SEC fearless predictions for 2012
August, 27, 2012
8/27/12
10:30
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff and
Chris Low | ESPN.com
We all know that there is more to football than just big dudes smashing into each other.
Sure, they provide most of the entertainment, but you can't have a college football season without some fearless predictions to start the year off with. Yes, us media folk are allowed a little fun and some of the attention.
Last year, fellow SEC blogger Chris Low and I split our predictions up, as we came up with 10 each that can be viewed here and here. This year, we're cleaning things up and creating just one list of 10 SEC predictions for the 2012 season.
We both had are share of hits and misses last year. I only got one of my 10 predictions correct when I said that Chris Rainey would score touchdowns three different ways. I crossed that off Week 1. Some I missed on were predicting that the Heisman trophy would stay in the SEC, Brandon Bolden finally getting 1,000 rushing yards, Zach Mettenberger having more touchdowns than Jarrett Lee and the SEC sending 10 teams bowling.
I was pretty close with my prediction that Morris Claiborne would lead the SEC in interceptions and Tyrann Mathieu would lead in defensive touchdowns. Claiborne was third with six, while Mathieu finished with four total touchdowns with two being defensive.
However, Chris showed his veteran ability and hit on seven of his 10. He really is a showoff. But he did whiff on Spencer Ware rushing for 1,200 yards. Ware only got 707 yards.
Enough of the walk down memory lane, here are our 10 fearless predictions for 2012:
Sure, they provide most of the entertainment, but you can't have a college football season without some fearless predictions to start the year off with. Yes, us media folk are allowed a little fun and some of the attention.
Last year, fellow SEC blogger Chris Low and I split our predictions up, as we came up with 10 each that can be viewed here and here. This year, we're cleaning things up and creating just one list of 10 SEC predictions for the 2012 season.
We both had are share of hits and misses last year. I only got one of my 10 predictions correct when I said that Chris Rainey would score touchdowns three different ways. I crossed that off Week 1. Some I missed on were predicting that the Heisman trophy would stay in the SEC, Brandon Bolden finally getting 1,000 rushing yards, Zach Mettenberger having more touchdowns than Jarrett Lee and the SEC sending 10 teams bowling.
I was pretty close with my prediction that Morris Claiborne would lead the SEC in interceptions and Tyrann Mathieu would lead in defensive touchdowns. Claiborne was third with six, while Mathieu finished with four total touchdowns with two being defensive.
However, Chris showed his veteran ability and hit on seven of his 10. He really is a showoff. But he did whiff on Spencer Ware rushing for 1,200 yards. Ware only got 707 yards.
Enough of the walk down memory lane, here are our 10 fearless predictions for 2012:
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 5 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
When Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in 2007, he changed the game for the Crimson Tide. The malaise around the program was wiped away as a new era at the University of Alabama began.
In five seasons guiding the Crimson Tide, Saban has built one of the most successful football programs in the country.
Here's a review of some of the things he's accomplished in five seasons:
When Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in 2007, he changed the game for the Crimson Tide. The malaise around the program was wiped away as a new era at the University of Alabama began.
In five seasons guiding the Crimson Tide, Saban has built one of the most successful football programs in the country.
Here's a review of some of the things he's accomplished in five seasons:
- One SEC championship
- Two BCS national championships
- Won four of five bowl games
- Won 50 games, lost 12 (five wins vacated in NCAA ruling)
- Won 29 SEC games, lost eight
- Averaged more than 30 points per game
- Surrendered fewer than 14 points per game
- Four consecutive seasons giving up 200 or fewer points in a season
- Produced 24 NFL draft picks, 11 coming in the first round
- Produced 18 first-team All-Americans
Team spotlight: McGill-Toolen, Northridge
August, 26, 2012
8/26/12
5:15
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The high school football season got underway this weekend in the state of Alabama, and although it was just a jamboree game, Saturday’s matchup between McGill-Toolen and Northridge featured two of the top teams in the state.
McGill-Toolen cruised to an easy 27-0 win, but the best player on the field was Northridge running back Bo Scarbrough. The 2014 prospect rushed for 98 yards on 10 carries in the first half alone.
McGill-Toolen High School
After Scarbrough broke the first carry of the game for 50 yards, McGill-Toolen’s defense clamped down. For a team known for its offensive weapons, it was the Yellow Jackets defense who looked most impressive on a Saturday night. Anchored by safety Jalen Square, an Arkansas State commitment, the defense made a series of big hits and didn’t miss hardly any tackles the whole game. The offense, led by Auburn commitment Jason Smith, had its moments. Smith looked nervous early but still finished 3-of-4 for 60 yards and a touchdown passing, and he added 55 yards on nine carries rushing. Listed as an athlete, Smith hopes to play quarterback at Auburn, but he looks more like a wide receiver or cornerback at the next level. His lone touchdown pass went to Arkansas State commitment Carl Lee for 14 yards. The offense will go as Smith goes, but the defense looked strong enough to carry McGill-Toolen to a solid season and a shot at a state title.
Northridge High School
All eyes were on Scarbrough on Saturday night. The junior running back, considered one of the top recruits nationally, is coming off a torn ACL and wanted to prove to everybody that he was healthy. On the first carry he took off around the right side for 50 yards, and it was clear he was back. After the opening run, he had nine carres for 48 yards, a solid performance but not spectacular. Scarbrough showed the strength and the nasty stiff arm at times but never really broke the big run he’s capable of. He missed a few plays in the second quarter after injuring his hand on a stiff arm to the opponent’s helmet. As long as he stays healthy, the Northride running back will be easily be one of the best backs in the state this year. Wide receiver James Cox, committed to Southern Miss., had a less than impressive day, but it looked more like an issue with the quarterback. If Northridge hopes to contend this year, it needs to give Scarbrough the ball early and often and get Cox more involved in the game.
McGill-Toolen cruised to an easy 27-0 win, but the best player on the field was Northridge running back Bo Scarbrough. The 2014 prospect rushed for 98 yards on 10 carries in the first half alone.
McGill-Toolen High School
After Scarbrough broke the first carry of the game for 50 yards, McGill-Toolen’s defense clamped down. For a team known for its offensive weapons, it was the Yellow Jackets defense who looked most impressive on a Saturday night. Anchored by safety Jalen Square, an Arkansas State commitment, the defense made a series of big hits and didn’t miss hardly any tackles the whole game. The offense, led by Auburn commitment Jason Smith, had its moments. Smith looked nervous early but still finished 3-of-4 for 60 yards and a touchdown passing, and he added 55 yards on nine carries rushing. Listed as an athlete, Smith hopes to play quarterback at Auburn, but he looks more like a wide receiver or cornerback at the next level. His lone touchdown pass went to Arkansas State commitment Carl Lee for 14 yards. The offense will go as Smith goes, but the defense looked strong enough to carry McGill-Toolen to a solid season and a shot at a state title.
Northridge High School
All eyes were on Scarbrough on Saturday night. The junior running back, considered one of the top recruits nationally, is coming off a torn ACL and wanted to prove to everybody that he was healthy. On the first carry he took off around the right side for 50 yards, and it was clear he was back. After the opening run, he had nine carres for 48 yards, a solid performance but not spectacular. Scarbrough showed the strength and the nasty stiff arm at times but never really broke the big run he’s capable of. He missed a few plays in the second quarter after injuring his hand on a stiff arm to the opponent’s helmet. As long as he stays healthy, the Northride running back will be easily be one of the best backs in the state this year. Wide receiver James Cox, committed to Southern Miss., had a less than impressive day, but it looked more like an issue with the quarterback. If Northridge hopes to contend this year, it needs to give Scarbrough the ball early and often and get Cox more involved in the game.
Bama, FSU look at 2016 TE Kaden Smith 
August, 26, 2012
8/26/12
4:10
PM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
Few 2016 football players can claim interest from a small college, let alone a high-major FBS program. Tight end Kaden Smith (Flower Mound, Texas/Marcus) has two FBS heavyweights already on his radar.
Smith, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound freshman, has yet to play a varsity down, but he already has had contact with Alabama and Florida State. Smith put his name out with nice summer-camp performances at both schools, and he is looking to make himself a household name in Texas high school football for the next four seasons.
Smith’s name circulated around the state on Friday after Marcus’ efforts in a scrimmage against nationally ranked Dallas Skyline. Against a Skyline unit with five FBS defensive commits – and seven FBS commits total – Smith had three catches for 30 yards and showed versatility as both a blocker and a pass-catching option. Marcus outscored Skyline, 10-7, in two live-scrimmage quarters.
Smith, a 6-foot-5, 230-pound freshman, has yet to play a varsity down, but he already has had contact with Alabama and Florida State. Smith put his name out with nice summer-camp performances at both schools, and he is looking to make himself a household name in Texas high school football for the next four seasons.
Smith’s name circulated around the state on Friday after Marcus’ efforts in a scrimmage against nationally ranked Dallas Skyline. Against a Skyline unit with five FBS defensive commits – and seven FBS commits total – Smith had three catches for 30 yards and showed versatility as both a blocker and a pass-catching option. Marcus outscored Skyline, 10-7, in two live-scrimmage quarters.
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From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 6 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
Who is HaHa? Until about a week ago, not many people knew how No. 6 Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix came to be known at HaHa.
"Just my real name Ha’Sean," he explained. "HaHa, my grandmother has been calling me that since I was a little kid, so just been a little kid thing."
But does he like it?
"I love it," he said. "Coach loves it. Everyone loves it, so HaHa, that’s what I go with."
His name might have been a mystery, but his talent has never been. The sophomore enters the 2012 season as a potential starter at safety, along with Vinnie Suneri.
At Alabama's media day, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart sized up the competition at safety.
“Anytime that you’ve got the back end of your defense, those are the areas that the rest of the world sees," Smart said. "You don’t see a guy mess up at front, you won’t see a linebacker mess up sometimes. When that guy on the back end messes up, and I know as I’ve played back there before, everyone knows your number, everyone knows your name. Those are usually the mistakes that cost you games. As far as those two positions, what you’re telling the corner to do, what you’re telling the linebacker to check to, they are very critical to our defense, and I couldn’t be happier with the two kids we’ve got. In terms of their intelligence level, ability, and Vinnie has done a great job adjusting to that role. He’s not Mark Barron and he’s not trying to be Mark Barron. He’s trying to be Vinnie, and he does that well. He calls us and makes some plays. Robert [Lester] is a very solid player for us and gets us lined up and understands this defense, through playing three or four years in this system, and he can help our defense.”
Who is HaHa? Until about a week ago, not many people knew how No. 6 Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix came to be known at HaHa.
"Just my real name Ha’Sean," he explained. "HaHa, my grandmother has been calling me that since I was a little kid, so just been a little kid thing."
But does he like it?
"I love it," he said. "Coach loves it. Everyone loves it, so HaHa, that’s what I go with."
His name might have been a mystery, but his talent has never been. The sophomore enters the 2012 season as a potential starter at safety, along with Vinnie Suneri.
At Alabama's media day, defensive coordinator Kirby Smart sized up the competition at safety.
“Anytime that you’ve got the back end of your defense, those are the areas that the rest of the world sees," Smart said. "You don’t see a guy mess up at front, you won’t see a linebacker mess up sometimes. When that guy on the back end messes up, and I know as I’ve played back there before, everyone knows your number, everyone knows your name. Those are usually the mistakes that cost you games. As far as those two positions, what you’re telling the corner to do, what you’re telling the linebacker to check to, they are very critical to our defense, and I couldn’t be happier with the two kids we’ve got. In terms of their intelligence level, ability, and Vinnie has done a great job adjusting to that role. He’s not Mark Barron and he’s not trying to be Mark Barron. He’s trying to be Vinnie, and he does that well. He calls us and makes some plays. Robert [Lester] is a very solid player for us and gets us lined up and understands this defense, through playing three or four years in this system, and he can help our defense.”
Video: Tide vs. U-M biggest early game
August, 26, 2012
8/26/12
1:42
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Kirk Herbstreit, Todd Blackledge and Scott Van Pelt look at some big early season match ups in college football.
Greg Bryant looking at four SEC schools
August, 25, 2012
8/25/12
5:46
PM ET
By
Corey Long | ESPN.com
ESPN 150 running back Greg Bryant (Delray Beach, Fla./American Heritage) says Alabama, Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina are the four schools he's looking at, and he has no leader.
"Alabama just began talking to me a little bit recently," Bryant said. "None of the programs have jumped out front right now."
The 5-10, 195-pound senior had tough sledding Saturday in a ESPN-televised game against Cocoa. Bryant rushed for 111 yards on 24 carries but struggled to break off any big runs.
"Alabama just began talking to me a little bit recently," Bryant said. "None of the programs have jumped out front right now."
The 5-10, 195-pound senior had tough sledding Saturday in a ESPN-televised game against Cocoa. Bryant rushed for 111 yards on 24 carries but struggled to break off any big runs.
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From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 7 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
There's a lot of speed on both sides of the ball at the University of Alabama, but there may not be a player on the team faster than No. 7 Kenny Bell. The wide receiver from Rayville, La., can get behind the defense in a hurry.
Last season, Bell had the highest yards per catch average (minimum 10 receptions) on the team at 15 yards a pop. He caught 17 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns in a reserve role.
With the top four pass-catchers gone from a season ago, it's Bell's turn to step up. The junior has had some nagging injuries in the fall but has not missed a single practice as he prepares for what could be a breakout season.
"All the receivers, we're just coming out there to get better," Bell said. "We're just competing with each other, pushing each other to make sure everybody comes out to work hard and show all their ability to play. All the receivers are like brothers to each other, we push each other, we get on each other and make sure everyone is working."
The group is fast, with burners like Christion Jones and DeAndrew White. Newcomer Cyrus Jones has shown good speed as well. Bell said there might be a race in the works to see who on the team is the fastest, but for now he's focused on being known for more than just one area of his game.
There's a lot of speed on both sides of the ball at the University of Alabama, but there may not be a player on the team faster than No. 7 Kenny Bell. The wide receiver from Rayville, La., can get behind the defense in a hurry.
Last season, Bell had the highest yards per catch average (minimum 10 receptions) on the team at 15 yards a pop. He caught 17 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns in a reserve role.
With the top four pass-catchers gone from a season ago, it's Bell's turn to step up. The junior has had some nagging injuries in the fall but has not missed a single practice as he prepares for what could be a breakout season.
"All the receivers, we're just coming out there to get better," Bell said. "We're just competing with each other, pushing each other to make sure everybody comes out to work hard and show all their ability to play. All the receivers are like brothers to each other, we push each other, we get on each other and make sure everyone is working."
The group is fast, with burners like Christion Jones and DeAndrew White. Newcomer Cyrus Jones has shown good speed as well. Bell said there might be a race in the works to see who on the team is the fastest, but for now he's focused on being known for more than just one area of his game.
"(Speed) is just an aspect I have," Bell said. "I'm very blessed to have speed, but I just don't want to be known as a speed guy. I want to be known as a receiver that's known all the way around, for great leadership, being a hard worker."
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Four-star DeMarcus Walker (Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood) announced his commitment to Alabama Friday afternoon on ESPNU, but the nation's No. 3-ranked defensive end said later in the day that his recruitment is far from over.
Walker said in an interview with TideNation's Greg Ostendorf despite his commitment to the Tide, he plans to take all five official visits to LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee and USC. Noticeably absent was Florida, a school that had been considered one of his leaders for the last several months.
Walker said on Friday after Sandalwood's preseason 29-27 victory over Orlando Evans that he still plans to unnofficially visit Florida this fall.
Walker said in an interview with TideNation's Greg Ostendorf despite his commitment to the Tide, he plans to take all five official visits to LSU, Auburn, Alabama, Tennessee and USC. Noticeably absent was Florida, a school that had been considered one of his leaders for the last several months.
Walker said on Friday after Sandalwood's preseason 29-27 victory over Orlando Evans that he still plans to unnofficially visit Florida this fall.
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The RecruitingNation crew breaks down how DeMarcus Walker improves Alabama's recruiting class.
Alabama added a big commitment Friday to their top five 2013 class as they gained a verbal from ESPN 150 defender DeMarcus Walker (Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood). The No. 3 rated defensive end is a versatile D-lineman with very good physical tools. Walker, who has slimmed down to 265 pounds for his senior season, said he is going to Tuscaloosa to play the Jack linebacker, but we feel he will likely fit better in the 5-technique role in Alabama’s scheme.
Walker is a good athlete for his size and could potentially play Jack, but has the tools to develop into a player who can be more like a Marcell Dareus than a Courtney Upshaw in the Crimson Tide's defense. Additionally, the Tide have a verbal from Jonathan Allen (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) the No. 5 rated D-end who better fits that Jack LB position.
With Walker, Alabama is getting a player who possesses very good short space quickness and with his size, continued size potential, and raw strength he can develop into a stout run defender who can not only occupy blocks, but also makes plays as well. He needs more polish, but is capable of being consistently disruptive as a pass rusher.
Walker's initial contribution could be limited some because he needs to keep developing his game and be more consistent in technique to maximize his abilities. However, he is a very good prospect with a lot of natural ability who can grow into a highly productive defensive lineman for the Crimson Tide's defense.
Walker is a good athlete for his size and could potentially play Jack, but has the tools to develop into a player who can be more like a Marcell Dareus than a Courtney Upshaw in the Crimson Tide's defense. Additionally, the Tide have a verbal from Jonathan Allen (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) the No. 5 rated D-end who better fits that Jack LB position.
With Walker, Alabama is getting a player who possesses very good short space quickness and with his size, continued size potential, and raw strength he can develop into a stout run defender who can not only occupy blocks, but also makes plays as well. He needs more polish, but is capable of being consistently disruptive as a pass rusher.
Walker's initial contribution could be limited some because he needs to keep developing his game and be more consistent in technique to maximize his abilities. However, he is a very good prospect with a lot of natural ability who can grow into a highly productive defensive lineman for the Crimson Tide's defense.
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Walker provides much-needed pass rusher
August, 24, 2012
8/24/12
5:38
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
It has been a rough summer for the University of Alabama on the recruiting trail. Top target Robert Nkemdiche, the nation's No. 1 overall player, committed to Clemson in June, and a month later, five-star linebacker Reuben Foster flipped to in-state rival Auburn.
But, with the season fast approaching, the Crimson Tide made a big splash on Friday when ESPN 150 defensive end DeMarcus Walker committed to UA.
If there were ever a consolation prize for Nkemdiche, Walker would be it. At 6-foot-4, 276 pounds, he has the ability to play with his hand down or standing up. Alabama likes him as a Jack linebacker, but hes also big enough to play the five-technique if needed.
More than anything, he gives the Tide a much-needed pass rusher off the edge.
When Walker told the UA coaching staff of his intentions, he said head coach Nick Saban said it was about time, referring to the fact that they needed a pass rusher in this class, and it's about time they got one.
Alabama already has a commitment from four-star defensive end/linebacker Jonathan Allen (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge), but he has the versatility to play either outside linebacker position at the next level.
Including Allen, only five of the Tides 18 commitments projected to play on the defensive side of the ball. From here on out, the rest of Alabama's class might fill up with a majority of defensive players, and Walker's commitment on Friday was a strong start.
With news that Auburn finished a close second for Walker, it will be interesting to see how his recruitment plays out, and if there will be another Tide-Tigers battle leading up to signing day.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama hit the practice fields for the next to last preseason practice before game week begins on Monday.
The Crimson Tide practiced under fair conditions: 90 degrees and clear skies.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
The Crimson Tide practiced under fair conditions: 90 degrees and clear skies.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
- For the fourth consecutive day Amari Cooper wore a black no-contact jersey and stayed on the stationary bike during practice. Nick Saban said the true freshman will return to practice on Monday.
- Eddie Lacy went full-go for the second straight day of practice. The junior running back sprained his knee and ankle during Saturday's scrimmage and spent a few days not participating in drills.
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Greg Ostendorf talks to 2014 cornerback Marlon Humphrey -- a target of Alabama and Georgia, among others -- about the upcoming season at Hoover (Ala.) and his latest in recruiting.
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down the days before Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 8 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
From the day Julio Jones stepped on campus and pulled a crimson No. 8 jersey over his 6-foot-4 frame, coaches and fans knew it wouldn't take long. The former No. 1 wide receiver from Foley, Ala., was an instant impact to an offense looking for a go-to target on offense.
In his first career game against Clemson he hauled in four catches for 28 yards and a touchdown. He would go on to set Alabama freshman records for receptions (58), receiving yards (924) and receiving touchdowns (4). He passed Ozzie Newsome for the receiving yards record (374) and A.C. Carter for receptions and touchdowns.
Jones would go on to break even more records in his three seasons at Alabama.
His 78 receptions and 1,133 in 2010 are school records for a single season. The future first-round pick finished in the top five of career touchdowns, receptions and yards in a career.
In his second season with the Atlanta Falcons, Jones is lighting up camp.
Watch: NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas is predicting a successful sophomore year for Julio Jones.
From the day Julio Jones stepped on campus and pulled a crimson No. 8 jersey over his 6-foot-4 frame, coaches and fans knew it wouldn't take long. The former No. 1 wide receiver from Foley, Ala., was an instant impact to an offense looking for a go-to target on offense.
In his first career game against Clemson he hauled in four catches for 28 yards and a touchdown. He would go on to set Alabama freshman records for receptions (58), receiving yards (924) and receiving touchdowns (4). He passed Ozzie Newsome for the receiving yards record (374) and A.C. Carter for receptions and touchdowns.
Jones would go on to break even more records in his three seasons at Alabama.
His 78 receptions and 1,133 in 2010 are school records for a single season. The future first-round pick finished in the top five of career touchdowns, receptions and yards in a career.
In his second season with the Atlanta Falcons, Jones is lighting up camp.
Watch: NFC South blogger Pat Yasinskas is predicting a successful sophomore year for Julio Jones.
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.