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. 34 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
A lot changed for AJ McCarron the day the University of Alabama faced off against LSU for the national championship in New Orleans. The sophomore quarterback had been what some called a "game manager" up to that point, riding a stellar defense and a Heisman Trophy finalist at running back all the way to the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
But before the game, coach Nick Saban told McCarron that the game would be in his hands. And from the first series on, he proved that, throwing the ball around the field on all downs. Even with the lead, Saban put the ball in McCarron's hands. So much so that he'd attempt a career high 34 passes en route to the BCS trophy.
Prior to Jan. 9, McCarron's high-water mark for attempts was 31 in a win over Penn State. By regular season's end, McCarron averaged 24.5 attempts per game.
McCarron made the most of his 34 attempts against LSU, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 234 yards.
A lot changed for AJ McCarron the day the University of Alabama faced off against LSU for the national championship in New Orleans. The sophomore quarterback had been what some called a "game manager" up to that point, riding a stellar defense and a Heisman Trophy finalist at running back all the way to the Mercedes Benz Superdome.
But before the game, coach Nick Saban told McCarron that the game would be in his hands. And from the first series on, he proved that, throwing the ball around the field on all downs. Even with the lead, Saban put the ball in McCarron's hands. So much so that he'd attempt a career high 34 passes en route to the BCS trophy.
Prior to Jan. 9, McCarron's high-water mark for attempts was 31 in a win over Penn State. By regular season's end, McCarron averaged 24.5 attempts per game.
McCarron made the most of his 34 attempts against LSU, completing 67.6 percent of his passes for 234 yards.
McCarron's highs and lows
Most completions: 23 against Vanderbilt and LSU (Jan. 9)
Fewest completions: 12 against Florida
Most attempts: 34 against LSU (Jan. 9)
Fewest attempts: 19 against Georgia Southern
Most yards: 284 against Tennesse
Fewest yards: 140 against Florida
Highest completion percentage: 79.2 against Ole Miss
Lowest completion percentage: 48.0 against Florida
Longest pass: 69 yards against Tennessee
Most touchdowns: Four against Vanderbilt
Fewest touchdowns: None against North Texas, Florida, LSU (Nov. 5), Mississippi State and LSU (Jan. 9)
Most interceptions: Two against Kent State
Fewest interceptions: None against Penn State, North Texas, Arkansas, Florida, Vanderbilt, Ole Miss, Georgia Southern, Auburn and LSU (Jan. 9)
Highest quarterback rating: 209.8 against Georgia Southern
Lowest quarterback rating: 95.0 against Florida
Bama may soon offer LB Shaun Hamilton 
July, 28, 2012
7/28/12
6:39
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
HOOVER, Ala. -- Early on, Auburn and Clemson stand out for 2014 linebacker Shaun Hamilton, but an offer from Alabama would put the Crimson Tide in the same company for the Montgomery, Ala., native. He thinks it might be coming soon.
“I went to there camp, and Coach [Kirby] Smart told me they would probably offer me by the end of the summer or after the season,” Hamilton said.
“Alabama is a great school. They have a great coaching staff. Coach Smart, he’s a football guru, and I really could see myself playing for him. Coach [Nick] Saban has a great defense, and they put players in the league.”
“I went to there camp, and Coach [Kirby] Smart told me they would probably offer me by the end of the summer or after the season,” Hamilton said.
“Alabama is a great school. They have a great coaching staff. Coach Smart, he’s a football guru, and I really could see myself playing for him. Coach [Nick] Saban has a great defense, and they put players in the league.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
HOOVER, Ala. -- Over the weekend, rising junior cornerback Marlon Humphrey is trying to lock down his side of the field for Hoover High School at the National Select 7-on-7 tournament. He’s facing some of the top wide receivers nationally in the process.
“It’s a little bit better than what we’ve been going up against, but we’re playing up to the competition pretty well,” Humphrey said. “I feel like we should definitely be up there. We’re hosting, so we know these fields better than anybody else, so I feel like we should do well.”
It helps that Humphrey was recently in Tuscaloosa for the University of Alabama’s second prospect camp of the summer where he learned from one of the premier defensive back coaches in the nation, Nick Saban.
“It’s a little bit better than what we’ve been going up against, but we’re playing up to the competition pretty well,” Humphrey said. “I feel like we should definitely be up there. We’re hosting, so we know these fields better than anybody else, so I feel like we should do well.”
It helps that Humphrey was recently in Tuscaloosa for the University of Alabama’s second prospect camp of the summer where he learned from one of the premier defensive back coaches in the nation, Nick Saban.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Recently, ESPN 150 running back Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) named a top five of Alabama, Georgia, FSU, Oklahoma State and Tennessee. As he prepared to try and help his Southeast team make a run at the Champion Gridiron Kings at Walt Disney World. Kamara discussed his timeline when he would decide on a college.
“I want to make sure I visit all of the schools in my top five before I make my decision, and I want to see how the season goes with those five teams as well,” Kamara said. “If everything goes the way I plan I will commit in mid-September. I do not really have a leader, but I should be ready to make a choice after I take these visits.”
The No. 52 prospect had good things to say about each of the programs still under consideration.
“I did not expect a lot when I visited FSU, but I really like the family vibe that the coaching staff and atmosphere provide,” Kamara said. “All of my boys have committed to UGA. Coach (Mark) Richt and Coach (Bryan) McClendon, I pretty much love the entire coaching staff. Alabama … the name speaks for itself. There is an opportunity for playing time at Oklahoma State and I think their offense really fits my style of play. Two of my teammates are at Tennessee in Ben Bradley and Jason Croom. They are recruiting me really hard and I got a chance to sit down with Coach [Derek] Dooley and his staff and I enjoyed it.
“I want to make sure I visit all of the schools in my top five before I make my decision, and I want to see how the season goes with those five teams as well,” Kamara said. “If everything goes the way I plan I will commit in mid-September. I do not really have a leader, but I should be ready to make a choice after I take these visits.”
The No. 52 prospect had good things to say about each of the programs still under consideration.
“I did not expect a lot when I visited FSU, but I really like the family vibe that the coaching staff and atmosphere provide,” Kamara said. “All of my boys have committed to UGA. Coach (Mark) Richt and Coach (Bryan) McClendon, I pretty much love the entire coaching staff. Alabama … the name speaks for itself. There is an opportunity for playing time at Oklahoma State and I think their offense really fits my style of play. Two of my teammates are at Tennessee in Ben Bradley and Jason Croom. They are recruiting me really hard and I got a chance to sit down with Coach [Derek] Dooley and his staff and I enjoyed it.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
[+] Enlarge
Marvin Gentry/US PresswireAJ McCarron (above) is second in Alabama history in QB winning percentage, second only to Jay Barker.
Marvin Gentry/US PresswireAJ McCarron (above) is second in Alabama history in QB winning percentage, second only to Jay Barker.At the quarterback position, you're judged on one statistic. It's not touchdowns, interceptions or yards thrown. It's not completion percentage or the calculated quarterback efficiency. At the end of the day, a quarterback is judged on wins and losses.
That's why Jay Barker must be included in the discussion of the best quarterbacks to ever play at the University of Alabama. The three-year starter in the early 90s won a school-record 35 games in his career. He lost two games over that time and finished with one tie. For those keeping score, that's a 93.4 winning percentage.
Like AJ McCarron, Barker led the Crimson Tide to a national championship in 1992 in his first year starting at quarterback. The Tide went 13-0 that year and beat the Miami Hurricanes in the Sugar Bowl to finish No. 1 overall. Two years later, in 1994, Barker would lead Alabama back to the SEC Championship game. He earned All-American honors that season, throwing for just under 2,000 yards while completing 61 percent of his passes.
Here's how Barker stacks up against the rest of the quarterbacks in Alabama history:
Career attempts
1. John Parker Wilson: 1,175
2. Brodie Croyle: 869
3. Andrew Zow: 852
4. Jay Barker: 706
5. Freddie Kitchens: 680
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Four-star defensive end DeMarcus Walker (Jacksonville, Fla./Sandalwood) was the highest rated player at Florida's Friday Night Light's camp. The 6-foot-4, 271-pound athlete said he enjoyed his time at The Swamp.
"It was a good time," Walker said. "It was a nice environment, a nice place. I got to spend some time with the coaches and my teammates, so it was a good time."
Walker received the full-court press, not only from the Florida coaches, but from Florida commits and fellow Jacksonville natives Ahmad Fulwood and Nick Washington.
"It was a good time," Walker said. "It was a nice environment, a nice place. I got to spend some time with the coaches and my teammates, so it was a good time."
Walker received the full-court press, not only from the Florida coaches, but from Florida commits and fellow Jacksonville natives Ahmad Fulwood and Nick Washington.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Matthew Thomas (Miami/Booker T. Washington) recently named Florida State his leader, and as he arrived Friday at Walt Disney World in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., for the Champion Gridiron Kings event, his recruitment remains unchanged.
"I am still open, but Florida State is still my leader," Thomas said. "They told me I could come in and compete for a starting job my freshman year. After them it is Alabama, Georgia, USC and Miami."
Thomas, the No. 13 prospect in the country, discussed the other four programs in his top five.
"I am still open, but Florida State is still my leader," Thomas said. "They told me I could come in and compete for a starting job my freshman year. After them it is Alabama, Georgia, USC and Miami."
Thomas, the No. 13 prospect in the country, discussed the other four programs in his top five.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
2014 WR draws comparison to Julio Jones
July, 27, 2012
7/27/12
6:09
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
HOOVER, Ala. -- At first glance, it looked like Julio Jones circa 2008 was competing at the National Select 7-on-7 tournament in Hoover on Friday. The guy in the No. 8 jersey for Foley High School was split wide and making catches all over the field. He even had the dreadlocks to go with it.
However, it wasn’t Julio Jones. It was 2014 wide receiver Demarcus Bingham, and it’s the not first time he has heard the comparison.
“When I hear people compare me to Julio, it’s an honor to be compared to him because he’s in the NFL now, of course, and he came out of Foley High School. But I want to be better than him,” Bingham said.
However, it wasn’t Julio Jones. It was 2014 wide receiver Demarcus Bingham, and it’s the not first time he has heard the comparison.
“When I hear people compare me to Julio, it’s an honor to be compared to him because he’s in the NFL now, of course, and he came out of Foley High School. But I want to be better than him,” Bingham said.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Watch: Robert Nkemdiche interview
July, 27, 2012
7/27/12
3:03
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
The nation’s no. 1 recruit, Robert Nkemdiche (Loganville, Ga./Grayson) talks with TideNation reporter Greg Ostendorf about why he chose Clemson, which schools are still recruiting him, and what the future holds for him.
HOOVER, Ala. -- Spanish Fort (Ala.) High School cornerback Jonathan Cook may be one of the more underrated players in the state, but with more than 20 scholarship offers already, the college coaches are taking notice.
Earlier this week, Cook picked up an offer from Nebraska, who also offered his teammate and University of Alabama commitment Deon Johnson.
“I was excited,” Cook said. “Like when I get every offer, I just thank God for it. They’re a good program.”
Earlier this week, Cook picked up an offer from Nebraska, who also offered his teammate and University of Alabama commitment Deon Johnson.
“I was excited,” Cook said. “Like when I get every offer, I just thank God for it. They’re a good program.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Watch: WR Robert Foster interview
July, 27, 2012
7/27/12
2:01
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN 150wide receiver Robert Foster (Monaca, Penn./Central Valley) discusses his recent visit to Alabama, his top schools, and the National Select 7-on-7 tournament in Hoover, Ala.
2015 quarterback visits Alabama, Georgia
July, 27, 2012
7/27/12
10:16
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
HOOVER, Ala. -- The recruiting process has just begun for rising sophomore quarterback Tyler Queen. The 2015 signal caller recently made trips to the University of Alabama and the University of Georgia to compete in their camps.
Queen, a native of Kennesaw, Ga., visited Athens first for UGA’s Dawg Night.
“That was my first college camp, so I was a little nervous going into it, but once I started getting in there and seeing what I could do, it boosted my confidence,” he said. “I started slinging the ball around a little bit.
Queen, a native of Kennesaw, Ga., visited Athens first for UGA’s Dawg Night.
“That was my first college camp, so I was a little nervous going into it, but once I started getting in there and seeing what I could do, it boosted my confidence,” he said. “I started slinging the ball around a little bit.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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. 36 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
If there was one area where the University of Alabama struggled last season, it was the kicking game. Not only were the placekickers erratic, the punting game was subpar. On average, the Crimson Tide netted just 36.5 yards per punt. That was good enough to finish ninth in the SEC and 60th overall.
Junior Cody Mandell handled the punting duties for the second season in a row for Alabama. The former walk-on showed flashes of skill, booting two punts of 50 or more yards and placing 11 punts inside the 20-yard line. But how did he rank against the rest of the punters in the SEC West? Here's a quick look at how the Louisiana native stacked up last season:
If there was one area where the University of Alabama struggled last season, it was the kicking game. Not only were the placekickers erratic, the punting game was subpar. On average, the Crimson Tide netted just 36.5 yards per punt. That was good enough to finish ninth in the SEC and 60th overall.
Junior Cody Mandell handled the punting duties for the second season in a row for Alabama. The former walk-on showed flashes of skill, booting two punts of 50 or more yards and placing 11 punts inside the 20-yard line. But how did he rank against the rest of the punters in the SEC West? Here's a quick look at how the Louisiana native stacked up last season:
- Dylan Breeding, Arkansas (Sr.): 45.3 yards per punt, 16 inside the 20-yard line.
- Brad Wing, LSU (Soph.): 44.4 yards per punt, 27 inside the 20-yard line and 20 of 50 or more yards.
- Tyler Campbell, Ole Miss (Sr.): 43.6 yards per punt, 28 inside the 20-yard line and 16 of 50 or more yards.
- Steven Clark, Auburn (Jr.): 40.8 yards per punt, 33 inside the 20-yard line.
- Baker Swedenberg, Mississippi State (Jr.): 41.8 yards per punt, 19 inside the 20-yard line and 14 of 50 or more yards.
- Cody Mandell, Alabama (Jr.): 39.3 yards per punt, 11 inside the 20-yard line and two of 50 or more yards.
ESPN 150 WR Foster talks recruiting, visits
July, 27, 2012
7/27/12
12:35
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
HOOVER, Ala. -- When Monaco, Pa., wide receiver Robert Foster arrived in Hoover for the National Select 7-on-7 tournament, it wasn’t the level of competition that surprised him. It was the heat.
“The heat is crazy,” Foster said. “I’m not used to the heat down here, but I’ve got to fight through it.”
Central Valley High School played four games on Thursday, but before the action began, Foster and his teammates made a special trip to Tuscaloosa in the morning to visit the University of Alabama.
“The heat is crazy,” Foster said. “I’m not used to the heat down here, but I’ve got to fight through it.”
Central Valley High School played four games on Thursday, but before the action began, Foster and his teammates made a special trip to Tuscaloosa in the morning to visit the University of Alabama.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Best-case/Worst-case scenarios for SEC
July, 26, 2012
7/26/12
7:22
PM ET
By
Eamonn Brennan | ESPN.com
Editor's note: ESPN.com’s Summer Shootaround series catches up on the offseason storylines for each conference. For more on SEC, click here.
Alabama
Best-case scenario: The most impressive thing about Alabama's season was not just that Anthony Grant had the onions to suspend his two best players down the stretch but also that Alabama played so well after he did. That bodes well for the upcoming season, in which Grant will incorporate talented freshman small forward Devonta Pollard with essentially the same team that finished 7-3 down the stretch. If Alabama can find some outside shooting to go with its typically stingy defense, it should be in the NCAA tournament yet again.
Worst-case scenario: The Crimson Tide shot 28.9 percent from 3 last season, good for 328th in the country. That was the main cause of Alabama's offensive struggles, and Pollard is unlikely to alleviate it this season. If the defense slips even a bit from its top 10 efficiency perch, Alabama will take a step back.
Arkansas
Best-case scenario: B.J. Young is a highly talented player and a prime candidate for breakout stardom, but he isn't the only talented sophomore on the roster. When Mike Anderson took over at Arkansas, he managed to keep all of John Pelphrey's last-ditch 2011 recruiting class, including guard Rashad Madden and forward Hunter Mickelson. With a season in Anderson's demanding system under its belt, this program appears set to vault itself to NCAA-tournament-bubble relevance once more.
Worst-case scenario: I'm not sure how this team won't improve, given the increase in experience and the time spent learning on the fly last season. But for all that talent, the Razorbacks have to improve on the defensive side of the floor. Anderson's teams are at their best hassling opponents 90 feet from the rim, but the 2011-12 edition was far too permissive to be a consistent winner.
Auburn
Best-case scenario: Tony Barbee has raved about the talent he has accumulated this offseason. That's not exactly a high bar, but he has a point. Auburn brought in two top-100 recruits, four-star shooting guard Brian Greene and two junior college transfers who could contribute right away. This will be a whole new squad, and while an NCAA tournament berth is still a season or two away, the Tigers are almost certain to improve over their ugly, sub-.500 season.
Worst-case scenario: Barbee will have to rely on his newcomers, because almost no one else is left. This young team could take its lumps early and may finish in the bottom of the SEC yet again. But the fresh start is what really matters.
Alabama
Best-case scenario: The most impressive thing about Alabama's season was not just that Anthony Grant had the onions to suspend his two best players down the stretch but also that Alabama played so well after he did. That bodes well for the upcoming season, in which Grant will incorporate talented freshman small forward Devonta Pollard with essentially the same team that finished 7-3 down the stretch. If Alabama can find some outside shooting to go with its typically stingy defense, it should be in the NCAA tournament yet again.
Worst-case scenario: The Crimson Tide shot 28.9 percent from 3 last season, good for 328th in the country. That was the main cause of Alabama's offensive struggles, and Pollard is unlikely to alleviate it this season. If the defense slips even a bit from its top 10 efficiency perch, Alabama will take a step back.
Arkansas
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Brian ChilsonB.J. Young was one of the best freshmen in the SEC last season. What can we expect of him during his second season with Mike Anderson?
AP Photo/Brian ChilsonB.J. Young was one of the best freshmen in the SEC last season. What can we expect of him during his second season with Mike Anderson?Worst-case scenario: I'm not sure how this team won't improve, given the increase in experience and the time spent learning on the fly last season. But for all that talent, the Razorbacks have to improve on the defensive side of the floor. Anderson's teams are at their best hassling opponents 90 feet from the rim, but the 2011-12 edition was far too permissive to be a consistent winner.
Auburn
Best-case scenario: Tony Barbee has raved about the talent he has accumulated this offseason. That's not exactly a high bar, but he has a point. Auburn brought in two top-100 recruits, four-star shooting guard Brian Greene and two junior college transfers who could contribute right away. This will be a whole new squad, and while an NCAA tournament berth is still a season or two away, the Tigers are almost certain to improve over their ugly, sub-.500 season.
Worst-case scenario: Barbee will have to rely on his newcomers, because almost no one else is left. This young team could take its lumps early and may finish in the bottom of the SEC yet again. But the fresh start is what really matters.
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.