Alabama Crimson Tide: Denzel Devall
Each week, Tales From The Road provides news and updates about where Alabama’s coaches are recruiting and which prospects are getting noticed.
This week’s targets: Spring practice is over in most states with the exception of California and Florida. Consequently, the Alabama coaching staff has made those two states a priority this week in recruiting. On Monday, UA offensive line coach Mario Cristobal made a stop at La Mirada (Calif.) High School. Even though it’s not his designated area, Cristobal likely wanted to see ESPN 150 tight end Tyler Luatua, who has been called an unbelievable blocker by his coach. La Mirada also has a 2014 offensive lineman, Michael Trani, who has seen his recruitment take off this spring. Cristobal made a stop at Corona (Calif.) Centennial on Tuesday to see ESPN 150 offensive lineman Viane Talamaivao, and he’s also expected to see four-star offensive lineman Damien Mama (Bellflower, Calif./John Bosco) while on the West Coast.
Area of interest: Louisiana is notorious for the talent that comes out of New Orleans every year, but some of the state’s top 2014 prospects hail from the northern part of the state, primarily the Monroe area. Alabama has found success there before with current linebacker Denzel Devall, but that would be nothing compared to the recruits to be had in this class. It starts with five-star offensive tackle Cameron Robinson (West Monroe, La./West Monroe) and ESPN 150 safety Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), who both visited Alabama last month for A-Day. Last week, UA assistant coach Billy Napier was at Ouachita High School’s spring game to watch wide receiver Cameron Sims. He finished with four catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
This week’s targets: Spring practice is over in most states with the exception of California and Florida. Consequently, the Alabama coaching staff has made those two states a priority this week in recruiting. On Monday, UA offensive line coach Mario Cristobal made a stop at La Mirada (Calif.) High School. Even though it’s not his designated area, Cristobal likely wanted to see ESPN 150 tight end Tyler Luatua, who has been called an unbelievable blocker by his coach. La Mirada also has a 2014 offensive lineman, Michael Trani, who has seen his recruitment take off this spring. Cristobal made a stop at Corona (Calif.) Centennial on Tuesday to see ESPN 150 offensive lineman Viane Talamaivao, and he’s also expected to see four-star offensive lineman Damien Mama (Bellflower, Calif./John Bosco) while on the West Coast.
Area of interest: Louisiana is notorious for the talent that comes out of New Orleans every year, but some of the state’s top 2014 prospects hail from the northern part of the state, primarily the Monroe area. Alabama has found success there before with current linebacker Denzel Devall, but that would be nothing compared to the recruits to be had in this class. It starts with five-star offensive tackle Cameron Robinson (West Monroe, La./West Monroe) and ESPN 150 safety Laurence Jones (Monroe, La./Neville), who both visited Alabama last month for A-Day. Last week, UA assistant coach Billy Napier was at Ouachita High School’s spring game to watch wide receiver Cameron Sims. He finished with four catches for 165 yards and three touchdowns.
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Revisiting UA's No. 1 recruiting class 
May, 17, 2013
May 17
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Not every tree sprouts overnight. Some roots take time to grab hold.
Alabama signed a total 26 prospects in 2012, and not everyone made an impact right away. Some didn't make it at all, as Eddie Williams, Tyler Hayes and Travell Dixon flamed out. Still, UA saw plenty of return on its investment, as two signees made the SEC All-Freshman team. Here's how we see the rest of the class shaping up.
Top of the class
Alabama signed a total 26 prospects in 2012, and not everyone made an impact right away. Some didn't make it at all, as Eddie Williams, Tyler Hayes and Travell Dixon flamed out. Still, UA saw plenty of return on its investment, as two signees made the SEC All-Freshman team. Here's how we see the rest of the class shaping up.
Top of the class
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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 linebacker Reuben Foster.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- For the University of Alabama, it was a weekend geared more toward the undeclared official visitors as the staff looked to fill up the remaining spots in the 2013 class, but the top committed visitor was ESPN 150 defensive lineman Jonathan Allen.
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Offseason storylines: Generating a rush
January, 16, 2013
Jan 16
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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. -- There's a lot of good that could be said about the Alabama defense of 2012. It was strikingly efficient and balanced. The Tide finished No. 1 against the run nationally and No. 7 against the pass. They gave up the fewest points per game in the country and put a bow on it all with a dominating performance against Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- There's a lot of good that could be said about the Alabama defense of 2012. It was strikingly efficient and balanced. The Tide finished No. 1 against the run nationally and No. 7 against the pass. They gave up the fewest points per game in the country and put a bow on it all with a dominating performance against Notre Dame in the BCS National Championship.
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Five storylines: Alabama vs. Notre Dame
January, 7, 2013
Jan 7
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The final game of the 2012-13 college football season is almost upon us. After more than five weeks of preparation, Alabama and Notre Dame will meet at Sun Life Field in Miami Gardens to battle for the BCS National Championship.
In advance of the game, let's look at five key storylines for the Crimson Tide:
1. The long layoff: UA coach Nick Saban thrives under these types of game situations. When everything is on the line and he has time for extra preparation, he's nearly unbeatable. In fact, he's 7-1 in championship games and he has never lost a national title game. But the layoff was interesting in another respect, too. The time away from the football field was invaluable for three players nursing injuries. Had Barrett Jones not had a full five weeks, who knows if he'd be playing. Linebacker Denzel Devall would not have been able to participate after hurting his knee. And what about wide receiver Kenny Bell? It's a surprise the junior is even on a football field right now after breaking his leg in the Iron Bowl.
In advance of the game, let's look at five key storylines for the Crimson Tide:
1. The long layoff: UA coach Nick Saban thrives under these types of game situations. When everything is on the line and he has time for extra preparation, he's nearly unbeatable. In fact, he's 7-1 in championship games and he has never lost a national title game. But the layoff was interesting in another respect, too. The time away from the football field was invaluable for three players nursing injuries. Had Barrett Jones not had a full five weeks, who knows if he'd be playing. Linebacker Denzel Devall would not have been able to participate after hurting his knee. And what about wide receiver Kenny Bell? It's a surprise the junior is even on a football field right now after breaking his leg in the Iron Bowl.
Editor's note: Every day from now until kickoff in Miami, TideNation will break down the match-ups position-by-position. Today we'll look at the battle of the linebackers.
Alabama: What Alabama lost in experience from a season ago, the Crimson Tide made up for with depth. Coach Nick Saban loves to create personnel packages for every situation, whether it be third-and-long or fourth-and-goal, and with versatile linebackers like Adrian Hubbard and C.J. Mosley, he had the options to make his schemes work effectively.
Mosley was the most productive linebacker this season, leading the team with 99 tackles. The last Alabama defender to break the century mark? Former All-American and eventual first-round pick Rolando McClain. Mosley sits one tackle away from 100 despite not being the clear-cut starter. He shares time with both Nico Johnson and Trey DePriest at inside linebacker depending on the formation and down and distance.
Hubbard and Xzavier Dickson are the primary options at outside linebacker. Their talent is undeniable but they've had their ups and downs. Hubbard leads the team with six sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Talented freshman Denzel Devall figures into the rotation as well. Another rookie to keep an eye on is converted defensive end D.J. Pettway, who could play at Jack where he can utilize his skill rushing the passer, an area Alabama has struggled to gain consistency.
Notre Dame: Saban called Notre Dame's front seven the best he's seen in college football this season, and it's led by a linebacker who was a strong contender to become the first purely defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy. Of course Johnny Manziel took home the bronze statue, but it did nothing to diminish the play of Manti Te'o.
Te'o saved his best for last, racking up the Chuck Bednarik, Dick Butkus and Walter Camp Awards his senior year. He finished 59th in the country with 103 tackles, helping the Fighting Irish to the No. 1 scoring defense. He's the total package, with the strength to take on linemen in run support and the speed to track down receivers over the middle. If there's a linchpin to the Notre Dame defense, it's Te'o.
Outside of Te'o, Notre Dame has a pair of future NFL players in Dan Fox and Prince Shembo. Fox, who has 57 tackles, starts at inside linebacker and Shembo, who leads the team with 12 quarterback hurries, is the Irish's best pass rusher at outside linebacker. Carlo Calabrese, Danny Spond and Ishaq Williams round out the bulk of the rotation at linebacker in Brian Kelly's 3-4 alignment.
Final Verdict: Notre Dame's star power at linebacker isn't without reason. Te'o is capable of changing the outlook of the game, especially when it comes to Alabama's ability to run the football. If he can stuff the run and force the burden on the passing game, the Irish could be in good shape as UA has struggled in pass protection throughout the season, most recently in the first half against Georgia. Unlike some of the top defenses Alabama has faced, Notre Dame can stop the run and affect the pass. The Fighting Irish rank in the top 25 overall in rushing defense, passing defense, yards allowed and sacks. While Alabama has depth at linebacker, it doesn't have the top producers like Notre Dame.
Alabama: What Alabama lost in experience from a season ago, the Crimson Tide made up for with depth. Coach Nick Saban loves to create personnel packages for every situation, whether it be third-and-long or fourth-and-goal, and with versatile linebackers like Adrian Hubbard and C.J. Mosley, he had the options to make his schemes work effectively.
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Gary A. Vasquez/US PresswireManti Te'o gets the headlines but Notre Dame's other linebackers are playmakers as well.
Gary A. Vasquez/US PresswireManti Te'o gets the headlines but Notre Dame's other linebackers are playmakers as well.Hubbard and Xzavier Dickson are the primary options at outside linebacker. Their talent is undeniable but they've had their ups and downs. Hubbard leads the team with six sacks and 10 tackles for loss. Talented freshman Denzel Devall figures into the rotation as well. Another rookie to keep an eye on is converted defensive end D.J. Pettway, who could play at Jack where he can utilize his skill rushing the passer, an area Alabama has struggled to gain consistency.
Notre Dame: Saban called Notre Dame's front seven the best he's seen in college football this season, and it's led by a linebacker who was a strong contender to become the first purely defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy. Of course Johnny Manziel took home the bronze statue, but it did nothing to diminish the play of Manti Te'o.
Te'o saved his best for last, racking up the Chuck Bednarik, Dick Butkus and Walter Camp Awards his senior year. He finished 59th in the country with 103 tackles, helping the Fighting Irish to the No. 1 scoring defense. He's the total package, with the strength to take on linemen in run support and the speed to track down receivers over the middle. If there's a linchpin to the Notre Dame defense, it's Te'o.
Outside of Te'o, Notre Dame has a pair of future NFL players in Dan Fox and Prince Shembo. Fox, who has 57 tackles, starts at inside linebacker and Shembo, who leads the team with 12 quarterback hurries, is the Irish's best pass rusher at outside linebacker. Carlo Calabrese, Danny Spond and Ishaq Williams round out the bulk of the rotation at linebacker in Brian Kelly's 3-4 alignment.
Final Verdict: Notre Dame's star power at linebacker isn't without reason. Te'o is capable of changing the outlook of the game, especially when it comes to Alabama's ability to run the football. If he can stuff the run and force the burden on the passing game, the Irish could be in good shape as UA has struggled in pass protection throughout the season, most recently in the first half against Georgia. Unlike some of the top defenses Alabama has faced, Notre Dame can stop the run and affect the pass. The Fighting Irish rank in the top 25 overall in rushing defense, passing defense, yards allowed and sacks. While Alabama has depth at linebacker, it doesn't have the top producers like Notre Dame.
Forecasting the Tide: Linebacker
December, 27, 2012
12/27/12
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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 linebackers.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama didn't lack for options at linebacker this season. What the Crimson Tide lost in experience from a year ago, it made up for with depth. Their best and most productive linebacker wasn't even a starter technically.
C.J. Mosley, the junior inside linebacker who leads the team with 99 tackles, wasn't the clear-cut No. 1 at his position. Instead, he shared time with either Nico Johnson or Trey DePriest depending on the formation and down and distance. Next season he won't have to. It's part of the reason why he put the NFL on hold and announced last week that he would return for his senior season.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Alabama didn't lack for options at linebacker this season. What the Crimson Tide lost in experience from a year ago, it made up for with depth. Their best and most productive linebacker wasn't even a starter technically.
C.J. Mosley, the junior inside linebacker who leads the team with 99 tackles, wasn't the clear-cut No. 1 at his position. Instead, he shared time with either Nico Johnson or Trey DePriest depending on the formation and down and distance. Next season he won't have to. It's part of the reason why he put the NFL on hold and announced last week that he would return for his senior season.
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Tracking the Tide: Xzavier Dickson
December, 12, 2012
12/12/12
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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 and attempt to project what’s next for him. Today we’ll look at linebacker Xzavier Dickson.
No. 47 Xzavier Dickson
Outside linebacker
33 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
Role in 2012: Dickson was the starting Jack linebacker and one of the top pass-rushing threats for the Crimson Tide.
The good: The sophomore had some very large shoes to fill with the departure of Courtney Upshaw, who was picked at the top of the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. While he wasn't as dominant as his predecessor, Dickson filled in admirably considering he recorded just three tackles in seven games last season. The former four-star prospect showed glimpses of the tools necessary to play the Jack position: size, strength, agility and a high motor. He saved his best game of the year for last, tallying two sacks against Georgia in the SEC Championship.
The bad: While Dickson was able to get pressure on the quarterback in some games, others he struggled to get upfield and affect the opposing offense. Consistency has eluded the first-time starter. He'll need to learn to shed tackles better and bring it every week to make the jump from good to elite.
Crystal ball: Just because Dickson started at Jack this season doesn't mean he's destined to continue there next year and beyond. Alabama has recruited linebackers with the tweener linebacker-defensive end mold very well, which means that much more competition. Ryan Anderson, a former four-star who redshirted this season, will have a say. So will Denzel Devall, who was able to make a significant contribution off the bench this season. It's possible recruits like DeMarcus Walker and Jonathan Allen could make a run at early playing time as well.
No. 47 Xzavier Dickson
Outside linebacker
33 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks
Role in 2012: Dickson was the starting Jack linebacker and one of the top pass-rushing threats for the Crimson Tide.
The good: The sophomore had some very large shoes to fill with the departure of Courtney Upshaw, who was picked at the top of the second round by the Baltimore Ravens. While he wasn't as dominant as his predecessor, Dickson filled in admirably considering he recorded just three tackles in seven games last season. The former four-star prospect showed glimpses of the tools necessary to play the Jack position: size, strength, agility and a high motor. He saved his best game of the year for last, tallying two sacks against Georgia in the SEC Championship.
The bad: While Dickson was able to get pressure on the quarterback in some games, others he struggled to get upfield and affect the opposing offense. Consistency has eluded the first-time starter. He'll need to learn to shed tackles better and bring it every week to make the jump from good to elite.
Crystal ball: Just because Dickson started at Jack this season doesn't mean he's destined to continue there next year and beyond. Alabama has recruited linebackers with the tweener linebacker-defensive end mold very well, which means that much more competition. Ryan Anderson, a former four-star who redshirted this season, will have a say. So will Denzel Devall, who was able to make a significant contribution off the bench this season. It's possible recruits like DeMarcus Walker and Jonathan Allen could make a run at early playing time as well.
Alabama 10: Week 13 power rankings
November, 26, 2012
11/26/12
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The TideNation's power rankings look at the top 10 Alabama players raising their game. Every week, we’ll update these rankings to reflect how specific areas of the Alabama football program are faring.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. QB AJ McCarron: McCarron was lethal on Saturday, dicing up the Auburn defense for 200-plus yards and four touchdowns. With a high-scoring Georgia team awaiting, he'll have to keep it up.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. QB AJ McCarron: McCarron was lethal on Saturday, dicing up the Auburn defense for 200-plus yards and four touchdowns. With a high-scoring Georgia team awaiting, he'll have to keep it up.
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Alabama 10: Week 12 power rankings
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The TideNation's power rankings look at the top 10 Alabama players raising their game. Every week, we’ll update these rankings to reflect how specific areas of the Alabama football program are faring.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. LB C.J. Mosley: Even in a game in which he didn't play a full four quarters, Mosley finished first on the team with six tackles.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. LB C.J. Mosley: Even in a game in which he didn't play a full four quarters, Mosley finished first on the team with six tackles.
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Alabama 10: Week 11 power rankings
November, 12, 2012
11/12/12
7:15
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The TideNation's power rankings look at the top 10 Alabama players raising their game. Every week, we’ll update these rankings to reflect how specific areas of the Alabama football program are faring.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. LB C.J. Mosley: Mosley didn't play his best on Saturday night, but credit the Texas A&M offense and Johnny Manziel. Still, Mosley led the team with 14 tackles.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. LB C.J. Mosley: Mosley didn't play his best on Saturday night, but credit the Texas A&M offense and Johnny Manziel. Still, Mosley led the team with 14 tackles.
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Alabama 10: Week 10 power rankings
November, 5, 2012
11/05/12
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The TideNation's power rankings look at the top 10 Alabama players raising their game. Every week, we’ll update these rankings to reflect how specific areas of the Alabama football program are faring.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. QB AJ McCarron: Call it a knee-jerk reaction, but the final drive against LSU was enough to make McCarron the MVP of the Crimson Tide. He struggled for most of the second half, but came up huge when it counted most.
Here are this week's power rankings:
1. QB AJ McCarron: Call it a knee-jerk reaction, but the final drive against LSU was enough to make McCarron the MVP of the Crimson Tide. He struggled for most of the second half, but came up huge when it counted most.
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Recruiting Battles: Alabama vs. LSU
October, 30, 2012
10/30/12
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By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The stage was set. It was the 2012 Under Armour All-American Game. With his whole family behind him, ESPN 150 safety Landon Collins prepared to make his college decision in front of the entire country, on national television.
“I’m going to go with ‘Roll Tide Roll,’ ” Collins said as he put on the Crimson Tide gloves to signify where he was going to school.
The decision came as a surprise to most people, including his own mother, because Collins is a native of Louisiana. He opted to take the road less traveled and attend the school two states over rather than the one in his own backyard.
“I’m going to go with ‘Roll Tide Roll,’ ” Collins said as he put on the Crimson Tide gloves to signify where he was going to school.
The decision came as a surprise to most people, including his own mother, because Collins is a native of Louisiana. He opted to take the road less traveled and attend the school two states over rather than the one in his own backyard.
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Alabama 10: Week 9 Power Rankings
October, 29, 2012
10/29/12
8:00
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By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
The TideNation's power rankings look at the top 10 Alabama players raising their game. Every week, we’ll update these rankings to reflect how specific areas of the Alabama football program are faring.
Here's this week's power rankings:
1. LB C.J. Mosley: Had it not been for a referee stepping in front of an errant pass from Tyler Russell, Mosley might have another interception to add to his already impressive resume.
Here's this week's power rankings:
1. LB C.J. Mosley: Had it not been for a referee stepping in front of an errant pass from Tyler Russell, Mosley might have another interception to add to his already impressive resume.
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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.