Transfer student

Contribution by Paula Gonzales

Today is my first day of college. Well, my first day of college at this college. This will be the third college I have attended. I don’t know what my problem is. I just can’t find a place that seems to fit with me. The past two places have been terrible fits. I am very hopeful about this one. I moved into my new apartment a few weeks ago and learned my way around a little before school started. Everything so far is off to a great start. I love my apartment. The move in and installations went smoothly. I was able to find a great electricity provider from Texas Electricity Providers. The view from my apartment is wonderful and the complex seems to be very popular. I was worried about choosing the right apartment. Having just transferred here, I didn’t know if I was picking a popular complex or an unpopular one. So far it appears to have been a good choice and so far I already like the school more. Fingers crossed this will be the school for me.

Tide receives new verbal commitments for 2013

Alabama’s first major recruiting event of the year has featured a total of three verbal commitments in respect to the 2013 recruiting class.

Wide receiver Raheem Falkins, athlete ArDarius Stewart, and running back Altee Tenpenny each verbally committed to the University of Alabama during Saturday’s “Junior Day” festivities.

In addition to the verbal commitments, athlete John Diarse, linebacker Walker Jones (younger brother of Harrison and Barrett Jones), running back Alvin Kamara, and offensive tackle Kenneth Santa Marina each received scholarship offers from Alabama for 2013.

While scholarship offers and possible verbal commitments will continue for the next 24 hours, one can expect a dose of “weekend finality” come Sunday night once the on-campus recruiting event has concluded.

However, as of Saturday night, Alabama is in the midst of a 2013 "talent cavalcade" thanks to Nick Saban and the entire Crimson Tide coaching staff.

‘Bama makes final push for three defensive tackles

With National Signing Day 2012 set for Wednesday, the Alabama Crimson Tide are making one final push for three players…all of which play the defensive tackle position.

Alabama is expected to sign one player from the list below, and possibly two, in order to put the finishing touches on the 2012 signing class.

Eddie Goldman, Korren Kirven, and Dalvin Tomlinson should present the only “signing day drama” for the Crimson Tide barring some unforeseen event come Wednesday morning.

With the exclusion of possible grayshirts and non-academic qualifiers, the names listed on the verbal commitment sheet are expected to sign with the University of Alabama.

As usual, Nick Saban will hold his annual signing day press conference come Wednesday afternoon. At which time all questions concerning the events of the day will be addressed.

Alabama is poised to have another top-three signing class and possibly the No. 1 class in the nation. So much of the final rankings will not only depend on how Alabama “closes” but also how other schools finish as well.

Eddie Goldman-Washington, District of Columbia

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive tackle
-No. 2 defensive tackle in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall prospect in Washington, D.C. per Rivals.com
-No. 7 overall prospect in the nation per Rivals.com
-Considered an Auburn “lean” by several recruiting experts

Korren Kirven-Lynchburg, Virginia

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive tackle
-No. 7 overall prospect in the state of Virginia per Rivals.com
-No. 16 overall defensive tackle prospect in the nation per Rivals.com
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Dalvin Tomlinson-McDonough, Georgia

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive tackle
-No. 11 overall prospect in the state of Georgia per Rivals.com
-No. 11 overall defensive tackle prospect in the nation per Rivals.com
-Considered an Alabama “lean” by several recruiting experts

Chris Samuels accepts position on Alabama staff

Former Washington Redskins tackle Chris Samuels has accepted an assistant coaching position with his alma mater, the University of Alabama, where he will work with the offensive line while completing his degree.

Samuels, here in Mobile, Ala. to watch Senior Bowl practices coached by the Washington Redskins staff and attended by Alabama coach Nick Saban, said he is excited to take another step forward in his coaching career. He said he wants to apply lessons learned from Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan while gleaning from Saban’s knowledge.

Drafted third overall by Washington in 2000, Samuels played nine seasons for the Redskins – reaching the Pro Bowl six times – before a spinal condition forced him to retire in March of 2010.

WashingtonPost.com- Chris Samuels joining Alabama as offensive line assistant

Even though the addition of Samuels appears to be short-term, make no mistake, all parties involved will benefit greatly with Samuels on staff.

Current Alabama offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland, who recently completed his first year at Alabama, oversees one of the most dominate offensive fronts in major college football. The addition of Samuels can only make the Tide stronger in every facet of the offensive line.

The news of Samuels returning to Alabama as an assistant will probably “fly under the radar” in terms of the casual fan, but the addition of a former NFL veteran to any coaching body is invaluable.

Nick Saban, once again, has made a solid addition to his staff.

Nick Saban remembers the late Joe Paterno

Joe Paterno, the patriarch of Penn State football, died Sunday morning at the age of 85 following a bout with lung cancer.

Joe Paterno-Penn State/Alabama postgame presser-9/11/10

In the wake of Paterno’s death, Alabama head coach Nick Saban (among others) shared personal thoughts and memories of the legendary Penn State coach during an installment of ESPN’s SportsCenter.

"Joe Paterno probably gave his life to college football," Saban said. "He gave his life to the players in college football."

ESPN.com Video--Saban remembers Paterno

“2011” championship update added to Saban statue

Construction on the “Walk of Champions” and the Saban statue is always a good thing.

Let the “process” continue and the winning persist!

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - Alabama updated Nick Saban's statue Thursday to reflect the Crimson Tide's 14th national championship in football.

A fresh etched "2011" appeared next to the "2009," both years signifying the two national championship teams Saban has coached at Alabama.

al.com-Saban statue “2011” update

Storms threaten ‘Bama title celebration

The Alabama football national championship celebration at Bryant-Denny Stadium could very well be in jeopardy based on the latest weather forecast.

Storms are projected to be the "order of the day" for most of central/north Alabama…

Looks like the main window for strong to severe storms will be from about midnight tonight through 3:00 p.m. tomorrow. Understand this is not a major severe weather threat at all, but one or two warnings might be required for storms that try to rotate after midnight. Tornadoes, if we have any at all, more than likely will be short lived and relatively weak.

alabamawx.com-weekend storm threat

Yeldon wins top award, UA confirms coaching hires

-Former Daphne High School running back T.J. Yeldon has been named “Mr. Football” by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. Yeldon, a five-star prospect per Rivals.com, is an early enrollee at the University of Alabama and began classes earlier this month.

-The University of Alabama has officially confirmed the hire of offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier and the rehire of linebackers coach Lance Thompson. State and national media initially reported the “confirmed by source(s)” appointment of Nussmeier and Thompson earlier this week.

Doug Nussmeier named new OC at Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama has hired former Washington offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier for the same position, a source with knowledge of the coaching search confirmed.

Nussmeier has worked as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach under head coach Steve Sarkisian at Washington since 2009. The Huskies ranked 25th nationally in scoring with 33.4 points per game, and 38th nationally in total offense in 2011.

ESPN.com- Nussmeier to ‘Bama

One can expect a formal press conference later this week at which time Nussmeier (and possibly Lance Thompson) will be formally introduced.

In respect to the hire, Nussmeier appears to be the ideal fit for the Alabama offense based on his personal style and the Crimson Tide’s current offensive personnel.

Nussmeier’s Coaching Resume

2001 B.C. Lions - CFL - (QB)
2002 Ottawa - CFL - (QB)
2003-05 Michigan State - (QB)
2006-07 St. Louis Rams - NFL - (QB)
2008 Fresno State - (OC)
2009-11 Washington - (OC/QB)

Lance Thompson to return to Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama - When Lance Thompson left Alabama's football coaching staff after the 2008 season to go to Tennessee, he was replaced by Sal Sunseri. Now Thompson is returning to Alabama to replace Sunseri, according to a source with knowledge of Alabama's search.

al.com-Lance Thompson

The notion of Thompson returning to Alabama is currently being met with mixed emotions.

Many Tide fans, as of Sunday night, are pleased with the idea of Thompson returning to Alabama based on his coaching ability and his prowess as a top-notch recruiter.

On the other hand, a faction of Alabama supporters are perplexed and disenchanted with the idea of Thompson’s return, based on how the assistant coach departed Tuscaloosa in early 2009.

al.com-Lance Thompson leaves ‘Bama in secrecy…Saban shocked

As is the case with most things in life, only time will tell how this “rediscovered” relationship will unfold.

Six Tide players accept Senior Bowl invites

Linebacker Courtney Upshaw, center William Vlachos, wide receiver Marquis Maze, cornerback DeQuan Menzie, safety Mark Barron, and nose guard Josh Chapman have each accepted invitations to the 2012 Senior Bowl in Mobile.

Even though six former Crimson Tide players have accepted an invite, two players are questionable, and one will not participate.

Nose guard Josh Chapman will miss the game due to an upcoming knee procedure, while Marquis Maze (hamstring) and Mark Barron (ribs) are considered questionable.

The 2012 Senior Bowl will be held Jan. 28 at Ladd-Peebles Stadium.

Championship celebration to be held Saturday

In honor of Alabama’s 14th national title, the school will hold a public celebration Saturday afternoon at 2 p.m. inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Admission to the event is free and the gates will open at noon. All seating will be limited to the west side of BDS.

The first 30,000 fans in attendance will receive a free national championship poster.

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If you would like to add a touch of class and sophistication to your home, automobile, office area, and anywhere in between, be sure to visit Comfysheep’s online catalog and redefine your style.

For superior sheepskin products for your well-designed lifestyle, visit Comfysheep today.

Sal Sunseri joins UT staff as defensive coordinator

University of Tennessee head football coach Derek Dooley announced Friday that the Vols have hired Sal Sunseri as defensive coordinator. Sunseri joins Tennessee after serving the last three years as the assistant head coach and linebackers coach at Alabama under head coach Nick Saban, including the national championship teams of 2009 and 2011. He also spent seven years (2002-08) with the Carolina Panthers under then-head coach and current Denver Broncos head coach John Fox, a tenure that included the franchise's lone NFC Championship and Super Bowl appearance.

LINK: UTSports.com-Sal Sunseri

Not only was Sunseri ‘Bama’s linebackers coach, he was (is) one of the best recruiters in the nation. In essence Alabama is losing two key responsibilities within the departure of a single individual.

On a positive note, it has been confirmed that Crimson Tide safety Vinnie Sunseri, Sal’s son, will remain at the University of Alabama.

Izzy Gould via Twitter: Source tells me Vinnie Sunseri "is a Crimson Tider," and will stay at Alabama.

Dont’a Hightower declares for 2012 NFL Draft

The University of Alabama has confirmed that Crimson Tide linebacker Dont’a Hightower will enter the NFL Draft.

Cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick and running back Trent Richardson each declared for the NFL Draft on Thursday during an organized press conference.

Although Hightower was not present for the function, an Alabama spokesperson has confirmed Hightower’s intent to enter the draft.

Dont’a Hightower

-2008 Recruiting Class
-2008 Freshman All-American
-2009 SEC/National Champion, 2011 National Champion
-2011 Consensus All-American
-Fourth-year junior…led Alabama in tackles (85) during the ’11 season, including four sacks and one interception

Kirkpatrick and Richardson declare for NFL Draft

Alabama cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, and running back Trent Richardson will enter the 2012 NFL Draft.

The two Crimson Tide juniors declared for the draft at a press conference held Thursday afternoon in Tuscaloosa.

The final day for underclassmen to declare for the 2012 NFL Draft is
Jan. 15.

Dre Kirkpatrick

-2009 Recruiting Class
-2009 SEC/National Champion, 2011 National Champion
-2011 2nd Team All-American Associated Press
-2011 2nd Team All-SEC Associated Press, (Coaches)
-30 tackles during the ’11 season, including nine pass breakups, and two forced fumbles

Trent Richardson

-2009 Recruiting Class
-2009 SEC All-Freshman Team
-2009 SEC/National Champion, 2011 National Champion
-2011 SEC Offensive Player of the Year
-2011 Unanimous Consensus All-American
-2011 Doak Walker Award winner
-2011 Heisman Trophy Finalist (3rd)
-Averaged 129 yards rushing during the ’11 season…broke Mark Ingram’s school-record for most rushing yards in a single-season with 1,679

Crimson Notes 1/11/12

Going Pro…Coming Back

-Alabama has scheduled a press conference for 1 p.m. on Thursday at which time selected players will make a public declaration to either enter the 2012 NFL Draft or return to school.

-ESPN’s Joe Schad reported earlier today that Crimson Tide safety Robert Lester will return to Alabama for his senior season.

-Over the past 60 days, offensive linemen Barrett Jones, Chance Warmack, and D.J. Fluker have each publicly declared they will return to Alabama for the 2012 season.

2012 Early Enrollees (Recruiting Class)

-Ryan Anderson (LB)
-Deion Belue (DB)
-Chris Black (WR)
-Amari Cooper (WR)
-Travell Dixon (DB)
-Dillon Lee (LB)
-Alphonse Taylor (DT)
-T. J. Yeldon (RB)

Public Trophy Viewing

-Huntsville: Kroger supermarket, 7090 University Drive, Friday from 4 to 8 p.m.

-Tuscaloosa: Academy Sports, 710 Skyland Blvd, Saturday from noon to 4 p.m.

-Vestavia Hills: Publix supermarket, 784 Montgomery Highway, Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Offensive Coordinator Vacancy

With former Alabama offensive coordinator Jim McElwain now firmly seated in Fort Collins, Colorado (Colorado State), the interview process to fill the vacant position has moved into high gear.

On Wednesday afternoon, former New York Jets offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, as well as current Jacksonville Jaguars offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter, each interviewed for the job.

Kevin Norwood shines on the brightest stage

Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Kevin Norwood caught four passes in the BCS National Championship game for a game-high 78 yards, averaging 19.5 yards per reception.

Who?

Unless you’re a diehard Alabama football fan who knows the depth chart and follows recruiting, the “game day only” Alabama fan has probably never heard of Kevin Norwood.

Norwood, the redshirt sophomore, has a grand total of 14 receptions in his entire Alabama career for a total of 246 yards and one touchdown.

Touchdown you say? Yes…touchdown.

While Norwood’s name and jersey number are not yet recognizable in ‘Bama football lore, his lone Crimson Tide touchdown was a “flip” of a good time.



One Man’s Pain…Another Man’s Fortune

Marquis Maze was supposed to be a star Monday night. Maze was supposed to provide AJ McCarron with a sense of “comfort” in the passing game and give Alabama a much needed offensive threat…especially a deep threat.

Maze deserved better…he earned better, but life isn’t always fair.

The Alabama wide receiver was injured while returning a punt early in the first quarter against LSU and his Alabama career came to an end. Maze, one of the Tide’s biggest contributors on the offensive side of the ball, was forced to watch the remainder of the contest behind a glazed film of tears.

Enter Kevin Norwood…

Norwood had been on the receiving end of seven passes during the 2011 regular season, but this wasn’t the regular season, and this certainly wasn’t just “any” game.

As history now records, the worst thing to happen to Marquis Maze was the best thing to happen to Kevin Norwood, and probably the best thing to happen to the Alabama offense.

AJ McCarron, who was “confident and cool” the entire game, utilized Norwood’s height (6-foot-2) against the smaller LSU defensive backs.

The former four-star high school prospect from D’Iberville, Mississippi only played in six games for the Alabama Crimson Tide in 2011, but when it meant the most…Kevin Norwood played a vital role in the program’s 14th national championship.

Allstate BCS Championship coverage

For continuous coverage of the Allstate BCS Championship game, be sure to follow Izzy Gould on Twitter. Gould is on location in New Orleans with the latest news concerning the Alabama Crimson Tide.

In respect to detailed articles, al.com and TideSports.com have daily (and almost hourly) information in respect to game preparation, player interviews, and injury updates.

Landon Collins and Cyrus Jones pledge to ‘Bama

The 2012 Under Armour All-America game proved to be a fruitful occasion for the Alabama Crimson Tide in terms of building for the future.

Safety Landon Collins (LA) and athlete Cyrus Jones (MD) each verbally committed to the Crimson Tide during the annual high school showcase which was held Thursday night in St. Petersburg, FL.

Collins, a five-star prospect, and Jones, a four-star prospect, are both regarded as two of the most highly touted players in the country.

With the BCS title game just days away, it is worth noting that Collins is considered the top prospect in the state of Louisiana per Rivals.com.

We play football…thus we deserve the championship

On the morning of Jan. 10, everyone is welcome to purchase a share of the 2011 college football national championship at your local discount store.

If you’re a fan of a specific team, you can purchase a share of the championship for that team (and institution) based on the fact that college football players try hard, and your team undoubtedly tried hard too.

Just like Oklahoma State, they tried hard, and for that…they should be rewarded with the AP title.

OK State fans at the Fiesta Bowl—The Cowboys won via field goal

Who cares if the Cowboys can’t play defense and were taken to overtime by the No. 4 team in the nation? The Cowboys should be No. 1 in the Associated Press Poll if Alabama beats LSU.

The harebrained conclusion written above is the “logic” that is being promoted by OK State fans and several media personalities. This style of “agenda pushing drivel” can (and should) be discarded as yet another example of the “every little Jimmy deserves a trophy” attitude that currently surrounds major college football.

Common sense should tell everyone that when No. 2 beats No. 1, No. 3 should be the new No. 1…for defeating No. 4.

Cover the page with sarcasm…

For the “sane” college football aficionados, if ANYONE has a case for the AP title in the face of an Alabama victory…it should be LSU.

Which “argument” is more convincing? One and only loss of the season in the BCS title game, or one and only loss of the season to a team that failed to secure a winning record?

Whatever…

The doors will open at 8 a.m. eastern time on the morning of Jan. 10. Please make sure your team receives a share of the title…for simply being born.

OK State fans will most definitely be the first "shoppers" in line.