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. 20 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
If there was one area where the Alabama defense was less than stellar at last season, it was at creating turnovers. The Crimson Tide forced just 20 turnovers in 2011-12, coming in as the 77th best team in the country.
Alabama was able to intercept 13 passes and recover seven fumbles on the year.
Here's a glimpse of how the defense stacked up nationally in other categories:
If there was one area where the Alabama defense was less than stellar at last season, it was at creating turnovers. The Crimson Tide forced just 20 turnovers in 2011-12, coming in as the 77th best team in the country.
Alabama was able to intercept 13 passes and recover seven fumbles on the year.
Here's a glimpse of how the defense stacked up nationally in other categories:
- Sacks: No. 30 with 30
- Interceptions: No. 41 with 14
- Scoring defense: No. 1 at 8.8 ppg
- Total defense: No. 1 at 191.3 ypg
- Passing defense: No. 1 with 1,396 total yards allowed
- Rushing defense: No. 1 with 899 total yards allowed
Defense in flux after injury, departure
August, 11, 2012
8/11/12
7:46
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama secondary looked a lot different only a few days ago.
Coach Nick Saban announced on Saturday afternoon that cornerback Jarrick Williams will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. The news comes on the heels of fellow cornerback Travell Dixon deciding to leave the program on Friday for family and personal reasons.
"Jarrick was a core special teams player for us," Saban said following Saturday's scrimmage. "[He was] doing as good a job because he has a better understanding now of getting better and being able to execute in the secondary.
"[He] was probably going to be a role player and a solid backup there for us."
While the core of the secondary remains intact, the loss of two key reserves hurts a unit already undergoing a serious facelift this offseason. Three-quarters of the secondary must be replaced from a year ago, and only a handful of experienced players are in position to take the reins.
"We're going to have some young guys in the secondary who are going to have to be backup players and they're probably going to have to have some roles," Saban explained.
Coach Nick Saban announced on Saturday afternoon that cornerback Jarrick Williams will miss the remainder of the season with a torn ACL. The news comes on the heels of fellow cornerback Travell Dixon deciding to leave the program on Friday for family and personal reasons.
"Jarrick was a core special teams player for us," Saban said following Saturday's scrimmage. "[He was] doing as good a job because he has a better understanding now of getting better and being able to execute in the secondary.
"[He] was probably going to be a role player and a solid backup there for us."
While the core of the secondary remains intact, the loss of two key reserves hurts a unit already undergoing a serious facelift this offseason. Three-quarters of the secondary must be replaced from a year ago, and only a handful of experienced players are in position to take the reins.
"We're going to have some young guys in the secondary who are going to have to be backup players and they're probably going to have to have some roles," Saban explained.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama headed to Bryant-Denny Stadium for the second time during preseason camp on Saturday. The Crimson Tide wore full pads under partly cloudy skies for the first official scrimmage since April.
As reported earlier in the week, true freshman receiver Chris Black is out for 3-4 months with a shoulder injury that will require surgery. He was not at practice.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period:
As reported earlier in the week, true freshman receiver Chris Black is out for 3-4 months with a shoulder injury that will require surgery. He was not at practice.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period:
- With Black out, it looks like Cyrus Jones is making a move. The No. 4 athlete in the ESPN 150 last season has seemed more comfortable at receiver with each passing day. He's flashed good hands and is a natural at catching the ball and getting up field in a hurry.
- Jones was with the fourth grouping of receivers on Saturday. Kevin Norwood and DeAndrew White went first, followed by Kenny Bell and Amari Cooper, then Christion Jones and Marvin Shinn.
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The fact that 2014 cornerback Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) received an offer from Texas last week came as no shock to most recruitniks.
To Brown, though, that offer meant a great deal.
“Texas doesn’t usually offer this early, so I was surprised at first,” he said. “That’s a big offer and they’re definitely going to be one of the top schools for me. I grew up born and raised in Texas, so I was real happy about that offer.”
To Brown, though, that offer meant a great deal.
“Texas doesn’t usually offer this early, so I was surprised at first,” he said. “That’s a big offer and they’re definitely going to be one of the top schools for me. I grew up born and raised in Texas, so I was real happy about that offer.”
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Shaun Nixon getting Bama, TCU interest 
August, 11, 2012
8/11/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Damon Sayles | ESPN.com
As 2014 running back Shaun Nixon (Austin, Texas/Lake Travis) prepares for the upcoming season, he’ll take the field with five offers – in addition to interest from two new schools.
Nixon said TCU and Alabama both have been in recent contact. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back has offers from Baylor, Texas A&M, SMU, Texas Tech and Clemson, but potential offers from TCU and Alabama could be game-changers in his recruiting process.
“Alabama is a great school for a running back,” Nixon said. “TCU is good for academics and football, and they’re going to the Big 12. The coaches told me don’t forget about them, and they hoped they were still in my picture.”
Nixon rushed for 1,250 yards and 15 touchdowns and also caught 27 passes for 350 yards and three touchdown passes as a sophomore. He assisted Lake Travis to its fifth consecutive state championship last season.
Nixon said TCU and Alabama both have been in recent contact. The 5-foot-10, 180-pound running back has offers from Baylor, Texas A&M, SMU, Texas Tech and Clemson, but potential offers from TCU and Alabama could be game-changers in his recruiting process.
“Alabama is a great school for a running back,” Nixon said. “TCU is good for academics and football, and they’re going to the Big 12. The coaches told me don’t forget about them, and they hoped they were still in my picture.”
Nixon rushed for 1,250 yards and 15 touchdowns and also caught 27 passes for 350 yards and three touchdown passes as a sophomore. He assisted Lake Travis to its fifth consecutive state championship last season.
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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. 21 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
Trent Richardson's 2011-12 season ranked as one of the best in school history. Had it not been for Robert Griffin III beating him out for the Heisman Trophy, it could have finished No. 1.
Even so, his 21 rushing touchdowns in 2011-12 rank as the most by a University of Alabama player in a single season. All told, he accounted for 24 touchdowns and 1,679 total yards of offense.
The Florida native will bear the bitter temperatures of Cleveland now, though, and the Crimson Tide are left to replace his production. Junior Eddie Lacy is the presumed starter and appears to be fully healed after offseason surgery on his foot. And Richardson's former backup is ready to continue the tradition of great running backs in Tuscaloosa.
"They set the standard pretty high, but it's not going to surpass their level," Lacy said. "It's just working on what you have to do and what you're good at doing and just going out and playing comfortable and doing what you're capable of doing."
Lacy won't be alone in the backfield. He's joined by Jalston Fowler, Dee Hart, and a pair of true freshmen tailbacks in T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake. Fowler averaged nearly 7 yards per carry last year and Yeldon wowed Tide fans with a 100-plus yard performance at A-Day in April.
With that many talented backs in one place, the competition has been intense, but friendly.
Trent Richardson's 2011-12 season ranked as one of the best in school history. Had it not been for Robert Griffin III beating him out for the Heisman Trophy, it could have finished No. 1.
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Matthew Emmons/US PresswireTrent Richardson rushed for more touchdowns last season than any player in Alabama history.
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireTrent Richardson rushed for more touchdowns last season than any player in Alabama history.The Florida native will bear the bitter temperatures of Cleveland now, though, and the Crimson Tide are left to replace his production. Junior Eddie Lacy is the presumed starter and appears to be fully healed after offseason surgery on his foot. And Richardson's former backup is ready to continue the tradition of great running backs in Tuscaloosa.
"They set the standard pretty high, but it's not going to surpass their level," Lacy said. "It's just working on what you have to do and what you're good at doing and just going out and playing comfortable and doing what you're capable of doing."
Lacy won't be alone in the backfield. He's joined by Jalston Fowler, Dee Hart, and a pair of true freshmen tailbacks in T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake. Fowler averaged nearly 7 yards per carry last year and Yeldon wowed Tide fans with a 100-plus yard performance at A-Day in April.
With that many talented backs in one place, the competition has been intense, but friendly.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama practiced with a sense of enthusiasm or a double-dip on Friday . The Crimson Tide went to work in full pads in the morning and switched to shells for a night workout.
As reported yesterday, freshman receiver Chris Black is out for 3-4 months with a shoulder injury that will require surgery.
Here are some notes and observations from both the morning and night media viewing periods.
As reported yesterday, freshman receiver Chris Black is out for 3-4 months with a shoulder injury that will require surgery.
Here are some notes and observations from both the morning and night media viewing periods.
- Eddie Williams changed positions for the first time this fall. The No. 2 athlete in the ESPN 150 last year switched from receiver to defensive back on Friday. It's a curious move less than 24 hours after news of Black's injury. Williams is likely to play at safety in the secondary. With good size, speed and overall athleticism, he fits the position well. Williams stayed with the defensive backs for the second practice at night. Looks like the experiment might continue for a while.
- News of junior college transfer Travell Dixon decision to leave the program was unexpected, but judging by past practices it shouldn't have been. The 6-foot-1 cornerback had seemingly lost ground on players like Dee Milliner, Deion Belue and Jon Fulton. And with so many talented freshman pushing for a look, it would have been difficult for Dixon to find a place to play.
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ESPN 100 star Tyler Roberson down to 10
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
5:32
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
ESPN 100 forward Tyler Roberson continued to see his stock rise after a strong summer, and he’s reached the next step in the recruiting process, narrowing his list to 10 schools.
The schools that made the cut: Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Rutgers, Seton Hall, SMU, South Carolina, Syracuse and Villanova.
“Because this is my top 10, from a basketball standpoint, all the schools would fit me,” Roberson said. “It basically comes down to how hard they’re recruiting me. That’s a major factor.
The schools that made the cut: Alabama, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Rutgers, Seton Hall, SMU, South Carolina, Syracuse and Villanova.
“Because this is my top 10, from a basketball standpoint, all the schools would fit me,” Roberson said. “It basically comes down to how hard they’re recruiting me. That’s a major factor.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Travell Dixon has decided to leave the University of Alabama for family reasons. The juco transfer from East Arizona Community College confirmed to TideNation his intent to transfer.
The 6-foot-1, 191-pound cornerback out of Miami, Fla., enrolled in January and was expected to compete for a spot in a secondary that lost three starters to the NFL. Alabama coach Nick Saban told reporters in late March that Dixon was moving around a lot on defense, playing multiple positions, and was experiencing what he called "a little overload."
“Travell Dixon has decided to leave the team for personal reasons,” Saban said in a news release. “We certainly hate to see any player leave our program, but we understand the situation and we wish him the best of luck in the future.”
The 6-foot-1, 191-pound cornerback out of Miami, Fla., enrolled in January and was expected to compete for a spot in a secondary that lost three starters to the NFL. Alabama coach Nick Saban told reporters in late March that Dixon was moving around a lot on defense, playing multiple positions, and was experiencing what he called "a little overload."
“Travell Dixon has decided to leave the team for personal reasons,” Saban said in a news release. “We certainly hate to see any player leave our program, but we understand the situation and we wish him the best of luck in the future.”
ESPN 150 DT Greg Gilmore nears decision
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
1:54
PM ET
By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Despite his earlier plans, prospect Greg Gilmore seems to be nearing in a decision.
The ESPN 150 defensive tackle said he might announce his college destination before his high school season begins Aug. 17. If not, he said a midseason announcement is likely. That's quite a change for Gilmore, who said previously he planned to announce his college decision after his senior season at Hope Mills (N.C.) South View.
Gilmore said the adjustment is for two reasons. First, he said a potential injury could affect his long list of scholarship offers. Second, he said his role in his offense might not yield many statistics, especially since he'll often be double or triple teamed. That could also affect coaches' opinions of him, he said.
The ESPN 150 defensive tackle said he might announce his college destination before his high school season begins Aug. 17. If not, he said a midseason announcement is likely. That's quite a change for Gilmore, who said previously he planned to announce his college decision after his senior season at Hope Mills (N.C.) South View.
Gilmore said the adjustment is for two reasons. First, he said a potential injury could affect his long list of scholarship offers. Second, he said his role in his offense might not yield many statistics, especially since he'll often be double or triple teamed. That could also affect coaches' opinions of him, he said.
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ESPN Insider Ryan McGee writes 
: Alabama will put its top-five ranking to the test right away. The Crimson Tide have a rough September schedule, with two of the most critical games of the month in all of college football.
: Alabama will put its top-five ranking to the test right away. The Crimson Tide have a rough September schedule, with two of the most critical games of the month in all of college football.Alabama WR Chris Black out 3-4 months
August, 10, 2012
8/10/12
11:22
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
Alabama could be without one of its top young receivers for the 2012 season, as true freshman Chris Black will miss three to four months after injuring his shoulder during practice on Sunday.
Nick Saban said Black will need surgery to repair his shoulder.
Black, who was part of a highly-touted receiver class for the Crimson Tide, enrolled at Alabama in January. By all accounts, he had a pretty solid spring and caught three passes for 61 yards and a 44-yard touchdown in Alabama's spring game.
The former Jacksonville (Fla.) First Coast standout was the No. 2-rated wide receiver coming out of high school and had the potential to be a deep-play threat in Alabama's offense.
"He wants to play so bad he can't see straight," Saban told reporters Thursday. "This is one of the unfortunate things. We feel bad for him, but everybody here is going to be very, very supportive, and he's going to be an excellent player for us in the future."
The good news for Alabama is there is good depth at receiver. Juniors Kevin Norwood and Kenny Bell are looking to make names for themselves this season, while the team has been impressed by youngsters Amari Cooper, who enrolled early, Eddie Williams and Cyrus Jones. Sophomores DeAndrew White and Christion Jones also have big-play potential.
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. 22 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
If there was a footrace among wide receivers, chances are Christion Jones would get pretty good odds at coming in first. No. 22 on the Alabama roster has blazing speed, and showed flashes of the vertical threat he's capable of becoming last season.
A year later, the sophomore is poised to make a bigger impact at Alabama. With Marquis Maze, Darius Hanks and Bandon Gibson gone, Jones is in position to climb the depth chart at receiver and on special teams returning punts. When Maze went down with a hamstring injury at the BCS title game, it was Jones who fielded punts. Now that Maze is gone, it's safe to assume Jones is the man.
Jones had a good spring and has added weight since last season. Robert Lester said this spring that he was impressed with Jones' sense of determination.
“He’s a hard worker," Lester said. "He’s a guy that wants the spot, wants the start and is refusing to let anyone take his spot and you can see the competition in him.”
Jones projects as a slot receiver given his size (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) and speed.
If there was a footrace among wide receivers, chances are Christion Jones would get pretty good odds at coming in first. No. 22 on the Alabama roster has blazing speed, and showed flashes of the vertical threat he's capable of becoming last season.
A year later, the sophomore is poised to make a bigger impact at Alabama. With Marquis Maze, Darius Hanks and Bandon Gibson gone, Jones is in position to climb the depth chart at receiver and on special teams returning punts. When Maze went down with a hamstring injury at the BCS title game, it was Jones who fielded punts. Now that Maze is gone, it's safe to assume Jones is the man.
Jones had a good spring and has added weight since last season. Robert Lester said this spring that he was impressed with Jones' sense of determination.
“He’s a hard worker," Lester said. "He’s a guy that wants the spot, wants the start and is refusing to let anyone take his spot and you can see the competition in him.”
Jones projects as a slot receiver given his size (5-foot-11, 185 pounds) and speed.
Milliner leads new faces in Bama secondary
August, 9, 2012
8/09/12
9:33
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Nick Saban doesn't want a repeat of 2010 in Tuscaloosa. No one at the University of Alabama does.
The Crimson Tide, fresh off their 13th national title and first since 1992, came back as the No. 1-ranked team in the country two years ago and stumbled out of the gates. The defense gave up crucial big plays and the offense wasn't as effective as the one that defeated Texas for the national title. Alabama ended up in the Capital One Bowl, and ever since it's been used as motivation for Saban, his coaching staff and the players.
As the start of a new season approaches and the long shadow of yet another title looms over the Tide, 2010 has been brought up again -- this time, in reference to the defense.
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Marvin Gentry/US PresswireJunior defensive back Dee Milliner is one of the few returning defensive backs for Alabama.
Marvin Gentry/US PresswireJunior defensive back Dee Milliner is one of the few returning defensive backs for Alabama.When Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson bolted for the pros two years ago, junior college transfer DeQuan Menzie and sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick stepped in. As both Menzie and Kirkpatrick prepare for another stage in their careers, it's up to another veteran to step up and a junior college transfer to fill a need. Enter Dee Milliner and Deion Belue.
Milliner played heavily as a sophomore last season and is poised to catapult to the top of the depth chart. As is Belue, a highly-touted transfer who has drawn rave reviews from Saban.
The vision of new faces in the secondary has Saban seeing 2010 all over again, the parallels not lost on the meticulous head coach.
"It really reminds me a lot of two years ago when we got a new guy Menzie, Dre's a young player who started," Saban noted. "It's a work in progress. How quickly those guys develop is going to be really important to how successful we are on defense."
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Crimson Tide put on full pads for the third consecutive day on Thursday. Rain threatened the proceedings, but Alabama started practice outdoors on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields.
Here are a few notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
Here are a few notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
- Vinnie Sunseri came into Wednesday's interview session with his knee wrapped in ice. On Thursday, he practiced without a sleeve or any aid. The sophomore safety moved freely in drills.
- Chris Black did not appear at practice again. The true freshman receiver injured his shoulder during Sunday's practice.
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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.