Nussmeier puts his stamp on Tide's class 
August, 6, 2012
8/06/12
11:50
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The University of Alabama needed to make a splash at the quarterback position in this year’s recruiting class after missing out on its top targets in each of the last two years.
Enter Doug Nussmeier.
The first-year offensive coordinator arrived in January and wasted no time looking for his quarterback of the future. Because of his ties to Washington, he nearly helped the Crimson Tide reel in a commitment from Max Browne, the nation’s No. 2 signal caller, who ended up choosing USC.
Enter Doug Nussmeier.
The first-year offensive coordinator arrived in January and wasted no time looking for his quarterback of the future. Because of his ties to Washington, he nearly helped the Crimson Tide reel in a commitment from Max Browne, the nation’s No. 2 signal caller, who ended up choosing USC.
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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. 26 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
Of all the freshmen under the microscope at fall camp, few, if any, have drawn more attention than N0. 26 Landon Collins. Whether it was the Louisiana native's highlight tape or his awkward verbal commitment at the Under Armour Game, the hype for the safety was at a fever pitch before he ever set foot on the University of Alabama campus.
With three-quarters of the Alabama secondary gone from a year ago, playing time for the true freshman is a possibility. And judging by his pedigree, fans could be in for a treat.
Collins is the highest-rated defensive prospect Alabama has signed in three years. Scouts fell in love with his physique, game speed and versatility. He was the No. 1 safety in the ESPN 150 and graded out with an 85 rating.
Here's a look at who Alabama has signed in the secondary the last few years.
Of all the freshmen under the microscope at fall camp, few, if any, have drawn more attention than N0. 26 Landon Collins. Whether it was the Louisiana native's highlight tape or his awkward verbal commitment at the Under Armour Game, the hype for the safety was at a fever pitch before he ever set foot on the University of Alabama campus.
With three-quarters of the Alabama secondary gone from a year ago, playing time for the true freshman is a possibility. And judging by his pedigree, fans could be in for a treat.
Collins is the highest-rated defensive prospect Alabama has signed in three years. Scouts fell in love with his physique, game speed and versatility. He was the No. 1 safety in the ESPN 150 and graded out with an 85 rating.
Here's a look at who Alabama has signed in the secondary the last few years.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama got a little different look on Sunday as the team took to Bryant-Denny Stadium in shells for an open workout.
Media Day, or Fan Day depending on how you look at it, wrapped up the weekend of practice.
Here are a few observations from the media viewing period:
Media Day, or Fan Day depending on how you look at it, wrapped up the weekend of practice.
Here are a few observations from the media viewing period:
- Most notably, athlete Cyrus Jones found himself at a new position, practicing at running back. The first two days he spent at wide receiver. He's an intriguing fit at either position. He's a little slender to play running back but has the speed and quickness to make defenders miss.
- Eddie Lacy and Arie Kouandjio were put in black no-contact jerseys during practice. There hasn't been any indication that they are limited, so the move is likely precautionary.
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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. 27 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
Yesterday on the Countdown, we looked at the University of Alabama's projected strength of schedule in 2012, according to Phil Steele. His calculations, while notable, obviously are an educated guess like any preseason poll or rankings.
So today, we'll take a step back and look at the real numbers and just how difficult Alabama's schedule was in 2011-12 when the Crimson Tide won their 14th national championship.
Alabama's strength of schedule came in at No. 5 in the country, according to the NCAA, with opponents' win-loss record 27 games above .500. Only LSU, Kansas, Auburn and Oklahoma State faced a tougher set of opposition.
Here's a glance at how the entire SEC fared in strength of schedule a season ago:
Yesterday on the Countdown, we looked at the University of Alabama's projected strength of schedule in 2012, according to Phil Steele. His calculations, while notable, obviously are an educated guess like any preseason poll or rankings.
So today, we'll take a step back and look at the real numbers and just how difficult Alabama's schedule was in 2011-12 when the Crimson Tide won their 14th national championship.
Alabama's strength of schedule came in at No. 5 in the country, according to the NCAA, with opponents' win-loss record 27 games above .500. Only LSU, Kansas, Auburn and Oklahoma State faced a tougher set of opposition.
Here's a glance at how the entire SEC fared in strength of schedule a season ago:
Duron Carter practices for Florida Atlantic
August, 4, 2012
8/04/12
8:51
PM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
Former Ohio State and Alabama receiver Duron Carter has transferred to Florida Atlantic.
FAU athletic department spokeswoman Katrina McCormack told the Associated Press that Carter practiced with the Owls on Saturday.
Carter caught 13 passes as a true freshman for Ohio State in 2009 and transferred to a junior college after academic issues. He then transferred to Alabama, but was unable to become eligible there and never played.
Carter, the son of former NFL and Ohio State star Cris Carter, has not yet been cleared to play for FAU this season by the NCAA.
FAU athletic department spokeswoman Katrina McCormack told the Associated Press that Carter practiced with the Owls on Saturday.
Carter caught 13 passes as a true freshman for Ohio State in 2009 and transferred to a junior college after academic issues. He then transferred to Alabama, but was unable to become eligible there and never played.
Carter, the son of former NFL and Ohio State star Cris Carter, has not yet been cleared to play for FAU this season by the NCAA.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Crimson Tide got to dip their toe in the water during Friday's start to fall camp. On Saturday, the heat picked up, as did the competition.
The veterans and newcomers, separated a day earlier, practiced together for the first time this fall. The only player missing in action is 2012 signee Brandon Hill. Coach Nick Saban has referenced one player who has not qualified yet, and Hill is the only absentee in the first two days of camp.
Here are a few other observations from Day 2 of fall camp:
The veterans and newcomers, separated a day earlier, practiced together for the first time this fall. The only player missing in action is 2012 signee Brandon Hill. Coach Nick Saban has referenced one player who has not qualified yet, and Hill is the only absentee in the first two days of camp.
Here are a few other observations from Day 2 of fall camp:
- Blake Sims continues to work at quarterback. Since Phillip Sims' transfer, the Tide have been looking for a No. 2 quarterback behind AJ McCarron. Sims worked alongside McCarron, Phillip Ely, Alec Morris and Dustin Ellison. Sims, who has spent time at running back and receiver since joining the Tide, has needed some help transitioning back under center. His release point seems to be a little off, causing him to throw behind on some passes, as are a few other technical details. Coach Doug Nussmeier will have his hands full trying to sort out the depth behind McCarron.
- As noted in yesterday's practice report, Morris already has the size to play the position. He's about an inch shorter than McCarron, but weighs a good 15 pounds more. He throws a good ball and looks comfortable under center.
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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. 28 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
If the University of Alabama is to repeat as national champions, and win three titles in four years, the road to the BCS game will not be easy. The Crimson Tide, starting with a neutral site date with Michigan, will have their hands full with a schedule that features several top 25 teams and ranks as the 28th most difficult schedule, according to Phil Steele.
Alabama will face preseason top 25 teams: No. 1 LSU, No. 8 Michigan, No. 10 Arkansas and No. 25 Auburn. If Alabama makes it to the postseason, it will likely see another.
Here's how the rest of the SEC stacks up on strength of schedule. according to Steele's calculations:
If the University of Alabama is to repeat as national champions, and win three titles in four years, the road to the BCS game will not be easy. The Crimson Tide, starting with a neutral site date with Michigan, will have their hands full with a schedule that features several top 25 teams and ranks as the 28th most difficult schedule, according to Phil Steele.
Alabama will face preseason top 25 teams: No. 1 LSU, No. 8 Michigan, No. 10 Arkansas and No. 25 Auburn. If Alabama makes it to the postseason, it will likely see another.
Here's how the rest of the SEC stacks up on strength of schedule. according to Steele's calculations:
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- After roughly three months of waiting, the Crimson Tide were back on the practice field for the start of preseason camp on Friday morning. Veterans took the field in the morning and the younger players at night.
As previously reported, Duron Carter is no longer with the team. He is not in the official media guide but the university has not released an official statement yet.
Now that we have that small bit of housekeeping out of the way, here are a few observations from the morning practice:
As previously reported, Duron Carter is no longer with the team. He is not in the official media guide but the university has not released an official statement yet.
Now that we have that small bit of housekeeping out of the way, here are a few observations from the morning practice:
- Eddie Lacy looked to be back to his normal self, making all the cuts after offseason surgery kept him out of spring practice. The presumptive starter at running back didn't look hindered by a foot problem that bothered him throughout last season.
- D.J. Fluker is in much better shape than he was toward the end of last season and during spring practice. He looks to have trimmed his waistline significantly, shedding some much-needed pounds. That will help him both in athleticism, going up against speed-rushers, and also in the injury department, alleviating some of the wear and tear caused by extra pounds.
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Notes: Saban focuses on young players
August, 3, 2012
8/03/12
4:34
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Those looking for a full preview of the defending champs at the University of Alabama's first practice of preseason camp on Friday got more of a teaser. Coach Nick Saban and roughly 50 players took to the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields on a hot, humid morning.
And if 50 players sounds slim to you, it should. Only the veterans took the field, with the younger, inexperienced players getting their first crack later in the day at the second of the two-a-day session.
The reason, coach Nick Saban said, was to give freshmen a chance to get their feet wet without the pressure of being surrounded by teammates that already know the ins and outs of practice.
"I always thought it was good in the old days when you could practice with the freshmen for a few practices so that you could sort of teach them and sort of eliminate some of their anxieties about going out to practice the first time," he said. "This way if we can take 50 players to practice this morning and 50 players to practice tonight, all the young players will be able to practice tonight."
In an offseason where the Crimson Tide must replace a number of starters from last year's team, the concentration will be on the youth. That makes the month before the start of the season that much more important as the coaching staff attempts to integrate a number of first-year players on both sides of the ball.
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Davide De Pas for ESPN.comAlabama freshman Cyrus Jones is attempting to learn the Alabama system quickly.
The reason, coach Nick Saban said, was to give freshmen a chance to get their feet wet without the pressure of being surrounded by teammates that already know the ins and outs of practice.
"I always thought it was good in the old days when you could practice with the freshmen for a few practices so that you could sort of teach them and sort of eliminate some of their anxieties about going out to practice the first time," he said. "This way if we can take 50 players to practice this morning and 50 players to practice tonight, all the young players will be able to practice tonight."
In an offseason where the Crimson Tide must replace a number of starters from last year's team, the concentration will be on the youth. That makes the month before the start of the season that much more important as the coaching staff attempts to integrate a number of first-year players on both sides of the ball.
Ranking the top 10 secondaries
August, 3, 2012
8/03/12
9:30
AM ET
By RecruitingNation staff | ESPN.com
ESPN Insider KC Joyner writes: Alabama lost two all-SEC-caliber secondary players in Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick to the NFL draft. That kind of personnel transition would normally preclude a team from being included on this list, but Nick Saban's history of strong recruiting gives the Tide terrific replacements in Lester and Milliner.
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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. 29 and what it means to UA football. See all the previous editions here.
Jalston Fowler didn't carry the ball much in the 2011-12 season, but he made the most of his carries. The big, bruising running back averaged 4.3 carries per game, yet managed to finish fourth on the team in total yards, picking up an average of 29.6 yards per contest.
Fowler, at 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds, is the heaviest tailback on the roster but possesses remarkable quickness for his size. In the SEC, only three running backs with 50 or more touches averaged better than 6.9 yards per carry. One was Eddie Lacy, one was LSU's Alfred Blue and the other was Fowler. With 56 carries, the Mobile, Ala., native ran for 385 yards and four touchdowns.
Jalston Fowler didn't carry the ball much in the 2011-12 season, but he made the most of his carries. The big, bruising running back averaged 4.3 carries per game, yet managed to finish fourth on the team in total yards, picking up an average of 29.6 yards per contest.
Fowler, at 6-foot-1 and 242 pounds, is the heaviest tailback on the roster but possesses remarkable quickness for his size. In the SEC, only three running backs with 50 or more touches averaged better than 6.9 yards per carry. One was Eddie Lacy, one was LSU's Alfred Blue and the other was Fowler. With 56 carries, the Mobile, Ala., native ran for 385 yards and four touchdowns.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama will hold its first practice of fall camp on Friday morning, and there will be plenty of new faces in attendance. Of the 26 players in the Crimson Tide’s 2012 recruiting class, 18 will be seeing their first action in camp. Here are five names to keep an eye on as it gets closer to the first game.
1. Landon Collins (DB): There are not many players who can come in as a true freshman and play for Alabama’s defense. Collins might be one of those. Physically, he’s ready. He has the speed to make a quick transition to the college game, and he has football instincts beyond his age. The only question is where he fits into the rotation in the secondary. Long term, I think he takes over for Mark Barron as the hard-hitting safety. But this year he will have to compete with the likes of Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, Robert Lester and Vinnie Sunseri for playing time. He might start out playing as a nickel back, but there’s a chance he takes over one of the safety spots by the end of the year.
2. Eddie Williams (WR): Similar to Collins, Williams is a physical gifted athlete. He could play just about anywhere on the field, but he’s projected to play wide receiver, a position he’s not very familiar with. In high school, he played primarily at quarterback and safety. Still, he’s 6-foot-4, and he has the capability to give Alabama that big target on the outside that it’s lacked since Julio Jones left for the NFL. Everybody’s been talking about Amari Cooper and the early impact he will make as a freshman, but if Williams gets acclimated to the offense quickly enough, he could add yet another weapon to AJ McCarron’s arsenal.
1. Landon Collins (DB): There are not many players who can come in as a true freshman and play for Alabama’s defense. Collins might be one of those. Physically, he’s ready. He has the speed to make a quick transition to the college game, and he has football instincts beyond his age. The only question is where he fits into the rotation in the secondary. Long term, I think he takes over for Mark Barron as the hard-hitting safety. But this year he will have to compete with the likes of Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix, Robert Lester and Vinnie Sunseri for playing time. He might start out playing as a nickel back, but there’s a chance he takes over one of the safety spots by the end of the year.
2. Eddie Williams (WR): Similar to Collins, Williams is a physical gifted athlete. He could play just about anywhere on the field, but he’s projected to play wide receiver, a position he’s not very familiar with. In high school, he played primarily at quarterback and safety. Still, he’s 6-foot-4, and he has the capability to give Alabama that big target on the outside that it’s lacked since Julio Jones left for the NFL. Everybody’s been talking about Amari Cooper and the early impact he will make as a freshman, but if Williams gets acclimated to the offense quickly enough, he could add yet another weapon to AJ McCarron’s arsenal.
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Schedule: The Crimson Tide’s first practice is on Friday at 10:30 a.m. ET, and their first day in full pads is scheduled for next Tuesday. Alabama opens the season on Sept. 1 against Michigan in Arlington, Texas. Kickoff is 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised nationally by ABC.
Returning starters: Six on offense, five on defense and the place-kicker and punter on special teams.
Star power: Senior Barrett Jones is moving to center this season after winning the Outland Trophy a year ago as the Crimson Tide’s left tackle. He began his career at Alabama by starting 25 games at right guard.
New faces: Junior college cornerbacks Deion Belue and Travell Dixon are both in the running for key roles in Alabama’s secondary rotation. They both went through the spring, and Belue could be a starter at cornerback. True freshman Landon Collins is also talented enough to find his way into the safety rotation. The Crimson Tide will be looking for help at receiver, and true freshmen Chris Black and Omari Cooper were both impressive this spring after enrolling early. Another one to watch at receiver this preseason camp is true freshman Eddie Williams, who has tremendous size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. True freshman running back T.J. Yeldon whet everybody’s appetite this spring with his ability to gain yardage both rushing and receiving. He had 179 yards of total offense in the spring game and won’t have to wait long to get on the field this fall.
Returning starters: Six on offense, five on defense and the place-kicker and punter on special teams.
Star power: Senior Barrett Jones is moving to center this season after winning the Outland Trophy a year ago as the Crimson Tide’s left tackle. He began his career at Alabama by starting 25 games at right guard.
New faces: Junior college cornerbacks Deion Belue and Travell Dixon are both in the running for key roles in Alabama’s secondary rotation. They both went through the spring, and Belue could be a starter at cornerback. True freshman Landon Collins is also talented enough to find his way into the safety rotation. The Crimson Tide will be looking for help at receiver, and true freshmen Chris Black and Omari Cooper were both impressive this spring after enrolling early. Another one to watch at receiver this preseason camp is true freshman Eddie Williams, who has tremendous size at 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds. True freshman running back T.J. Yeldon whet everybody’s appetite this spring with his ability to gain yardage both rushing and receiving. He had 179 yards of total offense in the spring game and won’t have to wait long to get on the field this fall.
ESPN 150 cornerback Jeryl Brazil became the first member of LSU’s 2013 recruiting class when he committed to the Tigers last summer, but that hasn’t stopped other schools, specifically Alabama, from recruiting the Louisiana native.
Brazil made an unexpected trip to Tuscaloosa last week to visit the Crimson Tide’s program. It was his first time back to UA in more thana year.
“The visit went well,” Brazil said. “I got to see a lot more than I did last time. I chilled with Bradley [Sylve] and Landon [Collins] that night, and then the next morning, I talked with Coach [Nick] Saban, Coach [Burton] Burns and the rest of the coaching staff. After that, I just took a little tour around campus.”
Brazil made an unexpected trip to Tuscaloosa last week to visit the Crimson Tide’s program. It was his first time back to UA in more thana year.
“The visit went well,” Brazil said. “I got to see a lot more than I did last time. I chilled with Bradley [Sylve] and Landon [Collins] that night, and then the next morning, I talked with Coach [Nick] Saban, Coach [Burton] Burns and the rest of the coaching staff. After that, I just took a little tour around campus.”
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Door to Texas now open for SEC schools
August, 2, 2012
8/02/12
1:35
PM ET
By
Sam Khan Jr. | ESPN.com
The impact that Texas A&M's membership in the SEC has had on recruiting is noticeable. The Aggies currently have a whopping 27 commitments in their 2013 recruiting class even though fall practice hasn't even started for Texas high schools. Many of the Aggies’ commitments have said that the SEC membership is among the top reasons they chose Texas A&M.
Coach Kevin Sumlin has acknowledged that impact, noting that Texas A&M has "probably gotten a few more visits" and his coaches have had a few more "return phone calls" from recruits who might not otherwise have considered the Aggies if they weren't in what's widely considered to be the nation's premier football conference.
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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.