There is not much to learn from this win, with regard to winning potential for the 2010 Alabama squad. They were playing a team that finished last in the Western Athletic Conference, a team with a new head coach and only 59 scholarship players. Five of those players played both ways for the Spartans.
The San Jose State program has a long way to go, but Alabama is back in the position of being the gold standard that others can measure against and Alabama displayed that golden shine on Saturday.
Looking a little deeper into the win, beyond the statistics, and at the individual performances, there is much to be learned from the win. I only wish I had the opportunity to review the game film with the coaching staff, even to be a fly on the wall. I am sure there is much more than I cover in this review of week one.
A few thing that I can take away from this win are the following:
On Offense
Trent Richardson is now the complete package of power, strength, agility, vision, determination, and humility. He has a better understanding of his role in pass blocking, and his down field vision is vastly improved over what was exhibited in 2009.
On two separate occasions, Richardson (TR) show cut-back abilities everyone knew that he had but he rarely displayed. In 2009, he was primarily a north south runner who would rather run over than run around.
Against the Spartans, TR followed his blocks, allowed a defender to commit to the outside and then quickly cut inside and then headed to the north end zone, unimpeded.
If it is possible, Richardson has gotten faster. And Stronger. There were three plays that I saw Richardson continue to move the pile forward until he ended up out of bounds or the referees blew the whistle in order to stop play. He will not go down on his own. The yards after contact will pile up for this fine specimen as they did for Ingram in 2009.
Eddie Lacy will contribute in 2010. And it was better that he fumbled against SJSU and will get an ear-ful of correction between now and next week in preparation for Penn State. Apparently, Lacy made several mistakes on that single play when Saban described the event in the post-game press conference.
Lacy is very talented, can hit a hole in timely fashion and can get to the corner quickly and turn on a burst of speed when he hits the second line of defense. His 37 yard touchdown run was a text book gallop from the time he was handed the ball until he crossed the goal.
Eddie followed his blocks, properly anticipated the time the gap would open, then turned the corner as quickly as a finely tuned Maserati. His burst of speed as he accelerated to the end zone is a quick and fluid and the two that stand before him on the depth chart. Regarding speed and determination to get into the end zone, there is no drop off.
According to coach Saban, Lacy had a few mis-reads and missed assignments. I guess that's going to be addressed during the week. At least he will get 24 hours to enjoy his debut and accomplishments before he sits down to review what he did wrong. As a fan, I was more than satisfied by his contributions.
Lacy will have a little one-on-one session with the coach this week, and the door is gonna be closed. I would be willing to put money down, that if he loses the ball next week, it will not be because of his mistake, it will be due to a bone-jarring hit. And even in the case of a bone-jarring hit, my bet is that he doesn't lose the ball.
If Lacy doesn't get it done, Demetrius Goode will. Goode, with only limited playing time show the same type of grit and determination that is becoming to be the norm for the Alabama backfield. His production per carry matched that of TR. The running backs combined for 257 net yards rushing on the day.
Julio Jones will drop a pass or two during 2010. He proved once again that hitting him in the hands does not guarantee a catch. But he also displayed the big play ability that we all had hoped he would develop as a college player.
But don't doubt yourselves, ladies and gentlemen, Julio has arrived.
The one handed grab in the end zone is what we had hoped to expect from this gifted receiver. Now that we know he can do it in a game, we will be expecting it against a more talented defenses. Maybe it's better if the QB doesn't hit him in the hands, that might be the lesson of the day. Six catches, 93 yards, one touchdown. A pretty good day at the office.
Darius Hanks is an excellent slot receiver and has great hands. He showed that once again on Saturday. Marquis Maze continues in his role to stretch the field and score quickly.
Earl Alexander will add a new dimension to the passing game. He is as big and nearly as agile as Julio. I love seeing this redshirt senior out of Phenix City get another chance to shine. I believe his role will expand as we are challenged by better and bigger defensive backs.
Brandon Gibson had a few catches as well. The wide receiver corps combine for just over 300 yards on the day.
The tight ends did not get as many chances to show their play-making abilities but that is primarily because the down field receivers were open and the quarterbacks made the correct reads on the plays. Dial and Smelley did have receptions on the day, keeping the defenses on notice.
If Alabama needs to call on this receiving corp to win a shoot out against the likes of the Arkansas Razorbacks, they are showing in not so subtle ways that they will be able to get it done. With McElroy connecting on 13 or 15 attempts and McCarron adding 9 of 15 attempts, efficiency has improved.
Alabama has played teams like SJSU in the past, but when did we have 334 yards passing on only 30 attempts? Not in recent history. Not with two quarterbacks sharing time. It's a new era for the Crimson Tide offense. And on defense, there were only a few noticeable breakdowns. Nothing that looked like a weakness that will be exploited because of deficiency. Mental errors can kill a team, especially in games like this because much is taken for granted and little respect heeded toward the opponent. There were few mental mistakes in the game.
On Defense
After the first defensive series, the Tide settled in and played as good as any defense in years past. While this was not the best competition they will see in 2010, it was a good test before game two.
Tackling was excellent, the opposition running backs when down quickly, and found very few holes to exploit during the 29 plus minutes, time of possession, that the Spartans controlled the ball. This defense yielded only 175 net yard in the entire game to the SJSU offense. A remarkable achievement for any defense, against any opponent.
Safety Robert Lester had an interception in his debut as a starter on defense and made few mental error in coverage and run support. He and his team mates are ready to handle the stiffer competition that will take the field on September 10th.
The Alabama linebackers were flying all over the field. Linebackers were making the largest number of tackles for the defense, as is expected when a defense is playing well. Cornerbacks and safeties were where they need to be during run support. This was not a stiff challenge but the individuals (three deep on the depth chart) played like they were expected to play and with exception to the first drive, played extremely well as a unit.
While Penn State will surely bring a much better offense into the game, this defense played well and showed the ability to adjust and fly to the ball. The only statistical blemish is that there was no sack recorded for the game by the Alabama defense. But a sack is only a statistic. It is not a measure of how well a team defended the pass or pressured the quarterback.
(Correction, there was one sack by safety, Robert Lester for a loss of 9 yards).
Holding the SJSU offense to only eight completions of 19 attempts for only 89 yards speaks volumes. This is a young but mentally mature defensive unit.
Weakness might get exposed next week but adjustments will be made and Penn State will not walk into Bryant-Denny with too much swagger. The PSU offense may be optimistic but when they get hit in the mouth by this defense, they will quickly become more cautious. Hesitation in their execution will be our friend.
And Special Teams
There were no breakdowns in special teams kick coverage or punt coverage on the day. The Alabama offense allowed for only three punts on the day.
Corey Mandel handled the punting responsibilities and averaged 40 yards on three kicks. His longest was a 52 yard kick with no return. In fact, Mandel had two punts for 52 yards in the first half, the second was received by fair catch. The muff came in the fourth quarter with just over seven minutes to play.
To hear Saban describe it, the punt on 4th and 14 from the San Jose 42 yard line was a mistake from the time of the snap to the time it left the punters foot. Mandel was attempting a pooch punt which was called to his weakest side and the ball went off the side of his foot.
Saban stated: "we've got to help him out and allow him to kick from his side of strength, to the right. The kick was called to his left side, his weaker side and he did what we have seen him do in practice to his weak side. We didn't do our part on that play. We can do better to help him perform to his potential."
Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster were perfect on extra points. Both connected on two PAT. Foster was also perfect on field goals, two for two. The first made field goal of Foster's collegiate career was a 41 yarder as time expired in the first half; the second attempt, a 24 yard kick in the third quarter.
Summary
Overall, this was a very good debut performance for the Crimson Tide. Anticipation will continue to build until this team takes the field next week against the Paterno led, Nittany Lions. It's been a long time since Paterno has been to the sidelines at Alabama. He is always welcome as he will be next week.
There isn't another like JoePa. He exudes class, is known, respected and beloved by all in college football.
Both Saban and Paterno deserve this matchup. The Nittany Lions played very good in week one, as well. They too, are prepared for this early season clash.
A contest pitting one of the best of the 12 teams of the Big 10 against one of the best in the SEC.
Lets's get ready to rumble.
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The 2009 season is over. The accolades for the National Championship run are complete.
There was an additional small reward over the summer with the release of a movie that center staged Alabama's Football program and their new favorite citizen, Nick Saban.
But if you paid any attention to the ESPN series that put Coach Saban front and center of the educational process that takes place on the practice field, then you know that despite their young age, the talented players on defense for Alabama will be taught what they need to succeed.
Plain and simple, the time is ready to get it on!
Attrition occurs every year during the fall camp. New talent percolates to the forefront and players who were patient, worked hard as a scout team player, ate the right things, and camped in the weight room during the off-season have seen the extra effort pay off.
For players like DeQuan Menzie, Damien Square, Dont'a Hightower, and a few others coming off critical injuries, it's time to enjoy the success of rehabilitation.
It's time to feel the peacefulness that comes from enduring the extremes on the emotional roller coaster. Highs and lows are put aside for the even tempo of a life back to normal and the confidence that comes from knowing that your coach has listed you as a starter.
No real surprises in the starting lineup and depth chart for the Crimson Tide.
What is amazing is that at nearly every position, this coaching staff has developed a depth of talent that reaches three or four men at every position. This is the first year in two decades that any coach can claim that type of success with the roster.
And what Saban said about "talent," he was quick to remind others of the meaning. He stated: "Talent is what you are capable of doing, your motivation is what you do (compels you to take action), and your attitude reflects how you do it."
He went on to say, "Regardless of talent, that's just part of the equation, what a persons motivation and commitment is, and what their attitude is at the time the demands are made on them will determine more how they perform on a consistent basis."
He added: "And that won't be determined by one game. It's a long season, a tough mountain to climb, and that is what we have to look forward to in this season."
Mark Ingram and Wesley Neighbors are out for this season opener. There is still no decision on the role for Marcell Dareus in the opener, but plan B is already being put into place if there is no answer by game time.
The NCAA is stalled on their decision for Marcell Dareus and many other players awaiting their review and outcome of the "agent-gate" episode that occurred in South Florida last summer. Not just Dareus, but many other athletes around the Southeast and East Coast await the outcome of that investigation.
Regarding players like Mark Ingram, who show exemplary character and integrity, Saban was quick to say, "Mark had a great camp, and because of his character, he has set out a great example for our younger players to observe in terms of his work ethic, his demeanor and how he manages his situations, striving to be better."
Saban added, "What's really unfortunate is that Mark, near the end of camp, was playing better than he had played all of last year and I am sure that he will get back to that level of competition and performance when his recovery is complete and we get him back on the field."
On the impact for coaches, Saban said of Ingram, "It sure makes it a whole lot easier when you have good players that are good guys. It makes a big difference for the team."
DeQuan Menzie is not in the type of condition that others are on the team because of the way he had to participate in rehabilitation during the spring and fall.
He was not able to run freely until the last two or three week. Saban added, "He is a very good special teams player but we won't play him on special team because of his current conditioning. We expect to see progress as the season moves forward."
On William Vlachos, Saban is impressed with his intelligence and his willingness to compete on every play.
Saban commented, "He is smart, He is strong and plays with really good leverage. He makes all the line calls, prepares for his assignments every week, he is confident and makes good adjustments."
Saban couldn't say enough, "He missed time in the spring because of his foot injury and did not skip a beat when he came back. His knowledge, strength, his power, in all those areas, he has gotten a little bit better. You are talking about a guy who has pride in performance, he tries to do everything he does the right way."
"When you talk about talent motivation and attitude, there is no question about this guy's motivation and attitude and how he goes about doing what he does and how he gets the result that he gets."
On a follow up question from the media on how he influences the line, Saban went on to talk of Vlachos but included accolades for Barrett Jones, "William and Barrett can pull from a good fund of game knowledge and experience. They make it a lot easier for the other guys to play."
Saban went on to recognize their contributions to the offensive line play, "I know that Barrett makes it easier for the right tackle and William makes it a lot better for the entire left side of our line. When it's a difficult preparation because you don't know what you're gonna see (in the case of San Jose State) these guys can read the defenses and recognize those things and make game time adjustments. That is when it's probably most important."
In the last press conference of the year, Saban seemed confident in his team.
It's a long way 'til the first week in December, but his team is prepared and they are ready to take the field. Mark Ingram and Wes Neighbors will be on the sidelines supporting their teammates.
It's leadership like that, says Saban, that will make a difference for this team during the next 14 weeks.
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A meniscus tear can be a minor bother or a debilitating injury.
A meniscus tear is frequently accompanied by a torn ligament. The tear almost always causes pain and swelling of the knee joint.
Isolated meniscus injuries are treated arthroscopically with minimal injury to the tissues related to the surgical approach and generally heal much more rapidly than ligament injuries.
The following is a brief review of meniscus injuries and treatments available.
Author's disclosure: the following pictures are not of Mark Ingram. They are representative medical images of the knee internal structure. They are provided for educational purposes only. This article does not specify nor does the author know the extent of Mark Ingram's injury. The information is speculative.
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This year's opening game against the San Jose State Spartans has the Alabama fan base buzzing with extreme anticipation. Not because anyone expects an upset of any kind, in fact, no fan in the state and no fan of college football would consider anything of the sort.
But Alabama fans know that wins are never taken for granted. Wins are earned on the field.
For the past two seasons, Crimson Tide teams have played as well as any two back-to-back campaigns since 1978 and 1979. Alabama teams have won each of their last 14 home games.
Opening Old Wounds
The last home defeat was a bitter and memorable 21-14 loss to the University of Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.
In 2007, Alabama was 4-3 at home, and in 2006, 6-2 at Bryant-Denny. While on paper, the 2006 record is acceptable, getting there was insufferable. Close games against the visiting Hawaii Rainbows, Vanderbilt Commodores, Duke Blue Devils and Ole Miss Rebels kept Bama fans on the edge of their seats until the final seconds ticked off the clock.
It was not a season to remember. Alabama lost all four away games and suffered defeats at home against Mississippi State and in-state rival Auburn. The 2006 season ended with only two conference wins. Mal Moore had the unpleasant task of removing Mike Shula has head coach of the Crimson Tide.
In just three years, head coach Nick Saban has completely changed the direction of the Alabama program. The administration and fans support is at an all-time high.
A New Campaign
Anticipation has more to do with a new campaign with a new set of players. A new team that has the potential to finish the season as a champion. Finishing as a champion would give Alabama, the institution, back-to-back SEC championships. A team that must establish a new identity.
Finishing this season as SEC champion would likely give this team a chance to play for the crystal Coaches Trophy. If this team finishes as a national champion, they would give Alabama, the institution, the claim to back-to-back national championships, a feat that has yet to be accomplished by any college football program in the BCS era.
Game One - San Jose State Spartans
The season simply begins on Saturday, September 4th. A season opener at home against the San Jose Spartans. The Spartans are not expected to defeat Alabama, but they are expected to compete. And as a competitor, they are to be respected. The Spartans have the full and undivided attention of Coach Nick Saban, his coaching staff and the 2010 Crimson Tide team.
The Spartans are members of the Western Athletic Conference. In 2009, they finished 8th in the conference standings. It was the last season for 72 year old head coach, Dick Tomey.
A New Head Coach
The Spartans have a new head coach, Mike MacIntyre.
MacIntyre is no stranger to the SEC. He played two years for the Vanderbilt Commodores ('84-'85), under the tutelage of his father, head coach George MacIntyre. He finished his career at Georgia Tech ('87-'88) under head coach Bobby Ross. As a Yellow Jacket, MacIntyre was an exceptional free safety and punt returner.
A 1989 graduate of Georgia Tech, MacIntyre got his first coaching job as a graduate assistant at Georgia. He then served as defensive coordinator at Davidson in 1992, had stints at UT-Martin ('93-'96) and Temple ('97-'98) before returning to the SEC.
He spent time as an assistant at Ole Miss from 1999-2002. In his first two years, he coached wide receivers for Rebels head coach David Cutcliffe. In the following two seasons, MacIntyre coached defensive backs. The Rebels finished the 2001 season ranked fifth nationally in pass defense, yielding only 161.3 yards per game.
From 2003-2006, MacIntyre coached in the NFL for the Dallas Cowboys (under Bill Parcells) and Cincinnati Bengals (2007), as a defensive backs coach in both situations. His highest achievement as a mentor in the professional league was helping Roy Williams achieve Pro Bowl status in each of the four years he was on staff with the Cowboys.
When Cutcliffe got the call from Duke to take the reins as head coach, he quickly contacted coach Mac and offered him the opportunity to join his staff as the defensive coordinator for the Duke Blue Devils.
In the two seasons that MacIntyre coached the Blue Devils (2008-2009), his defenses posted the best defensive statistics for a season (in back-to-back seasons) in over 20 years. The 2008 team allowed 67.7 fewer yards per game than the season before and 9.8 fewer points per game.
In 2009, the defensive unit improved from 2008, and helped the Blue Devils win a total of five games; more wins than in any season since 1994. Three defenders received All-Conference honors.
These achievements compelled the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA) to name Mike MacIntyre as National Assistant Coach of the Year in 2009.
Mike MacIntyre knows defense, particularly pass defense, and will have the San Jose State Spartans prepared for the Alabama pass attack.
Interestingly, San Jose State University began playing football in 1893. This is the first meeting between San Jose State University and the University of Alabama in the sport of football.
A New Alabama Offense
The Alabama running game should be in full gear and prevent an upset in the season opener. But the offense should not back off, and must use this game as a teaser for the upcoming test against the Penn State Nittany Lions.
Success in the passing game against the San Jose State Spartans, in conjunction with the punishing backfield kicking it in high gear, will instill a confidence that can carry this team for weeks to come in the early season.
This Alabama offense is expected to be explosive. They have mature play-makers at every skill position and depth to go along with the talent. This offense is expected to score frequently and post record setting numbers in the passing and running game that exceeds any previous Alabama team.
But the game must be prepared for as expertly as any other game on the schedule. This San Jose State team would like nothing more than to upset the so-called defending national champs in the season opener on the road.
Having said this, the Spartans won only two games in the 2009 season. While great things are expected from the hire of Mike MacIntyre, opening the season with a win against Alabama is highly unlikely. The Spartans return only 39 scholarship players. Furthermore, 27 players will likely see their first college action against the Tide. The team depth is limited to 56 players.
Eight players for SJSU are preparing for their first college start. The list includes redshirt freshmen wide receivers Chandler Jones and Noel Grigsby. Offensive tackle David Quessenberry and running back Wade O'Neill are also on the slate for their first start
On defense, Brandon Driver and Alex Germany will have their first game action in the secondary while defensive tackle Anthony Larceval and linebacker Vince Buhagiar will line up in the front seven for the Spartans.
If this Alabama offense can accumulate over 700 yards against the first and second team Alabama defenses in a late fall scrimmage, expect them to light up this young Spartan team. This opening day home crowd will be dying to see this team get on track and be playing in mid-season form on day one.
The Alabama offense should be clicking on all cylinders against this very inexperienced team.
If all goes according to plan, the first and third quarters should be dominated by the first team Alabama offense while substitutions at every position should occur in the second and fourth quarters.
A New Alabama Defense
Defensively for Alabama, they should completely shut down the SJSU offense. Barring a complete breakdown in coverage, the Spartans should not cross the goal line. In 2009, the Spartans averaged less than 14 points per game. Running backs averaged only 76 yards per game, while the receiving corps posted 207 yards per game.
Spartan quarterbacks combined for 240 completion of 403 attempts, scoring 13 touchdowns against 15 interceptions. Quarterbacks were sacked on 20 occasions for a loss of 143 yards. Don't expect the Spartans to gain a lot of confidence against the young Alabama defense.
Substitutions for the purpose of rotation and keeping defenders fresh for the game will be the modus operandi for the season. The staff will get a chance to get the rotations down pat during this game. The entire 105 may get a chance to play in this season opener.
This is the kind of opening game that a young, inexperienced but talented Alabama defense can cut their teeth on. The kind of game that a mature and talented offense can get on track early and provide plenty of valuable playing time for inexperienced back-ups in preparation for week two.
It is the perfect opening to the 2010 campaign for the Crimson Tide. Anticipation. It's making me wait, again.
If it weren't for the money, SJSU would simply not be making this trip to Tuscaloosa. But count on Saban and his staff to get the most out of his team for the money paid out by the Alabama program. They will play and coach this game as if it is for another shot at the title.
As a player, do your job and do it right. Never let your guard down. Pay close attention to fundamentals and technique. Last year, Damien Square mis-stepped once against Florida International University.
That single mis-step cost him his native ACL and the remainder of the season.
Every game counts in the season, every down counts as an opportunity to learn and grow.
A New Look To Bryant-Denny
To the SJSU players, bring your lunch pail. It is your chance to play in front of 101,000 wild and crazy fans. The old stadium has had another facelift. It is one of the greatest venues in all of college football.
These fans love football, college football played the old fashioned way. They love Alabama football and they respect every opponent that takes the field against "Alabama's Football Pride."
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The SEC has arguably the best quarterback in the country, Razorback, Ryan Mallett. Mallett Stands 6'7" and is a stout 238 lb. And he doesn't go down easy.
In 2009, the Razorbacks finished the season 8-5, with with heartbreaking losses to Georgia, Florida, and LSU. The first loss of the season, to the eventual national champion, Alabama, was a teachable moment.
In the weeks that passed from September 5, 2009 to November 28th, Mallett and his receiving corp amassed 3,624 yards, and 30 touchdowns while completing 225 passes of 403 attempts. Mallett finished the season with a QB rating of 152.5.
The Razorbacks may have the best receiving corp in the entire nation according to Phil Steele. Yet, not one of the individuals on the Razorback roster is listed in the preseason All-SEC selections at their position.
How can that be? One might ask this question if they have never experienced a full season of football in the southeastern conference.
Star studded talent is spread across the field from Athens to Baton Rouge on every fall Saturday. Coaches in the conference have some of the best offensive minds in college football. The individual playmakers they have to work with are extremely athletic, fearless, and confident.
This slideshow is intended to spotlight the mature talent at each of the top University programs that make up the SEC. There are playmakers in the freshman class of each program that may shine in the weeks to come. Since they are not proven commodities as of yet, they are not included in this assessment.
While the list is not comprehensive, it is a fascinating tour of the talented players throughout the SEC.
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Gee thanks, Associated Press writers. As if the target wasn't already big enough! Being ranked No.1 in any poll is certainly a thrill, but it doesn't take long for the thrill to wear off and realize that being ranked at the top or anywhere else in any pre-season poll is simply meaningless.
The top ranking takes many specific attributes of a program into consideration but in the end, it is only a guess. An educated guess, but a guess, nonetheless. Not one team on the list has played a meaningful game.
Not one team has taken a snap against an opponent dressed in another uniform and gained a single positive yard. There have been no goal line stands, red zone mistakes, or fourth quarter comebacks.
The polls should actually rank schools in groups. Let the first few games of the season provide statistics and results on the field accumulate for at least the first five weeks of the season. Those results could then be used to become the measure of how one team separates from the others.
In other words, let the teams get a few games under their belts and give the coaches and writers an opportunity to see the teams play and compete against legitimate opponents. Then and only then can a poll be meaningful. If this were the case, the pre-season poll could look like this:
Teams with top spot potential after Week Five:
Ohio State Buckeyes
Florida Gators
Alabama Crimson Tide
Boise State Broncos
Texas Longhorns
Teams with potential to be ranked in the Top 10 after Week Five:
OSU, Alabama, Texas, UF, Boise State, Texas Christian University, Oklahoma
Nebraska, Virginia Tech, Iowa, Pittsburgh, Oregon, Wisconsin, Miami of Florida
Programs in 2010 with potential for Top 25 ranking after Week Five:
Southern California, Oregon State, Georgia Tech, Auburn University, Florida State
Arizona, University of Georgia, Louisiana State University, Arkansas, North Carolina
Penn State, West Virginia University, South Carolina, Notre Dame University, Clemson
Navy, Connecticut, Cincinnati, Texas Tech
That's all it needs to be at the beginning of the season. Every team listed in the Top 10 has the potential to be No. 1 after Week five. Being ranked in the Top 25 is not and should not limited to the teams on the list but listing the Top 30 or so candidates would bring more enthusiasm and give fans more to cheer about in the first five games of the season.
Nick Saban has said more than once that the preseason polls are counter productive for athletes and coaches alike. The poll has the potential to mislead players which makes coaching those athletes that much more difficult. Certainly how much of an affect the poll has is dependent on the individual but in the end, there is no need for the poll.
In addition, when the pre-season polls come out as they do now, once a team is given a spot, it is hard to justify moving them from that position unless they have a loss. In some cases, if there is a loss and that loss is to another team highly ranked in the preseason poll, the change in position on the poll is not that drastic. As weeks pass, that early season loss has less significance in the minds of the voters.
Simply put, the writers and coaches need more information. For now, looking at a pre-season poll and making hay, one way or the other is "much ado about nothing".
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As many sites have reported, Alfy Hill is no longer eligible to play football for Alabama in 2010. After being declared eligible by the NCAA clearinghouse, enrolling in the University and completing course work in which he received the grades of B, B, and A, Alfy Hill is now declared ineligible to attend the University of Alabama.
This is a failure on many levels, but is in no way attributable to Alfy Hill. Hill is a victim of the system of public education and the lack of appropriate assessment by the NCAA. The refocus of the NCAA deals with two classes, one of which Hill completed as a sophomore.
Hill was only attending this particular class because he had broken his hand and could not participate in the assigned physical education class at West Brunswick High. If he had completed the physical education class without incident, this class would not be an issue.
Really! How many times have you seen anyone fail a physical education class? Had he attended the physical education class he clearly would have been given credit for the class and the NCAA would not have an issue for any course work completed during his high school sophomore year.
Instead, Hill chose to take a class in which he had to physically be present on the New Brunswick campus, the school had approved as acceptable course work for graduation at the high school, and he had to complete and pass a test in order to get credit.
Moreover, the class was an online class taken with the schools approval, in a school classroom, with other high school students. The school allowed this online computer class of their choosing because they did not have the resources to offer the class in any other way to the students of West Brunswick High.
What's even more ridiculous, is that the class was not new to the West Brunswick curriculum. It had been offered as many as 300 times in the past to students, according to Coach Fletcher, and there had never been an issue taken with the credibility of the curriculum. Why now?
According to reports, the Alabama compliance director, Mike Ward, has been in contact with the NCAA clearinghouse, along with West Brunswick High School football Coach Jimmy Fletcher, for more than 30-40 conversations over the past few weeks.
Since the ruling, a repeal of a previous eligibility clearance, the NCAA is no longer fielding their personal calls.
At some level, this will end up in a legal battle. Unfortunately, Alfy Hill is a victim of the system and will suffer the consequences. He has no other option at this point except to complete course work at a junior college to meet the standards for the NCAA. As to why his passing grades at the University of Alabama are not enough of an indication that Hill is more than qualified, there is no answer.
The NCAA and West Brunswick High administrations have some explaining to do to this young man and his family. They are effecting the life and dreams of a young man who has played by the rules and did things the right way. And for that, he gets slapped and thrown to the curb.
According to reports available, never before had a Hill family member attended college. Alfy is the first. That accomplishment now has been marred by this ridiculous event, but Mr. Hill will press on and do what needs to be done to be successful and fulfill his college dreams.
Nick Saban indicated in a statement released yesterday that Alfy Hill will always be welcome to return to the University of Alabama when the smoke clears and the issues have been laid to rest. In a comment to the media, Saban said he "feels horrible for Alfy."
"He will be successful academically in college," Saban said.
Regarding the specific situation, Saban added: “I think we just have to be real consistent with what the rules and standards are,” Saban said. “You can’t allow a guy to take courses that when he takes them, he feels like they’re OK, and then they’re not OK. That’s just not fair. I’m not saying that anybody did anything wrong intentionally, I’m just saying it needs to be clearly defined so that everybody understands what needs to be done — the high schools, the counselors, the principals, the coaches, the college coaches and everybody else. And you can’t change the rules halfway across the stream. It needs to be consistent.”
This is an outrage! An outrage on many levels. It is a blatant disregard for the student athlete by the NCAA and the public school system of Shallotte, North Carolina. Once again, it points out that the student is a pawn in the larger picture of college athletics.
There have been comments that this wouldn't hurt Hill in the long run, he was likely to redshirt in 2010, anyway. To those who make such idiotic statements consider the following:
Hill was enrolled in college. He is no longer able to attend, even after passing three classes over the summer.
Hill had practiced with the team for nearly four weeks, in fall camp and was learning the system installed by the Alabama coaching staff. While it is possible that he may have redshirted, he still would have been able to practice with his team and learn valuable lessons from the Alabama coaching staff that would put him way ahead of the curve for next years competition in the spring and fall. He now must begin at square one if he is able to make in back in 2011.
This is a blow to his dream of attending the University of his choosing and to play for the coach he has prepared for for an entire year. This is a dream crusher. It will take months to get past the anguish caused by the NCAA.
This move by the NCAA could end up costing this young man millions of dollars in career earnings. Had he been able to play now he could be eligible for an NFL contract in three years. This move by the NCAA could stall that by a year or more. Attorneys with the players interest at heart should pounce on this angle and go after the NCAA clearinghouse.
Never again should a fan or observer of the college sport ever suggest that a player is being self centered or only looking out for his own interests when they leave early for a chance to land a lucrative contract in professional sports.
Plain and simple, no one else is looking out for them, he or she better look out for themselves and take the best opportunity for their future career.
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Take a look at the Scout.com and Rivals.com Web sites and the information that they have accumulated on the Alabama recruits over the past few classes and you know why the Alabama staff went after these particular individuals.
Now, take a look at where they are from and you will be surprised at the success of the Saban and his team of recruiters in landing kids out of state to the University of Alabama. It's not overtly obvious, because the numbers are relatively small when it comes to recruiting classes, so I will keep the statistics to a minimum.
The ability that Nick Saban has shown to recruit nationally is a unique quality that he brings to college football. No other college coach has been able to do what Saban is doing, bar none. In fact, there are no other college coaches that have achieved this level of national success and no coach has shown his level of success in such a short time.
2007
Saban came to Alabama after the end of the NFL regular season, which ends in early January. Most of the recruits had committed to Mike Shula. It was the job of the Saban staff to keep the recruiting class intact.
The one big name Saban lost in that class was a Florida recruit, Plant quarterback, Robert Marve. Marve later signed with The University of Miami. He is now at Perdue. Needless to say, the young man was and is talented, but he did not become the impact player that he was billed to be.
The 2007 class was composed of 11 Alabama recruits, three Georgia natives, and two athletes each out of Mississippi and Florida.
There are two big recruits in the 2007 class that Saban does get specific credit for reeling into Tuscaloosa. They were both rated four star by each of the scouting sites.
Luther Davis held an offer from LSU at the time and his de-commitment caused a lot of friction in the state and sent Les Miles off the edge. It was one of the occurrences that led Les to drop a few "F-bombs" to LSU boosters when referring to Saban and Alabama.
Virginia native, Kareem Jackson (Fork Union Military Academy), was brought in by Nick Saban. Jackson started as a true freshman and played every game through his junior year. He is now making a living in the NFL.
A total of 24 athletes signed letters of intent in 2007.
2008
This particular year held a bumper crop of in-state recruits. Alabama landed 18 in-state commitments in Saban's first full year of recruiting, sweeping the states talented football players into the Capstone. He landed two athletes each from the states of Florida, Georgia, and Mississippi.
This class includes Julio Jones, B.J. Scott, and Tyler Love, all listed as five star in-state talent. Scott will have an impact in 2010, Love is being groomed as a left tackle. His development as a left tackle has taken place behind two All-Americans, Andre Smith and JUCO transfer, James Carpenter.
Mark Barron, Courtney Tremaine Upshaw, Robert Lester, Jerrell Harris, Marcel Dareus, Undra Billingsley, Glen Harbin, and Michael Williams were all harvested during this bumper crop year. Two star legacy Wes Neighbors also entered with these three and four star talents. All will be major contributors in 2010 as redshirt sophomores or juniors.
Saban reached out to his ties in the state of Michigan and landed what is now an historic recruit, by gathering in four star talent, Mark Ingram. In his sophomore year, Ingram became the first Alabama football player to win the Heisman Trophy.
Terrence Cody, a Florida native, attended Junior College in Mississippi, had thoughts of returning to his home state to attend the University of Miami. He visited the University of Alabama and never wavered from his commitment.
While good talent has always crossed the border from Tennessee to attend Alabama, the quality of the recruits from the Volunteer state in 2008 was unmatched from seasons past. Three recruits signing with Saban, snubbing the Big Orange Machine included Chris Jordan, Barrett Jones, and Dont'a Hightower.
Hightower started from day one and is an impact player. He suffered a set back in 2009 due to injury. He will be the leader of the defense in 2010.
Barrett Jones redshirted as a true freshman and became a starter in his redshirt freshman year. At the right guard position, he is responsible for opening those "A" and "B" gaps that allow the talented running backs to wreak havoc on the linebackers and secondary. In 2009, Jones was awarded the honor of All-SEC Freshman and first-team Freshman All-American for his efforts.
Jones, an SEC Freshman Academic Honor Roll selection in 2008 and a member of the 2009 SEC Academic Honor Roll...should contend for both first-team All-SEC and All-American honors as a sophomore in 2010. He will be instrumental in the development of D.J. Fluker at the right tackle position during 2010, as well.
Chris Jordan was one of 16 true freshman to see playing time in 2008. While his major contribution thus far has been on special teams, he has been relief for the talented linebacker corp as backup at the Will position. Jordan is a potential starter in 2010. If becoming a starter doesn't work out, he will nonetheless be a main contributor to the 2010 linebacker unit.
In 2008, Alabama signed 32 athletes and garnered the nation's No. 1 position in recruiting.
There has been attrition from this signing class, despite its remarkable contribution. Four-star QB Star Jackson has transferred to Georgia State for the opportunity to become a starter during this inaugural season for the Panthers in 2010.
Four-star RB Melvin Ray opted to try for success in the minor league of baseball after receiving a lucrative million dollar offer. Ray has presumptively finished this pursuit and may enter college at the Capstone in January 2011.
Cornerback Alonzo Lawrence Transferred to Southern Mississippi after the 2008 season and is vying for a starting role. Robby Green is serving a suspension, and Kicker Corey Smith (Mussleman, WV) has disappeared to parts unknown.
2009
Saban once again raided the in-state talent and raked in nearly all of the four and five star athletes. The only four star athlete signing elsewhere was a 6'1" defensive tackle that simply did not fit the criteria for the prototype nose tackle/defensive lineman that Saban recruits. Nine of the Alabama Top 20 football players signed letters of intent with the University of Alabama.
Saban and his staff reached into the state of Florida and pulled out five-star recruit Trent Richardson. He also reeled in four star recruits, Ed Stinson (DE) and Petey Smith (LB).
In 2009, Alabama signed more recruits from the state of Georgia than any year previous, as far back as Rivals and Scout have record. Five players left the Peach State for Alabama, including LB Jonathan Atchison, offensive linemen Chance Warmack, Kellen Williams, and Darius McKeller, and WR Michael Bowman.
The quality and number of recruits from Mississippi and Louisiana improved, much like the recruits from Tennessee in 2008, with Alabama receiving letters of intent from Anthony Steen (OL) and Kevin Norwood (WR). Rod Woodson (DB) was a member of this class but has since transferred to North Alabama.
From the State of Louisiana, Darrington Sentimore (DE), Eddie Lacy (RB) and Kenny Bell (WR) signed with the Capstone. Each of these players will garner significant playing time in 2010. Since Saban's arrival to the University of Alabama, high quality talent is leaking from the Pelican State to the Yellow Hammer State.
Saban reached way back to his ties in the state of Ohio and landed running back Mike Marrow, a three-star talent from Toledo, Ohio (Central Catholic). He also reached into the backyard of the "Head Ball Coach" and plucked Chris Bonds right from under the nose of Steve Spurrier. The three-star defensive lineman from Columbia, SC (Richland Northeast) committed in late November and stuck with the Tide.
In 2009, Alabama signed 27 athletes, more than sixty percent of those letters of intent were from out of state. It was the first time that has happened in the history of the football program. To top it off, Alabama finished with the No. 1 ranked class for the second straight year.
2010
Alabama continued the trend of raking the home state of quality talent, but limiting the take to positions of need for depth. In 2010, Saban received 10 letters of intent from in-state athletes. For the second year in a row, Saban signed more out of state athletes than taken in-state.
While Brandon Lewis is listed as a Mississippi signee, he is from Pleasant Groove, Al and originally signed to play in 2008. He is now a JUCO transfer. He is considered an Alabama athlete for the purposes of this article. Dequan Menzie is originally from Columbus, Georgia, and is thus considered a Georgia athlete.
Alabama signed 26 players in the class and landed No. 5 in team rankings nationally.
Saban has turned recruiting at Alabama into a national endeavor, not simply a regional event. While he is smart to focus on in-state talent, calling the best to play for their State University, he will not rely on the state, or surrounding states for that matter, to meet all of his needs.
In fact, in-state athletes will once again consider it an honor to fill the needs of the program, rather than take it as a given that they will have a place to play at the D1 level. The Alabama athlete will always remain at the core of the Alabama football program, but Saban is surrounding the best in Alabama with the best in the region while plucking a few choice athletes at choice positions from any state housing the talent he desires.
In 2010, Saban gathered recruits from the states of Georgia (six), Maryland (one), North Carolina (one), South Carolina (one), Tennessee (three), and Texas (three). He went all out for one of the highest ranked quarterbacks in the country and received an early commitment from Phillip Sims in April 2009. Sims, out of Chesapeake, VA (Oscar Smith) broke every passing record in the state of Virginia during his tenure at quarterback.
In 2011, the trend continues. Of the 17 commitments, only four are in-state athletes. They are all highly ranked and sought after players from very competitive programs. Alabama has three commits from Florida athletes, two from Mississippi, Georgia and Ohio. Saban has also received a commitment from one offensive lineman from California, and a talented athlete from Tennessee.
Alabama is no longer a regional program. Saban is not just bad, He's nationwide.
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While there are a few players, barring injury or physical ailments, that have secured a starting role for the Crimson Tide defense, there are very few or possibly no secured positions at this point in time.
Unlike what many have posted in this regard, much of this is attributable to the depth on defense, not the lack of experience.
Will Josh Chapman or Kerry Murphy get the nod at nose tackle? Will it be Damien Square or Luther Davis, Marcel Dareus or Darrington Sentimore at defensive end? Remember, Dareus made his impact as a substitute off the bench in nearly every game last year. His impact was most impressive on pass rushing downs.
At linebacker, there has never been more depth. For sure, Dont'a Hightower will start, but at which position, Middle or Jack?
It depends on the situation and the down. If Hightower is at Jack, who is at Mike? And the questions keep going.
Despite his key play last year, Nico Johnson is in a tough competition with Chris Jordan. Jerrell Harris and Tana Patrick are competing and Jalston Fowler is making great strides and impressing the coaches with his agility and abilities at linebacker. There have been no positions solidified.
In the secondary, Dre Kirkpatrick will clearly be a starter, but on the left or right side. Where will he play in nickel and dime packages? Who will be the first off the bench when extra defensive backs are called on.
And who is at the other corner position—DeQuan Menzie, Phelon Jones, John Fulton or DeMarcus Milliner? There is no answer at this point in time.
For sure, Mark Barron will be at the safety position, but the second safety position is not solidified. Robert Lester has strong consideration, but Jones can compete at safety as well as cornerback.
Solidifying a position is not what matters to these players; solidifying a role is the key. Defense or special teams, it doesn't really matter. These players are unselfish and will encourage the player on the field from the sidelines until it is their number that is called.
I think what the coaches have done for themselves is that they have provided great options at every position. They have put every position in good standing because whoever starts, they will have earned the position by competing at a high level.
I think this is probably the first year since the '70's that every defensive position will be manned by some of the best players in the entire SEC, and in some cases the entire nation.
This is truly an All-Star cast, 'Bama fans.
We as fans will not be disappointed by the product placed on the field. Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, Jeremy Pruitt, and Sal Sunseri will be able to develop defensive packages for any type of offense they will face in 2010. The will bring stunts from every angle, confuse every quarterback in the league, and bring tears to more that just one notable player in 2010.
The Tide is high. Others are counting on the Alabama offense to be explosive, but I can't wait to see the defense get put together and get after it like no other defense has in years past. This defense will be extremely fast, incredibly athletic, strong, immovable up front, and unbelievably agile in pass coverage.
The Tide will strike fear in the mind of the opposition's quarterback before the ball is snapped. The quarterback will have no more than three seconds to get rid of the ball because a blitz could come from any position in the second line of defense.
Opposition running backs will time and time again be strung out to the sideline, and the north-south runner will hit a wall on every down. Receivers crossing over the middle will pay for their intrusion. Deep passes will be met by defensive backs with leaping and catching abilities that rival any receiver in the land.
Opposing offenses will be pounded on every play. They will weaken and be defeated week after week. This is what Alabama football used to be like, and this is today's Alabama football.
From the standpoint of a fan, have class and represent your university well. Thank the opposition fans for visiting. Greet them with a handshake and a smile.
There is no team in the country that Alabama fans should envy. We have the best in our own backyard and we can watch the best play every weekend. Let's get ready to celebrate with class and dignity.
Roll Tide, Alabama, Roll Tide Roll.
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Junior running back Mark Ingram, a 2009 Walter Camp First Team All-American, headlines the 2010 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award watch list.
Also on the list are 2009 Second Team All-Americans Case Keenum (QB, Houston), Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State), Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State), and Rahim Moore (LB, UCLA).
Thirty players are named to the list at the beginning of each year. For the full list, go to this link:
http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/2010_player_of_the_year_watch_list_announced
Colt McCoy received the individual Award in 2009 and 2008. McCoy was the first to receive the award in consecutive years since Archie Griffin achieved that distinguished honor in 1974 and 1975. O.J. Simpson is the only other player to receive the award in consecutive years (1967, 1968). No Alabama player has received the award since its inception.
Darren McFadden received the award in 2007. Other SEC players honored by the New Haven, CT based foundation include Danny Wuerffel (1996), Bo Jackson (1985), Herschel Walker (1982) and Pat Sullivan (1971).
Penn State running back Evan Royster, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, and LSU cornerback Patrick Patterson are named to the 2010 watch list as well. Each of these players will compete against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2010 season.
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