Hand, top 2014 recruit, talks Bama visit 
July, 18, 2012
7/18/12
2:53
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
When Da’Shawn Hand, arguably the nation’s No. 1 player for 2014, arrived at the University of Alabama for the first time, he was surprised with how the hot the weather is in Tuscaloosa.
However, the heat didn’t prevent Hand from enjoying himself on the visit. The Woodbridge, Va., native was in town from Friday to Wednesday and got the chance to see pretty much everything the Crimson Tide have to offer.
“I saw everything,” Hand said. “The locker rooms, the weight room, the sports complex, the basketball courts, the academic building, the dorms, and the Bear Bryant museum, that was really cool and interesting.
However, the heat didn’t prevent Hand from enjoying himself on the visit. The Woodbridge, Va., native was in town from Friday to Wednesday and got the chance to see pretty much everything the Crimson Tide have to offer.
“I saw everything,” Hand said. “The locker rooms, the weight room, the sports complex, the basketball courts, the academic building, the dorms, and the Bear Bryant museum, that was really cool and interesting.
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ESPN college football Insider Travis Haney likes the University of Alabama's chances in 2012, but it does come with a caveat. In breaking down the weaknesses of the SEC's contenders, Haney singled out the Crimson Tide's kicking game as a point of emphasis.
Alabama made 23 of 36 field goal attempts in 2011-12 and missed several key attempts against LSU in their regular season matchup, losing a heartbreaker in Tuscaloosa. Jeremy Shelley got a dose of revenge two months later, connecting on five field goals to lead the Crimson Tide to a 21-point win over LSU and give UA its second championship in three seasons. But that wasn't enough to dispel concerns heading into this season.
Writes Haney: "If you type 'Alabama missed field goals' into a search engine, 'vs. LSU' automatically fills in. It was the theme of the most important regular season game of 2011, and it seemed at the time as if it had cost the Tide a shot at the national title.
Alabama made 23 of 36 field goal attempts in 2011-12 and missed several key attempts against LSU in their regular season matchup, losing a heartbreaker in Tuscaloosa. Jeremy Shelley got a dose of revenge two months later, connecting on five field goals to lead the Crimson Tide to a 21-point win over LSU and give UA its second championship in three seasons. But that wasn't enough to dispel concerns heading into this season.
Writes Haney: "If you type 'Alabama missed field goals' into a search engine, 'vs. LSU' automatically fills in. It was the theme of the most important regular season game of 2011, and it seemed at the time as if it had cost the Tide a shot at the national title.
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Spruce Derden/US PresswireAJ McCarron was 25th in the nation last season in pass efficiency.
Spruce Derden/US PresswireAJ McCarron was 25th in the nation last season in pass efficiency.On Wednesday, McCarron's profile continued to grow as he was named to the Davey O'Brien Award watch list. The junior from Mobile, Ala., was one of 34 players nominated for the award handed out annually to college football's top quarterback.
McCarron completed 66.8 percent of passes last season. He threw for 2,634 yards, 16 touchdowns and just five interceptions. He finished 25th in the country in passing efficiency and 53rd in total yards passing.
Last season, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III won the award.
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. 45 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
When it comes to national recognition, the University of Alabama has never been left wanting attention. The football program and its 14 national championships have a spot alongside powerhouse programs like Texas, Southern Cal and Florida. Since the start of the Associated Press poll, UA has been placed in the top 25 of preseason rankings 45 times.
Only Michigan, Texas, Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Ohio State and Oklahoma can lay claim to more top 25 starts.
Alabama has made well on the early predictions, too. Forty-nine times the Crimson Tide have placed in the final top 25 AP Poll of the season. Neither the Texas Longhorns, Florida Gators or USC Trojans can lay claim to as many top 25 finishes.
Here a glimpse at how some of the top programs in the country have fared in the AP Poll:
When it comes to national recognition, the University of Alabama has never been left wanting attention. The football program and its 14 national championships have a spot alongside powerhouse programs like Texas, Southern Cal and Florida. Since the start of the Associated Press poll, UA has been placed in the top 25 of preseason rankings 45 times.
Only Michigan, Texas, Notre Dame, Southern Cal, Ohio State and Oklahoma can lay claim to more top 25 starts.
Alabama has made well on the early predictions, too. Forty-nine times the Crimson Tide have placed in the final top 25 AP Poll of the season. Neither the Texas Longhorns, Florida Gators or USC Trojans can lay claim to as many top 25 finishes.
Here a glimpse at how some of the top programs in the country have fared in the AP Poll:
| School | Preseason | Finish |
| Ohio State | 58 | 51 |
| Oklahoma | 53 | 52 |
| Southern Cal | 51 | 45 |
| Notre Dame | 50 | 49 |
| Texas | 48 | 45 |
| Michigan | 46 | 53 |
| Alabama | 45 | 49 |
| Penn State | 43 | 40 |
| Nebraska | 42 | 47 |
| Tennessee | 38 | 42 |
| UCLA | 35 | 30 |
| Auburn | 34 | 35 |
Sunshine State receiver picks up Tide offer
July, 17, 2012
7/17/12
8:21
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The University of Alabama pulled a wide receiver out of the Miami-area in the 2012 class -- four-star Amari Cooper -- and the Crimson Tide look to have their sights set on another South Florida wide out in 2014.
On Tuesday, Alabama offered Homestead, Fla., native Ermon Lane after a standout performance at the Tide’s camp this week.
“It went great,” Lane said. “We did all type of drills. We did individual drills, and then the receiver coach worked on my release with me. They said overall I did great. There’s just other things I need to fix like when I come off the ball, I need to fix my feet and keep my hands up.”
On Tuesday, Alabama offered Homestead, Fla., native Ermon Lane after a standout performance at the Tide’s camp this week.
“It went great,” Lane said. “We did all type of drills. We did individual drills, and then the receiver coach worked on my release with me. They said overall I did great. There’s just other things I need to fix like when I come off the ball, I need to fix my feet and keep my hands up.”
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Valentine decommits, names three leaders
July, 17, 2012
7/17/12
6:35
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Top 2014 defensive lineman Travonte Valentine (Palm Bay, Fla./Bayside), decommitted from Louisville on Sunday and has named Auburn, Florida and Alabama his three leaders. The 6-foot-4, 295-pound tackle prospect said it has always been his dream to play in the Southeastern Conference.
"I decided to decommit because I felt like I was a big SEC guy," Valentine said. "I love the programs in the SEC conference and I love how the SEC wins championships. It's just a great conference."
Valentine, who will attend Florida's Friday Night Lights camp on July 27, said his familiarity with the Florida program is a reason the Gators are at the top of his list. Valentine's head coach at Bayside, Derek Smith, coached former Florida players Reggie Nelson and Joe Cohen at Palm Bay High School.
"I decided to decommit because I felt like I was a big SEC guy," Valentine said. "I love the programs in the SEC conference and I love how the SEC wins championships. It's just a great conference."
Valentine, who will attend Florida's Friday Night Lights camp on July 27, said his familiarity with the Florida program is a reason the Gators are at the top of his list. Valentine's head coach at Bayside, Derek Smith, coached former Florida players Reggie Nelson and Joe Cohen at Palm Bay High School.
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Fresh off a solid showing at the Alabama prospect camp, 2014 defensive back Jamal Adams (Carrollton, Texas/Hebron) is hoping to pick up an offer from the reigning BCS national champion.
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Adams showed his versatility in the secondary at the camp. He lines up at safety at Hebron, but he participated in cornerback drills and showed a comfort level at Alabama.
“I think I gave them a little taste of what I can do at the camp,” Adams said. “There was some great talent out there. A couple of DBs and receivers from Georgia were really good.”
At 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, Adams showed his versatility in the secondary at the camp. He lines up at safety at Hebron, but he participated in cornerback drills and showed a comfort level at Alabama.
“I think I gave them a little taste of what I can do at the camp,” Adams said. “There was some great talent out there. A couple of DBs and receivers from Georgia were really good.”
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Ranking the SEC's safeties
July, 17, 2012
7/17/12
5:41
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff and
Chris Low | ESPN.com
Now that we've ranked the SEC's secondaries, it's time to take a look at the league's top cornerbacks.
Past rankings:
Here are our top 10 SEC safeties:
1. Eric Reid, Jr., LSU: He might be the league's best ball-hawking threat and he packs quite the punch. He had a knack for making all sorts of plays in LSU's secondary last year -- none bigger than his game-changing interception in the first game against Alabama. He tied for the team lead with 76 tackles, broke up three passes and intercepted two. Pro scouts love his ability to roam all around the field and his tremendous cover skills.
2. Bacarri Rambo, Sr., Georgia: He had a true breakout season last year and could have easily left for the NFL draft. The first-team All-American led the SEC and ranked second nationally with eight interceptions and was second in the SEC with 16 pass breakups. He takes the deep pass away, but is also very solid in defending the run and shorter passes.
3. Matt Elam, Jr., Florida: The headliner of Florida's defense, Elam found himself playing all over the field in 2011. He was second on the team with 78 tackles, but led the Gators with 11 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He loves contact, but also has improved his coverage skills and can line up at the nickel if needed.
4. Robert Lester, Sr., Alabama: Lester has had a solid career with the Tide so far. He notched an SEC-best eight interceptions in 2010 and flirted with leaving for the NFL after his junior season. He's moving to free safety, but has the speed and ability to play that rover position. He covers a lot of ground and can come in and play in the box as well.
5. D.J. Swearinger, Sr., South Carolina: His move from strong safety to free safety was a plus for the Gamecocks. He turned into a tremendous rover in South Carolina's defensive backfield and wasn't afraid to move closer to the line to hit people -- a lot of people. He's a proven playmaker and has no issues finding the ball, as he's registered 122 solo tackles in three seasons.
Past rankings:
- Top 10 quarterbacks
- Top 10 running backs
- Top 10 wide receivers
- Top 10 tight ends
- Top 10 offensive linemen
- Top 10 defensive tackles
- Top 10 defensive ends
- Top 10 linebackers
- Top 10 cornerbacks
Here are our top 10 SEC safeties:
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Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesLSU safety Eric Reid has tremendous cover skills.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty ImagesLSU safety Eric Reid has tremendous cover skills. 2. Bacarri Rambo, Sr., Georgia: He had a true breakout season last year and could have easily left for the NFL draft. The first-team All-American led the SEC and ranked second nationally with eight interceptions and was second in the SEC with 16 pass breakups. He takes the deep pass away, but is also very solid in defending the run and shorter passes.
3. Matt Elam, Jr., Florida: The headliner of Florida's defense, Elam found himself playing all over the field in 2011. He was second on the team with 78 tackles, but led the Gators with 11 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles. He loves contact, but also has improved his coverage skills and can line up at the nickel if needed.
4. Robert Lester, Sr., Alabama: Lester has had a solid career with the Tide so far. He notched an SEC-best eight interceptions in 2010 and flirted with leaving for the NFL after his junior season. He's moving to free safety, but has the speed and ability to play that rover position. He covers a lot of ground and can come in and play in the box as well.
5. D.J. Swearinger, Sr., South Carolina: His move from strong safety to free safety was a plus for the Gamecocks. He turned into a tremendous rover in South Carolina's defensive backfield and wasn't afraid to move closer to the line to hit people -- a lot of people. He's a proven playmaker and has no issues finding the ball, as he's registered 122 solo tackles in three seasons.
2014 athlete Hurd camps, has Tide on top
July, 17, 2012
7/17/12
4:10
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The University of Alabama’s second prospect camp of the summer has been highlighted by the 2014 recruiting class, and Hendersonville, Tenn., athlete Jalen Hurd was one of the top players in his class to compete.
“The camp went great,” Hurd said. “It was a little difficult, but I got in shape and got my running technique a lot better. I had a good time.”
At the camp, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Hurd worked out exclusively at running back, but when he met with Nick Saban in his office, the Crimson Tide head coach told him they were still recruiting him as an athlete.
“The camp went great,” Hurd said. “It was a little difficult, but I got in shape and got my running technique a lot better. I had a good time.”
At the camp, the 6-foot-3, 210-pound Hurd worked out exclusively at running back, but when he met with Nick Saban in his office, the Crimson Tide head coach told him they were still recruiting him as an athlete.
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Transfers can often times be the great equalizer, both junior college transfers and major college transfers.
It’s safe to say that Cam Newton made a difference on Auburn’s 2010 national championship team. And for that matter, so did Nick Fairley. Both were junior college transfers.
A year ago, cornerback DeQuan Menzie was a stabilizing force in Alabama’s defensive secondary and one of the Crimson Tide’s most dependable players on their 2011 national championship team. Menzie was also a junior college transfer.
Terrence Cody, yet another junior college transfer, was a major part of Alabama’s 2009 national championship defense.
Who will be those impact transfers in 2012 that make a difference? Here are 10 to watch in the SEC. They’re listed alphabetically:
Denico Autry, DE, Mississippi State: One of the most heralded junior college prospects in the country, the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Autry made quite an impression this spring. He’s an explosive pass-rusher the Bulldogs hope will give them the edge pressure they lacked last season.
Deion Belue, CB, Alabama: It didn’t take Belue long to make his presence felt this spring. He took an interception back 97 yards for a touchdown in the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage. Belue’s a quick learner and one of the favorites to start at the other cornerback opposite Dee Milliner.
Pierce Burton, OT, Ole Miss: He started his career at San Jose State and then transferred to City College of San Francisco. It looked like Burton would continue his career at Florida, but Hugh Freeze was able to sway him to Ole Miss. Burton was good enough this spring that he’ll go into the season as the Rebels’ starting right tackle.
Austin Flynn, DE, Arkansas: The Hogs already needed some pass-rushing help at end with Jake Bequette departing. That need was only magnified after Tenarius Wright moved to linebacker this spring. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Flynn was a big get out of junior college and showed the kind of strength and power this spring that could make him an immediate starter.
Damien Jacobs, DT, Florida: Originally committed to Tennessee out of East Mississippi Community College, Jacobs changed his mind and signed with the Gators. Florida coach Will Muschamp liked what he saw this spring and thinks the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Jacobs will be a big part of the rotation at tackle this fall.
It’s safe to say that Cam Newton made a difference on Auburn’s 2010 national championship team. And for that matter, so did Nick Fairley. Both were junior college transfers.
A year ago, cornerback DeQuan Menzie was a stabilizing force in Alabama’s defensive secondary and one of the Crimson Tide’s most dependable players on their 2011 national championship team. Menzie was also a junior college transfer.
Terrence Cody, yet another junior college transfer, was a major part of Alabama’s 2009 national championship defense.
Who will be those impact transfers in 2012 that make a difference? Here are 10 to watch in the SEC. They’re listed alphabetically:
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AP Photo/Todd J. Van EmstIllinois transfer Jay Prosch will be eligible to take the field for Auburn this season.
AP Photo/Todd J. Van EmstIllinois transfer Jay Prosch will be eligible to take the field for Auburn this season.Deion Belue, CB, Alabama: It didn’t take Belue long to make his presence felt this spring. He took an interception back 97 yards for a touchdown in the Crimson Tide’s first scrimmage. Belue’s a quick learner and one of the favorites to start at the other cornerback opposite Dee Milliner.
Pierce Burton, OT, Ole Miss: He started his career at San Jose State and then transferred to City College of San Francisco. It looked like Burton would continue his career at Florida, but Hugh Freeze was able to sway him to Ole Miss. Burton was good enough this spring that he’ll go into the season as the Rebels’ starting right tackle.
Austin Flynn, DE, Arkansas: The Hogs already needed some pass-rushing help at end with Jake Bequette departing. That need was only magnified after Tenarius Wright moved to linebacker this spring. The 6-foot-5, 265-pound Flynn was a big get out of junior college and showed the kind of strength and power this spring that could make him an immediate starter.
Damien Jacobs, DT, Florida: Originally committed to Tennessee out of East Mississippi Community College, Jacobs changed his mind and signed with the Gators. Florida coach Will Muschamp liked what he saw this spring and thinks the 6-foot-3, 310-pound Jacobs will be a big part of the rotation at tackle this fall.
Camp notebook: 2014 recruits on display
July, 17, 2012
7/17/12
2:20
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
QB Barker camps at Alabama, Tennessee
Rising junior quarterback Drew Barker, a native of Hebron, Ky., took his campus tour down south this week with visits to Alabama and Tennessee. On Sunday, Barker competed in the Crimson Tide’s summer prospect camp.
“The camp went great,” Barker said. “That was my first time down at Alabama. I got to see the facilities and the stadium, and they’re definitely top of the line. I got to work with Coach [Doug] Nussmeier, the quarterback coach, and I thought I could really see myself playing for him. I think he could really maximize my potential.”
Rising junior quarterback Drew Barker, a native of Hebron, Ky., took his campus tour down south this week with visits to Alabama and Tennessee. On Sunday, Barker competed in the Crimson Tide’s summer prospect camp.
“The camp went great,” Barker said. “That was my first time down at Alabama. I got to see the facilities and the stadium, and they’re definitely top of the line. I got to work with Coach [Doug] Nussmeier, the quarterback coach, and I thought I could really see myself playing for him. I think he could really maximize my potential.”
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According to multiple sources, ESPN 150 tight end Hunter Henry (Little Rock, Ark./Pulaski) will announce his college decision at 4 p.m. ET Thursday. His finalists include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Oklahoma, Stanford and Vanderbilt.
The Crimson Tide already have a verbal from another top tight end and Under Armour All-American, O.J. Howard (Prattville, Ala./Autauga).
Three-star Deondre Skinner (Patterson, La.) is on board with the Razorbacks, the Cardinal picked up a commitment from three-star Eric Cotton Jr. (Nampa, Idaho/Columbia) in late June, and the Commodores secured three-star Nathan Marcus (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) back in April. Georgia and Oklahoma do not have tight end commitments at this time.
The Crimson Tide already have a verbal from another top tight end and Under Armour All-American, O.J. Howard (Prattville, Ala./Autauga).
Three-star Deondre Skinner (Patterson, La.) is on board with the Razorbacks, the Cardinal picked up a commitment from three-star Eric Cotton Jr. (Nampa, Idaho/Columbia) in late June, and the Commodores secured three-star Nathan Marcus (Glen Ellyn, Ill./Glenbard West) back in April. Georgia and Oklahoma do not have tight end commitments at this time.
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It's almost time for hundreds of media folk to pile into a swanky ballroom and kick off another year of SEC media days.
The festivities begin Tuesday at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, Ala., and last until Thursday afternoon. The event serves as the unofficial kickoff to SEC football season.
So what should we be on the lookout for this year?
HOOVER, Ala. -- It's the unofficial kickoff to the college football season ... the SEC media days.
We'll be here all week bringing you updates on every team, including videos, tidbits from the coaches and players in attendance and a wrap-up of every day.
On the docket today are the two new kids in town -- Missouri and Texas A&M -- along with South Carolina and Vanderbilt.
You can watch live on ESPNU and ESPN3. The festivities start today at 1 p.m. ET. Also, be sure to check out our @ESPN_SEC Twitter account, where you can find live coverage.
Well, I need to hurry over to the Wynfrey Hotel and pick up my media guides. If you don't get there early, the Alabama guides are usually gone.
Those things are hot commodities in these parts.
We'll be here all week bringing you updates on every team, including videos, tidbits from the coaches and players in attendance and a wrap-up of every day.
On the docket today are the two new kids in town -- Missouri and Texas A&M -- along with South Carolina and Vanderbilt.
You can watch live on ESPNU and ESPN3. The festivities start today at 1 p.m. ET. Also, be sure to check out our @ESPN_SEC Twitter account, where you can find live coverage.
Well, I need to hurry over to the Wynfrey Hotel and pick up my media guides. If you don't get there early, the Alabama guides are usually gone.
Those things are hot commodities in these parts.
Some of my best childhood memories go back to the Major League All-Star Game and sitting around and watching the Midsummer Classic with family members.
That’s what we did last week at our house.
So in keeping with the All-Star theme, we’ll select a preseason SEC All-Star team with the East going up against the West.
Who would win?
That’s what we did last week at our house.
So in keeping with the All-Star theme, we’ll select a preseason SEC All-Star team with the East going up against the West.
Who would win?
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.