First-Round Knockout…’Bama Style

The University of Alabama set a school record on Thursday night by having a total of four players selected in the first-round of the 2011 NFL Draft.

Marcell Dareus was selected by the Buffalo Bills with the third pick of the first-round and he was quickly followed by Julio Jones who was taken sixth by the Atlanta Falcons. Atlanta traded picks with the Cleveland Browns in order to draft the former Crimson Tide wide receiver.

While many expected Mark Ingram to be the third Crimson Tide player selected in the first-round, that distinction would officially go to offensive lineman James Carpenter. The Seattle Seahawks selected Carpenter at No. 25 in what was arguably the biggest surprise of the first-round. Most (if not all) NFL “experts” and fans alike expected Carpenter to be selected no higher than late second-round…and as late as the fourth-round.

The final Alabama player selected in the first-round was none other than Mark Ingram at No. 28. The 2009 Heisman Trophy winner was selected by the New Orleans Saints following a draft order trade with the New England Patriots.

Crimson Notes 4/21/11

Alabama head coach Nick Saban addressed reporters on Wednesday morning during an SEC teleconference and spoke briefly about the possibility of a two-quarterback system this fall.

Saban made it apparent that until a clear separation is noticed between A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims, he will have no problem running a two-quarterback system in 2011.

In respect to the third quarterback in the rotation…that job will go to Blake Sims.

Nick Saban has confirmed that Sims, who is an “athlete” and not a scholarship quarterback, will enter fall camp as the third man in the mix.

Saban said Sims has a better understanding of the position than was originally anticipated and he possesses great physical attributes.

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Mark Ingram Honored with NCAA Football 12 Cover

Former Heisman winner and Alabama star, Mark Ingram, has officially been named the cover athlete for EA SPORTS NCAA Football 12.

In a vote decided by the general public via online selection, Ingram defeated former Washington quarterback Jake Locker, former Auburn defensive tackle Nick Fairley, and former Oklahoma running back DeMarco Murray.



EA SPORTS NCAA Football 12 will hit stores July 12.

Be sure to visit EA SPORTS to learn about the game and FACEBOOK to see the new cover image and Ingram cover shoot.

Congratulations to Mark Ingram!

Ryan Anderson Commits to Alabama

The Alabama Crimson Tide have received another verbal commitment for the 2012 season increasing the overall number to eleven.

Defensive end Ryan Anderson (6’3” 250lbs) of Daphne, Alabama (Daphne High School) gave his verbal to the Crimson Tide on Saturday while attending the annual spring game.

In 2010 the Daphne Trojans captured the Alabama class 6A state championship. Anderson helped lead the Trojans to victory over the
top-ranked Hoover Bucs.

Although Anderson is listed by many recruiting outlets as a defensive end, the Daphne product will most likely begin his Alabama career at the “Jack” linebacker position.

A-Day 2011: Crimson “Steaks” Their Claim

After a Friday which saw severe weather ravage many parts of Alabama, Saturday afternoon brought sunny skies and 92,310 ‘Bama fans to
Bryant-Denny Stadium for A-Day 2011.

Thanks in large part to the efficient passing of Phillip Sims and the hard running of Trent Richardson, the Crimson squad defeated the White team by a score of 14-10.

Richardson was a workhorse for the Crimson squad as he rushed nine times for 49 yards and was on the receiving end of seven passes for 85 yards and a touchdown.

While working with the Crimson team, Phillip Sims was 11-of-20 for 138 yards passing on the afternoon. During his time with the White squad, Sims was 8-of-18 for 91 yards and one interception.

As for A.J. McCarron, who worked behind Greg McElroy in 2010, his A-Day success, like that of Sims, came as a member of the Crimson unit.

While working with the Crimson, McCarron completed 13-of-19 passes for 138 yards including one interception and one touchdown. On the flipside, McCarron was only 8-of-19 for 93 yards as a member of the White squad, including four sacks.

In respect to game highlights, safety Mark Barron (in a no-contact jersey) returned a fumbled snap 96-yards for a touchdown to give the White squad an early 7-0 lead in the first period of play.

Another moment that got Tide fans on their feet came when highly touted freshman Dee Hart scored a rushing touchdown during the second half of play. On the afternoon, Hart had 17 yards on five carries including the aforementioned touchdown.

With the spring game victory, the Crimson team can now prepare for a steak dinner…while the White squad begrudgingly settles for beans.

Spring Game Stats

Spring Practice News and Notes

With the exception of random position shuffles and minor injuries, spring practice for the Alabama Crimson Tide has been rather uneventful.

Make no mistake, certain position battles are hot and heavy and the quarterback race in particular will be one to follow as the team enters fall camp, but in terms of major unforeseen issues, it has been a very tranquil spring in Tuscaloosa.

On the injury front, linebacker Alex Watkins will miss the remainder of spring practice after sustaining a knee injury which required surgery. Watkins is expected to make a full recovery and be ready to return to action in early August for fall camp.

Safety Mark Barron has been “no contact” this spring as he continues to recover from pectoral surgery. Barron, like Watkins, is expected to be available for fall camp with little or no ill effects.

Jonathan Atchison (LB-bicep), Tyler Love (OL-concussion), Nick Perry (DB-shoulder), Brad Smelley (TE-hand) and Jarrick Williams (DB-shoulder) have either missed portions of spring practice or have been “no contact” due to injury.

Safety Robby Green, who missed the entire 2010 campaign after being suspended by the NCAA, has missed spring practice for violation of team rules. It is unclear at this time if or when Green will return to the team.

Defensive end Brandon Moore has missed the majority of spring practice due to suspension for violation of team rules and policy. As is the case with Robby Green, Brandon Moore’s prospective status as a member of the University of Alabama football team is uncertain at this time.

A-Day 2011 Itinerary

*Saturday April 16*

12:15 p.m.-Walk of Fame ceremony at Denny Chimes featuring Mark Barron, Dont’a Hightower and Greg McElroy

12:40 p.m.-Walk of Champions

12:45 p.m.-Nick Saban statue unveiled

2:00 p.m.-Spring game begins

Halftime-Quarterback challenge featuring Kenny Stabler, John Parker Wilson, Greg McElroy and Steadman Shealy…just to name a few.