Alabama Crimson Tide: Oklahoma State Cowboys
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.”
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 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."
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.
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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Watch List DE Carter attracted to success 
April, 16, 2013
Apr 16
10:30
AM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
BUFORD, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List defensive end Lorenzo Carter (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) credits his blindingly pink socks and highlighter yellow shoelaces with helping him win the defensive lineman MVP award at the Atlanta NFTC on Saturday.
The award came with a brilliant gold dog tag that complemented his outfit. But what really caught Carter’s eye, and fashion sense, was the big gold box that he was handed that contained his invitation to The Opening.
The award came with a brilliant gold dog tag that complemented his outfit. But what really caught Carter’s eye, and fashion sense, was the big gold box that he was handed that contained his invitation to The Opening.
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IRVING, Texas -- Oklahoma is waiting on a decision from top quarterback target Justice Hansen. So is Foster Sawyer.
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ALLEN, Texas -- Some recruits have been all over the country and have taken visits to all their top schools. But ESPN Watch List defensive end Deondre Clark (Oklahoma City/Douglass) isn't one of them.
Clark hasn't ventured far from Oklahoma this year, and that won't change anytime soon. But he definitely will look at schools outside the state.
Clark hasn't ventured far from Oklahoma this year, and that won't change anytime soon. But he definitely will look at schools outside the state.
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2014 ATH Clark visits in-state schools
March, 15, 2013
Mar 15
1:02
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
CALERA, Ala. -- Interest in 2014 athlete Ronnie Clark continues to pick up. The latest schools to offer include Kentucky, Oklahoma State and Wisconsin, and even he admits that he was a little surprised when he found out the Badgers had offered a scholarship.
However, the only schools Clark has found time to visit are still the two in-state schools.
However, the only schools Clark has found time to visit are still the two in-state schools.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- ESPN Watch List wide receiver Demarre Kitt (Tyrone, Ga./Sandy Creek) recently cut his mammoth offer list down to a top-15 group of schools that he will consider.
“It got crazy at one point with almost everybody that offered me trying to talk to me,” Kitt said. “So I had to cut my list down to 15 schools. After spring practice I will cut it down to eight or 10. At the end of summer I will do five and then go from there.”
“It got crazy at one point with almost everybody that offered me trying to talk to me,” Kitt said. “So I had to cut my list down to 15 schools. After spring practice I will cut it down to eight or 10. At the end of summer I will do five and then go from there.”
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OKPreps 14 for '14: QB David Cornwell
February, 26, 2013
Feb 26
11:59
AM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Is the Class of 2014 crop of in-state talent the best Oklahoma has seen since 2006? With six recruits in the ESPN Watch List, it’s shaping up to be a busy recruiting year in the Sooner State. For the next three weeks, SoonerNation is going to profile the OKPreps’ 14 for ’14: a look at some of the top names and where they stand with OU.
Watch List QB David Cornwell (Norman, Okla./North, 6-5, 215)
2012 stats (at Jones, Okla.): 191-of-338 for 2,742 yards with 27 touchdowns, 8 interceptions. 128 rushes for 755 yards, 6 touchdowns.
Watch List QB David Cornwell (Norman, Okla./North, 6-5, 215)
2012 stats (at Jones, Okla.): 191-of-338 for 2,742 yards with 27 touchdowns, 8 interceptions. 128 rushes for 755 yards, 6 touchdowns.
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Georgia offers top 2014 defensive end
January, 12, 2013
Jan 12
1:42
PM ET
By
Radi Nabulsi | ESPN.com
With just a few remaining targets for the class of 2013, the Georgia Bulldogs’ coaching staff is spending some valuable time January recruiting time focusing on the next batch of prospects.
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Tide leads Way-Too-Early Top 25
January, 8, 2013
Jan 8
1:20
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Streeter Lecka/Getty ImagesAlabama, with three of the past four national titles, is No. 1 in the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.There's still seven months before the start of the 2013 season, and the teams and their order figure to change frequently, but it's never too early to take a look at the Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2013.
And with three national championships in the past four years, there's no reason to change the team that's on top.
Also see:
2014 QB Cornwell with plenty of options
January, 6, 2013
Jan 6
4:00
PM ET
By
Bob Przybylo | ESPN.com
Quarterback David Cornwell (Jones, Okla./Jones) came out of nowhere to have an exceptional junior season and is now unquestionably one of the top in-state prospects for the Class of 2014.
Problem is, though, neither Oklahoma nor in-state power Oklahoma State have shown much interest. Cornwell camped at OU and had good contact with former OSU quarterbacks coach Todd Monken.
With Monken’s departure to become the Southern Mississippi head coach combined with little interest from OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel thus far, right now it looks like one of the state’s best prospects will have to look elsewhere.
Problem is, though, neither Oklahoma nor in-state power Oklahoma State have shown much interest. Cornwell camped at OU and had good contact with former OSU quarterbacks coach Todd Monken.
With Monken’s departure to become the Southern Mississippi head coach combined with little interest from OU quarterbacks coach Josh Heupel thus far, right now it looks like one of the state’s best prospects will have to look elsewhere.
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#BlueChipBattles: Dec. 21
December, 21, 2012
12/21/12
5:29
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN.comReuben Foster (center) is torn between good friends Dee Liner (left) and Tray Matthews (right).No. 1 ILB Reuben Foster has voiced his desire to play with at least one of his SEC-bound friends next season. But will he follow Tray Matthews to Georgia or hook up with Dee Liner wherever the ESPN 150 DL settles? It remains to be seen, but the mystery surrounding his recruitment keeps Foster at the top of our #BlueChipBattles.
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.QB Luke Del Rio to walk on at Alabama
December, 15, 2012
12/15/12
12:57
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Despite a scholarship offer from Oregon State, Elite 11 quarterback Luke Del Rio (Highlands Ranch, Colo./Valor Christian) has decided to walk on at the University of Alabama. He was previously committed to Oklahoma State.
“I was never going to make a decision just based on if I had a scholarship from that school or not,” Del Rio said. “Obviously, you want to be wanted, and I felt wanted at Alabama. I’m not afraid to work to earn a scholarship. That’s never been a big deal for me. I trust my work ethic, and I feel like I could be able to earn one, eventually.
“It really just came down to what’s the best fit for me. Both of those schools are very similar, Oregon State and Alabama. Both have great coaches, very stable programs. One of the deciding factors was Alabama’s in the South. I’m by my sister. I’m originally from the South. I lived in Jacksonville for the past 10 years, so that was really big. And I know a lot of people who go to Alabama. I just felt more comfortable coming to Alabama.”
“I was never going to make a decision just based on if I had a scholarship from that school or not,” Del Rio said. “Obviously, you want to be wanted, and I felt wanted at Alabama. I’m not afraid to work to earn a scholarship. That’s never been a big deal for me. I trust my work ethic, and I feel like I could be able to earn one, eventually.
“It really just came down to what’s the best fit for me. Both of those schools are very similar, Oregon State and Alabama. Both have great coaches, very stable programs. One of the deciding factors was Alabama’s in the South. I’m by my sister. I’m originally from the South. I lived in Jacksonville for the past 10 years, so that was really big. And I know a lot of people who go to Alabama. I just felt more comfortable coming to Alabama.”
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Texas tops in football profit, revenue
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
4:24
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
The University of Texas football program in 2011-12 generated the most revenue and highest profit among all programs, but the rest of the top 10 saw some changes. Michigan football replaced Penn State in second place with $14.8 million more in profits than in 2010-11.
Click through for the top 10 and the story from Kristi Dosh of ESPN Playbook.
Click through for the top 10 and the story from Kristi Dosh of ESPN Playbook.
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.