Alabama Crimson Tide: Brandon Ivory
Spring evaluation: Defensive front seven 
May, 7, 2013
May 7
11:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
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 after spring practice. Today we examine the front seven:
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Editor's note: From now until the start of spring camp on March 16, TideNation will count down the 12 most intriguing players to watch on the Alabama football roster. Today we look at nose guard Darren Lake.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- "Raw" might be the best word to describe University of Alabama nose guard Darren Lake. The rising sophomore is an unrefined talent, brimming with potential yet lacking the nuances of the game.
The York, Ala., native was forced into action as a true freshman because of a lack of depth at the position. It was just he, Brandon Ivory and Jesse Williams involved in a rotation packed with pounds but short on experience. UA coach Nick Saban said he thought about redshirting Lake to give him an extra year of development but instead played him in eight games when tallied three tackles last season, one resulting in negative yardage.
There were times where Lake looked like a clone of former Alabama All-SEC nose guard Josh Chapman, gathering up blockers with each hand. There were other times where he was pushed around by defenders for no reason other than being out of position. Auburn's Reese Dismukes, a seasoned center who gave 22 pounds away to Lake, punished the rookie at times in the Iron Bowl.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- "Raw" might be the best word to describe University of Alabama nose guard Darren Lake. The rising sophomore is an unrefined talent, brimming with potential yet lacking the nuances of the game.
The York, Ala., native was forced into action as a true freshman because of a lack of depth at the position. It was just he, Brandon Ivory and Jesse Williams involved in a rotation packed with pounds but short on experience. UA coach Nick Saban said he thought about redshirting Lake to give him an extra year of development but instead played him in eight games when tallied three tackles last season, one resulting in negative yardage.
There were times where Lake looked like a clone of former Alabama All-SEC nose guard Josh Chapman, gathering up blockers with each hand. There were other times where he was pushed around by defenders for no reason other than being out of position. Auburn's Reese Dismukes, a seasoned center who gave 22 pounds away to Lake, punished the rookie at times in the Iron Bowl.
The Uncommitteds: Eddie Vanderdoes
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
9:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor's note: From now until signing day, TideNation will examine the remaining uncommitted prospects still considering the University of Alabama. Today, we look at ESPN 150 defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- If Alabama is going to claim the title of the No. 1 class in the country, a lot of things are going to have to fall into place, maybe none more so than Eddie Vanderdoes. Should the five-star defensive tackle from Northern California opt to sign with the Crimson Tide on signing day, it might be enough to unseat the leader in the clubhouse, Florida.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- If Alabama is going to claim the title of the No. 1 class in the country, a lot of things are going to have to fall into place, maybe none more so than Eddie Vanderdoes. Should the five-star defensive tackle from Northern California opt to sign with the Crimson Tide on signing day, it might be enough to unseat the leader in the clubhouse, Florida.
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Offseason storylines: Position battles
January, 18, 2013
Jan 18
7:00
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor's note: The season is over and the Alabama Crimson Tide are national champions yet again. But what happens next? TideNation examines the most pressing storylines of the offseason as the Tide gear up for another title defense.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Spring practice is roughly two months away. The start of another Alabama title defense is right around the corner.
Nine early enrollees are already on campus. The offseason conditioning program is in full swing. Rest assured Scott Cochran, the Crimson Tide's raucous strength and conditioning coach, has put the 2012-13 championship to bed. Inside the football offices, the page has been turned. The time for competition is now.
With that in mind, let's break down the four most intriguing position battles set to unfold over the coming months.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Spring practice is roughly two months away. The start of another Alabama title defense is right around the corner.
Nine early enrollees are already on campus. The offseason conditioning program is in full swing. Rest assured Scott Cochran, the Crimson Tide's raucous strength and conditioning coach, has put the 2012-13 championship to bed. Inside the football offices, the page has been turned. The time for competition is now.
With that in mind, let's break down the four most intriguing position battles set to unfold over the coming months.
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Offseason storylines: Rebuilding the DL
January, 11, 2013
Jan 11
8:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor's note: The season is over and the Alabama Crimson Tide are national champions yet again. But what happens next? TideNation examines the most pressing storylines of the offseason as the Tide gear up for another title defense.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The heart of the defensive line is gone. So is its vocal leader. Its best backup is leaving, too. Three of the top four defensive linemen played their final game with the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday night in South Florida.
This week marked the beginning of a new era on the defensive front at Alabama. Nose guard Jesse Williams and defensive ends Damion Square and Quinton Dial are all awaiting their heirs. The unit that garners little of the credit yet bears the brunt of the responsibility on defense is getting a makeover.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The heart of the defensive line is gone. So is its vocal leader. Its best backup is leaving, too. Three of the top four defensive linemen played their final game with the Alabama Crimson Tide on Monday night in South Florida.
This week marked the beginning of a new era on the defensive front at Alabama. Nose guard Jesse Williams and defensive ends Damion Square and Quinton Dial are all awaiting their heirs. The unit that garners little of the credit yet bears the brunt of the responsibility on defense is getting a makeover.
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Forecasting the Tide: Nose guard
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
6:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
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 nose guards.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The position is a thankless one, all responsibility and little payoff. Nose guards are asked to take a beating and let others make the plays at the University of Alabama. In coach Nick Saban's 3-4 system, the men in the middle of the defensive line don't show up in the stat book but they are arguably the key to the defense. Take away the building block and the structure crumbles.
Alabama fans have seen the position's importance the past few years, starting with the mammoth Terrence Cody who ate space like none other, followed by Josh Chapman and then Jesse Williams. All three have had minor spins on how they play nose guard. Williams tried to add a pass-rush flavor to the recipe and found some success.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The position is a thankless one, all responsibility and little payoff. Nose guards are asked to take a beating and let others make the plays at the University of Alabama. In coach Nick Saban's 3-4 system, the men in the middle of the defensive line don't show up in the stat book but they are arguably the key to the defense. Take away the building block and the structure crumbles.
Alabama fans have seen the position's importance the past few years, starting with the mammoth Terrence Cody who ate space like none other, followed by Josh Chapman and then Jesse Williams. All three have had minor spins on how they play nose guard. Williams tried to add a pass-rush flavor to the recipe and found some success.
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Tracking the Tide: Jesse Williams
December, 14, 2012
12/14/12
6:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Editor’s note: Each day between now and Alabama's date with Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship, we will review the season for a key Crimson Tide player or coach and attempt to project what’s next for him. Today we’ll look at nose guard Jesse Williams.
No. 54 Jesse Williams
Nose guard
36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
Role in 2012: Williams was the anchor to the defensive line at nose guard.
The good: The senior made the transition from defensive end to nose guard look relatively painless this season. He was able to take up two and three blockers at a time and free up others to make plays. Because of that, he didn't accumulate the individual statistics fans focus in on. Instead, you can point to the overall success of the defense (No. 1 in yards allowed, No. 1 in rushing defense, No. 6 in passing defense) as a result of Williams' play.
The bad: Williams began the season saying he'd like to bring a twist to the nose guard position and rush the passer more than his predecessors had. For better or worse, he wasn't able to accomplish that goal as he finished with just one sack and four quarterback hurries. The defense as a whole struggled to get consistent pressure on the passer.
Crystal ball: Williams has a high grade for the upcoming NFL draft, but he might not end up playing nose guard at the next level. His size (6-foot-3, 320-pounds) and athleticism makes him an attractive option as a run-stuffing defensive end on Sundays. Alabama will likely look to freshman Darren Lake and sophomore Brandon Ivory to fill Williams' shoes. Redshirt Dakota Ball could play the position in a role similar to Nick Gentry's a year ago as a third-down interior defensive lineman.
No. 54 Jesse Williams
Nose guard
36 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 sack
[+] Enlarge
Beth Hall/US PresswireJesse Williams anchored the defensive line for the Tide this season.
Beth Hall/US PresswireJesse Williams anchored the defensive line for the Tide this season.The good: The senior made the transition from defensive end to nose guard look relatively painless this season. He was able to take up two and three blockers at a time and free up others to make plays. Because of that, he didn't accumulate the individual statistics fans focus in on. Instead, you can point to the overall success of the defense (No. 1 in yards allowed, No. 1 in rushing defense, No. 6 in passing defense) as a result of Williams' play.
The bad: Williams began the season saying he'd like to bring a twist to the nose guard position and rush the passer more than his predecessors had. For better or worse, he wasn't able to accomplish that goal as he finished with just one sack and four quarterback hurries. The defense as a whole struggled to get consistent pressure on the passer.
Crystal ball: Williams has a high grade for the upcoming NFL draft, but he might not end up playing nose guard at the next level. His size (6-foot-3, 320-pounds) and athleticism makes him an attractive option as a run-stuffing defensive end on Sundays. Alabama will likely look to freshman Darren Lake and sophomore Brandon Ivory to fill Williams' shoes. Redshirt Dakota Ball could play the position in a role similar to Nick Gentry's a year ago as a third-down interior defensive lineman.
An analysis of three key plays in Alabama's 21-17 victory Saturday over LSU:
Waltz to paydirt
Bill Haber/AP Photo
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Recruiting battles: Tennessee vs. Alabama
October, 16, 2012
10/16/12
12:21
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
When Nick Saban arrived at the University of Alabama in 2007, he made it a point of emphasis to recruit the state of Tennessee and take what recruits he could away from the rival Volunteers. It didn’t take long to make his presence felt.
In 2008, his first full recruiting class, Saban signed three Tennessee natives -- linebackers Don'ta Hightower and Chris Jordan and offensive lineman Barrett Jones.
Hightower now plays for the New England Patriots. Jones, who won the Outland Trophy a year ago, is expected to hear his name called in next year’s NFL draft, and Jordan battled several injuries but still made a contribution both on special teams and as a backup.
In 2008, his first full recruiting class, Saban signed three Tennessee natives -- linebackers Don'ta Hightower and Chris Jordan and offensive lineman Barrett Jones.
Hightower now plays for the New England Patriots. Jones, who won the Outland Trophy a year ago, is expected to hear his name called in next year’s NFL draft, and Jordan battled several injuries but still made a contribution both on special teams and as a backup.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- After nearly 24 hours of digestion, analysis of No. 1 Alabama's 35-0 win over Western Kentucky in the home opener at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa:
- Alabama's offensive line was shaky. There were several negative plays on offense. They continue to get very good push in the running game, but pass protection is an issue. The pocket was poor all game. Of the six sacks on AJ McCarron, two were the quarterback's fault, one of which he held the ball just a split-second too long.
- Give the WKU defense credit, though. The Hilltoppers pressured the backfield with blitzes and misdirection all game.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The picture of the Crimson Tide, circa 2012, is coming into full view. On Tuesday afternoon, Alabama released its depth chart.
There were a couple surprises on the list, including Jalston Fowler and T.J. Yeldon sharing duties as the No. 2 tailback and Ed Stinson winning the second defensive end spot. True freshmen Denzel Devall and Geno Smith also won coveted backup roles at Jack and cornerback, respectively.
Quarterback
AJ McCarron, Jr.
Phillip Ely, RS Fr.
Running back
Eddie Lacy, Jr.
Jalston Folwer, Jr. -- OR -- T.J. Yeldon Fr.
Dee Hart, RS Fr.
Tight end/H
Michael Williams, RS Sr.
Brian Vogler, Soph.
There were a couple surprises on the list, including Jalston Fowler and T.J. Yeldon sharing duties as the No. 2 tailback and Ed Stinson winning the second defensive end spot. True freshmen Denzel Devall and Geno Smith also won coveted backup roles at Jack and cornerback, respectively.
Quarterback
AJ McCarron, Jr.
Phillip Ely, RS Fr.
Running back
Eddie Lacy, Jr.
Jalston Folwer, Jr. -- OR -- T.J. Yeldon Fr.
Dee Hart, RS Fr.
Tight end/H
Michael Williams, RS Sr.
Brian Vogler, Soph.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- University of Alabama football players laced up their cleats and went back to work for another day of practice on Thursday, the fifth practice remaining before the start of game week and preparation for the Michigan Wolverines.
The Crimson Tide practiced under mild conditions: clear skies and 90 degrees with low humidity.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
The Crimson Tide practiced under mild conditions: clear skies and 90 degrees with low humidity.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
- For the third consecutive day, Amari Cooper was regulated to the stationary bike. The true freshman wide receiver hurt his foot during Saturday's scrimmage and has worn a black no-contact jersey since.
- In a bit of good news for Alabama fans, running back Eddie Lacy participated in all of the drills during the media viewing period. He worked on his footwork, including some mild cutting. It's a good sign for his health after suffering a sprained ankle during Saturday's scrimmage.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The Thomas-Drew Practice Fields got a little more crowded on Wednesday afternoon as the Crimson Tide welcomed a number of walk-ons to the field for the first time this summer.
It is the first week of school at the University of Alabama and the first opportunity for coach Nick Saban and staff to expand the roster.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
It is the first week of school at the University of Alabama and the first opportunity for coach Nick Saban and staff to expand the roster.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
- Amari Cooper spent a second straight day in a black no-contact jersey on the training bike. The standout true freshman wore a protective boot on his left foot.
- Wide reciever Kenny Bell continues to work with the third group during drills. The junior has been dealing with some minor "nagging" injuries, according to Saban. He wore a sleeve on his right knee. Fellow wideout DeAndrew White wore a sleeve on his left knee but did not appear to be slowed.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Despite only partly cloudy skies and cool temperatures, the University of Alabama held practice Wednesday morning inside the indoor facility.
No players were in black no-contact jerseys, other than the quarterbacks which is standard operating procedure for Alabama.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period.
No players were in black no-contact jerseys, other than the quarterbacks which is standard operating procedure for Alabama.
Here are some notes and observations from the media viewing period.
- Jalston Folwer went back and forth between running back and H-Back during practice. He started with the running backs, switched to H-Back for a period and then flipped back to running back again. The coaching staff is trying to keep him in tune with both positions as they try to make plans to have him on the field more in both roles.
- Eddie Williams continues to work with the defensive backs. The 6-foot-3, 204-pound athlete is the tallest of the defense backs. He played safety in high school and appears to be comfortable with the return to a natural position.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama returned to practice on Monday after a scheduled off day on Sunday. It was the first day off since the start of fall camp.
The Crimson Tide practiced in good conditions: 75 degrees with partly cloudy skies.
Here are a few notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
The Crimson Tide practiced in good conditions: 75 degrees with partly cloudy skies.
Here are a few notes and observations from the media viewing period of practice:
- Freshman linebacker Denzel Devall moved from inside linebackers to the outside. The 6-foot-2, 243-pounder has worked strictly with inside linebackers prior to today's practice.
- Eddie Williams continues to work with the safetites. After news of Jarrick Williams' season-ending injury, don't expect the true freshman to make the move back to receiver.
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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.