Alabama Crimson Tide: Alvin Kamara
Henry's loss is a superficial wound 
April, 16, 2013
Apr 16
1:25
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- There goes the family vacation. Alabama fans planning their annual pilgrimage to Tuscaloosa for the A-Day scrimmage this Saturday were hit with some disappointing news when it was learned that fab freshman tailback Derrick Henry would miss the remainder of spring because of a fractured leg.
A-Day had been built as Henry's opening act. For months, we had heard how talented the former five-star athlete was: A 6-foot-3, 238-pound man-child with the shoulders of a linebacker and the feet of a tailback. Much of signing day was devoted to what position he would play at Alabama: running back, H-back, linebacker, something in between?
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Looking at the spring visitors: Offense
April, 11, 2013
Apr 11
8:00
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The last month has been a productive one for the University of Alabama in terms of recruiting.
Sure, the Crimson Tide still have just three commitments for 2014 -- far less than they’ve had at this time in years past -- but since the beginning of spring practice, they have hosted some of the nation’s top recruits. If the talent on campus this spring is any indication, Nick Saban is well on his way to another No. 1 recruiting class.
With just a week until A-Day, TideNation breaks down the recent visitors, position-by-position, beginning with the offense Thursday.
Sure, the Crimson Tide still have just three commitments for 2014 -- far less than they’ve had at this time in years past -- but since the beginning of spring practice, they have hosted some of the nation’s top recruits. If the talent on campus this spring is any indication, Nick Saban is well on his way to another No. 1 recruiting class.
With just a week until A-Day, TideNation breaks down the recent visitors, position-by-position, beginning with the offense Thursday.
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SUWANEE, Ga. – There is never a shortage of highly coveted football prospects in the state of Georgia. While it remains to be seen if anyone in the 2014 class will be rated as highly as 2013 standouts Robert Nkemdiche or Montravius Adams, there are already a couple defensive recruits that can stake claim to being recruited by just about every prominent program in the country. Raekwon McMillan is one, and Lorenzo Carter is the other.
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The O-zone: Grading the 2013 class
February, 13, 2013
Feb 13
8:30
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Last week, the University of Alabama inked the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class for the second year in a row. The class was made up of prospects from 13 different states and featured a combination of skill players and interior linemen.
This week’s O-zone takes a closer look at the class, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses, and singling out a few players who could stand out when they get on campus.
This week’s O-zone takes a closer look at the class, breaking down its strengths and weaknesses, and singling out a few players who could stand out when they get on campus.
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Crimson Tide offense poised for growth
February, 11, 2013
Feb 11
7:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- AJ McCarron was almost giddy when he spoke with ESPN's Tom Rinaldi on the morning of national signing day. Alabama's junior quarterback has won two national championships as a starter, and he broke all kinds of passing records this past season. And despite all he has accomplished, the steely, strong-armed veteran had something to get worked up about, something to look forward to next season.
McCarron wasn't smiling because of the big board of recruits being filled up in the Alabama football offices. He checked out of the recruiting game the minute he signed his own national letter of intent. The quarterback instead went flush when Rinaldi asked what excited him most about the upcoming season.
"My receivers," McCarron answered, laughing nervously. "I look out there and see the explosive guys out wide that can make plays."
McCarron won't lack for options in the passing game in 2013. All of his starters return, including fab freshman Amari Cooper. Cooper, Kevin Norwood and Christion Jones will be joined by a talented group of backups: DeAndrew White, Kenny Bell, Chris Black, Marvin Shinn and Cyrus Jones. Throw in the two wideout prospects and one tight end signed on Wednesday and the list of targets goes up. Robert Foster, the No. 2 receiver in the ESPN 150, and O.J. Howard, the second-ranked tight end/H-back in the country, will make an impact sooner or later.
"We have different types of receivers -- bigger guys, smaller guys that are fast," McCarron told Rinaldi. "It's going to be a fun year for our offense."
McCarron wasn't smiling because of the big board of recruits being filled up in the Alabama football offices. He checked out of the recruiting game the minute he signed his own national letter of intent. The quarterback instead went flush when Rinaldi asked what excited him most about the upcoming season.
[+] Enlarge
AP Photo/Phelan M. EbenhackNewcomer O.J. Howard, an H-back, will bolster an already multitalented group catching rockets from AJ McCarron in 2013.
AP Photo/Phelan M. EbenhackNewcomer O.J. Howard, an H-back, will bolster an already multitalented group catching rockets from AJ McCarron in 2013.McCarron won't lack for options in the passing game in 2013. All of his starters return, including fab freshman Amari Cooper. Cooper, Kevin Norwood and Christion Jones will be joined by a talented group of backups: DeAndrew White, Kenny Bell, Chris Black, Marvin Shinn and Cyrus Jones. Throw in the two wideout prospects and one tight end signed on Wednesday and the list of targets goes up. Robert Foster, the No. 2 receiver in the ESPN 150, and O.J. Howard, the second-ranked tight end/H-back in the country, will make an impact sooner or later.
"We have different types of receivers -- bigger guys, smaller guys that are fast," McCarron told Rinaldi. "It's going to be a fun year for our offense."
NORCROSS, Ga. -- The rich get richer.
ESPN 150 running back Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) has been well aware of the running backs on campus at Alabama, as well as the three other ESPN 150 prospects slated to vie for carries in the Crimson Tide backfield this fall. But the No. 32 prospect in the country still chose to sign with Alabama on Wednesday, choosing the back-to-back national champions over in-state University of Georgia.
Simply put, Kamara is not afraid of competition. He said as much Monday night during a tweetchat feature at RecruitingNation.
“I feel like I can go into camp, do what I am supposed to do on the field and off the field, make an impact, give my team a chance to win a national championship, make some plays and hopefully get on ESPN,” Kamara said.
Georgia was thought to be the leader for Kamara last year, and some felt the Bulldogs would land the 5-foot-11, 192-pound running back by the end of the summer. But Kamara held off on committing, and Alabama made it a two-team race for the next six months.
Recruiter of record Kirby Smart was the first to start recruiting Kamara in the spring after his sophomore season, and the two built up a strong relationship over the next two years. After several trips to Tuscaloosa, Ala., Kamara felt more and more comfortable with the campus and the team, and the Tide emerged as the leader late in January.
What is the impact of Kamara's decision?
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- ESPN 150 linebacker Reuben Foster kicked off signing day week with a commitment to Alabama on Monday night. However, the real fun begins on Wednesday when the recruits sign and fax their letters of intent to the schools they choose.
Alabama already has 23 commitments for 2013, but the Crimson Tide are expected to finish strong. Who else will they add on signing day?
In good shape
RB Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross): It’s always been Alabama and Georgia for Kamara. UGA is the hometown school, but he’s more than comfortable with the Tide’s program. Kamara spent nearly a week in Tuscaloosa in August during fall camp. He has visited multiple times, including a surprise trip this past weekend with Foster. He says the potential depth chart at running back are a non-issue, and Alabama plans to utilize him in a variety of ways.
Prediction: Alabama
Announcement time: 2:35 p.m. CT
Alabama already has 23 commitments for 2013, but the Crimson Tide are expected to finish strong. Who else will they add on signing day?
In good shape
RB Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross): It’s always been Alabama and Georgia for Kamara. UGA is the hometown school, but he’s more than comfortable with the Tide’s program. Kamara spent nearly a week in Tuscaloosa in August during fall camp. He has visited multiple times, including a surprise trip this past weekend with Foster. He says the potential depth chart at running back are a non-issue, and Alabama plans to utilize him in a variety of ways.
Prediction: Alabama
Announcement time: 2:35 p.m. CT
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Running back Alvin Kamara (Norcross, Ga./Norcross) will decide between Alabama and Georgia on signing day, announcing his decision at 3:35 p.m. ET on ESPNU. While it was thought that the Bulldogs were the team to beat several times last year, it seems the Crimson Tide are sitting pretty to add a fourth ESPN 150 running back in the 2013 recruiting cycle.
On Monday night, he consented to answer some questions that were submitted by fans on Twitter using the hashtag #AskKamara. Be sure to follow him at @A_kamara6.
On Monday night, he consented to answer some questions that were submitted by fans on Twitter using the hashtag #AskKamara. Be sure to follow him at @A_kamara6.
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Final RecruitingNation class rankings
February, 5, 2013
Feb 5
10:41
AM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
We are just hours away from national signing day. I'm going to need all you readers to breathe and count to 10. It's almost here, which means it's almost over.
And with it being almost over, it's time to take one final look at ESPN's RecruitingNation class rankings. On the eve of the biggest recruiting day of the year, the SEC is still keeping it all in the family when it comes to the top classes in the country. The SEC has 12 teams ranked within the top 40 of the class rankings, with five coming within the top 10.
Florida and Alabama remain No. 1 and No. 2. The Gators have 26 verbal commitments, with 11 being ESPN 150 members and 15 being ESPN 300 members. The biggest members of Florida's class are top-rated cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who is the No. 3 player in the country, and top-rated running back Kelvin Taylor, who is the No. 8 prospect overall. The Gators have a few spots open and are still in the mix to sign defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick, junior college defensive tackle Jarran Reed and wide receiver James Clark. Defensive end and current Auburn commit Tashawn Bower is also on Florida's radar.
Alabama received some good news Monday night when top-rated inside linebacker Reuben Foster picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn and Georgia. Foster gave the Tide its 23rd commitment and its 11th ESPN 150 member. Alabama also has 15 ESPN 300 commitments. The Tide could leapfrog the Gators on national signing day with some big names still interested in the Tide. Top defensive tackle and former Auburn commit Dee Liner seems to be a strong lean to the Tide, while four-star defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, who decommitted from Texas last week, could sign with Alabama as well. Running back Alvin Kamara and safety Vonn Bell, both ESPN 150 members, could also sign with the Tide.
Rounding out the top 10 from the SEC are LSU (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7) and Georgia (No. 9). Texas A&M and Georgia might have the best chances of the three of moving up. The Bulldogs are still in the mix for a handful of top prospects, including No. 1 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, four-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams, outside linebacker Matthew Thomas (No. 6 in the ESPN 150) and ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy. The Aggies are still in the mix for cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is No. 4 in the ESPN 150, FSU athlete commit Levonte Whitfield, and committed defensive ends Daeshon Hall (Washington) and Torrodney Prevot (USC).
Keep an eye on Ole Miss and Auburn. Tunsil appears to be favoring Ole Miss over Georgia, and top recruit Robert Nkemdiche is all but signed sealed and delivered to the Rebels. Mississippi State defensive end commit Chris Jones could also flip to Ole Miss, and high-profile safety Antonio Conner is strongly considering the Rebels as well. Auburn is battling Georgia for Adams, and could flip Ole Miss defensive end commit Elijah Daniel, after he officially visited Auburn over the weekend.
Here's a complete look at where SEC teams stand in the final class rankings before signing day:
1. Florida -- 26 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
2. Alabama -- 23 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
6. LSU -- 26 (6 ESPN 150, 14 ESPN 300)
7. Texas A&M -- 32 (6 ESPN 150, 11 ESPN 300)
9. Georgia -- 30 (5 ESPN 150, 12 ESPN 300)
12. Ole Miss -- 23 (2 ESPN 150, 7 ESPN 300)
14. Auburn -- 20 (3 ESPN 150, 6 ESPN 300)
17. South Carolina -- 21 (2 ESPN 150, 4 ESPN 300)
21. Vanderbilt -- 25 (0 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
27. Mississippi State -- 22 (1 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
29. Tennessee -- 19 (1 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
36. Missouri -- 19 (0 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
And with it being almost over, it's time to take one final look at ESPN's RecruitingNation class rankings. On the eve of the biggest recruiting day of the year, the SEC is still keeping it all in the family when it comes to the top classes in the country. The SEC has 12 teams ranked within the top 40 of the class rankings, with five coming within the top 10.
Florida and Alabama remain No. 1 and No. 2. The Gators have 26 verbal commitments, with 11 being ESPN 150 members and 15 being ESPN 300 members. The biggest members of Florida's class are top-rated cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III, who is the No. 3 player in the country, and top-rated running back Kelvin Taylor, who is the No. 8 prospect overall. The Gators have a few spots open and are still in the mix to sign defensive tackle Jay-nard Bostwick, junior college defensive tackle Jarran Reed and wide receiver James Clark. Defensive end and current Auburn commit Tashawn Bower is also on Florida's radar.
Alabama received some good news Monday night when top-rated inside linebacker Reuben Foster picked the Crimson Tide over Auburn and Georgia. Foster gave the Tide its 23rd commitment and its 11th ESPN 150 member. Alabama also has 15 ESPN 300 commitments. The Tide could leapfrog the Gators on national signing day with some big names still interested in the Tide. Top defensive tackle and former Auburn commit Dee Liner seems to be a strong lean to the Tide, while four-star defensive tackle A'Shawn Robinson, who decommitted from Texas last week, could sign with Alabama as well. Running back Alvin Kamara and safety Vonn Bell, both ESPN 150 members, could also sign with the Tide.
Rounding out the top 10 from the SEC are LSU (No. 6), Texas A&M (No. 7) and Georgia (No. 9). Texas A&M and Georgia might have the best chances of the three of moving up. The Bulldogs are still in the mix for a handful of top prospects, including No. 1 offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil, four-star defensive lineman Montravius Adams, outside linebacker Matthew Thomas (No. 6 in the ESPN 150) and ESPN 300 defensive end Davin Bellamy. The Aggies are still in the mix for cornerback Mackensie Alexander, who is No. 4 in the ESPN 150, FSU athlete commit Levonte Whitfield, and committed defensive ends Daeshon Hall (Washington) and Torrodney Prevot (USC).
Keep an eye on Ole Miss and Auburn. Tunsil appears to be favoring Ole Miss over Georgia, and top recruit Robert Nkemdiche is all but signed sealed and delivered to the Rebels. Mississippi State defensive end commit Chris Jones could also flip to Ole Miss, and high-profile safety Antonio Conner is strongly considering the Rebels as well. Auburn is battling Georgia for Adams, and could flip Ole Miss defensive end commit Elijah Daniel, after he officially visited Auburn over the weekend.
Here's a complete look at where SEC teams stand in the final class rankings before signing day:
1. Florida -- 26 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
2. Alabama -- 23 (11 ESPN 150, 15 ESPN 300)
6. LSU -- 26 (6 ESPN 150, 14 ESPN 300)
7. Texas A&M -- 32 (6 ESPN 150, 11 ESPN 300)
9. Georgia -- 30 (5 ESPN 150, 12 ESPN 300)
12. Ole Miss -- 23 (2 ESPN 150, 7 ESPN 300)
14. Auburn -- 20 (3 ESPN 150, 6 ESPN 300)
17. South Carolina -- 21 (2 ESPN 150, 4 ESPN 300)
21. Vanderbilt -- 25 (0 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
27. Mississippi State -- 22 (1 ESPN 150, 3 ESPN 300)
29. Tennessee -- 19 (1 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
36. Missouri -- 19 (0 ESPN 150, 2 ESPN 300)
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 running back Alvin Kamara.
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The O-zone: Reuben Foster prediction
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
5:59
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The O-zone will be released on Tuesday this week with analysis and predictions on where Alabama’s remaining targets will land on signing day, but with Reuben Foster’s decision on tap for Monday night, we wanted to break down his pending decision a day early.
The recruit
LB Reuben Foster: There hasn’t been a recruitment quite like Foster’s -- maybe ever. The ESPN 150 linebacker originally committed to Alabama the summer before his junior year. However, when he moved from Georgia to Alabama last spring and transferred to Auburn High School, that changed everything. Just months later, Foster flipped his pledge from the Tide to the Tigers and went as far as to get an Auburn tattoo on his arm. Still, it was far from over. Both Alabama and Georgia continued to recruit him, and when former AU coach Gene Chizik was let go along along with his staff, Foster opted to reopen his recruitment. Since then he’s taken all five of his official visits, including trips to San Diego State and Washington. At 9 p.m. CT on Monday, he’s expected to choose between Alabama, Auburn and Georgia.
The finalists
The recruit
LB Reuben Foster: There hasn’t been a recruitment quite like Foster’s -- maybe ever. The ESPN 150 linebacker originally committed to Alabama the summer before his junior year. However, when he moved from Georgia to Alabama last spring and transferred to Auburn High School, that changed everything. Just months later, Foster flipped his pledge from the Tide to the Tigers and went as far as to get an Auburn tattoo on his arm. Still, it was far from over. Both Alabama and Georgia continued to recruit him, and when former AU coach Gene Chizik was let go along along with his staff, Foster opted to reopen his recruitment. Since then he’s taken all five of his official visits, including trips to San Diego State and Washington. At 9 p.m. CT on Monday, he’s expected to choose between Alabama, Auburn and Georgia.
The finalists
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Alabama picked to claim recruiting title
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
2:00
PM ET
By
Edward Aschoff | ESPN.com
When it comes to recruiting, the readers believe it's still Alabama's world.
Florida might be No. 1 in ESPN's class rankings, but with more than 7,100 votes cast in our SportsNation poll, Alabama was picked to take home the recruiting class crown by grabbing 40 percent of the vote. Alabama currently has the No. 2 class, with 22 commits (10 ESPN 150 members).
Alabama has a chance to add to its already impressive class with a handful of ESPN 150 members still heavily considering the Crimson Tide, including top middle linebacker Reuben Foster, safety Antonio Conner, defensive tackle Dee Liner and running back Alvin Kamara. Adding a couple of those names might propel the Tide over Florida.
The Gators were third in our poll, as Texas collected 27 percent of the vote to come in second. The Aggies have the nation's No. 7 recruiting class and 32 commitments. A&M has six ESPN 150 members and is hoping to add to that number Wednesday with cornerback Mackensie Alexander and athlete Levonte Whitfield still in the mix.
Florida collected 18 percent. While the Gators would like to add to their class, the headliners might already be in hand. The Gators have a good shot of landing four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He's ranked No. 14 nationally by ESPN recruiting services and is the top remaining prospect on the Gators' board.
Georgia was fourth with 10 percent of the vote, while LSU grabbed 5 percent. The Bulldogs could have a very exciting signing day with Foster, Kamara, Liner, top offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and stud defensive lineman Montravius Adams still looking at Georgia. Landing a few those big names would shoot the Dawgs up the ranks, for sure.
LSU might not have a very exciting signing day. The Tigers own the nation's No. 6 class, with 26 commitments (six ESPN 150 members), but it looks like the staff is waiting on No. 1 Robert Nkemdiche and Auburn defensive end commit Tashawn Bower. Ole Miss is way ahead for Nkemdiche, while it could be tough to flip Bower.
Florida might be No. 1 in ESPN's class rankings, but with more than 7,100 votes cast in our SportsNation poll, Alabama was picked to take home the recruiting class crown by grabbing 40 percent of the vote. Alabama currently has the No. 2 class, with 22 commits (10 ESPN 150 members).
Alabama has a chance to add to its already impressive class with a handful of ESPN 150 members still heavily considering the Crimson Tide, including top middle linebacker Reuben Foster, safety Antonio Conner, defensive tackle Dee Liner and running back Alvin Kamara. Adding a couple of those names might propel the Tide over Florida.
The Gators were third in our poll, as Texas collected 27 percent of the vote to come in second. The Aggies have the nation's No. 7 recruiting class and 32 commitments. A&M has six ESPN 150 members and is hoping to add to that number Wednesday with cornerback Mackensie Alexander and athlete Levonte Whitfield still in the mix.
Florida collected 18 percent. While the Gators would like to add to their class, the headliners might already be in hand. The Gators have a good shot of landing four-star cornerback Jalen Ramsey. He's ranked No. 14 nationally by ESPN recruiting services and is the top remaining prospect on the Gators' board.
Georgia was fourth with 10 percent of the vote, while LSU grabbed 5 percent. The Bulldogs could have a very exciting signing day with Foster, Kamara, Liner, top offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil and stud defensive lineman Montravius Adams still looking at Georgia. Landing a few those big names would shoot the Dawgs up the ranks, for sure.
LSU might not have a very exciting signing day. The Tigers own the nation's No. 6 class, with 26 commitments (six ESPN 150 members), but it looks like the staff is waiting on No. 1 Robert Nkemdiche and Auburn defensive end commit Tashawn Bower. Ole Miss is way ahead for Nkemdiche, while it could be tough to flip Bower.
Rewind: Alabama closing in on top class
February, 4, 2013
Feb 4
7:30
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It was the last weekend before signing day, and although the University of Alabama hosted just one official visitor, there has been quite a bit of excitement surrounding the Crimson Tide program over the last couple of days.
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NSD TV announcement schedule
January, 31, 2013
Jan 31
3:40
PM ET
By ESPN RecruitingNation | ESPN.com
National signing day is just around the corner on Feb. 6. That day, a number of the nation’s top football recruits will announce their college destinations and 18 ESPN 300 prospects are scheduled to do so on ESPNU.
Below is the full schedule of announcements on ESPNU, which kicks off with the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, Robert Nkemdiche, making his long-awaited decision at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Note: All times are Eastern
Below is the full schedule of announcements on ESPNU, which kicks off with the nation’s No. 1 overall prospect, Robert Nkemdiche, making his long-awaited decision at 7:30 a.m. ET.
Note: All times are Eastern
The O-zone: Jackson pledges, who's left?
January, 30, 2013
Jan 30
9:54
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It’s just a week until national signing day, and the University of Alabama added another key piece to its 2013 class when four-star athlete Eddie Jackson committed to the Crimson Tide over LSU on Wednesday.
Alabama’s class now has 22 commitments and room for just a few more. Who will fill those remaining spots before next week?
This week’s O-zone looks at how Jackson’s commitment affects the rest of the class, which position is still a priority for the Tide and what surprise junior college prospect could sign with the Tide.
Alabama’s class now has 22 commitments and room for just a few more. Who will fill those remaining spots before next week?
This week’s O-zone looks at how Jackson’s commitment affects the rest of the class, which position is still a priority for the Tide and what surprise junior college prospect could sign with the Tide.
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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.