Green, Mitchell crack top 100 prospects 
May, 3, 2012
5/03/12
4:52
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Former Alabama forward JaMychal Green, who led the team in scoring and rebounding in 2012, was ranked as one of the Top 100 prospects available in the NBA Draft, according to ESPN Insider Chad Ford.
After the Tide's season ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Green impressed NBA personnel at the Portsmouth Invitational, a showcase for the nation's top seniors, with three solid outings.
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 19.3 points, the second most of any player in the tournament, and grabbed 9.7 rebounds per game.
After the Tide's season ended in the first round of the NCAA Tournament, Green impressed NBA personnel at the Portsmouth Invitational, a showcase for the nation's top seniors, with three solid outings.
The 6-foot-8 forward averaged 19.3 points, the second most of any player in the tournament, and grabbed 9.7 rebounds per game.
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New eligibility standards coming soon
May, 3, 2012
5/03/12
12:58
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The issue of high school athletes becoming academically eligible with the NCAA just got a lot more difficult. Thanks to new standards agreed upon by the NCAA to be implemented in 2016, student athletes will have to not only complete the same core courses, but have 10 of them finished by the start of the student's senior year of high school and all 16 finished within four years. In other words, say goodbye to the practice of enjoying a fifth year of high school.
Also, the minimum GPA will jump to 2.3. If you don't think that's going to make a huge difference, check the numbers.
ESPN.com's Mitch Sherman has the full story: Link
Also, the minimum GPA will jump to 2.3. If you don't think that's going to make a huge difference, check the numbers.
ESPN.com's Mitch Sherman has the full story: Link
Earlier this week, ESPN's Travis Haney listed the college football teams that he deems to be a year away from a run at a national championship 
, and Ohio State topped his list.
But guess who else made that list?
Alabama.
Yep, the same Alabama team that has won two of the last three BCS national championships.
Haney makes it clear in his piece that he thinks the Crimson Tide are a legitimate contender in 2012 even with all of their personnel losses from a year ago. He just thinks they will be in better shape in 2013 to make a serious run.
It's hard to argue that logic, but it's also hard to envision a scenario where Alabama isn't in the national championship race next season heading into November. Even if it loses early (possibly to Arkansas), Alabama could get right back into the mix by beating LSU at home that first weekend in November.
, and Ohio State topped his list.
But guess who else made that list?
Alabama.
Yep, the same Alabama team that has won two of the last three BCS national championships.
Haney makes it clear in his piece that he thinks the Crimson Tide are a legitimate contender in 2012 even with all of their personnel losses from a year ago. He just thinks they will be in better shape in 2013 to make a serious run.
It's hard to argue that logic, but it's also hard to envision a scenario where Alabama isn't in the national championship race next season heading into November. Even if it loses early (possibly to Arkansas), Alabama could get right back into the mix by beating LSU at home that first weekend in November.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It was only fitting that on the day he graduated from the University of Alabama, Taylor Dugas would etch his name forever into the school’s record books.
Dugas, the undersized, precocious center fielder from Louisiana, became UA’s all-time hits leader with a bunt single in the fifth inning against Mississippi State on Saturday -- the 323rd hit of his career. Current UA hitting coach and former New York Yankee Andy Phillips previously held the record.
The special moment in Alabama history was overshadowed, though, as the Crimson Tide’s lost their fifth consecutive game, dropping the second of three against Mississippi State, 3-2.
“That was one of the things I wanted to accomplish coming back,” a reflective Dugas said after the game. “The other was to win a lot of games and we’re struggling to do that right now.
“It’s a little bittersweet. It’s never fun after a loss, but it’s an accomplishment and to be mentioned with Andy Phillips and all the great hitters that have come through here, it’s amazing.”
Dugas, the undersized, precocious center fielder from Louisiana, became UA’s all-time hits leader with a bunt single in the fifth inning against Mississippi State on Saturday -- the 323rd hit of his career. Current UA hitting coach and former New York Yankee Andy Phillips previously held the record.
The special moment in Alabama history was overshadowed, though, as the Crimson Tide’s lost their fifth consecutive game, dropping the second of three against Mississippi State, 3-2.
“That was one of the things I wanted to accomplish coming back,” a reflective Dugas said after the game. “The other was to win a lot of games and we’re struggling to do that right now.
“It’s a little bittersweet. It’s never fun after a loss, but it’s an accomplishment and to be mentioned with Andy Phillips and all the great hitters that have come through here, it’s amazing.”
TideNation mailbag: May 2
May, 2, 2012
5/02/12
11:22
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf and
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Alabama recruiting writer Greg Ostendorf and beat writer Alex Scarborough bring you another edition of The TideNation mailbag, answering your questions about recruiting, football and basketball.
In this week’s mailbag:
In this week’s mailbag:
- A look at UA football's top targets
- Who the coaching staff has visited recently
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Who needs breakfast when you can wake up to a call from Nick Saban?
Four-star wide receiver Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) woke up and arrived to his high school campus Wednesday morning to a phone call from the revered Alabama head coach, and he ended the conversation with a scholarship offer.
Massington, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound receiver, picked up his 24th, and arguably, his biggest offer. He’s being recruited by receivers coach Mike Groh.
Four-star wide receiver Eldridge Massington (Mesquite, Texas/West Mesquite) woke up and arrived to his high school campus Wednesday morning to a phone call from the revered Alabama head coach, and he ended the conversation with a scholarship offer.
Massington, a 6-foot-3, 205-pound receiver, picked up his 24th, and arguably, his biggest offer. He’s being recruited by receivers coach Mike Groh.
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Around the bases: Bulldogs 3, Tide 1
May, 1, 2012
5/01/12
10:29
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It wasn’t that the University of Alabama stranded scores of base runners early against Mississippi State, there just weren’t that many to be had. Bulldogs starter Chris Stratton didn’t allow a single runner to reach second base on the night, throwing seven scoreless innings on the way to a 3-1 Mississippi State win.
The junior right-hander from Tupelo, Miss., blew through the Alabama batting order, giving up just seven hits on the night. Stratton (9-0) didn’t walk a single batter and broke the 100-strikeout barrier, getting Jarred Reaves on strikes to become the 12th Bulldogs pitcher to surpass the century mark.
With the loss, UA drops to 17-29 overall, 6-16 in the SEC. Mississippi State improves to 28-17, 11-11 in league play.
“You knew tonight was more than likely going to be a low scoring game with Stratton on the mound,” said UA coach Mitch Gaspard. “He was as good as advertised. He did a really good job.”
The junior right-hander from Tupelo, Miss., blew through the Alabama batting order, giving up just seven hits on the night. Stratton (9-0) didn’t walk a single batter and broke the 100-strikeout barrier, getting Jarred Reaves on strikes to become the 12th Bulldogs pitcher to surpass the century mark.
With the loss, UA drops to 17-29 overall, 6-16 in the SEC. Mississippi State improves to 28-17, 11-11 in league play.
“You knew tonight was more than likely going to be a low scoring game with Stratton on the mound,” said UA coach Mitch Gaspard. “He was as good as advertised. He did a really good job.”
Although the University of Alabama signed three cornerbacks in the 2012 recruiting class, the position still remains a priority for 2013 because two of the three signees last year came from the junior college ranks.
It’s a position that Nick Saban and the UA coaching staff has been picky with over the years. Saban, who works specifically with the defensive backs, wants a certain type of player that fits what he wants to do.
With the Crimson Tide’s track record for producing NFL cornerbacks recently, it’s no surprise that some of the top prospects nationally have Alabama among their top schools. ESPN 150 recruits like Vernon Hargreaves III, Mackensie Alexander, Kendall Fuller and Maurice Smith are all considering the Tide.
ESPN.com’s Recruiting Nation takes a look at the top uncommitted cornerbacks and safeties in 2013 and where they may ultimately sign. Click here for the full story.
It’s a position that Nick Saban and the UA coaching staff has been picky with over the years. Saban, who works specifically with the defensive backs, wants a certain type of player that fits what he wants to do.
With the Crimson Tide’s track record for producing NFL cornerbacks recently, it’s no surprise that some of the top prospects nationally have Alabama among their top schools. ESPN 150 recruits like Vernon Hargreaves III, Mackensie Alexander, Kendall Fuller and Maurice Smith are all considering the Tide.
ESPN.com’s Recruiting Nation takes a look at the top uncommitted cornerbacks and safeties in 2013 and where they may ultimately sign. Click here for the full story.
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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
4/29/12
11:48
AM ET
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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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.