well as several players who put themselves on the map with impressive performances.
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Watch List TE to take in Bama spring game
March, 4, 2013
Mar 4
6:52
PM ET
By
Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Many high-profile recruits will say they like to do their talking on the field, rather than off it, but few carry out that practice as well as Tyler Luatua (La Mirada, Calif./La Mirada). The physically-gifted 6-foot-4, 230-pound tight end would seemingly rather take a blindside hit from a safety than a softball question from the media, though it has far more to do with his quiet, understated nature than any desire to keep his distance from anybody.
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Q&A: OT Jovan Pruitt likes four early
February, 27, 2013
Feb 27
10:30
AM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
When the talk about Dallas Bishop Dunne started for the Class of 2014, it all stemmed around ESPN Watch List cornerback Nick Watkins.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- On Saturday, the University of Alabama hosted a junior day, but the Crimson Tide’s lone commitment came from a sophomore defensive back.
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Watch List TE Martin gains big SEC offer
February, 23, 2013
Feb 23
7:37
PM ET
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
The trek from Manvel, Texas to Tuscaloosa, Ala., is roughly nine hours.
On Friday, ESPN Watch List tight end Koda Martin and his father, Manvel (Texas) High School head coach Kirk Martin, made that journey -- with a stop in Baton Rouge, La., added in for good measure -- so that Koda could attend Alabama junior day on Saturday.
On Friday, ESPN Watch List tight end Koda Martin and his father, Manvel (Texas) High School head coach Kirk Martin, made that journey -- with a stop in Baton Rouge, La., added in for good measure -- so that Koda could attend Alabama junior day on Saturday.
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Healthy RB Perine impresses at combine
January, 4, 2013
Jan 4
11:01
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
SAN ANTONIO -- ESPN Watch List running back Samaje Perine (Pflugerville, Texas/Hendrickson) was the talk of the U.S. Army National Combine. A shade under 5-foot-11 and now at a muscular 224 pounds, Perine is bigger and tougher to tackle.
He’s also healthy. That’s the most important thing. After an injury to his left knee that he once thought was career-threatening, Perine now not only is at full speed but also is one of the most intriguing and dangerous 2014 backs in Texas.
Perine showed his skills Friday at the U.S. Army National Combine at the Alamodome. It was his first combine since the injury, which occurred in November of 2011.
He’s also healthy. That’s the most important thing. After an injury to his left knee that he once thought was career-threatening, Perine now not only is at full speed but also is one of the most intriguing and dangerous 2014 backs in Texas.
Perine showed his skills Friday at the U.S. Army National Combine at the Alamodome. It was his first combine since the injury, which occurred in November of 2011.
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Two on top early for 2015 RB Anderson
December, 16, 2012
12/16/12
10:09
PM ET
By
Max Olson | ESPN.com
Katy (Texas) High School 2015 running back Rodney Anderson has no qualms with taking a backseat on his team this season. He knows his time is coming.
Adam Taylor might be the Tigers’ feature back, but Anderson has rushed for 900 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Not bad for a sophomore.
And Anderson is already drawing plenty of attention from colleges thus far. While he’s yet to pick up his first offer, some big programs have shown they’re interested.
Adam Taylor might be the Tigers’ feature back, but Anderson has rushed for 900 yards and 16 touchdowns this season. Not bad for a sophomore.
And Anderson is already drawing plenty of attention from colleges thus far. While he’s yet to pick up his first offer, some big programs have shown they’re interested.
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#BlueChipBattles: Nov. 30
November, 30, 2012
11/30/12
2:19
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comCarl Lawson, Dee Linerand Reuben Foster are still committed to Auburn, but the Tigers' coaching situation could change things for the three ESPN 150 recruits.Auburn bid farewell to head coach Gene Chizik on Sunday. Could the Tigers also be saying goodbye to a trio of ESPN 150 recruits who could take their talents elsewhere?
Each week, RecruitingNation summons its writers from around the country to compile a list of the top 10 battles for elite football recruits leading up to February's signing day.
Here are this week's top battles
, and you can take a shot at ranking the top 10 recruiting battles on SportsNation.2014 S John Bonney talks LSU offer
November, 16, 2012
11/16/12
3:21
PM ET
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
Before this season, Houston Lamar safety John Bonney already possessed an offer from his father's alma mater, Houston. This week, the 2014 prospect received one from his mother's, LSU.
The six-foot, 175-pound rising star got the news of the LSU offer on Thursday from his head coach at Lamar, Tom Nolen. It was met with excitement from Bonney, who came into the season with offers from Baylor, Houston and SMU.
"I was kind of surprised at first," Bonney said. "I didn't expect anything coming but it was pretty good and I was happy. It's great."
The six-foot, 175-pound rising star got the news of the LSU offer on Thursday from his head coach at Lamar, Tom Nolen. It was met with excitement from Bonney, who came into the season with offers from Baylor, Houston and SMU.
"I was kind of surprised at first," Bonney said. "I didn't expect anything coming but it was pretty good and I was happy. It's great."
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ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.