By Terry Pellman
"We've got a real barnburner."
"The Irish should just play Notre Dame football."
"That's a nail in the coffin."
"There's no question about it."
In the world of sports we live in, clichés have become as synonymous with the game as the questions of sexual identity have become with Lindsey Lohan: There's no question about it.
At this time of the year, when teams are looking to fill positions vacated by graduation or early entry into the NFL draft, we hear another of these clichés—so often, in fact, it has become somewhat mind-numbing when seeking a definition for one word.
Leadership.
It's a question on the tip of every football fan's tongue: the main ingredient in a good majority of any beat writer's questions to the coach or player they might be interviewing at the time.
In fact, it's something that has seeped its way down to the point players tend to use the phrase to answer questions offered no matter what the question.
Recently, when asked about what was needed on the defensive side of the ball for this year's Alabama team, instead of talking about better coverage skills (more endurance) or better tackling techniques, Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain responded to the question by answering:
"I know I need to be more of a leader with Rashad (Johnson) gone. Just lead by example and be a vocal leader. My play speaks for itself, I think, but I have to do a better job of keeping everyone intense and keeping everyone up."
At the risk of using yet another cliché, Alabama fans want to see the "best 11 players on the field" next season when the Tide arrives in Atlanta to face Virginia Tech in their season opener.
Who fits that bill?
For one to find the answer to that question, one has to ask what it is that constitutes a starter in coach Nick Saban's mind. What is it he's looking for out of the players that makes them the ideal man to fill that role?
Athleticism is something that I think we can all set aside.
While recruiting rankings are suspect when it comes to forecasting wins and losses in the future, they do provide an accurate view on where players stack up against others on the Alabama squad; a common trait found with all of them is they are very good athletes.
According to Coach Saban, there are three areas that come into play when the staff makes their determinations on who fills these starting positions.
"The most important thing we look for in a scrimmage is how a guy competes," Coach Saban said. "A guy who plays hard, doesn't get frustrated, is relentless, coming back and playing is important to him, they have the right plan and really get after it."
The players who aren't in starting roles right now are beginning to fall into two categories this spring. In fact, these two groupings were described in the opening statements in Saban's press conference following a practice session this week.
He mentioned how these are players separated not by leadership, but by maturity. Some of them are "relentless competitors that are fighting their way through the struggles" that are inherent with spring camp. Others, who are not going to fall in consideration for those vacant positions, are "doing just what they have to just to get through spring practice."
Team loyalties aside, which group would you want to see receive the most playing time?
It's a simple answer, only complicated by those who try to look at these competitions far too intently.
"The No. 2 things are the consistency and performance, that level that everyone has been able to achieve when they're out there on their own."
I suppose, in the grand scheme of things, consistency and performance do fit the bill of clichés. However, also in that arena, it's a definitive description of what a head coach is going to want out of his key personnel.
One of the anticipated battles of the Alabama spring camp hasn't been a battle, or even a minor skirmish at this point.
There was a lot of talk about whether redshirted freshman Star Jackson was going to push Greg McElroy for the starting quarterback position for the 2009 season. Yet McElroy has entrenched himself as the man to beat.
How did he do it?
The decisions he's made while running the offense this spring have been mature, consistent decisions. It's important that he understands his role and how it fits in the Alabama offense, but most important is how he understands exactly the goals of the Bama offense: how all of these have a direct bearing on how the unit performs as a whole.
That understanding of the offense has allowed him to tutor other players in areas where they are improving in their performance.
Dare I say it?
His consistency and performance have allowed him to emerge as the leader of the offense—the starting quarterback.
Saban's third criteria, which is most likely a given in any football fan's mind (perhaps the most obvious as well), is also the most crucial.
"And then obviously to evaluate players. There are some guys who practice well, and they get into a game and they can't take it to the field. There are other guys it's always a struggle in practice, but they always play a little better in a game."
"That's why they pay him the big bucks."
The latter of those two I've only witnessed once: Shaun Alexander.
In his days at the Capstone, he wasn't a player that was close to being known for his conditioning work. But when it came to Saturday, his performances spoke for themselves. He was a true "diamond in the rough."
The former isn't something a coach wants to see, but surely something they want to recognize before Saturdays in the fall.
"We have to make sure anyone who can help us is on the field."
Common sense?
Cliché?
Understatement?
While the basics of what it takes to be a starter for Alabama this fall are elementary, I won't begin to even think about even the topic for a dissertation that might describe those nuances Saban holds close to his vest.
All I can say is:
He has a great feel for the game.
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News, notes, and video following Alabama's last practice, second scrimmage of the spring.
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By Terry Pellman
After following several decades of Alabama spring camp, I've been shocked very few times.
This spring very well may make the one of the largest shocks I've experienced considering the pre-conceptions I had going in to the first practice close to three weeks ago. Some of the news has been expected. Some of it, well, dull, if it is even possible that football news could be described in such a manner.
I fully expected the battle for the starting role at quarterback to be one we really didn't have a clear cut answer for until we found ourselves emerged in fall practice. But, evidenced by Coach Saban's remarks during his press conference last week, this anticipated battle may not even qualify as a skirmish.
Greg McElroy made the comment "he feels good about where he is right now." That's understandable considering Coach Saban has described him as "being ahead of everyone right now."
McElroy's self-evaluation of the offense this spring is one that is "moving the ball effectively, assignment proof, and understands what they are doing out there."
Greg's confidence at this point can only be taken as a good sign due to the continued shuffles he's seen along the offensive line this spring.
Moves along the offensive line haven't been as shocking, but have been surprising nonetheless.
John Michael Boswell, by all indications, has put up his name (at least in pencil) to take the vacated right guard position. After spending last year as a backup tackle, he was one name tossed around as a possible starting tackle this upcoming season.
On the flip side of the coin, Alfred McCullough practiced the majority of the time last year at guard, but he has seen some quality time at the left tackle position as well. While signs point to newcomer James Carpenter to fill that left tackle position this fall, fans can begin to dismiss the drastic drop in production they witnessed last season when then starter, Andre Smith, wasn't in the lineup.
When McCullough was asked about his move to the left tackle position he commented,
"When [coach] first told me I was [surprised], but once I got out there, it was just like any other position. ... I think right guard is harder than left tackle, but you have more responsibility as a left tackle because you've got the blind side of the quarterback in pass protection."
What comes as absolutely no shock is the apparent plans the Tide has for using the tight end position in 2009.
The 2008 season saw the play of Travis McCall and Nick Walker serve as one of the cornerstones of the offense. 2009, while the names will be different, looks to continue featuring that foundation.
Much has been expected from Colin Peek.
In the second half of the 2008 season fans got a glimpse of what Brad Smelley brought to the position even though it wasn't in the tradition tight end position, but in more of a "H-back role."
The combination of these two players looks to make up a good percentage of the offensive production in 2009. Both players have the speed to get in the secondary, the discipline to run the correct routes making McElroy's job that much easier, and the experience to be a pivotal position for the Alabama offense.
"We all want to take the tight end position from what it was last year to make it a more vital, more pivotal position on this team, and also a more elusive position where we can all do everything," Peek said. "We can be out there in four-wide and it's two tight ends at the same time. Or we can be in a two tight end set and just pound the ball the whole game."
When it comes to that true blocking tight end role, Saban has been quick to praise the improvement in Michael Williams and the performance of the group as a whole.
"I think they've done a nice job as a group, and I think they have got a ton of reps because we play so many two tight ends," Saban said. "I think Michael Williams has probably made the most improvement. We moved him over there during bowl practice, and he is a big body guy that is a pretty good blocker.
"So that whole group has made nice progress and I am pretty pleased with the way they have developed."
Colin Peek discusses the tight ends, receivers, and offense as a whole:
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By Terry Pellman
A year ago this spring, after witnessing the impact that the spring camp coaching clinic had on the visiting coaches, I began to get a glimpse of the impact and importance this short two-day weekend has on high school coaches and how it's viewed by Coach Nick Saban.
Last year, I was impressed, and Saban summed it up well with his thoughts looking forward to that weekend.
The annual coaching clinic is one of our favorite events of the year," said Alabama head coach Nick Saban. "This year we have a great lineup of speakers, including Vince Dooley, Bill Belichick, Dean Pees, Al Groh, and Fernando Bryant. We will also be featuring several of the region's championship-winning high school coaches."
Bill Belichick...his name summed up the story. Al Groh (whose son is currently serving as a graduate assistant at Bama) and Vince Dooley are two well known coaches in college football around the Southeast and were highly sought after that weekend.
What struck me the most was the invitation of Fernando Bryant. It wasn't his career as an NFL player that made his name a "headliner" to the weekend, it was the point of a former Alabama player being welcomed back to the Capstone.
"I didn't feel welcome," Bryant said. "I didn't feel like the old tradition was being upheld, and I didn't want to be a part of it."
That tradition, albeit a new one when compared to the clinics held by former coaches Shula and Franchoine, was upheld his weekend when former All-American and current NFL General Manager, Ozzie Newsome, was invited to be a part of this weekend's clinic.
Newsome, who addressed the media shortly after speaking to the high school coaches attending the camp, spoke briefly on the importance of his return weekend.
“I think there were two reasons,” Newsome said. “A friend called, Nick (Saban), and said he would like for me to come down and share and be a part of his clinic. And the second part is to show my appreciation for high school football.
"That is where I got my start at. I wanted to let those coaches know that they do make an impact and they have a chance to make a difference in a young man’s life.”
Coach Dooley, who brought the experience of a college national championship along with the business side of running an athletic department to last years clinic, certainly has his equal appearing this weekend. Perhaps, depending on your point of view, his visit was eclipsed.
Tom Osbourne, known for his coaching acumen during his days leading the Nebraska Cornhuskers, was the featured speaker this weekend in Tuscaloosa.
Osbourne, currently the Athletic Director at Nebraska, is joined by other notable coaches like Derek Dooley, Jason Garrett, Stan Hixon, and several of the region’s championship-winning high school coaches.
The reported attendance at this years camps is over 1,200 high school coaches, which is thought to be the largest group to have ever attended a coaching clinic at UA.
Oh...lest I forget. "Hey, there's Joe Montana!"
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana attended Friday’s practice along with his son Nick. Nick currently holds a scholarship offer from UA as one of the handful of quarterbacks the Tide staff has offered for the 2010 freshman class.
OK, it wasn't "A-day," the official designation for Alabama's Crimson and White game to cap off the spring season.
But, it's certainly a day that featured a "A-list" of personalities in the football world.
On to the practice fields
If practicing four of the 15 allotted days as an offensive guard is an indication there is serious consideration being given to John Michael Boswell taking over the vacated right guard position on the offensive line...well, we've got an indication despite the "no depth chart" mandate.
In fact, we may be beginning to get a glimpse at how the line will shake out for the fall. The center positions' mainstay this year has been William Vlachos, with Barrett Jones and Evan Cardwell also sharing snaps.
What's interesting is it was reported by one practice observer that David Ross was getting a look at the center position as well.
In Friday's individual drills, IF they were an indication of how the Tide would field an offensive line if we played today, we'd see James Carpenter (LT), Mike Johnson (LG), William Vlachos (C), John Michael Boswell (RG), and Drew Davis (RT).
The Fanny watch continues...well, better said, the Fanney search continues.
Brandon, serving a suspension from the team, wasn't practicing with the team yesterday.
The JACK position has seen a few players getting reps this spring. Yesterday, as has been the case a few times this spring, Eryk Anders was working with the first unit at that hybrid linebacker position.
Dont'a Hightower, who has worked at that position as well this spring, was in the same position he spent Wednesday (and last season) as the weak side linebacker.
The leader of the linebacking corps, inside/middle linebacker Rolando McClain, had high remarks for Dont'a after last Wednesday's practice.
"Dont’a can play any position on the field,” McClain said. “He’s a freak to me. He’s amazing. I can’t explain it. I’m sure I can’t do certain things he can do and the way he just takes it and they move him to jack one day and back to will the next day, he’s doing a good job. He’s just going with it. If we need him to play jack, he can play jack. Or whatever. We’re not worried about it."
What a lot of fans have as a concern is who ends up replacing the leadership role Rashad Johnson had last year on defense. While McLain doesn't play in the same position, he understands his role in filling that void.
"I know I need to be more of a leader with Rashad gone. I was a little last year but I think my role has intensified some. I just want to lead by example as well as being more of a vocal leader. I do a good job trying to be vocal in practice. I mean, my play speaks for itself, I think. But I need to do a better job of keeping everybody intense and everybody up."
In the meantime, the battle for filling the actual position continues with a variety of players getting a look at the safety positions. Ali Sharief, Mark Barron, and Tyrone King saw reps there Friday.
Alabama returns Saturday for its fifth spring practice and is expected to be in full pads for the workout. The first scrimmage of the year, originally thought to be today, is expected next Wednesday.
Video Highlights of Friday:
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In a wild stretch of my imagination, I'm going to attempt to pull your undivided attention away from the basketball search and look at football for just a minute. Don't get me wrong, I'd love to discuss what my thoughts are on Anthony Grant and the latest headlines about the coaching search—but, after all, we are a football school, eh?
In all honesty, and it is pretty much what was expected, not a lot changed in the last 10 days. The Tide resumed practice today and worked once again on the fundamentals that our staff stresses with the first few days of each spring camp. It looks like it'll be mid-week, maybe the end of the week, before the players get into the nuts and bolts of preparation for the fall of 2009.
“The purpose of spring ball is to give every member on the team the best chance to be successful, I’d say that’s the No. 1 goal,” Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said. “Knowledge, technique, what to do, how to do it, why it’s important to do it that way. I think for every player that’s critical.”
On the suspension front, nothing has changed since Coach Nick Saban announced in his press conference last Friday that Prince Hall and Brandon Fanney were suspended. While the length of Fanney's suspension is not known, he wasn't a part of the drills this afternoon and the Thomas-Drew practice facility.
The experiments, or one might use the word "shuffles," continue on the offensive line. Much like we alluded to in the report on day one, it's something we should expect for a good portion of the spring camp.
Meet Coach Sal.
Ok, so we knew that Coach Saban was demanding.
We knew Coach Saban hired assistants the fit his demeanor, his personality, and is work ethic. But, did the players know what they were getting into when Coach Sal took over?"
The media got the first glimpse of the intensity he brings to the coaching position today, albeit a brief look.
The players? They might wish they were as fortunate.
One thing is to be assured, there has been a coaching upgrade with the Alabama linebacking corps and it'll be seen with the intensity the unit brings this season.
Brandon Fanney wasn't practicing with the group today. In a few of the drills observed Don'ta Hightower had moved to the JACK position. While he's getting reps today at the JACK position, it's certainly not a move that is expected to be a permanent position change. (As a side observation, I thought I noticed Ivan Matchett running drills with the linebackers today. It was someone wearing the same number he has. At this point, yet to be confirmed.)
Jerrell Harris was getting reps at both the inside and outside positions today. When Coach Saban announced he'd be getting a look at the inside linebacker position it was an indication we were starting to get some versatility in our linebacking corps. Adding to that thought, when Don'ta was outside we saw Cory Reamer working inside. Having a group of linebackers that are interchangeable in position provides a lot of flexibility depth wise.
On the other hand imagine yourself as someone studying film and reading the linebacking set. Yeah. You can see it as well, can't you?
Friday, a week ago, sophomore John Michael Boswell and junior college transfer James Carpenter worked at left tackle while senior lineman Brian Motley and junior lineman David Ross lined up at right guard. Today included a few shuffles with Alfred McCullough getting some reps at the tackle position.
"He has long arms, good feet and he's very athletic, so we may even look at him at tackle some... He (McCullough) had a really good off-season, he's very athletic, probably a little bit more athletic and explosive than some of our other guys."
Coach Saban went on to note it's hard to evaluate how a group is progressing when they are just in "shorts and helmets," but it doesn't take a seasoned reporter to notice he was pleased with the progress he's seen so far on the offensive line. Along with a few others, he had encouraging remarks about Carpenter and Warmack, the two new players that joined the Tide this winter.
"We've been really pleased with the two newcomers. [JuCo transfer tackle] James Carpenter did a really good job and looks like he has some potential to be a guy that can make a contribution in some way," Saban said. Chance Warmack, for a young guy, can strike and has some power and size and can bend and explode. Those two guys are very, very helpful, I think, in terms of depth and competition in that group.
"Tyler Love has made a significant amount of improvement, Drew Davis and Mike Johnson are both back and both are providing good leadership...Vlachos has done a really good job at center so far."
Depth at running back?
While all the attention right now is placed on how the quarterback position is going to pan out, you can easily see there isn't a lot of satisfaction with what we return in our running back unit.
Numbers? Sure, we've got them.
Experienced depth? A resounding no.
Before spring camp, it's a position I didn't pay a lot of attention to specifically. Now, going into the fall camp you have to wonder if Saban's remarks in his press conference were meant to realistically address the situation or inspire players to "step up."
It appears the speculation that Terry Grant might transfer can be put to rest. I'll admit, I was one that thought there was a good chance he might. But, the staff seems determined to find a role for him this fall.
"Terry Grant has been very, very good in two practices. So, we are hopeful that he is going to be one of those guys that can help us in developing a role that's going to add to our team," Saban said. "Maybe in a different way to the guys we had last year, but some kind of way."
The Tide returns for their third practice Wednesday afternoon.
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The Alabama football team opens its spring camp for 2009 just over a week ago with drills centering more on conditioning and fundamentals than solving some of the question marks regarding starting positions for the fall football season.
Depending on who you ask you'll get a different answer on which position is going to be the most scrutinized battle this spring.
Some will be looking to see who fills the shoes of John Parker Wilson at the quarterback position. Others, will be more concerned with Andre' Smith's vacated left tackle position.
That's not beginning to approach the discussions on the defense, center, right guard on the offense line and a few others.
Position Battles: Offense
Center
If one were to go strictly by the depth chart at the end of the 2008 season they would be led to think that William Vlachos is the odd's on favorite for the starting center job in 2009. Vlachos saw action in half of the regular season games last year including three of the SEC games on the schedule.
However, it's important to note in all of those SEC games the outcome was well in hand when he was replacing departed senior Antoine Caldwell on the line.
Evan Cardwell has seen more "SEC action" than any of the prospects for the position. But, his time there last year was certainly limited—partly due to issues with a back injury. His experience at center certainly makes him one of the candidates to fill that role.
What remains the "unknown factor" is how Coach Joe Pendry utilizes his interior lineman. He likes for his guards and centers to be able to play any of the three positions which leads to a number of guys who are getting a look at center this spring.
Barrett Jones, who was considered the best center in the nation coming out of high school (despite playing tackle in high school,) practiced in every position on the line last fall but was limited in his development due to a re-occurring injury problem with his shoulder.
Who mans the center position could go hand in hand with the decision on which player is the best fit for the right guard position.
Right Guard
If we make the assumption that we won't see any of the prospects for the center position at the right guard position we'd be ignoring obvious talent.
Family members have speculated that Vlachos feels he's destined to play guard even with his experience last year at center. Cardwell, mentioned earlier as well, has seen time at the right guard position in practice as well.
Again, based on what we saw last season, it would seem the right guard position would fall to David Ross. If we were to look at all the offensive lineman (backups) for Alabama, Ross is the one with the most "game experience." He played in every game last season starting in three of the contests.
Barrett Jones finds his name in this mix as well along with three other players; true freshman Chance Warmack, converted defensive tackle Alfred McCullough and converted defensive lineman Brian Motley.
It's an easy assumption to think that the position battle is going to be between Ross and Motley based on their experience. There is a question mark surrounding Motley in terms of how well he can actually do when given the opportunity. His early career at Alabama seemed highlighted by the injuries he sustained.
The reports from the fourth quarter program included a lot of positive notes on Warmack's progress, conditioning and growing strength. While he's a dark-horse candidate for the role, he definitely has a bright future ahead of him although it's likely we won't see him in full time action until 2010.
Tight End
Here were have a situation best described with the word semantics. We do have a true tight end position and we also have a tight end/H-back position that could be described either way.
Colin Peek doesn't have a strangle hold on the tight end position, per say, but it's definitely his position to lose going into the spring and fall. IF the NCAA would have ruled differently last season he would have seen action in that role.
Now, in his last year of eligibility, he'll be considered the Tide's starting tight end and it's not highly likely he'll see someone come along and take that position from him.
Brad Smelley, who came on very strong in the last of the '09 season, looks to be the odds on favorite for the starting H-back role.
The story becomes cloudy, at best, when we starting getting deeper in the rotation. Chris Underwood, Michael Williams and Preston Dial all figure to fit in the battles for the backup roles in the fall of 2009.
What becomes intriguing about the tight end/H-back position and the amount of playing time seen by both positions is partly reliant on how the wide-receiver battles end up. As example, Smelley lined up last year in the slot position at times because of his ability to be more than just a short yardage receiver.
If the 'Tide finds itself still searching for that "other receiver" opposite Julio Jones, the chances we'll see Smelley and Peek on the field at the same time grow tremendously.
Wide Receiver
Who's No. 2?
After spring camp, it still may be a question left to be answered. We would hope not, but considering the production we had last season out of our wide receiver corps (outside of Jones) there's a good chance this just might be the case.
Mike McCoy fits the role of that No. 2 WR in terms of experience and class rank. But, for him to escalate his game to the point of taking pressure off of Julio Jones is where the question remains.
He's seen action the past two years at Alabama, but has yet to step into the role of a "guy the team can count on."
Marquis Maze has what could probably be considered as having as likely of a chance to fill the position as McCoy. He didn't have as many receptions as McCoy did last year (but seriously, what's the difference between 16 receptions and 11 for Maze?) but he did show he had the ability to be that "down field threat" Alabama has been in search of.
The wide-receiver rotation is literally a guessing game at this point. Earl Alexander, Brandon Gibson, Darius Hanks, and Chris Jackson will all have plenty of opportunities to display what they are able to accomplish.
In the past there has been a question of enough bodies to fill a wide receiver rotation at times, now it's now a question of numbers but a question of talent.
Does Alabama have a legitimate threat in that second receiver slot?
Running Back
We'll likely leave the spring the same way we enter.
"What is the RB rotation going to look like in August?"
Mark Ingram started last year hot but seemed to develop the "Darby syndrome" in the last part of the season. Roy Upchurch, on the other hand, didn't see a lot of action early on but developed into a play maker in the last half of 2008.
This spring Ingram is the one that'll be watched the most simply because we know what he's capable of accomplishing. Upchurch, who is still recovering from a neck injury, is cleared to participate in spring drills but so far hasn't been cleared for contact.
That leaves guys like Jeramie Griffin and Terry Grant. It's impossible to compare the two because they are so far apart in what they bring to the field.
Jermaine Preyear, Ivan Matchett and Demetrius Goode. Now is their opportunity. Little is known in terms of how they'll do in the running back position other than they were all highly thought of recruits.
Most assuredly, the guy that will receive the most "lip service" this spring won't even be on the practice fields—in uniform: Trent Richardson.
One thing we can all be assured of: The running back position has a multitude of players an no matter who steps forward the Tide will be in great shape come fall.
Quarterback
I suspect, more so than the last two years, we'll see more people asking what the back up quarter back can bring to the playing field in 2009.
It's not a question of whether I have faith in Greg McElroy, it's a situation of having faith in the Alabama fan base. Faith, in this case, described by "always looking at the back-up quarterback as an answer."
Using the term "favorite" to describe who is in the starting position at QB this spring probably isn't the right term. Favorite, in this case, meaning he's the one the staff prefers.
Saying McElroy is "favored" for that role seems more accurate. "Favored," in that he's seen more game action than Star Jackson; though that game action is limited at best. "Favored," based on his age and maturity combined with him being the conduit for offensive plays called from the booth this past season.
If Greg assumes this role like he assumed the QB position in high school when starter Chase Daniels graduated he'll quickly become a fan favorite. He's demonstrated, on a few occasions, the touch and accuracy he was known for in his high school playing career.
Star Jackson does bring a more athletic approach to the QB position. He's going to get the same opportunity to prove what he's capable of this spring.
It's a safe assumption to say we'll see Greg running with the first group at times and we'll read reports of Star doing the same. But, to say either has won the starting job is premature.
It's also a safe assumption we'll likely see more of a QB rotation in the fall of 2009 than we have the past two years under Coach Saban.
In the end, the starter is going to be decided on one factor. Which one is playing with the fewest number of mistakes in the role.
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After looking at some of the questions hanging over the offensive side of the ball this spring, the overview of the defense is much simpler. In fact, considering the Tide returns nine of its 11 starters from the 2008 squad, Alabama finds itself in a position it hasn't enjoyed in a long time.
Yet, even with so much experience returning, there are still a few areas of interest...a lot of interest when taking into account that the leader of last year's defense, Rashad Johnson, looks to play on Sundays this fall.
Who fills the role vacated by Rashad's graduation?
Defensive Backs
In the defensive backfield, the way the Tide leaves spring camp could mean very little when summer camp starts in August. While it would almost be amiss not to think ahead about how a player like Dre Kirkpatrick may impact the rotation, it serves little purpose when considering the spring.
If we consider the amount of time Bama has spent in their nickel package the last two seasons, one could say the Tide starts three corner backs. Two of those positions, the true corner positions, feature returning starters Javier Arenas and Kareem Jackson. There, you won't find a question as to who leaves spring in the starting role.
When Alabama moves to the nickel package the first guy on the field in 2008, Marquis Johnson, returns for his senior season. If there is a position battle, it's found in who fills the role of the "first guy off the bench."
It would be to Bama's benefit if one guy could step up and become that true nickel back. Last season, when the Tide went into the nickel package, Javy Arenas moved from his corner position into the STAR (nickel back) position and Johnson took his corner back role, a position where Arenas was more consistent than Johnson.
Here we have a battle of seniors, as Chris Rogers is entering his final year of eligibility with both Alonzo Lawrence and Robby Green looking to challenge as well.
The unknown this spring is how well B.J. Scott will make the transition to defense. He's was slated to start working with the safeties, but when practice commenced, he was getting his first look in the STAR position, as well as a true cornerback.
Who lines up alongside Justin Woodall will draw the majority of the attention.
Right now, based on who saw action last year, the player most likely to fill that position is Ali Sharrief.
While Sharrief didn't see a lot of action last season with the safeties in regular downs, he was a contributor when the Tide moved into its dime package.
Mark Barron is certainly going to push Ali for playing time in the role. Barron spent the majority of his time last year on special teams, although he did get some time in the secondary as well.
Ali, when forced into action at the end of last season, didn't perform as well as the defensive coaching staff would like, which led to Barron taking his place. While it's easy to assume Ali has the edge due to his age and experience, Barron is likely to take as many reps as Ali throughout the spring.
In a nutshell, the open safety position may not be answered until the fall of '09.
Linebackers
The linebacking corps returns fully intact from 2008.
Considering how vital the unit is in Coach Saban's 3-4 defense just because the Tide returns their four starters, doesn't mean it's an area we can dismiss as settled.
Realistically, the unit could be described as "filled" when they have eight or more players who can come in with little to no drop in productivity.
The majority of the attention will go to Courtney Upshaw and Jerrell Harris.
Brandon Fanney had a solid season in 2008, but hardly spectacular when one considers the need for the JACK linebacker to be able to get consistent pressure on the quarterback from his down position.
Upshaw turned many heads last season with his special teams play, and a lot of Bama fans are hoping he's the missing ingredient for that position.
Now, with the announcement that Fanney has been suspended for a period of time, the door is wide open for Upshaw to make his presence known.
The move of Jerrell Harris to inside linebacker was a small shock to a lot of Bama fans who expected him to contribute last year from the outside. While it's still labeled as "an experiment" by the staff, Harris will provide a lot of speed and athleticism to the inside.
By no means should anyone discount the production from Eryk Anders last year who seemed to be coming into his own as the season progressed. We'd be making a mistake in thinking that Chris Jordan won't compete for his share of playing time as well.
The best we can hope for is the Tide is able to leave spring camp with a solid two-deep rotation and then have the luxury of being able to add a few of the incoming freshman to the mix in August.
Defensive Line
The decision Terrance Cody made to return for his senior season means that the defensive tackle position for the spring is practically determined. The combination of Cody and Chapman last year enabled Alabama to be one of the better rushing defenses in the NCAA and that should only improve throughout the spring and fall.
Given that Cody has reported to spring camp in the best shape he's been in his career, the chances have grown he'll be seen on more than just "rushing downs."
It's the defensive ends that'll garner the speculation as Alabama looks to replace one of its best pass rushers from 2008, Bobby Greenwood.
It's odd to say the leading candidate to replace last year's starter was actually a full-time starter on the defensive line two years ago.
But, with Lorenzo Washington, that is precisely the situation. With Brandon Deaderick also returning, the starting three along the line looks to be solid, if not dominant.
We mentioned Chapman, who is serving as the primary back up for Cody. The second team defensive ends bring the same trait Chapman does, experience and talent with very little drop off, if any, in ability.
The upperclassman of the group, Milton Talbert, will get his opportunity to earn a back up role but he's not what one would consider the prototypical defensive end in Saban's scheme.
He's likely to find himself in the same position as he did before Greenwood graduated; running with the third-team defensive ends. In fact, there's the chance that he'll have a battle on his hands for that role with Undra Billingsley and Nick Gentry.
Two of "Saban's recruits," Luther Davis and Marcel Dareus, should be considered the odds-on favorites to secure their positions backing up Deaderick and Washington. Both have seen a decent amount of playing time early in their career.
Overview
As you can see, not a lot of questions over this unit for the spring. A few, but they are primarily centered on what players will see reserve roles for 2009.
Coach Saban has commented time and time again how much he loves the teaching aspect of college football. With this group, he should have a heck of a good time this spring.
Related posts
By Terry Pellman
If there were any doubts among you that the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is an action-reaction scenario, those suspicions can be laid to rest.
After meeting with a group of reporters this week, newly hired Auburn football coach Gene Chizik has announced he "has a plan for retaking the state of Alabama" in terms of recruiting.
I realize, this begs the question if Auburn ever had the state of Alabama in the first place, but we'll leave that question for a later date.
Over the past two years, the Auburn program has found itself virtually locked out of the recruits that both the Auburn and Alabama staffs had a mutual interest in. Overall, both schools have heavily recruited more than 30 players in common, with Alabama coming out on the winning end in all but a scarce few.
In the 2009 class, Alabama secured signatures from eight of the top 10 players in state and 10 of the top 15, which included all of the top five. That followed the success Bama had in 2008 as well, where the Tide signed 11 of the top 15, including the top five in the state.
Conversely, Auburn found itself shut out of the top 10 in 2009 and only able to secure two of the top 15. In 2008 they set the precedent for '09 by finding themselves left out of the top 10 and signing one of the top 15.
To summarize, that's 21 of the top 30 players in the state of Alabama headed to Tuscaloosa versus three of the top 30 headed to the "Plains of Auburn."
It's an interesting approach Chizik has decided to use. In fact, if we take the latest very successful team Auburn has fielded, the undefeated 2004 Tigers, it's a stark contrast to what has been their recipe for success.
"You've got to have a starting point and a home base, and this state will be it," Chizik was quoted as saying. "After that, we'll move outside the state."
Curtis Luper, Auburn's new recruiting coordinator and running backs coach, said he's approaching this in-state battle with thoughts of his days in the Army, where he served as an air traffic controller.
“One of the basic elements of the military is that you protect your border,” Luper was quoted as saying. “So we got to protect our border. We’re going to start right here in this state.”
Luper said he has divided the state into seven territories, each of which will be assigned its own coach. Factor in Chizik, and the Tigers will have eight different coaches in players' homes across the state.
Compare that to the past staff under the leadership of Tommy Tuberville, who had half of that number assigned to the state of Alabama.
Luper said he will assign two coaches to the South, two to the North, one each in greater Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery and one in the Lee County region, which includes Columbus and LaGrange, Ga.
This move definitely represents a different way of thinking than what has been the mantra on the Plains.
In a matter of a couple of weeks we've seen their program move from "Recruiting rankings don't mean anything, we don't pay attention to them" to a stance now that includes "We need the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. That's what I want. That's my goal," according to Luper.
It seems possible he's considering his days in the Army as an air traffic controller even more prominently that one might suspect, considering the amount of travel time this will force on the Auburn staff.
There will be five coaches recruiting in Georgia and four on the beat in Florida; most will have multiple assignments.
In what can be described as a more concentrated effort in one state can equally be described as spreading a staff very thinly around the Southeast.
By drawing a comparison to their last successful season, 2004, what bears the most attention is it was a roster than was mostly filled with out-of-state talent from Georgia, Florida, and the other surrounding states.
For every Carnell Williams a coach finds in Alabama, he finds a Jason Campbell from Mississippi and a Ronnie Brown from Georgia.
In fact, looking over their roster of sholarship players, two of every three came from outside the state.
The Stark Contrast
The efforts of the Alabama staff for their 2010 class are quite the opposite.
The staff, as evidenced by the number of offers in-state and out-of-state, is being very selective in which in-state players receive offers and are pursuing more prospects from out-of-state. They are in a position where they are seeking to "plug holes" in their lineup with some of the Southeast's elite.
Will Changes Pay Dividends?
With their senior seasons still left to be played, how the state's players situate themselves in terms of talent is somewhat left to be seen. But, there have been enough displays of their talents to get a good feel on how they'll produce in their senior seasons.
Among the top prospects like B.J. Chitty, C.J. Moseley, Solomon Patton, Craig Sanders, and Jarrick Williams, the trend looks to be continuing. Alabama is the team to beat.
Rest assured, this new approach for Auburn will pay dividends for some of the in-state kids who wish to remain in the state.
Auburn or Troy?
Related posts
By Terry Pellman
If there were any doubts among you that the rivalry between Alabama and Auburn is an action-reaction scenario, those suspicions can be laid to rest.
After meeting with a group of reporters this week, newly hired Auburn football coach Gene Chizik has announced he "has a plan for retaking the state of Alabama" in terms of recruiting.
I realize, this begs the question if Auburn ever had the state of Alabama in the first place, but we'll leave that question for a later date.
Over the past two years, the Auburn program has found itself virtually locked out of the recruits that both the Auburn and Alabama staffs had a mutual interest in. Overall, both schools have heavily recruited more than 30 players in common, with Alabama coming out on the winning end in all but a scarce few.
In the 2009 class, Alabama secured signatures from eight of the top 10 players in state and 10 of the top 15, which included all of the top five. That followed the success Bama had in 2008 as well, where the Tide signed 11 of the top 15, including the top five in the state.
Conversely, Auburn found itself shut out of the top 10 in 2009 and only able to secure two of the top 15. In 2008 they set the precedent for '09 by finding themselves left out of the top 10 and signing one of the top 15.
To summarize, that's 21 of the top 30 players in the state of Alabama headed to Tuscaloosa versus three of the top 30 headed to the "Plains of Auburn."
It's an interesting approach Chizik has decided to use. In fact, if we take the latest very successful team Auburn has fielded, the undefeated 2004 Tigers, it's a stark contrast to what has been their recipe for success.
"You've got to have a starting point and a home base, and this state will be it," Chizik was quoted as saying. "After that, we'll move outside the state."
Curtis Luper, Auburn's new recruiting coordinator and running backs coach, said he's approaching this in-state battle with thoughts of his days in the Army, where he served as an air traffic controller.
“One of the basic elements of the military is that you protect your border,” Luper was quoted as saying. “So we got to protect our border. We’re going to start right here in this state.”
Luper said he has divided the state into seven territories, each of which will be assigned its own coach. Factor in Chizik, and the Tigers will have eight different coaches in players' homes across the state.
Compare that to the past staff under the leadership of Tommy Tuberville, who had half of that number assigned to the state of Alabama.
Luper said he will assign two coaches to the South, two to the North, one each in greater Birmingham, Huntsville, and Montgomery and one in the Lee County region, which includes Columbus and LaGrange, Ga.
This move definitely represents a different way of thinking than what has been the mantra on the Plains.
In a matter of a couple of weeks we've seen their program move from "Recruiting rankings don't mean anything, we don't pay attention to them" to a stance now that includes "We need the No. 1 recruiting class in the country. That's what I want. That's my goal," according to Luper.
It seems possible he's considering his days in the Army as an air traffic controller even more prominently that one might suspect, considering the amount of travel time this will force on the Auburn staff.
There will be five coaches recruiting in Georgia and four on the beat in Florida; most will have multiple assignments.
In what can be described as a more concentrated effort in one state can equally be described as spreading a staff very thinly around the Southeast.
By drawing a comparison to their last successful season, 2004, what bears the most attention is it was a roster than was mostly filled with out-of-state talent from Georgia, Florida, and the other surrounding states.
For every Carnell Williams a coach finds in Alabama, he finds a Jason Campbell from Mississippi and a Ronnie Brown from Georgia.
In fact, looking over their roster of sholarship players, two of every three came from outside the state.
The Stark Contrast
The efforts of the Alabama staff for their 2010 class are quite the opposite.
The staff, as evidenced by the number of offers in-state and out-of-state, is being very selective in which in-state players receive offers and are pursuing more prospects from out-of-state. They are in a position where they are seeking to "plug holes" in their lineup with some of the Southeast's elite.
Will Changes Pay Dividends?
With their senior seasons still left to be played, how the state's players situate themselves in terms of talent is somewhat left to be seen. But, there have been enough displays of their talents to get a good feel on how they'll produce in their senior seasons.
Among the top prospects like B.J. Chitty, C.J. Moseley, Solomon Patton, Craig Sanders, and Jarrick Williams, the trend looks to be continuing. Alabama is the team to beat.
Rest assured, this new approach for Auburn will pay dividends for some of the in-state kids who wish to remain in the state.
Auburn or Troy?
Related posts
By Terry Pellman
I’ll readily admit, it’s been a truly entertaining week.
With Lane Kiffin’s comments, intentions aside, the college football world has already started looking forward to the 2009 season with special attention to games in Gainesville and Tuscaloosa.
As much fodder as there is available today (in terms of discussions of the coaching staff at Tennessee) it seems prudent to put aside the “off the field situations” and look a little more in depth at what the Volunteers will bring to the playing field in the fall of this season.
While a lot of football fans want to focus on offense, I want to spend a few minutes talking about the defense and the vaunted “Tampa 2″ scheme the Vols will utilize. But, before getting into that subject—a brief moment on the offense.
When it comes to an offensive play caller, you always want someone that isn’t caught up in the moment. You want a mentality that looks to the future, considers the proverbial “ying and yang” of every move, and makes judgments based on all those considerations.
If Kiffin’s “off the field” decision making skills are indicative of the decisions he’ll make as a head coach and offensive play-caller, the UT offense doesn’t fit the bill of “something to be feared.”
As a caveat, I have to add it may be something of interest to watch especially when given examples of 70+ yard field goal attempts that have been called in the past—but I digress.
With the senior leadership provided by defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, one could assume the ‘09 Volunteer defense should be disciplined. The “Tampa 2″ and Monte Kiffin go hand in hand, but it’s also a defensive scheme that is falsely attributed to the elder Kiffin when it’s described as “his defense.”
What does this scheme bring to Tennessee? Is it a scheme that in and of itself automatically leads to a successful, NCAA leading unit? Therein lies the question.
To define the “Tampa 2″ defense, using as generic of a description as possible, it’s a defense that isn’t difficult to learn or teach. It isn’t as complex as some defenses can be, like Saban’s over/under 3-4 scheme.
But, the principles of this defense are shared with many others: aggressive play, speed, and the players swarming the area of attack.
It typically consist of four defensive lineman, three linebackers and four defensive backs. Yes, it is the traditional 4-3 defensive look. However, there is a difference between the “Tampa 2″ and the 4-3.
The primary difference between the two is found at the middle linebacker position (MIKE) where they are not only responsible for run support but are also prone to drop back in pass coverage, sometimes deep coverage normally reserved for a safety.
The secondary isn’t a complicated scheme. It’s a “cover 2″ shell with the safeties covering “over the top” of corner backs.
The “cover 2″ essentially has the safeties dividing the field in half with each covering their respective side. The “Tampa 2,” when the MIKE position drops into coverage, essentially changes the coverage to a “Cover 3,” or the backfield divided into thirds versus halves.
As you can see, very simple in concept.
The premium ingredient is having the right personnel in place. A MIKE that can handle both run support and effectively cover the defensive backfield with as much speed and talent as a safety isn’t as simple as it may seem.
In fact, it’s a safe assumption finding those type of players can be a difficult task.
Without that special player at the MIKE position, you are going to sacrifice one of two things: the run support or the pass coverage.
Almost as essential as having that type of playing at MIKE, this defense must have a superb front seven. It’s a defense that isn’t known for a lot of blitzing packages leading to the absolute need for defensive ends and tackles that can penetrate the line of scrimmage.
In terms of how Kiffins’ defense does in the SEC, I can see both sides of the spectrum; successful versus some, average versus others.
If we take teams that look for that explosive play, the proverbial “big play,” they are going to be limited if Tennessee has the talent in place. If there is one thing that is almost a given it’s the ability of the “Tampa 2″ to take away the big play capability of teams that live and die by those plays.
If you take a team whose focus is to establish the run, a team who is satisfied with being able to gain four, five, or six yards per carry, a problem quickly develops.
Unless, you have that MIKE position manned by the right player, a player not often found even in the NFL.
I look at this UT team this fall and don’t see a team that falls into the “toss-up” category if we were to discuss wins and losses for the ‘09 edition of the Crimson Tide. In fact, I see a team coming to Bryant Denny Stadium this fall that fits perfectly with the plans the Alabama offensive staff will have in place.
Like 2008, we’ll see this offense have the ability to use their tight ends in passing routes. If you consider that, combined with the speed Alabama will have coming out of the slot position, you can easily see how the UT defense will be forced to drop that MIKE back into the secondary.
For Lane’s benefit, I’ll be laconic: play action.
I’m sure you can see where I’m headed—and specifically who I have in mind. It’s a simple case again, this time a choice of “picking your poison” among a very deep running back unit the Tide will field in ‘09.
By no means do I mean to sound disrespectful of Monte Kiffin or the defensive scheme he brings to the Volunteer program.
However, by all means I mean to say it isn’t something that makes me curious about it being a dominating scheme that’ll end up being a frustration to offensive coordinators, specifically ours, when we meet again this fall.
Simply put, it comes down to personnel…which in turn leads to having a good crop of recruiters in place.
Then, it comes down to those recruiters also having the ability to coach. That’s found in one Monte Kiffin, but definitely a subject of debate when the rest of the Tennessee staff is considered.
That sounds a lot like I’m going back to Lane Kiffin again.
Read this and more Alabama commentary at RollTideBama.com
Related posts
By Terry Pellman
We've all seen the statement.
Whether it was something personally said or it was a point made by a rival fans over the last decade, Alabama fans have faced the reality that the talent fielded by teams in the SEC, and the NCAA as a whole, meant the Tide wasn't considered at an advantage.
In fact, it was a disparity that was easily recognized not only on the scoreboard, but in how many of those players leaving programs were of the ability to make it to the next level: playing on Sundays.
Most recently, we've seen both sides of this argument. One, against Florida in the SEC title game when the common cliche' was "Alabama has no match for the skill players Florida fields."
On the other end of the spectrum, we saw where rankings of prep players didn't have an impact, but having mature quality athletes led to Utah winning the Sugar Bowl of '09.
"When Nick Saban get his players in place..."
Rewind to last year...
Feb. 6, 2008.
ESPN Football Analyst Mike Gottfried:
"I said this earlier in the day. Write this down. This is the day the Alabama program turned the corner, and is going to become a power, and win the National Championship."
That was said after Coach Saban was able to sign his first complete class at Alabama. In one fatal swoop, he had signed as many 5-star players in one class than Mike Shula had signed in his entire tenure as the head coach of Alabama.
Fast forward to today...
The Playing Field is even.
While there is still a lot of youth on the Bama sidelines, as compared to a few of the other programs ranked highly around the league, the talent level isn't as heavily slanted as it once was in favor of those playing against the Tide.
The issue so often referred to ("depth is their weakness,") isn't a phrase that can be used when looking at the upcoming match-ups the Tide will face in 2009 and beyond.
In fact, it's closely becoming a situation where the professionals will end up saying, "Alabama fields more talent" than teams like Texas, LSU, Florida and will soon be on the same level as USC (the real one).
Granted, the rankings of a recruiting service are not the end all-be all, when it comes to results on the field. But, when you look at teams who are the front runners to compete for the BCS National Championship, you'll find one thing they all have one thing in common: a roster filled with players rated 4 and 5-Star prospects coming out of their high school careers.
Is the playing field about to be slanted to favor Bama across the board?
Now, we are beginning to see the last stage of grief among rival fans.
1) Denial: From "Nick Saban won't coach at Alabama" to "Nick Saban can't bring in the talent he did at LSU."
2) Anger: From "he's a liar" to "Can you believe they are paying him that much money to coach football?"
3) Bargaining: "It was a down year in the SEC." Or more recently, "No way can Saban lead another Alabama team to an undefeated regular season."
4) Depression: "The best class in college football last year" and "now he's gone and done it, again?"
5) Acceptance:
The numbers don't lie.
They reflect one fact; Alabama has as many highly rated prospects on their roster than any other team in the SEC: in the NCAA for that matter, save one in Pasadena.
If you look at the last two recruiting classes, using the ratings provided by Rivals.com, here's the end result.
What you see is a level playing field.
What you see is a team, one found in Tuscaloosa, that can place itself side by side with any other team in the nation in terms of talent.
Now, what's left, is player development that falls squarely on the abilities of a head coach and his staff.
Remember acceptance?
