Germantown, Tenn., linebacker Walker Jones was back in Tuscaloosa over the weekend for Alabama’s last prospect camp of the summer. Although Jones already has an offer from the Crimson Tide, he still wanted to work out, get better and showcase his abilities for the coaches.
“It went really good,” Jones said of the camp. “I was with the inside linebackers, so I was with Coach [Kirby] Smart a lot, and he told me I looked really good and that I have the size and athleticism to play down there. They really want me to come, and they loved how I worked hard to recover from my shoulder surgery.”
The need for an inside linebacker became even greater on Monday when Shaun McGee chose Georgia over Alabama. UA head coach Nick Saban likes Jones at one of the middle linebacker spots but also thinks he’s versatile enough to play multiple positions.
“It went really good,” Jones said of the camp. “I was with the inside linebackers, so I was with Coach [Kirby] Smart a lot, and he told me I looked really good and that I have the size and athleticism to play down there. They really want me to come, and they loved how I worked hard to recover from my shoulder surgery.”
The need for an inside linebacker became even greater on Monday when Shaun McGee chose Georgia over Alabama. UA head coach Nick Saban likes Jones at one of the middle linebacker spots but also thinks he’s versatile enough to play multiple positions.
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Seven Alabama players make watch lists
July, 16, 2012
7/16/12
9:52
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
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Kelly Lambert/US PresswireLinebacker Nico Johnson had 47 tackles and 6.5 for loss last season.
Kelly Lambert/US PresswireLinebacker Nico Johnson had 47 tackles and 6.5 for loss last season.Johnson is the Crimson Tide's top returning tackler from a year ago. He finished the 2011-12 season fourth overall on the team with 47 tackles. He also had 6.5 tackles for loss.
Mosley, who is returning after a dislocated hip in the national championship game last season, figures to play a pivotal role in the UA defense with both Courtney Upshaw and Dont'a Hightower off to begin their careers in the NFL. The rising junior finished seventh on the team in tackles with 37. He also two sacks and 4.5 tackles for loss.
Hightower and Upshaw finished No. 2 and 3, respectively, in the final Butkus Award voting. Notre Dame's Manti Te'o finished fourth, Nebraska's Lavonte David finished fifth and Georgia's Jarvis Jones received one first place vote and finished sixth overall.
The Rotary Lombardi Award watch list was also released Monday with several Alabama players making the cut for the annual award handed out to the country's best offensive lineman, defensive lineman or linebacker.
Once again, Mosley and Johnson made the cut. Joining them were UA offensive linemen Barrett Jones, D.J. Fluker and Chance Warmack. Defensive lineman Jesse Williams also made the list.
The linemen and linebackers weren't the only ones garnering attention to start the week. The quarterbacks got their moment as the Manning Award watch list was announced Monday. Alabama junior AJ McCarron was one of five SEC quarterbacks to make the cut, along with Tennessee's Tyler Bray, Missouri's James Franklin, Georgia's Aaron Murray and Arkansas' Tyler Wilson.
McCarron threw for 2,634 yards and 16 touchdowns in his first season starting under center. He completed 66.8 percent of his passes and tossed just five interceptions.
The strength of the University of Alabama’s 2012 recruiting class was at the linebacker position. The Crimson Tide signed five linebackers in the class, four ranked in the ESPN 150, but before it ever inked the 2012 class, the UA coaching staff landed the top linebacker in 2013, Reuben Foster. The nation’s No. 2 prospect committed to Alabama last summer at the Tide’s camp, but it wouldn’t stick. Last week, Foster flipped his commitment to Auburn, leaving Alabama searching for a linebacker in this year’s class. The position is not a priority for the Tide because of the talent they brought in last year, but they would like to add depth this year. At this point, Alabama has one commitment from Jonathan Allen, who is expected to play Jack linebacker when he gets to Tuscaloosa.
Jonathan Allen - Ashburn, Va.
Allen, the lone commitment at linebacker, has gone a bit under the radar for an ESPN 150 recruit. He committed to Alabama in May, choosing the Tide over the Florida Gators, and since then, there hasn’t been much fanfare. Listed as a defensive end, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect is at his best when he’s rushing the quarterback, and that’s why the UA coaching staff likes him at the Jack linebacker position. He may be somewhat undersized for now, but he has the frame to add mass and shouldn’t have any trouble doing so when he gets into Alabama’s weight program. Allen has the potential to blossom into a dynamic pass-rusher for the Tide.
Jonathan Allen - Ashburn, Va.
Allen, the lone commitment at linebacker, has gone a bit under the radar for an ESPN 150 recruit. He committed to Alabama in May, choosing the Tide over the Florida Gators, and since then, there hasn’t been much fanfare. Listed as a defensive end, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound prospect is at his best when he’s rushing the quarterback, and that’s why the UA coaching staff likes him at the Jack linebacker position. He may be somewhat undersized for now, but he has the frame to add mass and shouldn’t have any trouble doing so when he gets into Alabama’s weight program. Allen has the potential to blossom into a dynamic pass-rusher for the Tide.
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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. 47 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
A couple of weeks ago, we talked about what makes a rivalry a rivalry. In that Countdown post, we discussed what makes Auburn, Tennessee, LSU and Florida some of the University of Alabama's most fierce rivalries.
While it's fun to debate the merits of each matchup, there's one game that in recent years has taken the cake in terms of the most hated of rivals: the Tennessee Volunteers. The SEC West foes have a rich history. There's been battles on and off the field. The Third Saturday in October is more of a year around spat between two of the most passionate fan bases in college football.
This all brings us to today's Countdown number: 47. As in, the total number of times Alabama has beaten Tennessee.
A couple of weeks ago, we talked about what makes a rivalry a rivalry. In that Countdown post, we discussed what makes Auburn, Tennessee, LSU and Florida some of the University of Alabama's most fierce rivalries.
While it's fun to debate the merits of each matchup, there's one game that in recent years has taken the cake in terms of the most hated of rivals: the Tennessee Volunteers. The SEC West foes have a rich history. There's been battles on and off the field. The Third Saturday in October is more of a year around spat between two of the most passionate fan bases in college football.
This all brings us to today's Countdown number: 47. As in, the total number of times Alabama has beaten Tennessee.
2014 LB camps at AU, talks Reuben Foster 
July, 15, 2012
7/15/12
9:18
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
AUBURN, Ala. -- Although 2014 prospect Tre Williams is considered one of the top linebackers in the nation for his class and already has nine scholarship offers to show for it, the Mobile, Ala., native continues to want to get better.
On Saturday, Williams worked out at Auburn’s Mini-Camp II to learn from the AU coaching staff and improve his game for the upcoming season at St. Paul’s Episcopal.
“It was great to compete, great players, great class of 2014 with the linebackers especially,” Williams said. “The camp was very good at Auburn, and I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten better today.
On Saturday, Williams worked out at Auburn’s Mini-Camp II to learn from the AU coaching staff and improve his game for the upcoming season at St. Paul’s Episcopal.
“It was great to compete, great players, great class of 2014 with the linebackers especially,” Williams said. “The camp was very good at Auburn, and I’m pretty sure I’ve gotten better today.
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The University of Alabama’s last prospect camp of the summer kicked off on Sunday and will run through Wednesday. The camp will feature top prospects from both 2013 and 2014, but it is highlighted more by the underclassmen who are expected to compete. Here’s a look at five prospects to keep an eye on as the camp unfolds.
Defensive end Demarcus Walker
For Walker, this will be his third visit to Tuscaloosa in the last four months. He’s starting to become a regular on Alabama’s campus. Although the Florida native doesn’t plan to participate in the Crimson Tide’s camp, it’s big to get him back on campus, and another solid visit can only help. When Robert Nkemdiche committed to Clemson in June, Walker became even more important to Alabama’s class, as the ESPN 150 defensive end fills the Tide’s need for a 3-4 defensive end. Walker has narrowed his list to Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State and plans to make a decision next month.
Defensive end Demarcus Walker
For Walker, this will be his third visit to Tuscaloosa in the last four months. He’s starting to become a regular on Alabama’s campus. Although the Florida native doesn’t plan to participate in the Crimson Tide’s camp, it’s big to get him back on campus, and another solid visit can only help. When Robert Nkemdiche committed to Clemson in June, Walker became even more important to Alabama’s class, as the ESPN 150 defensive end fills the Tide’s need for a 3-4 defensive end. Walker has narrowed his list to Alabama, Auburn, Florida and Florida State and plans to make a decision next month.
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AUBURN, Ala. -- High school teammates Tony Fields and Jonathan Vickers have decided to tackle the recruiting process together. The 2014 duo from North Florida Christian in Tallahassee, Fla., is currently trying to attend the same college camps this summer.
“We got together a couple months ago to talk about where we’re going, and we’ve tried to get together to go to the same camps,” Vickers said. “But he’s going to some places I’m not going. I’m going to other places he’s not going.”
On Saturday, Fields and Vickers visited Auburn for the Tigers’ Mini-Camp II. Fields wasn’t able to participate because of a minor injury, but Vickers competed and performed well among the other running backs there.
“We got together a couple months ago to talk about where we’re going, and we’ve tried to get together to go to the same camps,” Vickers said. “But he’s going to some places I’m not going. I’m going to other places he’s not going.”
On Saturday, Fields and Vickers visited Auburn for the Tigers’ Mini-Camp II. Fields wasn’t able to participate because of a minor injury, but Vickers competed and performed well among the other running backs there.
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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. 48 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
There's more to winning a game than touchdowns and interceptions, big plays and big stops. Sometimes winning a football game boils down to just not losing it. And in the 2011-12 season, the University of Alabama ranked among the country's best in terms of not giving the other team the chance to capitalize on mistakes.
During the regular season, Alabama committed just 48 penalties for 404 yards. That may sound like a lot, but it's not. That figure ranked among the top 10 in college football. Compared that number to LSU: The No. 2 ranked Tigers committed nearly two times as many penalties as Alabama during the regular season (73) for 193 more yards. In the national championship game, Alabama would commit just one penalty for 5 yards. Meanwhile, LSU had five mishaps that cost 35 yards.
It isn't just penalties that drive coaches crazy. It's turnovers, too. And -- yeah, you guessed it -- Alabama was pretty good at keeping that number down.
The Crimson Tide had 12 turnovers all season. Five of those came in a 48-7 thrashing of Kent State in the season opener. Even more impressive: Alabama lost fumbles three times in the first two games and only once more the rest of the season.
Alabama's turnover .62 turnover margin was good enough for 22nd in the country. Only LSU (1.43, No. 2 overall) finished ahead of Alabama in the SEC.
There's more to winning a game than touchdowns and interceptions, big plays and big stops. Sometimes winning a football game boils down to just not losing it. And in the 2011-12 season, the University of Alabama ranked among the country's best in terms of not giving the other team the chance to capitalize on mistakes.
During the regular season, Alabama committed just 48 penalties for 404 yards. That may sound like a lot, but it's not. That figure ranked among the top 10 in college football. Compared that number to LSU: The No. 2 ranked Tigers committed nearly two times as many penalties as Alabama during the regular season (73) for 193 more yards. In the national championship game, Alabama would commit just one penalty for 5 yards. Meanwhile, LSU had five mishaps that cost 35 yards.
It isn't just penalties that drive coaches crazy. It's turnovers, too. And -- yeah, you guessed it -- Alabama was pretty good at keeping that number down.
The Crimson Tide had 12 turnovers all season. Five of those came in a 48-7 thrashing of Kent State in the season opener. Even more impressive: Alabama lost fumbles three times in the first two games and only once more the rest of the season.
Alabama's turnover .62 turnover margin was good enough for 22nd in the country. Only LSU (1.43, No. 2 overall) finished ahead of Alabama in the SEC.
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. 49 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
In the history of the University of Alabama, no football player got into the end zone more times than Shaun Alexander. The pride of Kentucky was a star for the Crimson Tide at running back, compiling 49 offensive touchdowns in his career. Toss in a kickoff return for a touchdown, and that number swells to a generous 50.
Alexander didn't waste much time after signing with coach Gene Stallings in 1995. He redshirted his first season and then took the college football world by storm the next, rushing for 589 yards and six touchdowns. On the road against LSU, he ran for 291 yards and four touchdowns on just 20 carries. The next season he'd miss time due to injury, but upon returning his junior season healthy, he slashed college football defenses for 1,178 yards and 17 touchdowns. After another injury plagued campaign his senior year, Alexander would enter the NFL draft.
He finished his career at Alabama with 3,433 yards rushing, 40 touchdowns on the ground and another eight receiving. He left UA holding more than a dozen school records.
The Seattle Seahawks took Alexander with the 19th overall pick in the 2000 draft. He'd spend all but one of his nine seasons in the NFL in the Upper Midwest. While with the Seahawks, Alexander put up several marquee seasons, winning the MVP in 2005 and earning a coveted spot on the Madden NFL cover in 2007. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and twice he was selected to the NFL All-Pro team. His 9,453 career rushing yards and 112 offensive touchdowns earned him a spot on the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
Alabama's all-time touchdown leaders are as follows:
In the history of the University of Alabama, no football player got into the end zone more times than Shaun Alexander. The pride of Kentucky was a star for the Crimson Tide at running back, compiling 49 offensive touchdowns in his career. Toss in a kickoff return for a touchdown, and that number swells to a generous 50.
Alexander didn't waste much time after signing with coach Gene Stallings in 1995. He redshirted his first season and then took the college football world by storm the next, rushing for 589 yards and six touchdowns. On the road against LSU, he ran for 291 yards and four touchdowns on just 20 carries. The next season he'd miss time due to injury, but upon returning his junior season healthy, he slashed college football defenses for 1,178 yards and 17 touchdowns. After another injury plagued campaign his senior year, Alexander would enter the NFL draft.
He finished his career at Alabama with 3,433 yards rushing, 40 touchdowns on the ground and another eight receiving. He left UA holding more than a dozen school records.
The Seattle Seahawks took Alexander with the 19th overall pick in the 2000 draft. He'd spend all but one of his nine seasons in the NFL in the Upper Midwest. While with the Seahawks, Alexander put up several marquee seasons, winning the MVP in 2005 and earning a coveted spot on the Madden NFL cover in 2007. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection and twice he was selected to the NFL All-Pro team. His 9,453 career rushing yards and 112 offensive touchdowns earned him a spot on the NFL All-Decade Team for the 2000s.
Alabama's all-time touchdown leaders are as follows:
- Shaun Alexander: 50
- Mark Ingram: 46
- Trent Richardson: 43
- Bobby Humphrey: 40
- Johnny Musso: 38
Langley happy for new UGA commitment
July, 13, 2012
7/13/12
11:53
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Dawg Night got off to a quick start for the University of Georgia on Friday when Marietta, Ga./Kell High School defensive back Quincy Mauger committed to the Bulldogs. Nobody may have been happier for Mauger than his best friend and teammate Brendan Langley.
“I was really proud of him,” Langley said. “He came a long way with me and really with everything he’s been working on. He’s been working real hard. He earned the offer, and he’s taking advantage of it.”
Langley also attended Dawg Night with his teammate, but the ESPN 300 cornerback didn’t participate in drills. He has Georgia in his top five along with Alabama, South Carolina, UCLA and Tennessee.
“I was really proud of him,” Langley said. “He came a long way with me and really with everything he’s been working on. He’s been working real hard. He earned the offer, and he’s taking advantage of it.”
Langley also attended Dawg Night with his teammate, but the ESPN 300 cornerback didn’t participate in drills. He has Georgia in his top five along with Alabama, South Carolina, UCLA and Tennessee.
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Video: Recruit switches from Tide to Tigers
July, 13, 2012
7/13/12
4:35
PM ET
By ESPN.com staff | ESPN.com
Tom Luginbill discusses Reuben Foster, the nation's No. 2 prospect, flipping his commitment from Alabama to Auburn.
TE Henry down to six, talks finalists
July, 13, 2012
7/13/12
11:13
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
In Alabama’s 21-0 win over LSU in the BCS title game, the Crimson Tide took full advantage of their tight ends. Brad Smelley led the team with seven receptions, and Michael Williams and Chris Underwood recorded two catches apiece.
That’s one reason why Alabama is still looking for another tight end in the 2013 class even though it has a commitment from ESPN 150 star O.J. Howard, the nation’s No. 2 player at the position.
It’s also a reason why Little Rock, Ark., tight end Hunter Henry has the Crimson Tide among his six finalists.
That’s one reason why Alabama is still looking for another tight end in the 2013 class even though it has a commitment from ESPN 150 star O.J. Howard, the nation’s No. 2 player at the position.
It’s also a reason why Little Rock, Ark., tight end Hunter Henry has the Crimson Tide among his six finalists.
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Robert Lester watched as three of his teammates in the University of Alabama secondary left for the NFL last season. All three were drafted, but Lester stayed. Today, his returning experience was recognized as he was named to the Jim Thorpe Award Preseason watch list.
The Thorpe award is handed out annually to the nation's top defensive back. Last season, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne took home the prize. Former teammate Mark Barron was a finalist.
Lester was one of 35 defensive backs nominated for the award this season. Last season, Lester had two picks while starting for the No. 1 defense in the country. In 2010, Lester was voted second-team All-American after he hauled in eight interceptions to lead the SEC.
Antonio Langham is the only former Alabama player to have won the Thorpe Award. He did so in 1993.
The Thorpe award is handed out annually to the nation's top defensive back. Last season, LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne took home the prize. Former teammate Mark Barron was a finalist.
Lester was one of 35 defensive backs nominated for the award this season. Last season, Lester had two picks while starting for the No. 1 defense in the country. In 2010, Lester was voted second-team All-American after he hauled in eight interceptions to lead the SEC.
Antonio Langham is the only former Alabama player to have won the Thorpe Award. He did so in 1993.
SEC coaches, assistants to keep an eye on
July, 13, 2012
7/13/12
9:41
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We're always looking for the next best thing. The coaching world isn't any different.
Who's the next Urban Meyer? The next Chris Petersen? What about another Brady Hoke?
Who's that next great assistant who rises up the ranks and takes over a major program ... and succeeds?
I'm not completely sure, but I have a few ideas. Here are some coaches lurking in the SEC who could be on their way to bigger and better things or are ready to take the next step with their current teams:
Who's the next Urban Meyer? The next Chris Petersen? What about another Brady Hoke?
Who's that next great assistant who rises up the ranks and takes over a major program ... and succeeds?
I'm not completely sure, but I have a few ideas. Here are some coaches lurking in the SEC who could be on their way to bigger and better things or are ready to take the next step with their current teams:
Ranking the SEC tight ends
July, 13, 2012
7/13/12
7:05
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff and
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Now that we've ranked the top 10 wide receivers, it's time to check out the top tight ends.
Past rankings
Here are our top 10 SEC tight ends:
1. Chris Gragg, Sr., Arkansas: Gragg is a big, fast target who can cause mismatches for defenders. He has great hands and with the loss of three NFL wide receivers he'll be one of Tyler Wilson's top targets this fall. Expect him to improve on his 41 catches and 518 yards from last year.
2. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Sr., Auburn: He only caught 24 passes last year, but seven of those catches went for touchdowns. He's a big-time threat in the red zone and is a solid blocker as well. The addition of fullback Jay Prosch will give Lutzenkirchen a chance to be even more active in the receiving game.
3. Jordan Reed, Jr., Florida: There's no doubt that Reed is extremely athletic, but he can lose focus at times on the field. Still, when he's on the ball, he can make plenty of plays. He's the Gators' top returning receiving target and with two young quarterbacks throwing this year, Reed has the chance to rack up receptions as a close-to-the-line safety net.
4. Mychal Rivera, Sr., Tennessee: Rivera is a very reliable and consistent weapon for the Vols. Even with Justin Hunter coming back and Cordarrelle Patterson jumping into the receiving mix, Rivera might not see his production drop too much if Tyler Bray can stay health. This team will throw it around as much as possible.
5. Michael Williams, Sr., Alabama: Williams only caught 17 passes last year, but there were a couple more proven players around him. This time around, his experience will be valued more by quarterback AJ McCarron. He's a solid player and can be a beast on the field, so the coaches are expecting to get a lot more out of him this fall.
Past rankings
Here are our top 10 SEC tight ends:
[+] Enlarge
Butch Dill/Getty ImagesPhilip Lutzenkirchen will be Auburn's go-to guy for game-winning scores this season.
Butch Dill/Getty ImagesPhilip Lutzenkirchen will be Auburn's go-to guy for game-winning scores this season.2. Philip Lutzenkirchen, Sr., Auburn: He only caught 24 passes last year, but seven of those catches went for touchdowns. He's a big-time threat in the red zone and is a solid blocker as well. The addition of fullback Jay Prosch will give Lutzenkirchen a chance to be even more active in the receiving game.
3. Jordan Reed, Jr., Florida: There's no doubt that Reed is extremely athletic, but he can lose focus at times on the field. Still, when he's on the ball, he can make plenty of plays. He's the Gators' top returning receiving target and with two young quarterbacks throwing this year, Reed has the chance to rack up receptions as a close-to-the-line safety net.
4. Mychal Rivera, Sr., Tennessee: Rivera is a very reliable and consistent weapon for the Vols. Even with Justin Hunter coming back and Cordarrelle Patterson jumping into the receiving mix, Rivera might not see his production drop too much if Tyler Bray can stay health. This team will throw it around as much as possible.
5. Michael Williams, Sr., Alabama: Williams only caught 17 passes last year, but there were a couple more proven players around him. This time around, his experience will be valued more by quarterback AJ McCarron. He's a solid player and can be a beast on the field, so the coaches are expecting to get a lot more out of him this fall.
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.