Alabama Crimson Tide: Anthony Averett
Editor's note: TideNation will use this week to look at the four major positions on the football field and how their outlook has changed post-spring practice. Today we examine the secondary:
Who's leading?
Geno Smith came on like a bullet last season, and it appears his momentum won't slow down anytime soon. The former four-star prospect earned playing time late last season as a freshman, and he should be in line for a starting job this fall. He had a strong showing during spring practice, aided by the absence of senior John Fulton who was sidelined with a turf toe injury. Smith will start alongside Deion Belue, who was picked on for much of this past season -- his first at Alabama.
Who's leading?
Geno Smith came on like a bullet last season, and it appears his momentum won't slow down anytime soon. The former four-star prospect earned playing time late last season as a freshman, and he should be in line for a starting job this fall. He had a strong showing during spring practice, aided by the absence of senior John Fulton who was sidelined with a turf toe injury. Smith will start alongside Deion Belue, who was picked on for much of this past season -- his first at Alabama.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- By any statistical measurement, Alabama's signing class this year was a success. The number of ESPN 300 members who faxed in their paperwork was staggering. Thirteen signees were ranked in the top 10 nationally at their positions.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
The No. 1 class ranking was just a distinction. Simply hauling in top recruits won't get a team too far. UA coach Nick Saban knows this well. As he and his staff were building the class, they had goals in mind. The road map was simple.
"We didn’t change the recruiting strategy," Saban said. "We define the kind of players that we want, and they have critical factors at each position. I think we added fast-twitch, pass-rushing athletic guys to the defensive line category as being a higher priority because of spread offenses, more spread offenses, more athletic quarterbacks -- those types of things, the same things that NFL teams are talking about when they play against RG3 or [Colin] Kaepernick or Russell Wilson from Seattle, who are athletic and run the ball. We have to be able to adapt to that kind of athleticism and that means we have to be more athletic to do that."
In other words, Saban is gearing up for three more years of Johnny Manziel and Texas A&M. The Aggies were the only team to beat Alabama in 2012, and after watching the future Heisman Trophy winner carve up his defense, Saban is ready to react.
Instant impact: Alabama's 2013 class
January, 22, 2013
Jan 22
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama has utilized more and more true freshmen each year, and it should be no different with the 2013 class. The Crimson Tide already have 21 commitments, including 10 ranked in the ESPN 150. It also doesn’t hurt that nine of them have already enrolled and will compete in spring practice.
Instant-impact recruits
RB Derrick Henry: With Eddie Lacy leaving a year early for the NFL, T.J. Yeldon expects to carry the load at running back next year for Alabama. But who will spell him? Both Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart are coming off major knee injuries, and Kenyan Drake will be just a sophomore. After the season Yeldon put together, don’t count out another true freshman making an impact in the backfield next year.
The Tide expect to sign at least three, possibly four ESPN 150 running backs, but the most physical and ready to play is Henry -- who broke the high school career rushing record. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound could see some time at H-back as well, but expect him to start out as a running back.
Instant-impact recruits
RB Derrick Henry: With Eddie Lacy leaving a year early for the NFL, T.J. Yeldon expects to carry the load at running back next year for Alabama. But who will spell him? Both Jalston Fowler and Dee Hart are coming off major knee injuries, and Kenyan Drake will be just a sophomore. After the season Yeldon put together, don’t count out another true freshman making an impact in the backfield next year.
The Tide expect to sign at least three, possibly four ESPN 150 running backs, but the most physical and ready to play is Henry -- who broke the high school career rushing record. The 6-foot-3, 243-pound could see some time at H-back as well, but expect him to start out as a running back.
Rewind: Top recruits take in Tuscaloosa 
January, 21, 2013
Jan 21
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Coming off its second straight national championship, the University of Alabama hosted a parade on Saturday to honor this year’s team. With more than 30,000 people coming into town, it was a perfect weekend to host recruits, and the Crimson Tide took advantage, hosting 12 official visitors.
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Introducing the class: Anthony Averett
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Editor's note: This is a series introducing Alabama's 2013 recruiting class that will run through signing day.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When ESPN 300 athlete Anthony Averett visited Tuscaloosa the first time for Alabama’s spring game in April, he knew where he wanted to go. In fact, he committed to the Crimson Tide during that weekend. The New Jersey native will be back on campus this weekend for his official visit. The 6-foot, 170-pound Averett is expected to start out at cornerback when he gets to Alabama.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- When ESPN 300 athlete Anthony Averett visited Tuscaloosa the first time for Alabama’s spring game in April, he knew where he wanted to go. In fact, he committed to the Crimson Tide during that weekend. The New Jersey native will be back on campus this weekend for his official visit. The 6-foot, 170-pound Averett is expected to start out at cornerback when he gets to Alabama.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
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The O-zone: A look ahead to signing day
January, 16, 2013
Jan 16
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- On Monday, the University of Alabama picked up commitment No. 21 for the class of 2013 when ESPN 150 defensive end Tim Williams committed to the Crimson Tide following his official visit to Tuscaloosa this past weekend.
With the latest addition, this year’s class is beginning to fill up fast with just a few precious spots still available. This week’s O-zone takes a look at the remaining targets, who Alabama will likely finish with and which top recruits will be on campus this weekend as the Tide celebrate their latest national championship.
With the latest addition, this year’s class is beginning to fill up fast with just a few precious spots still available. This week’s O-zone takes a look at the remaining targets, who Alabama will likely finish with and which top recruits will be on campus this weekend as the Tide celebrate their latest national championship.
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Editor’s note: Every Tuesday and Thursday between now and national signing day, TideNation will review each position and look at who figures to start, who could rise up the depth chart and who might be on the way. Today we’ll look at the cornerbacks.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Every practice Nick Saban is there, tossing the football to every one of the cornerbacks as they run down the sideline. Once one turn is finished, he sprints to the other end of the field and does it all over again. The 61-year-old head coach of the Crimson Tide never fails to work with his position.
Jeremy Pruitt gets the safeties, Kirby Smart gets the inside linebackers, Lance Thompson gets the outside linebackers and Chris Rumph gets the defensive linemen. The cornerbacks are all Saban's at the start. So if there's a position that better get things right, it's them. You don't want to upset the man who recruited you to Tuscaloosa in the first place.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Every practice Nick Saban is there, tossing the football to every one of the cornerbacks as they run down the sideline. Once one turn is finished, he sprints to the other end of the field and does it all over again. The 61-year-old head coach of the Crimson Tide never fails to work with his position.
Jeremy Pruitt gets the safeties, Kirby Smart gets the inside linebackers, Lance Thompson gets the outside linebackers and Chris Rumph gets the defensive linemen. The cornerbacks are all Saban's at the start. So if there's a position that better get things right, it's them. You don't want to upset the man who recruited you to Tuscaloosa in the first place.
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Recruiting: Early impact commitments
December, 4, 2012
12/04/12
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Saturday proved that no stage is too big for freshmen in college football. The freshman trio of Amari Cooper, T.J. Yeldon and Geno Smith all played pivotal roles in the win over Georgia, and showed how important last year’s recruiting class is to this year’s run at the national championship.
Whether or not Alabama defeats Notre Dame in Miami, the Crimson Tide will have the same goal next year, and they are hoping the 2013 class can provide the same type of instant impact.
Three names to keep an eye on
Whether or not Alabama defeats Notre Dame in Miami, the Crimson Tide will have the same goal next year, and they are hoping the 2013 class can provide the same type of instant impact.
Three names to keep an eye on
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Anthony Averett takes in first Tide game
November, 26, 2012
11/26/12
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The recruit who traveled the longest distance for Saturday’s Iron Bowl was more than likely ESPN 300 athlete Anthony Averett. The Alabama commitment made the trip down from New Jersey, but it was well worth the trip to experience his first game inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“I had never experienced anything like that before,” Averett said. “I went to the spring game, and there was a lot of people for the spring game, too, but nothing like this game. There was tailgating everywhere, people everywhere, our fans, their fans. I have never experienced that before in my life.”
As for the game itself, Averett expected an Alabama to win but not quite to that extent. Even he was surprised with how lopsided the final outcome was.
“I had never experienced anything like that before,” Averett said. “I went to the spring game, and there was a lot of people for the spring game, too, but nothing like this game. There was tailgating everywhere, people everywhere, our fans, their fans. I have never experienced that before in my life.”
As for the game itself, Averett expected an Alabama to win but not quite to that extent. Even he was surprised with how lopsided the final outcome was.
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Bama recruits relish big games, spotlight
August, 29, 2012
8/29/12
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Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
Coming off its second national championship in the last three years, the University of Alabama opens the season against Denard Robinson and Michigan at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas. It’s great for college footall, and it’s a fan’s dream.
But it’s not just for the fans. Recruits love to watch the big games, too. Since the arrival of Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have played in their fair share of high-profile games early in the season, and the top high school prospects have taken notice.
“Recruits like to see that because most recruits like the spotlight, so that really helps a lot,” Alabama tight end commitment O.J. Howard said.
But it’s not just for the fans. Recruits love to watch the big games, too. Since the arrival of Nick Saban, the Crimson Tide have played in their fair share of high-profile games early in the season, and the top high school prospects have taken notice.
“Recruits like to see that because most recruits like the spotlight, so that really helps a lot,” Alabama tight end commitment O.J. Howard said.
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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:
- Is Walker still a lock?
- Tide’s top CB targets
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The University of Alabama landed its tenth commitment for 2013 on Saturday when N.J. athlete Anthony Averett gave a verbal pledge to the Crimson Tide. Averett, who was in town for A-Day, is excited to now be a part of Bama nation.
“I think I’m part of the family now,” Averett said. “Bama nation, they all love me, they treat me like family down here. It’s definitely a pleasure.
“First, it was the academics. That’s a big thing. Also, Nick Saban, he’s the defensive back coach. I like their whole coaching staff, and the defense is crazy. Everybody, like I said, Bama nation, everybody loves Alabama.”
“I think I’m part of the family now,” Averett said. “Bama nation, they all love me, they treat me like family down here. It’s definitely a pleasure.
“First, it was the academics. That’s a big thing. Also, Nick Saban, he’s the defensive back coach. I like their whole coaching staff, and the defense is crazy. Everybody, like I said, Bama nation, everybody loves Alabama.”
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The University of Alabama will hold its annual spring game on Saturday, and recruits from all over the country are expected to attend. TideNation brings you a list of five recruits to keep an eye on over the weekend.
OL Brandon Kublanow - Marietta, Ga.
There have been reports Kublanow will attend Clemson’s spring game, but his teammate, Alabama running back commitment Tyren Jones, confirmed that the two will be making the trip to Tuscaloosa together for A-Day. If in fact he does make the trip, it would be huge for the Crimson Tide. Kublanow is considered one of the top offensive lineman in the state of Georgia for 2013, and he projects to play center at the next level, a position of need for Alabama. Recently, he listed Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Vanderbilt as early favorites. But his relationship with Jones could be an advantage for the Tide when it comes time to make a decision.
OL Brandon Kublanow - Marietta, Ga.
There have been reports Kublanow will attend Clemson’s spring game, but his teammate, Alabama running back commitment Tyren Jones, confirmed that the two will be making the trip to Tuscaloosa together for A-Day. If in fact he does make the trip, it would be huge for the Crimson Tide. Kublanow is considered one of the top offensive lineman in the state of Georgia for 2013, and he projects to play center at the next level, a position of need for Alabama. Recently, he listed Clemson, Florida, Georgia, Georgia Tech, North Carolina and Vanderbilt as early favorites. But his relationship with Jones could be an advantage for the Tide when it comes time to make a decision.
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Anthony Averett's recruitment just kicked up a notch.
No offense to the other schools that have offered him a scholarship, but when the defending national champions offer, it's time to take notice.
“It was exciting actually, talking to Nick Saban,” Averett said of a weekend conversation in which he was offered a scholarship by Alabama. “I didn't know what to do. They want me to come down in the summer or the spring. They said I'll love it down there. I'll find out more when I get down there.”
No offense to the other schools that have offered him a scholarship, but when the defending national champions offer, it's time to take notice.
“It was exciting actually, talking to Nick Saban,” Averett said of a weekend conversation in which he was offered a scholarship by Alabama. “I didn't know what to do. They want me to come down in the summer or the spring. They said I'll love it down there. I'll find out more when I get down there.”
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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.