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.
Notes: Mixing and matching on defense
August, 23, 2012
8/23/12
10:03
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Like a high school athlete who is good at multiple sports and excellent at none, there's a temptation to do too much with young talent, to force the issue and create more problems than answers.
Such is the case at Alabama. The secondary is filled with mostly inexperienced players and it has caused the coaching staff to look at their roster and push the limits, to see how many positions for one player is too much.
"Where guys get into the complicated issues is, when they’re young players, and you try to teach them corner and star, or you try to teach them safety and money," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.
"Some of our younger players this year are in a situation because we don’t have a lot of depth in the secondary, where we’re having to do that with some of them. That probably makes it a more difficult learning curve."
Such is the case at Alabama. The secondary is filled with mostly inexperienced players and it has caused the coaching staff to look at their roster and push the limits, to see how many positions for one player is too much.
"Where guys get into the complicated issues is, when they’re young players, and you try to teach them corner and star, or you try to teach them safety and money," Alabama coach Nick Saban said.
"Some of our younger players this year are in a situation because we don’t have a lot of depth in the secondary, where we’re having to do that with some of them. That probably makes it a more difficult learning curve."
First look at the 2013 NFL class: Offense
August, 23, 2012
8/23/12
5:54
PM ET
By TideNation staff | ESPN.com
Scouts Inc. has started to rank players for the 2013 draft, and today they launched the offensive rankings. Several Alabama players were featured in the release, including some juniors that were ranked highly at their respective positions.
At running back: Junior Eddie Lacy hasn't been a featured back yet, but scouts still like his skill set so much so that they ranked him as the fourth-best draftable prospect at the position. He was listed as a top-three back in terms of power and balance, behind only LSU's Spencer Ware.
At tight end: Senior Michael Williams could jump up in the rankings with a better season offensively, but so far scouts like his blocking. The 6-foot-6 product of Reform, Ala., was listed as the No. 1 blocking tight end among draftable players at the position.
At running back: Junior Eddie Lacy hasn't been a featured back yet, but scouts still like his skill set so much so that they ranked him as the fourth-best draftable prospect at the position. He was listed as a top-three back in terms of power and balance, behind only LSU's Spencer Ware.
At tight end: Senior Michael Williams could jump up in the rankings with a better season offensively, but so far scouts like his blocking. The 6-foot-6 product of Reform, Ala., was listed as the No. 1 blocking tight end among draftable players at the position.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- University of Alabama football players laced up their cleats and went back to work for another day of practice on Thursday, the fifth practice remaining before the start of game week and preparation for the Michigan Wolverines.
The Crimson Tide practiced under mild conditions: clear skies and 90 degrees with low humidity.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
The Crimson Tide practiced under mild conditions: clear skies and 90 degrees with low humidity.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
- For the third consecutive day, Amari Cooper was regulated to the stationary bike. The true freshman wide receiver hurt his foot during Saturday's scrimmage and has worn a black no-contact jersey since.
- In a bit of good news for Alabama fans, running back Eddie Lacy participated in all of the drills during the media viewing period. He worked on his footwork, including some mild cutting. It's a good sign for his health after suffering a sprained ankle during Saturday's scrimmage.
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RB Bo Scarbrough primed for big season
August, 23, 2012
8/23/12
4:54
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The last time running back Bo Scarbrough was on the field for Tuscaloosa (Ala.) Northridge High School, he tore his ACL in a game against Hillcrest, ending his sophomore season before the playoffs. It was the second year in a row that an injury cut his season short.
After rehabbing all spring and all summer, Scarbrough is ready to get back on the field, and what better stage than to do it against Class 6A powerhouse McGill-Toolen in Montgomery on Saturday night.
“That’s a real big game for me,” Scarbrough said. “With me being hurt two years in a row and coming off an ACL injury, I’m ready to get back on the field. My knee feels like it’s never been torn before, so I’m going to treat it just like that.
After rehabbing all spring and all summer, Scarbrough is ready to get back on the field, and what better stage than to do it against Class 6A powerhouse McGill-Toolen in Montgomery on Saturday night.
“That’s a real big game for me,” Scarbrough said. “With me being hurt two years in a row and coming off an ACL injury, I’m ready to get back on the field. My knee feels like it’s never been torn before, so I’m going to treat it just like that.
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College Football podcast: SEC preview
August, 23, 2012
8/23/12
3:38
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Ivan Maisel previews the SEC with ESPN.com's Edward Aschoff and Chris Low on the ESPNU College Football Podcast. Listen here 
ESPNU: Forecasting the SEC
August, 23, 2012
8/23/12
11:10
AM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPNU looks at which team will win the SEC in 2012. Matt Stinchcomb has Alabama beating Georgia in the SEC championship game, while Tom Luginbill has the Tide defeating a surprising Florida squad in Atlanta.
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.