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.”
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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.
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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
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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.
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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. 82 and what it means to UA football.
There may never be another like Alabama's fleet-footed No. 82 of the late 1970s, Ozzie Newsome. The Muscle Shoals native had 102 career receptions and set an SEC record with 20.3 yards per catch. He earned All-America status in 1977 and won an astounding 42 games in four seasons with the Tide.
Newsome entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
The 23rd pick in the draft went on to set Cleveland Browns franchise records at tight end. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All Pro selection and a member of the NFL All Decade team for the 1980s.
His jersey is forever enshrined in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Newsome's NFL career didn't end when it was time to hang up the cleats. He continues to work in the Baltimore Ravens front office as general manager and executive vice president.
There may never be another like Alabama's fleet-footed No. 82 of the late 1970s, Ozzie Newsome. The Muscle Shoals native had 102 career receptions and set an SEC record with 20.3 yards per catch. He earned All-America status in 1977 and won an astounding 42 games in four seasons with the Tide.
Newsome entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
The 23rd pick in the draft went on to set Cleveland Browns franchise records at tight end. He was a three-time Pro Bowler, seven-time All Pro selection and a member of the NFL All Decade team for the 1980s.
His jersey is forever enshrined in Canton, Ohio, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Newsome's NFL career didn't end when it was time to hang up the cleats. He continues to work in the Baltimore Ravens front office as general manager and executive vice president.
ESPN 150 athlete Derrick Henry visited the University of Alabama over the weekend with his head coach Bobby Ramsay and one of his assistants, and the group was given the full tour.
It was Henry’s first time in Tuscaloosa since the LSU game last fall.
“It was really nice,” Ramsay said. “We’ve been wanting to try and get him up there for a while. He went up there for the LSU game, but that was just a zoo. He got a chance to have a more low-key time, see everything and get to meet a lot of different people.
It was Henry’s first time in Tuscaloosa since the LSU game last fall.
“It was really nice,” Ramsay said. “We’ve been wanting to try and get him up there for a while. He went up there for the LSU game, but that was just a zoo. He got a chance to have a more low-key time, see everything and get to meet a lot of different people.
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Eddie Vanderdoes might go to high school in California, but there are plenty of Southeastern Conference programs -- including Alabama and LSU -- who are recruiting the standout defensive tackle.
Vanderdoes was the headliner at the Oregon NFTC this past weekend, and he said each time he tries to narrow it down, another intriguing school shows interest. Florida and Oregon are also high on his list.
RecruitingNation's Brandon Oliver has the full story (Insider) here. And check out this additional story on Vanderdoes, who is also pretty good at baseball.
Vanderdoes was the headliner at the Oregon NFTC this past weekend, and he said each time he tries to narrow it down, another intriguing school shows interest. Florida and Oregon are also high on his list.
RecruitingNation's Brandon Oliver has the full story (Insider) here. And check out this additional story on Vanderdoes, who is also pretty good at baseball.
Junior college offensive tackle Leon Brown has never visited the University of Alabama, but that didn’t stop him from choosing the Crimson Tide on Sunday, giving Alabama 17 commitments for 2013.
“I just feel like they presented the best opportunity for me to develop all my skills while I’m down there,” Brown said. “It’s also the best chance for me to make it to the NFL and reach all my dreams.”
UA head coach Nick Saban was happy to welcome Brown aboard despite not having the chance to meet with him in person yet. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who has visited Brown at his school in Brooklyn, N.Y., was also excited about the new addition.
“I just feel like they presented the best opportunity for me to develop all my skills while I’m down there,” Brown said. “It’s also the best chance for me to make it to the NFL and reach all my dreams.”
UA head coach Nick Saban was happy to welcome Brown aboard despite not having the chance to meet with him in person yet. Offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who has visited Brown at his school in Brooklyn, N.Y., was also excited about the new addition.
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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. 83 and what it means to UA football.
In 2011, Kevin Norwood's No. 83 jersey tended to get lost in the shuffle. The then-sophomore receiver caught just seven passes for 112 yards and no touchdowns on the year in a reserve role.
But in New Orleans on Jan. 9, Norwood gave fans something to look forward to, hauling in an inspired catch over LSU's Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu. He finished the game with four catches for 78 yards, far and away his most productive game of the season.
Entering his junior season, expect Norwood to have a bigger say in the offense. He'll compete with Christion Jones, DeAndrew White, Kenny Bell, and a pair of freshmen receivers for playing time.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Mississippian looked to be one of two first-team receivers during parts of the spring. That competition should continue into the fall as the Alabama coaching staff looks to formulate a depth chart.
In 2011, Kevin Norwood's No. 83 jersey tended to get lost in the shuffle. The then-sophomore receiver caught just seven passes for 112 yards and no touchdowns on the year in a reserve role.
But in New Orleans on Jan. 9, Norwood gave fans something to look forward to, hauling in an inspired catch over LSU's Honey Badger, Tyrann Mathieu. He finished the game with four catches for 78 yards, far and away his most productive game of the season.
Entering his junior season, expect Norwood to have a bigger say in the offense. He'll compete with Christion Jones, DeAndrew White, Kenny Bell, and a pair of freshmen receivers for playing time.
The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Mississippian looked to be one of two first-team receivers during parts of the spring. That competition should continue into the fall as the Alabama coaching staff looks to formulate a depth chart.
LSU, Florida, Alabama up next for Hill
June, 9, 2012
6/09/12
12:31
PM ET
By
Brad Bournival | ESPN.com
Four-star defensive tackle Michael Hill (Pendleton, S.C./Pendleton) isn’t as close to committing to a school as some might think.
Though he liked his time at Ohio State this week, his schedule is packed with trips to other universities, according to his high school coach, Paul Sutherland.
“No, you won’t see a commitment,” Sutherland said. “I’d say late summer would be the earliest.”
Though he liked his time at Ohio State this week, his schedule is packed with trips to other universities, according to his high school coach, Paul Sutherland.
“No, you won’t see a commitment,” Sutherland said. “I’d say late summer would be the earliest.”
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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. 84 and what it means to UA football.
When Brad Smelley graduated and exited the Capstone for the start of his NFL career in Cleveland, he left a gaping hole at the H-back position. One man who might step up to fill his shoes is No. 84, Brian Vogler.
The 6-foot-7, 258-pound tight end/H-back presents an interesting option for offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Vogler spent the spring flipping between positions, and told TideNation in April that he's fine with either spot.
"I feel comfortable with both of them, so whatever one they choose to put me at will be fine with me," Vogler said. “You don’t see 6-foot-7, 260-pound H-backs so it’s a little different, a little more difficult trying to get down there with some of the shorter linebackers but it’s bringing new things to the game and teaching me a lot of things about the game."
His height make make him different, but it could also make him special. If Vogler and tight end Michael Williams can get on the field at the same time, that would present two enormous targets for AJ McCarron over the middle and in the flats.
When Brad Smelley graduated and exited the Capstone for the start of his NFL career in Cleveland, he left a gaping hole at the H-back position. One man who might step up to fill his shoes is No. 84, Brian Vogler.
The 6-foot-7, 258-pound tight end/H-back presents an interesting option for offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier. Vogler spent the spring flipping between positions, and told TideNation in April that he's fine with either spot.
"I feel comfortable with both of them, so whatever one they choose to put me at will be fine with me," Vogler said. “You don’t see 6-foot-7, 260-pound H-backs so it’s a little different, a little more difficult trying to get down there with some of the shorter linebackers but it’s bringing new things to the game and teaching me a lot of things about the game."
His height make make him different, but it could also make him special. If Vogler and tight end Michael Williams can get on the field at the same time, that would present two enormous targets for AJ McCarron over the middle and in the flats.
When backup quarterback Phillip Sims transferred after the spring, it was no secret the University of Alabama wanted to take two quarterbacks in this class. After ESPN 150 Cooper Bateman committed in May, that left one spot remaining.
On Friday, the Crimson Tide filled that spot when quarterback Parker McLeod (Marietta, Ga./Walton) gave his verbal commitment.
“I just fell in love with Alabama,” McLeod said. “It’s just the perfect for me. I really love everything about the program, Tuscaloosa, all of the coaches. I felt very comfortable over there.
On Friday, the Crimson Tide filled that spot when quarterback Parker McLeod (Marietta, Ga./Walton) gave his verbal commitment.
“I just fell in love with Alabama,” McLeod said. “It’s just the perfect for me. I really love everything about the program, Tuscaloosa, all of the coaches. I felt very comfortable over there.
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Five-star Laremy Tunsil talks Bama visit
June, 8, 2012
6/08/12
4:45
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The new ESPN 150 rankings came out Wednesday, and the University of Alabama has a chance to land the top three recruits in the 2013 class.
Five-star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil has already thought about the chance to suit up with both the No. 1 player Robert Nkemdiche and the No. 2 player Reuben Foster as a part of the Crimson Tide.
“I had a dream about that, where all of us sign,” Tunsil said. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s another national championship right there.’ ”
Five-star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil has already thought about the chance to suit up with both the No. 1 player Robert Nkemdiche and the No. 2 player Reuben Foster as a part of the Crimson Tide.
“I had a dream about that, where all of us sign,” Tunsil said. “I was like, ‘Wow, that’s another national championship right there.’ ”
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Scouts: More scheme-versatility for Bama
June, 8, 2012
6/08/12
1:36
PM ET
By
Billy Tucker | ESPN.com
Cornerback was a position the Tide needed to focus on with this 2013 class and they are certainly building young talented depth on the perimeter with a prospect like Maurice Smith (Sugar Land, Texas/Dulles). This is not a real flashy corner with elite coverage skills but he’s well-rounded in terms of run and pass support and possesses a lot of attributes Nick Saban looks for in his cornerbacks.
In Smith, Alabama is getting a corner with the size, instincts, aggressiveness and range to excel in zone but he also has the hips, speed and pressing skills to hold up in man and eventually match up with bigger SEC receivers one-on-one.That scheme versatility is highly coveted in Saban’s and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart’s complex defense. We do feel he will be most valuable in aggressive underneath schemes than locked on an island without over the top help. Smith also has good deep ball skills and tackling skills, which make safety a possibility down the line in Tuscaloosa if he continues to physically develop.
In Smith, Alabama is getting a corner with the size, instincts, aggressiveness and range to excel in zone but he also has the hips, speed and pressing skills to hold up in man and eventually match up with bigger SEC receivers one-on-one.That scheme versatility is highly coveted in Saban’s and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart’s complex defense. We do feel he will be most valuable in aggressive underneath schemes than locked on an island without over the top help. Smith also has good deep ball skills and tackling skills, which make safety a possibility down the line in Tuscaloosa if he continues to physically develop.
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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.