Here are 10 things we learned from Alabama spring ball:
1. AJ McCarron is ready to lead: The junior quarterback had a voice in the Alabama locker room in 2011, but this year he seems to have dialed up the volume. Many of the leaders from last year’s team are gone and it’s up to McCarron to keep an offense that is as inexperienced as it is talented on track. Coach Nick Saban has praised his command under center and all signs point to the tall righty taking the offense and making it his.
2. No. 4 can play: More than a week removed from A-Day, this statement seems fairly obvious. T.J. Yeldon, the freshman tailback from Daphne, Ala., showed that he can carry the rock in Tuscaloosa. He’s truly an elite talent and a rare multi-faceted back. He’s shown that there’s not a hole in his game, whether it’s turning the corner with a burst of speed, running over defenders with his 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame, or catching the ball out of the backfield -- all with a heavy brace on his left wrist. If he can carry his progress in the spring to the fall, watch out.
1. AJ McCarron is ready to lead: The junior quarterback had a voice in the Alabama locker room in 2011, but this year he seems to have dialed up the volume. Many of the leaders from last year’s team are gone and it’s up to McCarron to keep an offense that is as inexperienced as it is talented on track. Coach Nick Saban has praised his command under center and all signs point to the tall righty taking the offense and making it his.
2. No. 4 can play: More than a week removed from A-Day, this statement seems fairly obvious. T.J. Yeldon, the freshman tailback from Daphne, Ala., showed that he can carry the rock in Tuscaloosa. He’s truly an elite talent and a rare multi-faceted back. He’s shown that there’s not a hole in his game, whether it’s turning the corner with a burst of speed, running over defenders with his 6-foot-2, 214-pound frame, or catching the ball out of the backfield -- all with a heavy brace on his left wrist. If he can carry his progress in the spring to the fall, watch out.
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There might still be a few beleaguered New York Jets fans wandering Radio City Music Hall today, wondering who Jordan White or Josh Bush are.
But while Gang Green regroups for the hysteria that will be Sanchez-Tebow, we at TideNation are focusing on the University of Alabama and how the draft will look in 2013.
Before any “Big Board” is erected or “Best Available” constructed, let’s look at who might be a part of next year’s draft class at Alabama.
But while Gang Green regroups for the hysteria that will be Sanchez-Tebow, we at TideNation are focusing on the University of Alabama and how the draft will look in 2013.
Before any “Big Board” is erected or “Best Available” constructed, let’s look at who might be a part of next year’s draft class at Alabama.
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When sophomore quarterback Phillip Sims decided to transfer from the University of Alabama over the weekend, it created a need at the position for 2013, but it also presented an opportunity for the quarterbacks in the class. The Crimson Tide had already talked about the possibility of taking two signal callers this year, and with Sims leaving, it almost becomes a necessity now. Alabama has a bevy of targets from across the country who have been invited to throw in front of the staff at the Tide’s camp in June. Some already have offers. Others are hoping to earn an offer. After the camp, UA should have a better idea of which quarterbacks they want and which quarterbacks they might get in this year’s class.
Cooper Bateman - Salt Lake City, Utah
When the Alabama’s top two quarterback targets, Max Browne and Christian Hackenberg, came off the board, Bateman seemed like the next best choice for the Crimson Tide. The ESPN 150 signal caller from Utah has good size at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, and possesses a strong, accurate throwing arm. Bateman visited Tuscaloosa in early April as part of an SEC tour that also included stops at Auburn, Florida and LSU. He plans to return to UA for the Tide’s camp in June when he can throw in front of the coaching staff.
Cooper Bateman - Salt Lake City, Utah
When the Alabama’s top two quarterback targets, Max Browne and Christian Hackenberg, came off the board, Bateman seemed like the next best choice for the Crimson Tide. The ESPN 150 signal caller from Utah has good size at 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, and possesses a strong, accurate throwing arm. Bateman visited Tuscaloosa in early April as part of an SEC tour that also included stops at Auburn, Florida and LSU. He plans to return to UA for the Tide’s camp in June when he can throw in front of the coaching staff.
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BALTIMORE, Md. - Henry Poggi is taking a patient, pensive approach to recruiting.
While that might not be exactly what recruiting fans want, it's the way it's going to be. The defensive tackle from Baltimore (Md.) Gilman isn't one to willingly talk to reporters to generate news or cut down his list, only to add more schools to light up message boards. Poggi doesn't even like discussing when he'll visit schools because that causes his phone to blow up from reporters.
“Whenever it feels right, I'll commit,” Poggi said. “I might cut down the list but I probably won't though.”
While that might not be exactly what recruiting fans want, it's the way it's going to be. The defensive tackle from Baltimore (Md.) Gilman isn't one to willingly talk to reporters to generate news or cut down his list, only to add more schools to light up message boards. Poggi doesn't even like discussing when he'll visit schools because that causes his phone to blow up from reporters.
“Whenever it feels right, I'll commit,” Poggi said. “I might cut down the list but I probably won't though.”
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Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross), the eighth rated running back in the ESPN 150 talks with DawgNation’s Kipp Adams at the Atlanta Nike Football Training Camp.
Watch: Tide commit Bradley Bozeman
April, 29, 2012
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By TideNation staff | ESPN.com
Bradley Bozeman (Roanoke, Ala./Handley), the ninth rated offensive guard in the ESPN 150 and Alabama verbal commitment talks with TideNation’s Greg Ostendorf at the Atlanta Nike Football Training Camp.
ESPN 150 four-star defensive back Maurice Smith (Sugar Land, Texas/Dulles) is rapidly approaching the 20-offer plateau. On Wednesday, he picked up an offer from Florida, his seventh from an SEC program.
When asked where the offer stood with him, Smith calmly gave a confident response.
“Pretty high,” he said.
When asked where the offer stood with him, Smith calmly gave a confident response.
“Pretty high,” he said.
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Four Tide players picked in first round
April, 26, 2012
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Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
On Thursday night, four former University of Alabama stars had their lives changed forever as they were chosen in the first round of the NFL draft. Millions of dollars are poised to flood into their respective bank accounts as they begin their professional careers around the country. But as we project their stardom at the next level, it’s also a good time to reflect on where they came from and how they got to where they are today.
Trent Richardson
Recruiting ranking: No. 6 overall, No. 1 running back
What he looked like: He was grown before he put on the crimson and white, coming in at 5-foot-11, 219 pounds.
When we knew: Scouts knew Richardson was going to be special back when he graduated from Escambia High (Fla.) in 2009. It was just a matter of time until the rest of the world took notice. And his freshman year, they did. Still a backup to Mark Ingram, Richardson ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns in just his second game on campus.
Drafted: No. 3 overall, Cleveland Browns
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Jerry Lai/US PresswireMark Barron was selected No. 7 overall by Tampa Bay in the 2012 NFL draft.
Jerry Lai/US PresswireMark Barron was selected No. 7 overall by Tampa Bay in the 2012 NFL draft.Recruiting ranking: No. 6 overall, No. 1 running back
What he looked like: He was grown before he put on the crimson and white, coming in at 5-foot-11, 219 pounds.
When we knew: Scouts knew Richardson was going to be special back when he graduated from Escambia High (Fla.) in 2009. It was just a matter of time until the rest of the world took notice. And his freshman year, they did. Still a backup to Mark Ingram, Richardson ran for 118 yards and two touchdowns in just his second game on campus.
Drafted: No. 3 overall, Cleveland Browns
Plenty of programs talking about Willis 
April, 26, 2012
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Erik McKinney | ESPN.com
Priest Willis (Tempe, Ariz./Marcos De Niza), the No. 62 player in the ESPN 150, entered the spring with 29 offers and has become one of the most highly recruited players on the West Coast. He has already received phone calls from USC -- which called the first day contact was allowable -- as well as Arizona State and Notre Dame. This week, Marcos De Niza High School has received visits from Florida State, LSU and Arkansas, with USC coach Ed Orgeron scheduled to make a stop on Thursday. Willis said that since the spring evaluation period began, Georgia, Rutgers and Alabama have also begun showing interest.
Willis said the Trojans making the first call on April 15 stood out, but he is grateful for the interest from every school. And increased attention from the two programs that played in the most recent national championship game is difficult to ignore.
Willis said the Alabama coaches have been talking to him about how he would fit into their defense, but it's obvious that LSU has made a statement for Willis.
"They have a great defense," said Willis of LSU, a school he plans to camp with this summer. "And it would be great to just play football in that atmosphere."
Willis said the Trojans making the first call on April 15 stood out, but he is grateful for the interest from every school. And increased attention from the two programs that played in the most recent national championship game is difficult to ignore.
Willis said the Alabama coaches have been talking to him about how he would fit into their defense, but it's obvious that LSU has made a statement for Willis.
"They have a great defense," said Willis of LSU, a school he plans to camp with this summer. "And it would be great to just play football in that atmosphere."
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Tide could have five taken in first round
April, 26, 2012
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Thursday night could prove to be a historic night for the University of Alabama.
Coming off its second national championship in three years, the Crimson Tide could have up to five players selected in the first round of the NFL draft, the most ever taken in the first round from one SEC school.
A year ago, Alabama had four players taken in the first round, which tied the conference record and set a school record.
This year, UA hopes to set a new mark as running back Trent Richardson, defensive backs Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick, and linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw hope to all hear their names called in New York on Thursday night.
“It is special for us to see our guys, who have worked so hard, have the opportunity now to get a lot of positive self-gratification from the opportunity they get to play at the next level,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said.
“And they all did it the right way (at Alabama). They were all good students. They all have a chance to graduate if they haven’t already, and they represented the university well. We’re extremely proud of them, happy for them and want to be very, very supportive in every way that we can.”
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AP Photo/Dave MartinThe Browns couldn't contain their excitement over getting Alabama's Trent Richardson.
AP Photo/Dave MartinThe Browns couldn't contain their excitement over getting Alabama's Trent Richardson.A year ago, Alabama had four players taken in the first round, which tied the conference record and set a school record.
This year, UA hopes to set a new mark as running back Trent Richardson, defensive backs Mark Barron and Dre Kirkpatrick, and linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Courtney Upshaw hope to all hear their names called in New York on Thursday night.
“It is special for us to see our guys, who have worked so hard, have the opportunity now to get a lot of positive self-gratification from the opportunity they get to play at the next level,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said.
“And they all did it the right way (at Alabama). They were all good students. They all have a chance to graduate if they haven’t already, and they represented the university well. We’re extremely proud of them, happy for them and want to be very, very supportive in every way that we can.”
Tide showing interest in 2013 PG Harris
April, 25, 2012
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
While the University of Alabama basketball staff awaits Devonta Pollard’s decision, it has remained active recruiting the 2013 class, and one player it has shown a lot of interest lately is Texas point guard Kendal Harris.
The Crimson Tide already has an offer out to point guard Jaren Sina, who was once committed to Alabama, but that hasn’t stopped UA coach Anthony Grant from exploring other options. Grant visited Harris at his high school earlier this month and over the weekend Grant and one of the Tide’s assistant coaches traveled to Las Vegas to watch Harris in action with his AAU team, Urban DFW Elite.
“They’ve been saying they like how I run the point and how I would fit with their style of play,” Harris said. “They really like my personality, and they want me to be in their program.”
The Crimson Tide already has an offer out to point guard Jaren Sina, who was once committed to Alabama, but that hasn’t stopped UA coach Anthony Grant from exploring other options. Grant visited Harris at his high school earlier this month and over the weekend Grant and one of the Tide’s assistant coaches traveled to Las Vegas to watch Harris in action with his AAU team, Urban DFW Elite.
“They’ve been saying they like how I run the point and how I would fit with their style of play,” Harris said. “They really like my personality, and they want me to be in their program.”
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QBs poised to make greater impact in SEC
April, 25, 2012
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Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Southeastern Conference, long on the defensive, could be downright offensive in 2012 with a talented crop of experienced quarterbacks leading the way.
The University of Alabama and quarterback AJ McCarron are one such team positioned to turn the corner on offense. The sturdy right-hander from Mobile, Ala., got his education in SEC play last season and appears ready to move toward the front of the class this year.
After hoisting the BCS title in January, McCarron has taken on an increased leadership role -- Nick Saban described him as “very commanding” under center this spring -- and will have a new set of toys to play with when the Crimson Tide open the season against Michigan.
With a year under his belt and Trent Richardson off to the NFL, the ball is in McCarron’s court. But he isn’t alone.
Throughout the SEC, several quarterbacks are in a position to make a move into the conversation of the best passers in the country. Tyler Bray is back at Tennessee with two potential first-round picks at receiver in Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers. Tyler Wilson returns to Arkansas with a chance to be next year’s Andrew Luck. Clint Moseley and Keihl Frazier are back at Auburn. Even LSU is getting a veteran under center in former Georgia Bulldog Zach Mettenberger.
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Allen Kee/ESPN.comThe Tide's AJ McCarron is one of many SEC quarterbacks who brings talent and experience in 2012.
Allen Kee/ESPN.comThe Tide's AJ McCarron is one of many SEC quarterbacks who brings talent and experience in 2012.After hoisting the BCS title in January, McCarron has taken on an increased leadership role -- Nick Saban described him as “very commanding” under center this spring -- and will have a new set of toys to play with when the Crimson Tide open the season against Michigan.
With a year under his belt and Trent Richardson off to the NFL, the ball is in McCarron’s court. But he isn’t alone.
Throughout the SEC, several quarterbacks are in a position to make a move into the conversation of the best passers in the country. Tyler Bray is back at Tennessee with two potential first-round picks at receiver in Justin Hunter and Da’Rick Rogers. Tyler Wilson returns to Arkansas with a chance to be next year’s Andrew Luck. Clint Moseley and Keihl Frazier are back at Auburn. Even LSU is getting a veteran under center in former Georgia Bulldog Zach Mettenberger.
TideNation recruiting writer Greg Ostendorf brings you another edition of The O-zone, a confidential look inside Alabama recruiting. Get the latest updates from the gridiron and the hardwood as it pertains to the Crimson Tide.
In this week’s update:
In this week’s update:
- ESPN 150 trio to visit Alabama
- UA targets Auburn commit
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The question with Bo Scarbrough is not whether or not he has the talent and potential to be great at the next level. Rather, the question is what position can best showcase that talent at the next level.
Over the weekend, Scarbrough, who played running back for Northridge High School last year, worked out with the wide receivers at the Atlanta NFTC. He measured 6-foot-2, 218 pounds before the event.
“It went pretty good,” Scarbrough said. “I dropped some balls at the beginning that I should’ve been catching, but in the end, I started catching some and beating the corners. I started doing pretty good towards the end, during the one-on-ones.”
Over the weekend, Scarbrough, who played running back for Northridge High School last year, worked out with the wide receivers at the Atlanta NFTC. He measured 6-foot-2, 218 pounds before the event.
“It went pretty good,” Scarbrough said. “I dropped some balls at the beginning that I should’ve been catching, but in the end, I started catching some and beating the corners. I started doing pretty good towards the end, during the one-on-ones.”
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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.