Watch List DE Walker talks Florida visit 
February, 25, 2012
2/25/12
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By
Derek Tyson | ESPN.com
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- ESPNU Watch List defensive end Demarcus Walker visited Florida on Friday, and the 6-foot-3, 255-pounder said he enjoyed what he saw from the Gators.
"I went down there with my head coach Adam Geis," Walker said. "I thought it was pretty good. I met with all the coaches, toured the campus and met with the academic staff. Overall it was a pretty good visit."
Walker said he had a chance to sit down and speak with some of the defensive coaches including Bryant Young, Dan Quinn and head coach Will Muschamp.
"I went down there with my head coach Adam Geis," Walker said. "I thought it was pretty good. I met with all the coaches, toured the campus and met with the academic staff. Overall it was a pretty good visit."
Walker said he had a chance to sit down and speak with some of the defensive coaches including Bryant Young, Dan Quinn and head coach Will Muschamp.
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Three keys: Alabama vs. Mississippi State
February, 25, 2012
2/25/12
11:40
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The biggest news coming out of Friday’s news conference was the return of senior forward JaMychal Green. The availability of Green to the Crimson Tide couldn’t come at a better time with Mississippi State coming into Coleman Coliseum on Saturday at 5 p.m.
“They’ve been right there in every game they’ve played with chances to win," Alabama coach Anthony Grant said of Mississippi State, who is coming off four-straight losses. “I think our guys understand we’re facing one of the best teams in our league, certainly one that’s very dangerous.”
“They’ve been right there in every game they’ve played with chances to win," Alabama coach Anthony Grant said of Mississippi State, who is coming off four-straight losses. “I think our guys understand we’re facing one of the best teams in our league, certainly one that’s very dangerous.”
Sandy Creek (Ga.) teammates visit UA
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The University of Alabama received some surprise midweek visitors on Thursday when Sandy Creek (Ga.) High School teammates Shaquille Wiggins (2013), Demarre Kitt (2014) and Cole Garvin (2014) made their way to Tuscaloosa.
Wiggins has already committed to Georgia but continues to look at other schools. For Kitt, a sophomore wide receiver, his recruitment is just starting to take off, and he expects to receive an offer from the Crimson Tide in the near future.
“We talked to all of the coaches,” Kitt said. “It was good because they were with us the whole time, so we got more attention. They said they liked me a lot, and that an offer was coming soon. That felt good.”
Wiggins has already committed to Georgia but continues to look at other schools. For Kitt, a sophomore wide receiver, his recruitment is just starting to take off, and he expects to receive an offer from the Crimson Tide in the near future.
“We talked to all of the coaches,” Kitt said. “It was good because they were with us the whole time, so we got more attention. They said they liked me a lot, and that an offer was coming soon. That felt good.”
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Around the Bases: Alabama 14, UAPB 0
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama got its season off to a fashionably late start on Friday night, earning its first win of the season against the Arkansas-Pine Bluff Golden Lions, 14-0.
Alabama’s offense, which bordered on pedestrian against Florida Atlantic University, came out against Arkansas Pine-Bluff ready to play. Every Alabama starter had at least one hit and eight batters had at least one run batted in. UA scored more runs in the series opener Friday night than in the entire three-game series against FAU.
Alabama’s offense, which bordered on pedestrian against Florida Atlantic University, came out against Arkansas Pine-Bluff ready to play. Every Alabama starter had at least one hit and eight batters had at least one run batted in. UA scored more runs in the series opener Friday night than in the entire three-game series against FAU.
The NCAA Playing Rules Oversight Panel has approved moving the kickoff and touchback lines beginning with the 2012 football season. Teams will now kick off on the 35-yard line instead of the 30.
Touchbacks will be moved to the 25-yard line instead of the 20 in an effort to encourage more touchbacks.
The move should benefit Alabama, which struggled to kick the ball through the end zone from the 30-yard line. UA had the fewest touchbacks in the SEC with five in 2011-12.
Touchbacks will be moved to the 25-yard line instead of the 20 in an effort to encourage more touchbacks.
The move should benefit Alabama, which struggled to kick the ball through the end zone from the 30-yard line. UA had the fewest touchbacks in the SEC with five in 2011-12.
The University of Alabama’s new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier has gone back out West, where he came from, to find a potential quarterback target, Cooper Bateman, a signal caller from Salt Lake City.
Nussmeier first evaluated Bateman when he was at Washington and has since reached out to the ESPNU 150 Watch List quarterback after taking over in Tuscaloosa. On Thursday, Bateman received an offer from the Crimson Tide, directly from head coach Nick Saban.
“Talking to Nick Saban, there’s nothing bigger than that,” Bateman said. “I’ve never had a conversation where I’ve been so on the edge of my seat. That was huge. To get an offer from Alabama with everything they offer, that’s exciting. They’re the reigning national champs.
Nussmeier first evaluated Bateman when he was at Washington and has since reached out to the ESPNU 150 Watch List quarterback after taking over in Tuscaloosa. On Thursday, Bateman received an offer from the Crimson Tide, directly from head coach Nick Saban.
“Talking to Nick Saban, there’s nothing bigger than that,” Bateman said. “I’ve never had a conversation where I’ve been so on the edge of my seat. That was huge. To get an offer from Alabama with everything they offer, that’s exciting. They’re the reigning national champs.
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2013 LB Jones has family ties to Tide
February, 24, 2012
2/24/12
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By TideNation staff | ESPN.com
His dad went to Alabama. Oldest brother, Barrett, is an All-American with the Tide and fellow brother Harrison plays TE. So Walker Jones is headed to Bama too, right?
Dave Hooker has the story on the highly coveted 2013 prospect from Tennessee, who is also considering the Vols.
Dave Hooker has the story on the highly coveted 2013 prospect from Tennessee, who is also considering the Vols.
Rapid Reaction: Alabama 79, Arkansas 68
February, 23, 2012
2/23/12
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The University of Alabama went into Bud Walton Arena staring down a hungry Arkansas team that had lost just one home game all season. But the hostile environment galvanized the Tide as they went on to beat the Razorbacks, 79-68.
The win lifts Alabama to 18-9 overall and 7-6 in the SEC.
The win lifts Alabama to 18-9 overall and 7-6 in the SEC.
Three keys: Alabama at Arkansas
February, 23, 2012
2/23/12
1:46
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- University of Alabama coach Anthony Grant confirmed Tuesday that previously suspended power forward JaMychal Green will not play against Arkansas on Thursday. Grant said he will reevaluate his status and would not say whether he would play against Mississippi State at home on Saturday.
Green, the team’s leader in points per game, was reinstated for practice on Monday.
As for Tony Mitchell, who was suspended for the remainder of the season on Monday, Grant said he was unsure whether his second-leading scorer would come back for his senior season in 2013.
Green, the team’s leader in points per game, was reinstated for practice on Monday.
As for Tony Mitchell, who was suspended for the remainder of the season on Monday, Grant said he was unsure whether his second-leading scorer would come back for his senior season in 2013.
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2013 LB Levenberry looking at Tide
February, 23, 2012
2/23/12
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By TideNation staff | ESPN.com
Watch List LB E.J. Levenberry and his family want his college coach to preach discipline, and Alabama coach Nick Saban would be happy to oblige.
Dave Hooker has the story on one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2013 class.
Dave Hooker has the story on one of the more intriguing prospects in the 2013 class.
Camion Patrick with three new SEC offers
February, 23, 2012
2/23/12
10:24
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By
Dave Hooker | ESPN.com
Recruiting leapt into high gear for Camion Patrick.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver from Lenoir City (Tenn.) High School picked up three scholarship offers on Thursday, from Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
"I thought it was pretty exciting to get three offers back to back,” Patrick told ESPN.
The 6-foot-2, 200-pound receiver from Lenoir City (Tenn.) High School picked up three scholarship offers on Thursday, from Alabama, Arkansas and Ole Miss.
"I thought it was pretty exciting to get three offers back to back,” Patrick told ESPN.
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Hill's coach talks Tide commitment
February, 22, 2012
2/22/12
7:30
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
If not for Grant Hill's family, Hunstville High coach Scott Sharp may have been the happiest man in Alabama when his 6-foot-5, 320-pound offensive lineman committed to the Crimson Tide on Monday.
TideNation caught up with Sharp to ask the third-year head coach what his star player is like, both on and off the field.
TN: How’s it feel as a coach to have Hill commit to Alabama?
TideNation caught up with Sharp to ask the third-year head coach what his star player is like, both on and off the field.
TN: How’s it feel as a coach to have Hill commit to Alabama?
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HUNTSVILLE - The University of Alabama landed its second commitment in as many days when Huntsville High School offensive lineman Grant Hill gave a verbal pledge to Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban.
“That’s where I belong,” Hill said. “I can see myself going to Alabama. I feel like they will develop me better than any other school as both a person and a football player. I feel like the coaches are the best fit for me."
Hill visited Tuscaloosa on Saturday for Alabama’s junior day over the weekend where he spent the majority of the day with UA offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
“That’s where I belong,” Hill said. “I can see myself going to Alabama. I feel like they will develop me better than any other school as both a person and a football player. I feel like the coaches are the best fit for me."
Hill visited Tuscaloosa on Saturday for Alabama’s junior day over the weekend where he spent the majority of the day with UA offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland.
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The TideNation blog is ready for our first mailbag. So if you have any questions about football, basketball, recruiting or anything concerning Alabama, send them to tidenation.espn@gmail.com.
Alabama's second junior day is in the books, spring practice is on the horizon and the NFL draft is less than two months away. There's plenty to talk about with the Crimson Tide right now. Get your questions in and we'll come back with your answers soon.
Alabama's second junior day is in the books, spring practice is on the horizon and the NFL draft is less than two months away. There's plenty to talk about with the Crimson Tide right now. Get your questions in and we'll come back with your answers soon.
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.