Duron Carter Enrolls, Officially Joins Tide

The wait is over! Duron Carter is officially a student at the University of Alabama, and a member of the Crimson Tide football program.

Carter, who had been awaiting academic clearance in order to enroll, participated in his first sanctioned practice this afternoon.

The 6-foot-5 wide receiver adorned the No. 8 during his official Crimson Tide debut, a number that was issued to the Ohio State/Coffeyville C.C. transfer roughly one month ago.

While his Crimson Tide teammates look forward to Kent State…Duron Carter is simply looking forward to wearing full pads in practice.

By NCAA rule, Carter must treat his initial days with the Crimson Tide like the early stages of preseason camp. It will be a few practice sessions before Carter is allowed to adorn full gear.

2011 Alabama Crimson Tide Depth Chart

OFFENSE

Quarterback:

1-A.J. McCarron/Phillip Sims
2-Phillip Ely

Running Back:

1-Trent Richardson
2-Eddie Lacy
3-Jalston Fowler

Wide Receiver:

1-Marquis Maze
2-Brandon Gibson
3-Kevin Norwood
N/A-Duron Carter

Wide Receiver:

1-DeAndrew White
2-Kenny Bell
3-Michael Bowman
N/A-Darius Hanks

Tight End:

1-Michael Williams
2-Chris Underwood
3-Brian Vogler

Tight End:

1-Brad Smelley
2-Harrison Jones

Left Tackle:

1-Barrett Jones/Cyrus Kouandjio
2-Tyler Love

Left Guard:

1-Chance Warmack/Barrett Jones
2-Alfred McCullough

Center:

1-William Vlachos
2-Kellen Williams

Right Guard:

1-Anthony Steen
2-John Michael Boswell

Right Tackle:

1-D.J. Fluker
2-Austin Shepherd

DEFENSE

Defensive End:

1-Damion Square
2-Ed Stinson

Defensive End:

1-Jesse Williams
2-Quinton Dial/Undra Billingsley

Nose Guard:

1-Josh Chapman
2-Nick Gentry/Jesse Williams

Linebacker:

1-Courtney Upshaw
2-Adrian Hubbard/Xzavier Dickson

Linebacker:

1-Jerrell Harris
2-Alex Watkins/Jonathan Atchison

Linebacker:

1-Nico Johnson/C.J. Mosley
2-Tana Patrick

Linebacker:

1-Dont'a Hightower
2-Chris Jordan/Trey DePriest

Cornerback:

1-Dre Kirkpatrick
2-Phelon Jones

Cornerback:

1-DeQuan Menzie
2-Dee Milliner
3-John Fulton

Strong Safety:

1-Robert Lester
2-Jarrick Williams
3-Vinnie Sunseri

Free Safety:

1-Mark Barron
2-Will Lowery
3-Ha'Sean Clinton-Dix

SPECIAL TEAMS

Place-Kicker:

1-Jeremy Shelley/Cade Foster

Kickoff:

1-Cade Foster
2-Jeremy Shelley

Holder:

1-A.J. McCarron
2-Hardie Buck

Punter:

1-Cody Mandell
2-Jay Williams

Snapper:

1-Carson Tinker
2-Kelly Johnson

Punt Returner:

1-Marquis Maze
2-DeAndrew White

Kickoff Returner:

1-Marquis Maze
2-Dee Milliner

Golden Flashes of Optimism: Kent State/Alabama

When the Kent State Golden Flashes invade Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday for the 11:20 a.m. season opener against the Alabama Crimson Tide, new head coach Darrell Hazell will officially begin his head coaching career at Kent State University.

Hazell, who spent the past seven seasons as a member of the Ohio State coaching staff, will look to improve a Kent State program that finished the 2010 campaign with an overall record of 5-7, which included a 4-4 record in the Mid-American Conference.

Kent State Offense

On the offensive side of the ball, the Golden Flashes are led by quarterback Spencer Keith. As a sophomore, Keith threw for 2,212 yards including eight touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

Wide receiver Tyshon Goode, who led the Golden Flashes in receptions, yards and receiving touchdowns in 2010, will once again play a vital role in the KSU offensive attack.

In respect to the ground game, Kent State is expected to be led by Jacquise Terry. The KSU featured back rushed for over 500 yards in 2010 while the Golden Flashes as a team ranked 100th (FBS) in rushing. Terry suffered a shoulder injury during a preseason scrimmage and is currently listed as “probable” for the contest against Alabama.

Kent State Defense

Over the course of the 2010 season, Kent State surrendered a total of 22.9 points per game while holding the opposition to only 97 yards of total rushing per contest. However, the Golden Flashes only return a total of five starters on defense for the 2011 campaign…so depth will be an issue.

Defensive lineman Roosevelt Nix is the “glue” for Kent State in respect to the frontline. As a true freshman in 2010, Nix was named the MAC (Mid-American Conference) Defensive Player of the Year. With depth being a concern on the KSU defense, Nix will need to continue to perform at a high level in 2011.

Kent State/Alabama Verdict

While Alabama is a 35-point (plus) favorite over Kent State, the Golden Flashes will leave Bryant-Denny Stadium with a generous check and plenty of learning experience for the remainder and bulk of the 2011 season.

Nick Saban’s alma mater will not defeat the No. 2 team in the country, but they’ll be primed and ready to do damage in the Mid-American Conference thanks to this critical experience.

Alabama 45
Kent State 10

High Temps/High Tension: Thursday Practice Report

Toasty Tuscaloosa:

-Alabama practiced indoors on Thursday afternoon in order to beat the August heat. Temperatures in Tuscaloosa hit triple digits today.

Unsolved Mysteries…Duron Carter:

-Unless someone is transporting Duron Carter’s college transcript to the University of Alabama on FOOT…it should have long since arrived in Tuscaloosa. Nick Saban addressed the media after practice and acknowledged that new information has surfaced in respect to Carter, however, the Crimson Tide coach concluded his avowal by saying, “I’ll believe it when I see it.”

^^^ “I’ll believe it when I see it.” ^^^

Back to Class: Wednesday Practice Report

Class in Session:

-Preseason camp officially came to an end on Tuesday. Today marked the first day of traditional fall practice thanks to the start of the fall semester at the University of Alabama.

Dee Hart Sighting:

-Freshman running back Dee Hart made his fall practice debut on Wednesday. Hart, who is expected to miss the entire 2011 season after undergoing knee surgery, rode a stationary bike during the afternoon practice session.

August 31…Key for Carter:

-Duron Carter remains the most talked about fictional Alabama football player since the great Forrest Gump. Carter has yet to enroll at the University of Alabama due to academic transcript issues. The last day a student can begin the fall semester is Aug. 31.

The Future:

-Alabama will hit the practice field on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, before taking a break on Sunday. Game preparation for the Kent State Golden Flashes will begin on Friday.

Back to Work: Tuesday Practice Report

Grind Time:

-Tuesday was the first practice session since Saturday’s closed scrimmage.

Injuries:

-Nose guard Brandon Ivory, cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio all returned to practice on Tuesday after missing Saturday’s scrimmage due to minor injuries.

On Field Action:

-The versatile Blake Sims continues to work at the running back position.

-Offensive lineman Barrett Jones (speaking of versatile) continues to take reps at left tackle.

The Drama Continues:

-Still no sign of wide receiver Duron Carter…and still no sign of finality to this “academic transcript gone awry” storyline.

Thoughts and Prayers for Pat Summitt:

-Nick Saban, during his post-practice press conference, said his thoughts and prayers are with University of Tennessee women’s basketball coach Pat Summitt and her family. Summitt, one of the greatest and most recognizable coaches in the history of college basketball, has been diagnosed with early onset dementia.

Two Weeks Notice: Saturday Scrimmage Report

Overview:

-Alabama scrimmaged for more than two hours on Saturday afternoon in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The final scrimmage of fall camp included a total of 50 plays concerning customary game action, situational downs, redzone offense/defense, goal-line situations and how to effectively operate a
two-minute condition.

Available Statistics:

-RB Trent Richardson had 39 yards on seven carries.
-RB Eddie Lacy had 57 yards on six carries including a touchdown.
-S Mark Barron recorded six tackles, one sack and one interception.
-LB Dont’a Hightower recorded six tackles.
-LB Courtney Upshaw recorded five tackles including one sack.
-LB C.J. Mosley recorded five tackles.

Injuries:

-Nose guard Brandon Ivory, offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio and defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick did not participate in the scrimmage due to injury. Ivory and Kouandjio are dealing with minor knee ailments, while Kirkpatrick is recovering from a leg contusion.

Next:

-Alabama will return to the practice field on Tuesday afternoon for the final week of fall camp.

Friday Practice Report, Scrimmage on Saturday

Injuries:

-Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick (deep leg contusion) did not participate in individual drills.

-Nose guard Brandon Ivory (minor knee injury) adorned a black “non-contact” jersey during the Friday session.

-Arie Kouandjio (minor knee injury) was not on the practice field during the media viewing period on Friday afternoon. Kouandjio has been dealing with a knee ailment since Alabama’s “Fan Day” public practice on Aug. 7.

On Field Action:

-Redshirt freshman Blake Sims continues to take reps at the running back position, while freshman Phillip Ely has taken over as the third-team quarterback. Sims, who is very versatile, is expected to provide the Crimson Tide with a most unique offensive weapon in 2011.

Saturday Scrimmage:

-Alabama will hold a closed (general public and media) scrimmage at
1 p.m. tomorrow afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Thursday Practice Report, Saban Addresses Media

-Alabama worked indoors on Thursday afternoon in order to beat the August heat and humidity.

-Linebacker Dont’a Hightower continues to wear a protective dressing on his surgically repaired left hand. Hightower is expected to be “bandage free” once the season begins on Sept. 3 against Kent State.

-Alabama will return to the practice field Friday afternoon for a final session prior to Saturday’s closed scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

-In respect to the recent Yahoo! article concerning the University of Miami and two former assistants who are now employed at the University of Alabama, Nick Saban relayed the following message (see video) to the media earlier today.

Two-A-Day Sessions Conclude at ‘Bama

-Freshman Christion Jones, who has split time with the running backs and wide receivers during fall camp, was once again working with the receivers on Wednesday. Jones is expected to be stabilized at the receiver spot when all is said and done.

-Blake Sims, who has been one of the most talked about players this month, continued to take reps at the running back position on Wednesday. Sims is expected to play a pivotal role at the quarterback and running back position during the 2011 season.

-Other than minor ailments, Alabama has been relatively injury-free during the course of fall camp. The use of black “non-contact” jerseys has not been prevalent this month…which is certainly a positive.

-The Crimson Tide will return to the practice field on Thursday and Friday for single practice sessions in preparation for the final scrimmage of fall camp. The scrimmage, which will be closed to the general public, will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Geno Smith Gives Verbal to ‘Bama

One of the most decorated players in the 2012 national signing class has given his verbal to the University of Alabama.

Geno Smith, who attends St. Pius X Catholic High School in Atlanta, selected the Crimson Tide over the likes of Auburn University and a host of other major college programs.

Smith, who plays defensive back, is considered one of the top 50 high school players in the nation.

The Georgia native becomes the 17th verbal commitment for the University of Alabama in respect to the 2012 signing class.

Versatility on the Menu: Tuesday Practice Report

-Offensive lineman Barrett Jones, who has worked at virtually every position across the offensive line during fall camp, worked at the left tackle position on Tuesday afternoon. Jones started the 2009 and 2010 seasons at right guard.

-Blake Sims, for the second day in a row, saw action at the running back position. The versatile Sims worked at the quarterback spot last week. Sims, along with running back/wide receiver Christion Jones, have been the only two players in fall camp to work with more than one position unit thus far.

-No Tide players were withheld from practice on Tuesday, but a few guys are currently on the mend after sustaining minor injuries or surgical procedures. Linebacker Dont’a Hightower (fractured hand) and running back Eddie Lacy (pectoral strain) continue to adorn protective devices during practice. Linebacker Damion Square wore a patch over his left eye during Tuesday’s session after being poked in the eye.

-The Crimson Tide will return to the practice field on Wednesday morning as two-a-day sessions resume.

Richardson Graces the Cover of Sports Illustrated

College football MUST be in the air…because Alabama is on the cover of Sports Illustrated.

When the new edition of SI hits newsstands on Thursday, Alabama running back Trent Richardson will be front and center.

Richardson is featured on the cover of SI alongside several other “impact players” who are expected to lead their respective teams to quality seasons in 2011.

Alabama has now appeared on the cover of SI a total of eleven times since Nick Saban arrived in 2007.

The Youth Movement: Monday Night Practice Report

-Redshirt freshman Blake Sims took reps with the running backs on Monday following an extensive period with the quarterbacks last week. Sims, who can virtually do it all from an offensive skill standpoint, is expected to provide Alabama with versatility and resourcefulness this season.

-Freshman Christion Jones, who has been working with the running backs and wide receivers during fall camp, took reps with the wide receivers on Monday.

-Freshman linebacker Trey DePriest and freshman safety Ha’Sean Clinton-Dix have looked very impressive during the course of fall camp, and have stood out even more so over the last few days.

-Cornerback Dee Milliner, who sustained a gash to his chin during Saturday’s scrimmage, participated in both Monday practice sessions with no ill effects.

-Offensive lineman Ryan Kelly, who missed last week with a concussion, returned to practice on Monday.

-Linebacker Alex Watkins and tight end Brian Vogler, who did not participate in Saturday’s scrimmage due to injury, returned to practice on Monday. Both Watkins and Vogler are recovering from offseason surgical procedures.

Sims at RB: Monday Morning Practice Report

-Redshirt freshman Blake Sims took reps with the running backs on Monday morning following an extensive period with the quarterbacks last week. Sims, who can virtually do it all from an offensive skill standpoint, is expected to provide Alabama with versatility and resourcefulness this season.

-Cornerback Dee Milliner, who sustained a gash to his chin during Saturday’s scrimmage, participated in the morning session with no ill effects.

-Offensive lineman Ryan Kelly, who missed last week with a concussion, returned to practice Monday morning.

-Linebacker Alex Watkins and tight end Brian Vogler, who did not participate in Saturday’s scrimmage due to injury, returned to practice on Monday. Both Watkins and Vogler are recovering from offseason surgical procedures.

-Alabama will return to the field at 7:30 p.m. for the second session
of two-a-day practice.

Saturday Scrimmage News and Notes

-Saturday’s scrimmage at Bryant-Denny Stadium lasted more than two hours and featured a period of 7-on-7 drills followed by 11-on-11 game simulation.

*-Wide receiver Marquis Maze caught five passes for 123 yards including three touchdowns.

*-Linebacker C.J. Mosley had six tackles on the afternoon which was a scrimmage high. Safety Mark Barron and linebacker Courtney Upshaw had five tackles on the day, and Upshaw also added a sack to his credit.

-Center William Vlachos, who missed practice on Thursday and Friday, returned to the field for Saturday’s scrimmage.

-Offensive lineman Ryan Kelly, tight end Brian Vogler and linebacker Alex Watkins did not participate in the scrimmage due to injury.

-Alabama will return to the practice field on Monday as two-a-day sessions continue.

*Additional statistics in respect to individual play were not made available.

Two-A-Days Resume: Evening Practice Report

-Linebacker Dont’a Hightower returned to practice one day after undergoing minor surgery to repair a fractured left hand. Hightower was sporting a white “club” on his left hand and arm during the morning and evening sessions. Based on the size of the protected area, the hand and arm appeared to be casted and profoundly wrapped.

-Center William Vlachos missed his third consecutive practice due to illness.

-Defensive end Undra Billingsley, who missed most of the week due to illness, returned to the practice field Friday for both sessions. Billingsley was hospitalized earlier in the week for medical assessment.

-Offensive lineman Ryan Kelly missed both practice sessions on Friday and remains day-to-day with a concussion.

-Alabama will hold the first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Two-A-Days Resume: Morning Practice Report

-Linebacker Dont’a Hightower returned to practice one day after undergoing minor surgery to repair a fractured left hand. Hightower was sporting a white “club” on his left hand and arm during the morning session. Based on the size of the protected area, the hand and arm appeared to be casted and profoundly wrapped.



-Center William Vlachos missed his second consecutive practice due to illness. Vlachos could participate in the evening session but his contribution is doubtful.

-Defensive end Undra Billingsley, who missed most of the week due to illness, returned to the practice field Friday morning. Billingsley was hospitalized earlier in the week for medical assessment.

-Offensive lineman Ryan Kelly missed the Friday morning session and remains day-to-day with a concussion.

Hightower, Vlachos Absent from Thursday Practice

-Dont’a Hightower missed practice on Thursday due to a fractured left hand. Hightower suffered the injury during Sunday’s “Fan Day” public practice. The Crimson Tide linebacker underwent a surgical procedure on Thursday to repair the fracture. Hightower is expected to return to practice on Friday. Oddly enough, Hightower had yet to miss a single practice session due to the hand injury prior to the surgical procedure.

-Center William Vlachos missed practice on Thursday due to an illness.

-Offensive lineman Ryan Kelly (concussion) and defensive lineman Undra Billingsley (illness) were absent for the fourth consecutive practice. Billingsley was hospitalized earlier in the week for medical examination.

-Thursday was a single practice affair for the Crimson Tide. Two-a-day sessions will resume on Friday. Alabama will hold the first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Crimson Quandary: Duron Carter Update

Points of Note and Clarification:

-Former Ohio State/Coffeyville Community College wide receiver Duron Carter could be available to officially join the Crimson Tide by the end of next week.

-The issue involving Carter has NOTHING to do with the NCAA. Carter is currently waiting on two grades (summer classes) to be added to his official transcript. Once the grades in question have been added, the transcript will be sent to the University of Alabama for academic review. If the transcript is “satisfactory”…Carter will officially enroll as a student.

-Duron Carter’s father, former NFL standout Cris Carter, has noted that other schools have continued to recruit Duron during the academic “waiting” process. Carter said both he and his son remain steadfast to the University of Alabama.

Two-A-Day Sessions Commence at ‘Bama

-Wide receiver Duron Carter has yet to take the field for the Crimson Tide. Carter missed both practice sessions on Wednesday as the “drama” surrounding his transcript issues continue. Wednesday was considered a speculatory “target date” for Carter’s fall camp debut.

-Wide receiver Danny Woodson Jr. remains ineligible, and like Duron Carter, has yet to participate in fall camp.

-Defensive end Undra Billingsley missed his third consecutive practice due to illness. Billingsley was hospitalized earlier in the week due to a non-football related ailment.

-Freshman offensive lineman Ryan Kelly was absent from practice for the second consecutive day due to an unspecified injury. Kelly is listed as day-to-day.

Full Pads…Full Contact: Tuesday Practice Report

-Alabama worked in full pads for the first time in fall camp.

-Offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio returned to the practice field on Tuesday after missing individual drills on Monday. Kouandjio suffered a knee/leg injury during the “Fan Day” public practice on Sunday.

-The Duron Carter situation has not changed. Read my prior posts on the situation for information in respect to his possible fall camp debut.

-Running back Eddie Lacy and tight end Brian Vogler, who adorned black non-contact jerseys on Sunday, were cleared for contact during the Tuesday session.

-Defensive end Undra Billingsley is in a local hospital undergoing tests due to a non-football related illness.

Dixie Fried Football: Monday Practice Report

-Offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio, who suffered a leg injury during Sunday’s public practice, did not take the field on Monday during the media viewing period. Nick Saban will address the media on Tuesday and will most likely provide an injury update.

-Running back Eddie Lacy and tight end Brian Vogler, who adorned black non-contact jerseys on Sunday, were both wearing white jerseys at the Monday practice session.

-Freshman Christion Jones continues to take reps with the running backs and wide receivers.

-Wide receiver Duron Carter remains ineligible to participate in fall camp, but as mentioned in a prior post, Carter is expected to join the Crimson Tide later in the week.

-Alabama will practice in full pads for the first time on Tuesday. Two-a-day practice sessions will begin on Wednesday.

Fan Day: Sunday Public Practice Report

-Running back Eddie Lacy and tight end Brian Vogler practiced in black non-contact jerseys during the Sunday public session.

-Offensive lineman Arie Kouandjio suffered a leg injury during the practice session and was placed on a golf cart and taken under the stadium for treatment. Kouandjio would later return to the field, under his own power, for the “Fan Day” autograph session.

-Barrett Jones, who earned his college degree on Saturday, continued to work at the left tackle position. Jones is considered a primary candidate to replace James Carpenter.

-Tide players worked in helmets and pads on Sunday and will transition into full gear in the coming days.

‘Bama Fall Camp: Saturday Practice Report

-Duron Carter is expected to officially join the Crimson Tide football team next week. Carter is dealing with a “transcript issue” and hopes to report to camp by Wednesday.

-The future of freshman Danny Woodson Jr. is unknown at this time; however, Nick Saban hopes Woodson Jr. will be able to take the field prior to the first day of the fall semester.

-At the quarterback position, A.J. McCarron, Phillip Sims and Blake Sims participated in group drills together for the first time in fall camp. The “first time grouping” was due to the fact McCarron and Phillip Sims participated in the Friday morning session, while Blake Sims joined Phillip Ely in the night session.

-Offensive lineman Barrett Jones and walk-on wide receiver Hardie Buck were excused from practice due to graduation ceremonies.

-Tide freshman Christion Jones, who worked at the wide receiver position on Friday, took reps with the running backs on Saturday.

-No players adorned black non-contact jerseys during the Saturday session.

-Alabama “Fan Day” is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Night Moves: Tide Freshmen Hit the Field

Due to inclement weather the first night session of Alabama fall practice was moved indoors.

Brent Calloway made his ‘Bama debut at the running back position working with walk-on Nick Tinker. Based on the initial day of practice it appears Calloway is battling for the fourth spot in the rotation.

Phillip Ely and multi-purpose athlete Blake Sims took reps at the quarterback position, although it is uncertain which role Sims will fill once the season begins. Due to the lack of depth at running back, Sims could be moved during the course of fall practice.

Multi-purpose athlete Christion Jones began his first night with the Crimson Tide at the wide receiver position. Jones, who can also play defensive back, is another player who will likely be “shuffled” during the month of August.

QB Alec Morris Gives Verbal to ‘Bama

Allen, Texas quarterback Alec Morris has decommitted from Wake Forest University and given his verbal to the University of Alabama for the 2012 season.

Morris, who stands 6-foot-3 and tops the scale at 235-pounds, is solid on his new commitment to the Crimson Tide.

Allen High School offensive coordinator Jeff Fleener says Morris enjoyed his visit to Wake Forest, but knew the pro-style quarterback could not pass up the Alabama offer.

Fleener says there isn’t another school in the country that could change Morris’ mind. His college recruitment is finished.

As a high school junior, Morris threw for 2,533 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Allen High School standout also earned MVP honors at the Fort Worth and Houston Nike Camps held this spring.

Chris Black Verbally Commits to ‘Bama

The University of Alabama received a verbal commitment from wide receiver Chris Black on Friday.

Black, who currently attends First Coast High School in Jacksonville, Florida, is considered one of the top receivers in the nation.

Black chose Alabama over the likes of Florida State and a host of other major programs.

Chris Black becomes the 15th verbal commitment for Alabama in respect to the 2012 signing class.

Carter, Woodson Jr. Encounter Eligibility Questions

Junior college transfer Duron Carter and freshman Danny Woodson Jr. (both wide receivers) have yet to meet the necessary requirements to participate in fall practice.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban addressed the media on Friday and acknowledged the situation concerning Carter and Woodson Jr.

"Duron Carter, we do not have all of his information for all of his grades," Saban said. "Until we get that information, even though he's here he is not eligible to be at practice or be at camp. When we get that information if it's all what it's supposed to be then he'll be able to practice."

In respect to Woodson Jr., Saban was more vague on the situation but hoped to have the true freshman at practice before the fall semester began.

On a positive note, Tide freshman Brent Calloway (RB/LB) has fulfilled his academic requirements and will, in all likelihood, be available to participate in fall practice as early as today.

Calloway’s academic standing was in turmoil earlier this month when the Russellville High School standout was required to complete a science course in order to satisfy NCAA necessities prior to his enrollment at Alabama.

‘Bama Begins Fall Camp

The University of Alabama football team officially began fall camp this morning in preparation for the 2011 season.

The morning session was a compilation of veterans and seniors who are expected to see an abundance of playing time. At 7:30 p.m. the freshmen will officially report for the first day of practice coupled with several returning players who lack experience and are looking to climb the depth chart.

Quick Hits:

-Team in shells (helmet/shorts) to begin fall camp.

-A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims were the only quarterbacks in the morning session.

-Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, Jalston Fowler and a walk-on were the only running backs who participated in the morning session.

-Barrett Jones began fall camp at the left tackle position. Jones is expected to be worked at several positions along the offensive line this month.

-Eddie Lacy and DeQuan Menzie (both injured/rumored to be injured) were practicing without incident and neither player was wearing a black “non-contact” jersey.

-Several players were sporting various braces and wraps due to minor injuries, however, all players who participated in the morning session were cleared for full practice.

USA TODAY Preseason Poll

1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. Oregon
4. LSU
5. Florida State
6. Stanford
7. Boise State
8. Oklahoma State
9. Texas A&M
10. Wisconsin
11. Nebraska
12. South Carolina
13. Virginia Tech
14. Arkansas
15. TCU
16. Ohio State
17. Michigan State
18. Notre Dame
19. Auburn
20. Mississippi State
21. Missouri
22. Georgia
23. Florida
24. Texas
25. Penn State


Others Receiving Votes:
26. Arizona State
27. West Virginia
28. Utah
29. Miami
30. Iowa
31. Northwestern
32. Arizona
33. Central Florida
34. Michigan
35. Air Force
36. North Carolina
37. Houston
38. South Florida
39. Hawaii
40. Clemson
41. Tennessee
42. Southern Miss
43. Brigham Young
44. North Carolina State
45. Northern Illinois
46. Oregon State
47. Pittsburgh
48. Washington
49. Georgia Tech
50. Nevada

>>>USA TODAY<<<

Sentimore Transfers to Community College

Alabama defensive lineman Darrington Sentimore, who is currently suspended for violation of team rules and policy, will play college football at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College this fall.

Sentimore’s transfer to MGCCC will officially end his football career at the University of Alabama.

Sentimore played in a total of 11 games for the Crimson Tide during the 2010 season.