Recruiting hasn’t slowed down for Brendan Langley, but the ESPN 150 defensive back has been trying to lay low and take it easy in recent weeks.
The Marietta, Ga., Kell High School prospect has put the recruiting process aside as he finished up the track season and started in with the football team for spring practice. Although he only worked out on the gridiron for a week, Langley believes he still got something out of it.
“I was only there for the second week, so it was pretty short, but it was fun,” he said. “I learned a lot. That’s always my goal going into things is to learn something, take something out of it, and I believe I did. In my opinion, it was productive. It was fun, and I’m just ready to get to the summer, get to these 7-on-7s, a couple camps and make my decision.”
The Marietta, Ga., Kell High School prospect has put the recruiting process aside as he finished up the track season and started in with the football team for spring practice. Although he only worked out on the gridiron for a week, Langley believes he still got something out of it.
“I was only there for the second week, so it was pretty short, but it was fun,” he said. “I learned a lot. That’s always my goal going into things is to learn something, take something out of it, and I believe I did. In my opinion, it was productive. It was fun, and I’m just ready to get to the summer, get to these 7-on-7s, a couple camps and make my decision.”
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Robert Nkemdiche, the nation's No. 1 player in the ESPN 150, discusses his top six schools, including Alabama.
The University of Alabama and Michigan will kick off the 2012 season on Saturday, Sept. 1 at 7 p.m. CST, according to a press release from UA media relations. The two schools will meet in Arlington, Texas, as part of the Cowboy Classic. ABC will televise the game.
Alabama and Michigan have faced one another three times in school history, the most recent coming in the 2000 Orange Bowl where the Wolverines won 35-34 in overtime. UM leads the all-time series 2-1.
The Crimson Tide will be the home team and the Wolverines the away team. Officials from the Big 12 Conference will call the game.
Alabama and Michigan have faced one another three times in school history, the most recent coming in the 2000 Orange Bowl where the Wolverines won 35-34 in overtime. UM leads the all-time series 2-1.
The Crimson Tide will be the home team and the Wolverines the away team. Officials from the Big 12 Conference will call the game.
Tide OL commit Hill transitions to football 
May, 22, 2012
5/22/12
2:32
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- Grant Hill doesn’t know what it feels like to have time off these days, but that’s just fine with him. That’s the life you live when you’re a two-sport athlete in high school, not to mention a two-sport athlete headed to the University of Alabama.
Hill, who committed to the Crimson Tide in February, is considered one of the top offensive lineman in the state for 2013, and he’s also one of the state’s top discus throwers. He set both a sectional and school record last month with a discus throw of 184 feet.
After the track season wrapped up, Hill took just one day off before he was back out on the football field, preparing for Huntsville High School’s spring game.
Hill, who committed to the Crimson Tide in February, is considered one of the top offensive lineman in the state for 2013, and he’s also one of the state’s top discus throwers. He set both a sectional and school record last month with a discus throw of 184 feet.
After the track season wrapped up, Hill took just one day off before he was back out on the football field, preparing for Huntsville High School’s spring game.
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When Seth Greenberg was fired last month from Virginia Tech, ESPN 100 power forward Montrezl Harrell (Tarboro, N.C./Hargrave Military) announced he would ask out of his scholarship. After a prolonged period, he was finally released from his letter of intent.
Now that Harrell is free to weigh his options, five programs are in the mix -- Louisville, Florida, Kentucky, Alabama and NC State.
Louisville has a unique tie because current Cardinals assistant Kevin Keatts was the head coach at Hargrave Military Academy when Harrell initially agreed to spend his senior season in Chatman. When Keatts left for Louisville, his protégé at Hargrave Military Academy, A.W. Hamilton, kept Harrell and coached him last season. Harrell will visit Louisville on May 31, according to the Rocky Mountain Telegram.
Now that Harrell is free to weigh his options, five programs are in the mix -- Louisville, Florida, Kentucky, Alabama and NC State.
Louisville has a unique tie because current Cardinals assistant Kevin Keatts was the head coach at Hargrave Military Academy when Harrell initially agreed to spend his senior season in Chatman. When Keatts left for Louisville, his protégé at Hargrave Military Academy, A.W. Hamilton, kept Harrell and coached him last season. Harrell will visit Louisville on May 31, according to the Rocky Mountain Telegram.
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The most experienced unit returning from the University of Alabama’s national championship squad a year ago is the offensive line. However, the unit is likely to lose at least three starters after this season. With the Tide signing just two offensive lineman in 2012, the opportunity is there for a player to come in and make an early impact in this year’s class. Alabama already has three commitments on the line: Bradley Bozeman, Andy Dodd and Grant Hill. All three possess the ability to play either right tackle or guard, but none of them are ideal for the left tackle spot. The staff is still looking for that prototype left tackle, and it could also add a center in this class. Expect the class to have at least five, if not six offensive linemen when it’s all said and done.
Bradley Bozeman - Roanoke, Ala.
Bozeman, a native of Alabama, has been all Crimson Tide since the recruiting process began. He became the first member of the Tide’s 2013 class when he committed last June, and he’s taken an active role in trying to bring in other recruits. At 6-foot-5, he has the size to play tackle, and UA head coach Nick Saban told Bozeman he’d like to start him at right tackle when he gets to Tuscaloosa. He’s lost close to 20 pounds since his junior season ended, and he’s a step quicker as a result of it. At the Atlanta NFTC in April, Bozeman only got beat once in the one-on-ones and proved to be one of the top offensive linemen at the camp.
Bradley Bozeman - Roanoke, Ala.
Bozeman, a native of Alabama, has been all Crimson Tide since the recruiting process began. He became the first member of the Tide’s 2013 class when he committed last June, and he’s taken an active role in trying to bring in other recruits. At 6-foot-5, he has the size to play tackle, and UA head coach Nick Saban told Bozeman he’d like to start him at right tackle when he gets to Tuscaloosa. He’s lost close to 20 pounds since his junior season ended, and he’s a step quicker as a result of it. At the Atlanta NFTC in April, Bozeman only got beat once in the one-on-ones and proved to be one of the top offensive linemen at the camp.
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With the recruiting process behind him, Cooper Bateman looked confident and relaxed at the Oakland Elite 11 regional over the weekend. The Salt Lake City quarterback had already earned an invite to the finals, but he still came out to compete.
The week before the event, Bateman committed to the University of Alabama, giving the Crimson Tide their highest-rated quarterback since Phillip Sims signed with UA in 2010.
Bateman, a member of the ESPN 150 and the No. 6 ranked quarterback in the nation, chose Alabama over his other finalists, Auburn, Florida, LSU and Washington. He talked to ESPN’s Recruiting Nation about his commitment.
The week before the event, Bateman committed to the University of Alabama, giving the Crimson Tide their highest-rated quarterback since Phillip Sims signed with UA in 2010.
Bateman, a member of the ESPN 150 and the No. 6 ranked quarterback in the nation, chose Alabama over his other finalists, Auburn, Florida, LSU and Washington. He talked to ESPN’s Recruiting Nation about his commitment.
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Alabama picked up a very good interior run stuffer this weekend in Darius Paige (Pensacola, Fla./Booker T. Washington) and now they have kicked off the week by adding an athletic and disruptive edge player in Jonathan Allen (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge).
The ESPN 150 prospect is listed as a defensive end, but in Alabama's scheme should fit well in more of the 'Jack' Backer role. He is a physically good looking kid with broad shoulders and he should be able to pack on some more needed mass with further physical development.
He moves well, both in straight-line speed and ability to change directions, and displays the ability to read on the run quickly. Those traits allow him to be a real active and disruptive defender. He can be a violent tackler. He has very good initial quicks that should aid him as a linebacker, but that first-step quickness could also allow him to be dangerous rushing off the edge.
Allen has room to improve, but is a nice fit for Alabama's defense as he can put his hand down and rush off the edge while also being athletic enough to be able to stand up and play in space. He will need development, but the athletic tools, toughness, and motor are there for this kid to be a real good college defender. It has been a very good couple of days for Alabama's front seven between the additions of Paige and now Allen.
The ESPN 150 prospect is listed as a defensive end, but in Alabama's scheme should fit well in more of the 'Jack' Backer role. He is a physically good looking kid with broad shoulders and he should be able to pack on some more needed mass with further physical development.
He moves well, both in straight-line speed and ability to change directions, and displays the ability to read on the run quickly. Those traits allow him to be a real active and disruptive defender. He can be a violent tackler. He has very good initial quicks that should aid him as a linebacker, but that first-step quickness could also allow him to be dangerous rushing off the edge.
Allen has room to improve, but is a nice fit for Alabama's defense as he can put his hand down and rush off the edge while also being athletic enough to be able to stand up and play in space. He will need development, but the athletic tools, toughness, and motor are there for this kid to be a real good college defender. It has been a very good couple of days for Alabama's front seven between the additions of Paige and now Allen.
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Four-star and ESPN 150 defensive end Jonathan Allen (Ashburn, Va./Stone Bridge) verbally committed to Alabama on Monday morning. The 6-foot-3, 225-pounder chose Alabama over offers from Florida, Michigan, Penn State, Oklahoma and Virginia Tech.
The No. 82-ranked player in the country recently named Florida and Alabama his co-leaders after visiting Florida for its spring game, but after a weekend trip to Tuscaloosa, Allen decided to pull the trigger for the Crimson Tide.
"At the end of the day I thought Alabama was the best fit for me," Allen said. "They give me the best opportunity to showcase my talents.
The No. 82-ranked player in the country recently named Florida and Alabama his co-leaders after visiting Florida for its spring game, but after a weekend trip to Tuscaloosa, Allen decided to pull the trigger for the Crimson Tide.
"At the end of the day I thought Alabama was the best fit for me," Allen said. "They give me the best opportunity to showcase my talents.
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Pensacola (Fla.) Washington defensive lineman Darius Paige committed to Alabama this past Friday after Crimson Tide coaches came by his school on a visit.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound prospect becomes the 13th commitment for the Crimson Tide in the Class of 2013.
"I was offered by Alabama in late January and the coaches came back on Wednesday to see if I was ready to commit," Paige said. "I went home and thought about it with my family for a couple of days before making the decision.
The 6-foot-3, 280-pound prospect becomes the 13th commitment for the Crimson Tide in the Class of 2013.
"I was offered by Alabama in late January and the coaches came back on Wednesday to see if I was ready to commit," Paige said. "I went home and thought about it with my family for a couple of days before making the decision.
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Michigan’s season opener against defending national champion Alabama is beginning to loom larger and larger. The Wolverines’ ticket allotment is sold out. Students and fans are planning road trips to the game, in Arlington, Texas. The hype has begun.
But for Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges, it’s business as usual around the offices.
“We’re not going down there like it’s a bowl game. We’re going down there like we’re playing in the Big House, first game of the season,” said Borges, who spoke at the annual Mott Takeover radiothon fundraiser. “Alabama is a heck of a football team, but I would be watching the first game of the season no matter who it was.”
Marquee matchup or not, the Wolverines have begun game-planning for the Crimson Tide.
Borges said he has watched a lot of game film on Alabama, but the part of its game that has stood out the most has been the speed on the field. Opponents averaged less than 200 yards per game against the Crimson Tide defense last season.
“They’re fast guys,” Borges said of Alabama. “Coaching down there [Borges was the OC at Auburn from 2004-07], I’m very aware. Plus, they’re very well trained. Their staff, (defensive coordinator) Kirby Smart does a great job and (head coach Nick) Saban is a defensive guy by nature.”
But for Michigan offensive coordinator Al Borges, it’s business as usual around the offices.
“We’re not going down there like it’s a bowl game. We’re going down there like we’re playing in the Big House, first game of the season,” said Borges, who spoke at the annual Mott Takeover radiothon fundraiser. “Alabama is a heck of a football team, but I would be watching the first game of the season no matter who it was.”
Marquee matchup or not, the Wolverines have begun game-planning for the Crimson Tide.
Borges said he has watched a lot of game film on Alabama, but the part of its game that has stood out the most has been the speed on the field. Opponents averaged less than 200 yards per game against the Crimson Tide defense last season.
“They’re fast guys,” Borges said of Alabama. “Coaching down there [Borges was the OC at Auburn from 2004-07], I’m very aware. Plus, they’re very well trained. Their staff, (defensive coordinator) Kirby Smart does a great job and (head coach Nick) Saban is a defensive guy by nature.”
Take Two: SEC-Big 12 partnership
May, 18, 2012
5/18/12
3:17
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff and
David Ubben | ESPN.com
The days of the Rose Bowl being the bowl of bowls could soon be coming to an end now that the SEC and the Big 12 have agreed on a five-year bowl partnership.
The new deal, announced Friday, will have the champions of the Big 12 and SEC meet in a New Year's Day bowl game annually beginning with the 2014 season. So while it won’t have the tradition of the Rose Bowl, it’ll have the viewers and it’ll have the popularity.
We’re seeing more and more how power is truly the most important component in college football, and this is a great example. Soon, we’ll have the two best BCS conferences going at it in their own special bowl competing with the beloved Rose Bowl.
We’re joined on the SEC blog by Big 12 blogger David Ubben to get his thoughts on what this means for the Big 12. We’re gentlemen down here in SEC country, so we’ll let him go first:
The new deal, announced Friday, will have the champions of the Big 12 and SEC meet in a New Year's Day bowl game annually beginning with the 2014 season. So while it won’t have the tradition of the Rose Bowl, it’ll have the viewers and it’ll have the popularity.
We’re seeing more and more how power is truly the most important component in college football, and this is a great example. Soon, we’ll have the two best BCS conferences going at it in their own special bowl competing with the beloved Rose Bowl.
We’re joined on the SEC blog by Big 12 blogger David Ubben to get his thoughts on what this means for the Big 12. We’re gentlemen down here in SEC country, so we’ll let him go first:
A day after Nick Saban Skyped with Wyomissing, Pa., linebacker Alex Anzalone, the University of Alabama coaching staff was in Pennsylvania recruiting another top prospect from the Keystone State -- wide receiver Robert Foster.
On Thursday, Foster had coaches from Alabama, Penn State and Rutgers visit his high school to watch him practice.
“It means a lot,” Foster said. “I feel blessed, but I still have to show out at practice and see what I can do regardless of if they’re there or not.”
On Thursday, Foster had coaches from Alabama, Penn State and Rutgers visit his high school to watch him practice.
“It means a lot,” Foster said. “I feel blessed, but I still have to show out at practice and see what I can do regardless of if they’re there or not.”
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We're putting spring behind us and looking toward the fall with our post-spring power rankings:
1. LSU: The Tigers had one of the best springs around. Things were quiet off the field, and the offense rallied behind quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Coach Les Miles was very impressed with Mettenberger's play and maturity, and expects LSU's offense to be more balanced with him under center. LSU can still use four or five running backs as well. Defensively, the Tigers are stacked once again, especially up front with two potential first-rounders in ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. Questions surround the inexperienced linebackers, but Kevin Minter had a tremendous spring in the middle. On paper, LSU is equipped with the talent to make another title run, and gets Alabama at home this year.
2. Alabama: The defending national champs saw a lot of "new" faces on defense this spring, but coach Nick Saban left happy with where his players were -- but not satisfied. There is still work to be done, especially in the secondary, where the Tide must replace three starters. Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are gone at linebacker, but the coaches were impressed with how Nico Johnson, C.J. Mosley and Adrian Hubbard played this spring. Some think Hubbard, a redshirt sophomore, could be Bama's top pass-rusher. Offensively, quarterback AJ McCarron is back, more mature and surrounded by a very veteran line. He has a group of younger receivers to throw to, but has at least four quality running backs. Alabama's road to repeating is tougher, with games at Arkansas and LSU.
3. South Carolina: A healthy Marcus Lattimore (knee) makes South Carolina an even better contender for the SEC East crown. His status is uncertain, but the pieces around him are pretty impressive. Quarterback Connor Shaw had an impressive spring, and looks ready to be the passer coach Steve Spurrier wants him to be. The defense is once again stacked, especially up front with ends Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor. There are questions in the secondary, with two new, young starters in Victor Hampton (cornerback) and Brison Williams (safety), and senior Akeem Auguste coming back after missing all of last season with a foot injury. Still, Spurrier is chirping about his SEC counterparts, so you know he thinks he's got a good team this year.
1. LSU: The Tigers had one of the best springs around. Things were quiet off the field, and the offense rallied behind quarterback Zach Mettenberger. Coach Les Miles was very impressed with Mettenberger's play and maturity, and expects LSU's offense to be more balanced with him under center. LSU can still use four or five running backs as well. Defensively, the Tigers are stacked once again, especially up front with two potential first-rounders in ends Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. Questions surround the inexperienced linebackers, but Kevin Minter had a tremendous spring in the middle. On paper, LSU is equipped with the talent to make another title run, and gets Alabama at home this year.
2. Alabama: The defending national champs saw a lot of "new" faces on defense this spring, but coach Nick Saban left happy with where his players were -- but not satisfied. There is still work to be done, especially in the secondary, where the Tide must replace three starters. Dont'a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw are gone at linebacker, but the coaches were impressed with how Nico Johnson, C.J. Mosley and Adrian Hubbard played this spring. Some think Hubbard, a redshirt sophomore, could be Bama's top pass-rusher. Offensively, quarterback AJ McCarron is back, more mature and surrounded by a very veteran line. He has a group of younger receivers to throw to, but has at least four quality running backs. Alabama's road to repeating is tougher, with games at Arkansas and LSU.
3. South Carolina: A healthy Marcus Lattimore (knee) makes South Carolina an even better contender for the SEC East crown. His status is uncertain, but the pieces around him are pretty impressive. Quarterback Connor Shaw had an impressive spring, and looks ready to be the passer coach Steve Spurrier wants him to be. The defense is once again stacked, especially up front with ends Jadeveon Clowney and Devin Taylor. There are questions in the secondary, with two new, young starters in Victor Hampton (cornerback) and Brison Williams (safety), and senior Akeem Auguste coming back after missing all of last season with a foot injury. Still, Spurrier is chirping about his SEC counterparts, so you know he thinks he's got a good team this year.
Alabama No. 3 in preseason rankings
May, 18, 2012
5/18/12
11:20
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The University of Alabama will begin its title defense with yet another target on its back. The Crimson Tide, who beat LSU for the BCS national championship on Jan. 9, will have to contend with lofty aspirations again in 2012, coming in at No. 3 in Mark Schlabach's preseason rankings.
UA is two spots behind the LSU Tigers, and just shy of USC at No. 2. Fellow SEC schools Georgia (5), South Carolina (10), Arkansas (13) and Florida (20) cracked the top 25. As it stands, Alabama will face three of the top 25 teams, opening the season against ninth-ranked Michigan.
Alabama began the 2011 season No. 2 in nearly all preseason rankings, behind the Oklahoma Sooners. Despite losing one regular-season game to LSU in November and missing out on the SEC championship game, the Tide were able to ride the No. 1 defense in the country to a berth in the title game in New Orleans.
In the months since the BCS trophy arrived in Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- and was accidentally shattered into a million tiny pieces by a player’s father -- much has changed on the Crimson Tide’s roster. Heisman Trophy finalist running back Trent Richardson was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, along with three other draftees in the first round and another early in the second. Also missing on campus is former offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, who left for a head coaching position at Colorado State.
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AP Photo/Dave MartinAlabama will begin the season ranked No. 3 after winning the national title.
AP Photo/Dave MartinAlabama will begin the season ranked No. 3 after winning the national title.Alabama began the 2011 season No. 2 in nearly all preseason rankings, behind the Oklahoma Sooners. Despite losing one regular-season game to LSU in November and missing out on the SEC championship game, the Tide were able to ride the No. 1 defense in the country to a berth in the title game in New Orleans.
In the months since the BCS trophy arrived in Tuscaloosa, Ala. -- and was accidentally shattered into a million tiny pieces by a player’s father -- much has changed on the Crimson Tide’s roster. Heisman Trophy finalist running back Trent Richardson was drafted by the Cleveland Browns, along with three other draftees in the first round and another early in the second. Also missing on campus is former offensive coordinator Jim McElwain, who left for a head coaching position at Colorado State.
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.