"Dag Nabbit! He was here a second ago! Where did he go?"
That will be the question many a cornerback will ask this year once they get lost in the Bama 'Maze game.'
With this 'Maze game,' if you ever take your eyes off of Marquis Maze, you're liable to get lost really fast trying to find and catch up to him.
At 5'10" and around 179 pounds, Maze is neither big nor tall, but he won't beat teams by running over opponents. He'll run around them or away from them and widen the gap between them with every step.
In a sport where speed is everything at skilled positions like receiver, Maze has no equal in Crimson.
For a long time on campus, it was thought that running back Terry Grant was the fastest Tider until this spring, when Maze ended that discussion with a post-practice race.
And to think earlier this year some fans and media types were all wondering if Alabama could come up with someone to take the heat of sophomore sensation Julio Jones.
The roster actually has some good returning athletes besides Maze, like Mike McCoy and Darius Hanks who are sure to see playing time along with a few talented incoming freshmen.
By all accounts however, it was Maze who stole the spring spotlight as well as the MVP honors from the spring 'A Day Game' with 87 yards receiving and 47 yards rushing.
And this was against what many think could be one of the nation's top two defenses.
Nick Saban usually has an unusual smile on his face when he talks of Marquis Maze.
"He's a guy who can be a playmaker for us," Saban said. "I'm very encouraged by the spring that he had, but it's still too early to ask for a depth chart."
People inside the program are all amazed by Maze and see him as the quick 'Home run hit" the Tide may turn to when they're in the mood to stretch the field.
And while Maze won't be leaving people asking "Julio Who?", he is the perfect compliment to Julio's style of receiver.
While Julio can leap and do the sideline catches or bust a short route into a long gain with broken tackles and run over corner-backs, Maze is the pure deep threat that all teams dread.
Don't forget, it was Maze who pulled in the last touchdown pass McElroy threw last year, that perfectly timed bomb in the corner of the end-zone.
They have a successful history with one another and if the spring game was any indication, they will continue to add to it.
Saban always likes to say, there is no starting lineup until the day before the first game, but right now my money is Maze to get the yeoman's work on the other side of Julio.
And opponents can start fretting over him now.
Related posts
There are many reasons why Bessemer, Jess Lanier linebacker Ladarius Owens should end up signing with the Auburn Tigers next February. Family connections, history, being a lifelong fan of the Tigers, and pressure to support a new staff are just a few.
There are only two reasons for him to sign with the Crimson Tide. Linebackers coach Sal Sunseri and Head Coach Nick Saban.
Owens grew up a lifelong Auburn fan as was the majority of his family. Watching the Tiger's take on Georgia, LSU, and in state rival Alabama while dreaming of playing at Jordan-Hare during football games in the back yard.
The thought of anyone in his immediate family cheering "Roll Tide" back then was unthinkable.
There was the pride in growing up knowing his Uncle James was the first African-American to ever play football at Auburn and the thought of following the legacy he set.
Auburn's new coaching staff, headed up by Gene Chizik, is under pressure to close the talent gap with rival Alabama that has opened up in recent years. To do so they need to make sure legacy players and life long fans like Owens stay true and sign with the Tigers.
The Tigers have made Owens one of their main focuses this summer. Losing him would be a blow to both their roster and their pride.
There was hope in Auburn circles that Owens had chosen the Tigers after returning home from a brief visit down on the Plains recently and setting a date for his announcement.
That changed a few days later when he announced that instead he would wait till after the season was over. One reason he said, was to see which direction his favorite programs were headed.
The other was that despite many hours of prayer, he had been unable to gain peace about his decision.
Popular logic was that Owens was preparing to announce his commitment to Auburn. Delaying his announcement worked in the Tide's favor for now. The longer they could stretch things out, the more time they have to sell him on coming to the Capstone.
Owens has visited Tuscaloosa regularly this spring and summer. Each time he has gotten a chance to spend time with linebacker coaches Sal Sunseri and Nick Saban, the Tide has risen in his estimation.
Still, as much as the Tide would love to add him to an already talented linebacker core, he's likely the Tigers to lose. All they have to do is produce on the field this season and show that their program is headed in the right direction.
What that will take, your guess is as good as mine. Does it take eight or nine wins for the them to be considered headed in the right direction in Owens mind?
Seven?
Who knows.
What we do know is the Tiger's have a pressing need for linebackers. For whatever reason the Tiger's linebacker roster barely has the numbers to fill a two deep roster, if that.
Owen's would be guaranteed of significant playing time next fall if he signs with Auburn in February and still has a pulse when the 2010 season begins.
The same can't be guaranteed with Alabama. Owens would face an uphill battle to earn a spot on Alabama's depth chart as a true freshman.
With his speed he would likely be most suited to play on the outside. If he were willing to move inside though there could be a spot opening up if Rolando McClain were to opt to leave early for the NFL.
Common sense says if the Tigers have a good season and appear headed in the right direction, they should pick up a commitment from Owens shortly after the season ends. The ball is in their court.
If they struggle again this season or have an average year and suffer another embarrassing blowout to Alabama, Owen's family may yet have to learn to learn to say "Roll Tide".
Related posts
Friday's work at the FBU Top Gun Camp is in the books and some new names managed to stand out on the final day of the camp. Greensboro (N.C.) Northern Guilford athlete Keenan Allen turned in another impressive day's work. Rivals recruiting analyst Barton Simmons picks the top 11 from a camp loaded with talent in the classes of 2010 and 2011Related posts
Day two at Football University's Top Gun Showcase turned into session one because rains hit the area hard Wednesday night, but spirits were high in the hot, humid Central Florida air. The running backs took advantage of the linebackers with regularity during one-on-one drills.Related posts
A ton of school supplies was unloaded at Pike County Elementary School Wednesday compliments of Cornelius Griffin.Griffin, a former Pike County High School and University of Alabama gridiron star, now plays with the Washington Redskins of the National Football League.Related posts
The first day of the FBU Top Gun Camp is in the books and despite the heat in Florida, the competition was excellent and some of the matchups were awesome to watch. The skill positions were well represented overall, but it was the big men that stole the show. North Carolina offensive lineman Robert Crisp came away Friday as the most impressive player overallRelated posts
“Always in motion is the future.” - Yoda, Jedi Master
There are sites on the Internet that quote the fictional character Yoda from Star Wars as “One Minute Wisdom” Though to me Yoda sounds suspiciously like Kermit the frog, the future is in motion and the predictions are haphazard at best. None the less I will take a stab at 2009.
"More diverse the offense will be."
From observation I think its safe to say Greg McElroy is a more skilled passer and has a better mind for the game than last years starter John Parker Wilson. Wilson was a warrior however, he knew when to duck, when to run, when to take a sack and when to go for broke. The 12 win season is a testament to that.
Greg McElroy will undoubtedly have to learn some of that the hard way. Its a good bet that Alabama may lose a game this year in part because of a McElroy mistake. Though losses are never one players fault.
McElroy will spread the ball around more in the short and intermediate routes though I don't expect him to go deep very often. His deep balls have more accuracy so when he does I expect a higher success rate on the deeper throws.
"A Rise in rank you will see."
As in true freshman AJ McCarron. I don't know if McCarron will play this year but I believe he will make steps to put him next in line.
"Share the load will three."
Mark Ingram will be the starter and main ball carrier this year but Trent Richardson has worked tirelessly in the weight room to prepare himself for SEC ball and I expect it will result in playing time.
Roy Upchurch has had an injury riddled career but he is as talented as anyone if healthy. I believe he will pick up where he left off at mid season last year and become a true threat on third downs.
"Amazing Marquis Maze will be."
Sophomore Marquis Maze will have some true “Prothro” moments. Maze has had to learn how to run routes to create the kind of separation he needs being short. But learn it he has, and McElroy will get him the ball.
"On the line movement there will be."
Expect the offensive line to be more fluid this year. In years past Alabama lacked overall talent so the starters rarely had challenges from backups, But those days are over. Nowhere has Saban had a bigger impact on recruiting than on the offensive and defensive lines.
I expect Junior James Carpenter to start at left tackle but I would be surprised if he can hold off massive freshman DJ Fluker all season. I expect John Michael Boswell to win the right guard spot but he could lose it to Carpenter if Fluker does make the move.
Backups Brian Motley, Barrett Jones, David Ross and Chance Warmack will push hard for playing time and you may see one of them make it. I do not expect the line that starts against Virginia Tech to start against Auburn.
"Return to greatness he will."
Terrance Cody was banged up and worn out by mid season last year. That was then, this is now. Cody is truly in shape now and is ready to have an all America type season. Cody will completely demoralize more than one great player this year who lines up across from him.
"In Robbie Green a star is born."
Green may not be the most imposing physical specimen in the secondary but he's got the same sort of smarts that made Rashad Johnson an all American. Look for him to be in the right place at the right time, often.
"Unconsciousness will Mark Barron cause."
At some point, he's going to jack someone up.
"Throw to right they will not."
Javier Arenas will become a lock down corner this year and a first day NFL pick.
"Pushed they will be by those in the rear."
Like the offensive line Seniors Lorenzo Washington and Brandon Deaderick will be pushed hard by second stringers all year, possibly one may lose their starting spot, but since Alabama will rotate often their number of snaps won't change much.
"Only one will emerge."
Alabama signed five talented freshman linebackers. Only one will rise to gain significant playing time. They could become a full time starter. Unfortunately I cannot see which one.
"To Jack will he move."
Dan'ta Hightower will move to Jack, where he will cause great fear among SEC quarterbacks.
"Blitz often they will."
Alabama was taken apart late last year by two very good spread offenses. Saban has made many mistakes in his coaching career but he is not one to stand by and do nothing when his way is not working.
Look for more complex blitz packages from a deeper and more experienced defense. With blitzes comes the threat of single coverage. Look for both success and failure with this.
"A touchdown will he score."
Mark it down, Terrence Cody will score a touchdown this year. And I will have a wall paintings of it in my office next year.
But as always, cloudy the future is. Things are rarely as good as we hope for, or as dark as they appear. The truth is most often in the middle. But one thing is certain, every team Alabama plays has circled that game on their schedule.
Gone are the days of sneaking up unnoticed as we did in Atlanta last year to an unsuspecting Clemson fan base. Alabama is finally back.
Related posts
Talent was everywhere on the field at the FBU Top Gun Camp but nowhere was it more prevalent than on the defensive line. Led by Owamagbe Odighizuwa, five defensive linemen within the top 30 players in the nation made their presence felt but they weren't the only ones. See who shined the brightest in the star-studded event in FloridRelated posts
To Alabama coach Nick Saban, the latest rash of departures from his team had little to do with football performance.
Related posts
Fall practice can't get here soon enough for Tide fans.
The Alabama Crimson Tide head into the 2009 season with most preseason magazines ranking them in the top 10. Last year, they were ranked in the bottom half of the Top 25 and shocked everyone by winning 12 games in a row and held the No. 1 ranking for the latter part of the season.
With exactly one week to go until fall practice starts, here are the storylines to watch out for.
5. Can Alabama generate a consistent pass rush from the defensive line?
Projected 2009 starters: Brandon Deaderick, Terrence Cody, and Lorenzo Washington
It can be argued that Alabama hasn't had a consistent pass rusher since Wallace Gillberry in 2007 (27 tackles for loss and 10 sacks). The starting defensive line from last year (Brandon Deaderick, Bobby Greenwood, and Terrence Cody) didn't equal those numbers, with 17 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks total.
Granted, Cody's presence helped the Tide's linebackers to stop the run, but spread teams like Florida and Utah took Cody out of the game with their passing ability.
Cody has lost weight to better prepare him for the season so he can play on third down, but it remains to be seen whether or not the defensive line can disrupt the timing of opposing quarterbacks.
4. Will Alabama have a playmaker from the Jack linebacker position?
Contestants: Courtney Upshaw, Eryk Anders, and possibly, Dont'a Hightower
Nick Saban hasn't had a playmaker from this position since Jason Taylor. Yes, the Jason Taylor who plays for the Miami Dolphins.
In 2006, Taylor recorded 13.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Because of those efforts, he was selected as the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
If Saban can get close to this type of production, he will proabably sleep better at night.
Brandon Fanney was the starter last year at the Jack position, but he was more of a run stuffer than a playmaker, recording only one sack through 14 games.
Courtney Upshaw has the potential to be a playmaker from this spot with his size and speed, but he lacks game experience. Eryk Anders has shown he can get to the quarterback, but he is undersized when it comes to run support. And Hightower, who plays as an inside linebacker, was used in the Sugar Bowl as an experiment.
3. Can Mark Ingram be a featured running back?
Tide fans will miss the way Glen Coffee ran the football. Anytime you run for 1,383 yards and 10 touchdowns, your presence was felt. His vision, strength, and speed is what separated him from the rest of 'Bama's running backs.
What was impressive about Coffee's total was the amount of carries he split with Ingram and Roy Upchurch. Ingram was a great change of pace running back last year that gave defensive coordinators another person to account for in the backfield.
However, as good as Ingram was (728 yards and 12 touchdowns), there were times last year that his play was limited, especially the Tennessee game.
If you look at both Upchurch and Ingram, pushing their statistics aside, you could make the argument that Upchurch is the better all-around running back. When he is healthy and out of Saban's doghouse, he has shown the ability to be a big time playmaker. His ability to pick up blitzes and make catches out of the backfield should not go unnoticed.
Going into his final year, it remains to be seen if Upchurch becomes the highly-touted running back that Tide fans have waited for since he signed his LOI in 2005.
It is no secret that Saban likes to rotate his running backs in order to keep defenses off balance. Last year, the rotation of Glen Coffee, Ingram, and Upchurch did just that.
This year, look for Ingram, Upchurch, Terry Grant, and true freshmen Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy to crack the rotation.
2. Will the Tide have a receiver to throw to other than Julio Jones?
Contestants: Mike McCoy, Marquis Maze, Darius Hanks, Kenny Bell, and Michael Bowman
The Tide's passing game consisted of the following options: Throw the ball to Julio Jones.
If he's not open, throw it to him anyway.
If he happened to be double-teamed, throw it to him anyway.
If all else fails, get him the ball anyway.
Without question, Jones was the main receiving threat that the Tide had. His 58 catches and 924 yards receiving led the team.
But after Jones, the wide receiver who finished second in catches and yards was Mike McCoy with a whopping 16 catches and 191 yards receiving.
If that doesn't produce a red flag, then I don't know what does.
Later in the season, teams began to catch on to Alabama's offensive gameplan and forced the offense into third-and-long situations by bringing eight defenders into the box on first and second downs and daring John Parker Wilson to beat them deep.
This year, a reciever not named Julio Jones will have to step up, or else the offense will stay in neutral. Greg McElroy's experience in knowing the expanded playbook should alleviate some of those problems in getting the offense out of bad situations.
1. Who will start on the offensive line?
Contestants: People who aren't named Mike Johnson and Drew Davis.
Greg McElroy cannot be a good quarterback if he's on the ground most of the time, and there is no question that the offensive line is the hottest topic among Alabama football fans.
Mike Johnson at left guard and Drew Davis at right tackle are the only spots that are written in stone, considering they are the two returning players who started last year.
After that, you can say that William Vlachos will man the center spot since Evan Cardwell will not play due to injury, junior college transfer James Carpenter will play at left tackle, and Brian Motley will play at right guard.
That seems simple enough, since they were the A-Day starters for the first-team offense.
Or is it?
Not by a long shot.
This group comes in with more questions and combinations that has taken up the entire talk on all the message boards. With the center, left guard, and right tackle spots taken up, the right guard and the important left tackle position are still up for grabs.
Considering that James Carpenter played left tackle during the spring, there is talk about highly touted freshman D.J. Fluker to come in and take that spot. A dream scenario for fans would be for Fluker to play at left tackle and move Carpenter to right guard.
But here's the dilemma: Would you play a freshman—who played left tackle for the first time ever in his senior year in high school—against preseason All-ACC first-team Jason Worilds, who had 18.5 tackles for loss and eight sacks in 2008? Or would you start Carpenter since he has the experience?
Either way it goes, this is one of the many reasons why Alabama is paying Saban the big bucks to make these kinds of decisions.
