Alabama Crimson Tide: Harrison Jones
Spring evaluation: Passing game weapons 
May, 10, 2013
May 10
7:00
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 post-spring practice. Today we examine the threats in the passing game:
Who's leading?
AJ McCarron is a happy man these days, and not just because he gets to drive the pace car at Talladega. The senior quarterback is smiling, in part, because of the number of weapons he'll have to work with this coming season.
Who's leading?
AJ McCarron is a happy man these days, and not just because he gets to drive the pace car at Talladega. The senior quarterback is smiling, in part, because of the number of weapons he'll have to work with this coming season.
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Offseason storylines: Running game
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
8:30
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. -- Who would have thought that after losing Trent Richardson the Alabama running game would become more dynamic in 2012? For that matter, who would have thought that when Mark Ingram left two years ago the production on the ground would actually improve? Losing back-to-back Heisman Trophy-caliber tailbacks has done nothing to slow down the Crimson Tide. Alabama has instead improved its number of rushing yards, yards per carry and rushing touchdowns in each of the last three seasons despite watching some of the best running backs in the country move on to the NFL.
"There’s a standard," UA running back Eddie Lacy said. "They left a high standard here. So coming into this season I didn’t want to shoot straight for their standard, I just decided that I would play the game that I know how to play and whatever the outcome may be, let it be what it is. It ended up pretty good and I’m pretty much up there with those guys."
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Who would have thought that after losing Trent Richardson the Alabama running game would become more dynamic in 2012? For that matter, who would have thought that when Mark Ingram left two years ago the production on the ground would actually improve? Losing back-to-back Heisman Trophy-caliber tailbacks has done nothing to slow down the Crimson Tide. Alabama has instead improved its number of rushing yards, yards per carry and rushing touchdowns in each of the last three seasons despite watching some of the best running backs in the country move on to the NFL.
"There’s a standard," UA running back Eddie Lacy said. "They left a high standard here. So coming into this season I didn’t want to shoot straight for their standard, I just decided that I would play the game that I know how to play and whatever the outcome may be, let it be what it is. It ended up pretty good and I’m pretty much up there with those guys."
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Forecasting the Tide: Tight end/H-back
January, 10, 2013
Jan 10
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 tight ends and H-backs.
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Editor's note: This is a series introducing Alabama's 2013 recruiting class that will run through signing day.
When Walker Jones committed to the University of Alabama, it came as no surprise to most fans. After all, his two older brothers -- Barrett and Harrison -- both play for the Crimson Tide. However, Walker went through the recruiting process with an open mind and looked at all the interested suitors before giving his commitment to Alabama over the summer. Now he’s set to continue the Jones’ legacy at the Capstone.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
When Walker Jones committed to the University of Alabama, it came as no surprise to most fans. After all, his two older brothers -- Barrett and Harrison -- both play for the Crimson Tide. However, Walker went through the recruiting process with an open mind and looked at all the interested suitors before giving his commitment to Alabama over the summer. Now he’s set to continue the Jones’ legacy at the Capstone.
Q: What made you commit to Alabama?
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Tracking the Tide: Michael Williams
December, 20, 2012
12/20/12
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 tight end Michael Williams.
No. 89 Michael Williams
Tight end
21 receptions, 166 yards, 3 touchdowns
Role in 2012: Williams was the Crimson Tide's best and arguably only reliable option at tight end this season.
The good: The redshirt senior didn't jump off the screen, but he was consistent. As he has been his entire career since moving to offense, Williams was an above-average blocker with just enough skill in space to be a threat in the passing game. He was fourth on the team with 21 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns. But his worth is also measured in Alabama's success running the football. Both Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon were able to rush for 1,000 yards this season thanks in no small part to Williams' efforts.
The bad: Williams never developed into the receiving threat some might have hoped for when he transitioned from defensive end to tight end. Despite having the frame (6-foot-6, 269 pounds) and athleticism (coach Nick Saban touted his skills on the basketball court) that can cause matchup problems with both linebackers and defensive backs, Williams didn't become a weapon in the way of a poor man's Tony Gonzalez or Jason Witten.
Crystal ball: Because of his skill in the running game, Williams should find a home in the NFL. He's arguably one of the best blocking tight ends in all of college football, which is something scouts and general managers value when looking for backups. As far as the question of who will step up next year, the answer is wide open. Neither sophomores Harrison Jones or Brian Vogler have separated themselves this season. Redshirt freshman Malcolm Faciane has played and has a frame (6-foot-5, 259 pounds) to grow into. Another option might be moving wide receiver Marvin Shinn inside to tight end. The 6-foot-3 redshirt freshman would have to put on weight, but he already has played some snaps at the position early in the season. Keep an eye on two Alabama commitments to make an impact right away: O.J. Howard is the No. 2 tight end prospect in the country and Josh McNeil isn't far behind at No. 4 in the ESPN 150.
No. 89 Michael Williams
Tight end
21 receptions, 166 yards, 3 touchdowns
Role in 2012: Williams was the Crimson Tide's best and arguably only reliable option at tight end this season.
The good: The redshirt senior didn't jump off the screen, but he was consistent. As he has been his entire career since moving to offense, Williams was an above-average blocker with just enough skill in space to be a threat in the passing game. He was fourth on the team with 21 receptions for 166 yards and three touchdowns. But his worth is also measured in Alabama's success running the football. Both Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon were able to rush for 1,000 yards this season thanks in no small part to Williams' efforts.
The bad: Williams never developed into the receiving threat some might have hoped for when he transitioned from defensive end to tight end. Despite having the frame (6-foot-6, 269 pounds) and athleticism (coach Nick Saban touted his skills on the basketball court) that can cause matchup problems with both linebackers and defensive backs, Williams didn't become a weapon in the way of a poor man's Tony Gonzalez or Jason Witten.
Crystal ball: Because of his skill in the running game, Williams should find a home in the NFL. He's arguably one of the best blocking tight ends in all of college football, which is something scouts and general managers value when looking for backups. As far as the question of who will step up next year, the answer is wide open. Neither sophomores Harrison Jones or Brian Vogler have separated themselves this season. Redshirt freshman Malcolm Faciane has played and has a frame (6-foot-5, 259 pounds) to grow into. Another option might be moving wide receiver Marvin Shinn inside to tight end. The 6-foot-3 redshirt freshman would have to put on weight, but he already has played some snaps at the position early in the season. Keep an eye on two Alabama commitments to make an impact right away: O.J. Howard is the No. 2 tight end prospect in the country and Josh McNeil isn't far behind at No. 4 in the ESPN 150.
Film study: Alabama vs. Western Carolina
November, 19, 2012
11/19/12
8:00
AM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
An analysis of three key plays in Alabama's 49-0 win over Western Carolina on Saturday at home -- and what those plays mean moving forward for the Crimson Tide:
Hitting the ground running
Dave Martin/Associated Press
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Walker Jones familiar with Tide-Vols rivalry
October, 19, 2012
10/19/12
5:49
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
No 2013 recruit knows the Alabama-Tennessee rivalry, or the Third Saturday in October, better than Crimson Tide linebacker commitment Walker Jones.
His father, Rex, attended the University of Alabama where he played played basketball. Both of his brothers, Barrett and Harrison, currently play football for the Tide. Barrett, the eldest of the trio, will be playing in his fourth and final rivalry game against the Volunteers.
Walker hasn’t been on the sidelines for a game yet, but he’s been in the stands for every UT game from even before his brothers started playing.
His father, Rex, attended the University of Alabama where he played played basketball. Both of his brothers, Barrett and Harrison, currently play football for the Tide. Barrett, the eldest of the trio, will be playing in his fourth and final rivalry game against the Volunteers.
Walker hasn’t been on the sidelines for a game yet, but he’s been in the stands for every UT game from even before his brothers started playing.
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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.
Notes: Jalston Fowler fitting in at H-Back
August, 13, 2012
8/13/12
3:50
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Marvin Gentry/US PresswireAlabama's Jalston Fowler might make an impact at H-Back in 2012.TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- At the close of last season, running back Jalston Fowler could have reasonably expected to take more snaps on offense when he returned to the University of Alabama for his junior year. Trent Richardson was off for a career in the NFL and the No. 3 tailback on the depth chart was poised to rise to No. 2 behind Eddie Lacy, the presumed starter.
As it turns out, Fowler might take more snaps this season, just not at his usual position.
The 6-foot-1, 242-pound wrecking ball is changing one spot in the I-formation for another. Instead of dotting the "I", Fowler has been practicing leading the charge from the H-Back position. There's been no indication that he'll give up his running back duties altogether, but as tight end Michael Williams put it, he's too skilled to keep off the field when Lacy or another back is in the game.
"He's big. He's strong. He has good blocking skills. He can catch out of the backfield," Williams said. "He's somebody that can play running back also, but when he's not in there, as good as he is you don't want him coming off the field, so he helps us at H-Back."
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- After roughly three months of waiting, the Crimson Tide were back on the practice field for the start of preseason camp on Friday morning. Veterans took the field in the morning and the younger players at night.
As previously reported, Duron Carter is no longer with the team. He is not in the official media guide but the university has not released an official statement yet.
Now that we have that small bit of housekeeping out of the way, here are a few observations from the morning practice:
As previously reported, Duron Carter is no longer with the team. He is not in the official media guide but the university has not released an official statement yet.
Now that we have that small bit of housekeeping out of the way, here are a few observations from the morning practice:
- Eddie Lacy looked to be back to his normal self, making all the cuts after offseason surgery kept him out of spring practice. The presumptive starter at running back didn't look hindered by a foot problem that bothered him throughout last season.
- D.J. Fluker is in much better shape than he was toward the end of last season and during spring practice. He looks to have trimmed his waistline significantly, shedding some much-needed pounds. That will help him both in athleticism, going up against speed-rushers, and also in the injury department, alleviating some of the wear and tear caused by extra pounds.
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In the end, Walker Jones kept it in the family.
"After much thought and prayer, I have verbally committed to play football at the University of Alabama," the athlete from Cordova (Tenn.) Evangelical Christian old ESPN in a prepared statement via email on Monday. "Coach [Nick] Saban told me he is very pleased with my decision and happy to have me as a part of the 2013 class. He said I have the size, athleticism, and intelligence to be a good player at the next level. He plans for me to play inside linebacker but told me I have the versatility to play outside [linebacker] or even h-back. He also told me I will have an opportunity to contribute on special teams."
Jones two older brothers, offensive tackle Barrett Jones and sophomore tight end Harrison Jones, both play for Alabama. Yet the youngest Jones maintained he would weigh all schools equally.
"After much thought and prayer, I have verbally committed to play football at the University of Alabama," the athlete from Cordova (Tenn.) Evangelical Christian old ESPN in a prepared statement via email on Monday. "Coach [Nick] Saban told me he is very pleased with my decision and happy to have me as a part of the 2013 class. He said I have the size, athleticism, and intelligence to be a good player at the next level. He plans for me to play inside linebacker but told me I have the versatility to play outside [linebacker] or even h-back. He also told me I will have an opportunity to contribute on special teams."
Jones two older brothers, offensive tackle Barrett Jones and sophomore tight end Harrison Jones, both play for Alabama. Yet the youngest Jones maintained he would weigh all schools equally.
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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.