Gators impress 2014 DE Gerald Willis III 
June, 15, 2012
6/15/12
6:48
PM ET
By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Defensive end prospect Gerald Willis III (New Orleans, La./Edna Karr) will only be a junior this coming year, but he is already familiar with what college football recruiting is all about. Willis is the half-brother of Alabama safety signee Landon Collins, the No. 1 safety in the country last year.
Collins spurned the home-state LSU Tigers and instead signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Willis said he wants to follow his brother's lead by not being afraid to get out of Louisiana -- but only if it's the best decision for him when it's time to make his college decision.
"It really don't matter if I go far from home," Willis said. "I just know that I have a home to come home to. My brother proved that he wasn't just going to stay at home. He could have stayed at home, but he thought he could go further if he went to Alabama. So I'm going to follow in my brother's footsteps. I might stay at home or I might go somewhere. I just don't know."
Collins spurned the home-state LSU Tigers and instead signed with the Alabama Crimson Tide. Willis said he wants to follow his brother's lead by not being afraid to get out of Louisiana -- but only if it's the best decision for him when it's time to make his college decision.
"It really don't matter if I go far from home," Willis said. "I just know that I have a home to come home to. My brother proved that he wasn't just going to stay at home. He could have stayed at home, but he thought he could go further if he went to Alabama. So I'm going to follow in my brother's footsteps. I might stay at home or I might go somewhere. I just don't know."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Patterson receiving much-deserved honor
June, 15, 2012
6/15/12
4:15
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The faces of Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Gene Stallings and the forever stoic Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant look off in the distance, their countenance marked forever in larger-than-life bronze statues. The newest addition, Nick Saban, joined the University of Alabama’s “Walk of Champions” in 2010 following his first championship victory. His stern look and half-clapped hands have been the centerpiece of thousands of family portraits since then.
The staging area just north of Bryant-Denny Stadium has become hallowed ground at UA, a spot reserved for those that brought titles to a town that craves them. An untold number of graduation photos capture smiling coeds standing alongside the likeness of the men responsible for all of the Crimson Tide’s 14 football national championships.
But since the monuments were built six years ago, the picture has been half-complete, half-told.
Today, a much-needed chapter was added to the Alabama songbook, albeit a few years and a few high notes late. The other sports at UA -- yes, Bama does more than football -- will finally get their recognition. Sarah Patterson, one of the most successful Alabama coaches of all time, is finally getting her due. The women’s gymnastics coach midway through her fourth decade is getting her name carved in stone, her overdue placement alongside the legends of Alabama athletics.
The staging area just north of Bryant-Denny Stadium has become hallowed ground at UA, a spot reserved for those that brought titles to a town that craves them. An untold number of graduation photos capture smiling coeds standing alongside the likeness of the men responsible for all of the Crimson Tide’s 14 football national championships.
But since the monuments were built six years ago, the picture has been half-complete, half-told.
Today, a much-needed chapter was added to the Alabama songbook, albeit a few years and a few high notes late. The other sports at UA -- yes, Bama does more than football -- will finally get their recognition. Sarah Patterson, one of the most successful Alabama coaches of all time, is finally getting her due. The women’s gymnastics coach midway through her fourth decade is getting her name carved in stone, her overdue placement alongside the legends of Alabama athletics.
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down from 100 to 1 until Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 78 and what it means to UA football.
From the minute Julio Jones glided onto the University of Alabama campus, you knew there was something special about him. From his prodigious height to his superior ball skills, it was clear the next great Crimson Tide receiver had arrived.
And in 2010, Jones cemented that notion, grabbing a school record 78 receptions -- surpassing the old mark by more than 10 catches. His junior campaign (7 touchdowns and 1,133 yards) would be enough to encourage the Atlanta Falcons to trade their first-, second- and fourth-round picks in the 2011 draft, as well as their first- and fourth-round picks in in 2012.
Jones reminded Alabama fans last season what made him so special, becoming a deep threat for the Falcons' Matt Ryan.
Back at the Capstone, UA saw a significant drop off at receiver in 2011. Marquis Maze, the Tide's leading receiver, finished the year with 56 catches for one touchdown and 48.2 yards per game.
This coming season promises an improvement. Kenny Bell, DeAndrew White, Kevin Norwood and company all have another year of experience under their belts. They're also joined by a pair of top-10 high school prospects at the position: Chris Black and Amari Cooper. Both true freshmen drew praise from the coaching staff and could make an impact in 2012.
Who will be the receiver to break Julio Jones' record number of receptions? Vote inside the Tusk.
From the minute Julio Jones glided onto the University of Alabama campus, you knew there was something special about him. From his prodigious height to his superior ball skills, it was clear the next great Crimson Tide receiver had arrived.
And in 2010, Jones cemented that notion, grabbing a school record 78 receptions -- surpassing the old mark by more than 10 catches. His junior campaign (7 touchdowns and 1,133 yards) would be enough to encourage the Atlanta Falcons to trade their first-, second- and fourth-round picks in the 2011 draft, as well as their first- and fourth-round picks in in 2012.
Jones reminded Alabama fans last season what made him so special, becoming a deep threat for the Falcons' Matt Ryan.
Back at the Capstone, UA saw a significant drop off at receiver in 2011. Marquis Maze, the Tide's leading receiver, finished the year with 56 catches for one touchdown and 48.2 yards per game.
This coming season promises an improvement. Kenny Bell, DeAndrew White, Kevin Norwood and company all have another year of experience under their belts. They're also joined by a pair of top-10 high school prospects at the position: Chris Black and Amari Cooper. Both true freshmen drew praise from the coaching staff and could make an impact in 2012.
Who will be the receiver to break Julio Jones' record number of receptions? Vote inside the Tusk.
Tide won't give up pursuit of Nkemdiche
June, 14, 2012
6/14/12
10:01
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
There’s no doubt Robert Nkemdiche was the top target left on Alabama’s board. After all, he’s the top prospect in the country, and many considered him as a Crimson Tide lean before he committed to Clemson on Thursday.
It’s still a long way until national signing day, and the UA coaching staff won’t give up on the five-star defensive end, but it might be time to start looking at other options.
Alabama already has a commitment from ESPN 150 defensive end Jonathan Allen. However, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound star is projected as more of a jack linebacker when he gets to Tuscaloosa as opposed to a defensive end.
It’s still a long way until national signing day, and the UA coaching staff won’t give up on the five-star defensive end, but it might be time to start looking at other options.
Alabama already has a commitment from ESPN 150 defensive end Jonathan Allen. However, the 6-foot-3, 225-pound star is projected as more of a jack linebacker when he gets to Tuscaloosa as opposed to a defensive end.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
With the 2013 recruiting class beginning to fill up, the University of Alabama addressed another position of need on Thursday, albeit a position that most didn’t expect the Crimson Tide to fill and one for which Nick Saban has never offered a scholarship.
Bakersfield, Ca., long snapper Cole Mazza originally committed to UCLA last month, but after receiving an offer from Alabama last week, he opted to switch his commitment, becoming the 18th member of the Tide’s current class.
“I loved both schools,” Mazza said. “It was a really tough decision, but I feel like I can’t pass on this opportunity to go to Alabama and be part of a national champion. I’m going to get my degree. I’m going to graduate school. I just feel like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. It’s just a great fit for me.”
Bakersfield, Ca., long snapper Cole Mazza originally committed to UCLA last month, but after receiving an offer from Alabama last week, he opted to switch his commitment, becoming the 18th member of the Tide’s current class.
“I loved both schools,” Mazza said. “It was a really tough decision, but I feel like I can’t pass on this opportunity to go to Alabama and be part of a national champion. I’m going to get my degree. I’m going to graduate school. I just feel like this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that I couldn’t pass up. It’s just a great fit for me.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down from 100 to 1 until Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 79 and what it means to UA football.
There's great, and then there's all-time. The Alabama Crimson Tide in 1979 were the latter.
Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant's boys were the best team in college football to close out the decade, and in 2008 they were voted the greatest SEC team of all time. Now I'm certain some of you are saying, "Wait, what about the 1992 team with its historic defense?" and sure, you might follow up with the fact that it was a fan poll done to promote a wireless telecommunications company. But take a closer look at the numbers and decide for yourself:
In 1979 ...
There's great, and then there's all-time. The Alabama Crimson Tide in 1979 were the latter.
Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant's boys were the best team in college football to close out the decade, and in 2008 they were voted the greatest SEC team of all time. Now I'm certain some of you are saying, "Wait, what about the 1992 team with its historic defense?" and sure, you might follow up with the fact that it was a fan poll done to promote a wireless telecommunications company. But take a closer look at the numbers and decide for yourself:
In 1979 ...
- Won 12 games for the first time in Bryant's tenure, including wins over three ranked teams (Tennessee, Auburn, Arkansas)
- Set a team record for rushing attempts (763), first downs by rushing (213) and rushing offense (344.7 ypg)
- Allowed just two rushing touchdowns in 12 games (UA gave up three in 2011-12)
- Intercepted a school-record 25 passes
- Led the nation in scoring defense (5.3 ppg), rushing defense (101.9 ypg) and passing defense (78.2 ypg)
- Led the nation in scoring offense (32.9 ppg) and total offense (428.9 ypg)
- Went a perfect 13-0 under Gene Stallings, including wins over four top-25 teams (Tennessee, Mississippi State, Florida, Miami)
- An efficient running game that ranked in the top 25 overall (208.9 yards per game)
- A not-so-efficient passing game that included 10 interceptions and ranked in the bottom 50 in total passing
- 22nd in the country in points per game (28.2)
- Led the nation in total defense (200.2 ypg), scoring defense (8.62 ppg), passing defense and rushing defense
- Went 12-1 under coach Saban, including wins over four top-25 teams (Penn State, Arkansas, UF, LSU)
- A ground-it-out running game that finished in the top 20 in total rushing with 214.5 yards per game
- A proficient passing game (16 TD, 8 INT) that finished 35th in passing efficiency
- 20th in the country in points per game (34.8)
- Led the nation in total defense (183.6 ypg), scoring defense (8.15 ppg), passing defense (111.5 ypg) and rushing defense (72.1 ypg)
If you ask Rashawn Powell (Orlando, Fla./Dr. Phillips) he’ll tell you he’s got a little Russell Westbrook in his game. The ESPN 100 prospect and the Oklahoma City Thunder star both play the point, and both know to score when they need to.
“I like to get my team involved first, but if the team’s not hitting shots, that’s when I go ahead and do my own thing,” Powell said. “I’m still going to get the team involved, but sometimes I’ve got to focus on scoring to get my team to the win.”
When Powell’s AAU coach, Diane Neal, was watching Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night, she saw Westbrook make a move against the Miami Heat that was reminiscent of her own point guard. She even texted Powell’s father to let him know.
“I like to get my team involved first, but if the team’s not hitting shots, that’s when I go ahead and do my own thing,” Powell said. “I’m still going to get the team involved, but sometimes I’ve got to focus on scoring to get my team to the win.”
When Powell’s AAU coach, Diane Neal, was watching Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday night, she saw Westbrook make a move against the Miami Heat that was reminiscent of her own point guard. She even texted Powell’s father to let him know.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
A southern swing through SEC territory has given Christian Morris a better feel for some of the schools pursuing him.
Morris visited LSU, Mississippi State and Alabama last week. The Tigers seem out of the running for his services.
"LSU is very nice and all but I think they're not recruiting me anymore since they got that other tackle commit," Morris stated via text, adding that the school isn't his "cup of tea."
Morris visited LSU, Mississippi State and Alabama last week. The Tigers seem out of the running for his services.
"LSU is very nice and all but I think they're not recruiting me anymore since they got that other tackle commit," Morris stated via text, adding that the school isn't his "cup of tea."
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
The University of Alabama waited until after the signing period to nab its first basketball commitment for 2012, but ESPN 150 star Devonta Pollard was worth the wait for the Crimson Tide.
In 2013, head coach Anthony Grant and the UA coaching staff are off to a much quicker start with two early commitments, both ranked in the ESPN 100. The class comes in at No. 8 in the debut of ESPN’s team recruiting rankings, and it has a chance to finish even higher than that.
It’s not every year that a top-50 player is from your own backyard, but that was the case for Alabama for 2013.
In 2013, head coach Anthony Grant and the UA coaching staff are off to a much quicker start with two early commitments, both ranked in the ESPN 100. The class comes in at No. 8 in the debut of ESPN’s team recruiting rankings, and it has a chance to finish even higher than that.
It’s not every year that a top-50 player is from your own backyard, but that was the case for Alabama for 2013.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down from 100 to 1 until Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 80 and what it means to UA football.
When Alabama hired Nick Saban in 2007, everything changed. The former coach of the Miami Dolphins, LSU Tigers and others, righted the ship in Tuscaloosa, Ala., creating a winning environment that's produced two national championships in the last three seasons.
By one measure, Saban is the most successful coach in the SEC. The sixth-year coach of the Crimson Tide has won 80 percent of his conference games, going 32-8 in five seasons. The next best? Les Miles with a 72 percent winning percentage in the SEC.
When Alabama hired Nick Saban in 2007, everything changed. The former coach of the Miami Dolphins, LSU Tigers and others, righted the ship in Tuscaloosa, Ala., creating a winning environment that's produced two national championships in the last three seasons.
By one measure, Saban is the most successful coach in the SEC. The sixth-year coach of the Crimson Tide has won 80 percent of his conference games, going 32-8 in five seasons. The next best? Les Miles with a 72 percent winning percentage in the SEC.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
After an impressive showing at the Oklahoma camp, 2014 cornerback Tony Brown (Beaumont, Texas/Ozen) picked up an offer Tuesday from the Sooners.
Brown, a 6-foot, 180-pound cornerback and ball hawk, left the OU camp with his eighth offer overall. He now has offers from Alabama, LSU, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU and Mississippi State, along with the Sooners.
“There was good competition there,” Brown said of the OU camp. “I went there to compete. They had a few guys there who were supposed to be good, and I wanted to go against them.”
Brown, a 6-foot, 180-pound cornerback and ball hawk, left the OU camp with his eighth offer overall. He now has offers from Alabama, LSU, Nebraska, Texas A&M, Texas Tech, TCU and Mississippi State, along with the Sooners.
“There was good competition there,” Brown said of the OU camp. “I went there to compete. They had a few guys there who were supposed to be good, and I wanted to go against them.”
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Each week at TideNation we will speak with a writer who covers one of Alabama's 2012 opponents. OwlAccess.com editor Marcus Nelson, who covers all things Florida Atlantic, stops by to break down the Owls and the game.
Question: For those who aren't familiar with the FAU program (or missed the heart attack the Owls gave Auburn in the first half last season), give us a rundown of coach Carl Pelini's philosophy.
Nelson:Former Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini was hired in December to completely revamp the FAU football program that had slipped in the past few seasons under FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger. The early returns is he is doing just that. The Owls will emphasize defense, which could be important when they play teams from BCS conferences -- and what contributed to a game which was closer than expected in FAU’s 30-14 loss to Auburn last season.
Question: For those who aren't familiar with the FAU program (or missed the heart attack the Owls gave Auburn in the first half last season), give us a rundown of coach Carl Pelini's philosophy.
Nelson:Former Nebraska defensive coordinator Carl Pelini was hired in December to completely revamp the FAU football program that had slipped in the past few seasons under FAU coach Howard Schnellenberger. The early returns is he is doing just that. The Owls will emphasize defense, which could be important when they play teams from BCS conferences -- and what contributed to a game which was closer than expected in FAU’s 30-14 loss to Auburn last season.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
From now until kickoff in Arlington, Texas, we'll be counting down from 100 to 1 until Alabama and Michigan get the season started. Today, we move to No. 81 and what it means to UA football.
The University of Alabama football program has had a handful of dominating stretches, and the 10-year period from 1971-81 stands out as one of the most successful runs in the school's history.
So what happened to make that run so special? Let's count the ways:
Paul 'Bear' Bryant had the Tide rolling in 1981, but that season would be the last time Alabama's most legendary coach would lift a trophy before retiring in 1983.
The University of Alabama football program has had a handful of dominating stretches, and the 10-year period from 1971-81 stands out as one of the most successful runs in the school's history.
So what happened to make that run so special? Let's count the ways:
- Three national championships
- Nine conference titles
- An 11-0 record against both LSU and Tennessee
- Won 89 percent of games
- Lost just four SEC games
- Yielded 24 All-Americans and more than 40 NFL draft picks
- ... And produced the team voted the greatest in SEC history (1979)
Paul 'Bear' Bryant had the Tide rolling in 1981, but that season would be the last time Alabama's most legendary coach would lift a trophy before retiring in 1983.
Tide schedule preview: Florida Atlantic
June, 12, 2012
6/12/12
8:14
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The rundown
2011 record: 1-11
2011 conference record: 0-8 (Sun Belt)
Returning starters: Offense: 6, Defense: 8, Specialists: 1
Top returners: QB Graham Wilbert, C Mustafa Johnson, TE Nexon Dorvilus, WR Andre Richardson, LB David Hinds, LB Randell Johnson, LB Andrae Kirk
2011 record: 1-11
2011 conference record: 0-8 (Sun Belt)
Returning starters: Offense: 6, Defense: 8, Specialists: 1
Top returners: QB Graham Wilbert, C Mustafa Johnson, TE Nexon Dorvilus, WR Andre Richardson, LB David Hinds, LB Randell Johnson, LB Andrae Kirk
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
Four-star defensive lineman Antonio Riles (Lawrenceville, Ga./Archer) has had a busy week. The 6-foot-4, 270-pound prospect camped Monday at Alabama, Thursday at Georgia and Saturday at Florida, but he admits his journey got off to a surprising start.
“Getting an offer from the Tide really caught me off guard,” Riles said. “The Alabama offer changes things, and I am highly considering them.”
In May, Riles mentioned Florida and Georgia as co-leaders, but on Sunday he was not ready to name a particular school as No. 1.
“Getting an offer from the Tide really caught me off guard,” Riles said. “The Alabama offer changes things, and I am highly considering them.”
In May, Riles mentioned Florida and Georgia as co-leaders, but on Sunday he was not ready to name a particular school as No. 1.
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider
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.