Eddie Jackson gives verbal to Alabama

Boyd Anderson High School (Lauderdale Lakes, FL) defensive back Eddie Jackson has given his verbal commitment to the University of Alabama for 2013.

Earlier today, Jackson selected Alabama over the likes of Florida State and LSU.

Although the pledge is simply an aforementioned verbal, with National Signing Day one week away, Jackson would logically appear an Alabama "lock" at this stage of the recruiting process.

While Jackson is often listed as a wide receiver, or given the "athlete" tag per recruiting outlets, the Florida product is expected to play defensive back for the Crimson Tide.

Considered a three-star prospect per Rivals.com, Jackson stands 6-foot-1 and tops the scale at 180-pounds.

With his pledge to the Tide, Eddie Jackson becomes the 22nd Alabama verbal commitment in respect to the 2013 signing class.

Talent on the table: Potential 2013 Alabama signees

Alabama currently has a total of 21 verbal commitments in respect to the 2013 signing class, but who are the remaining targets for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide?

Here's a quick look at several prospects Alabama will attempt to reel in as national signing day approaches.

*Players listed in no particular order -- click name(s) for Rivals.com page*

Alvin Kamara - Norcross, Georgia

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 2 all-purpose back in the nation per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided
-Narrowed his selection to Alabama and Georgia -- considered a slight Alabama "lean"

Laremy Tunsil - Lake City, Florida

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 1 offensive tackle in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 2 overall player in the state of Florida per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided
-Alabama, Florida State, Georgia, and Ole Miss are considered the front-runners

Montravius Adams - Vienna, Georgia

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 3 defensive tackle in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 3 overall player in the state of Georgia per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided
-Alabama is in the mix along with Georgia and Clemson

Dee Liner - Muscle Shoals, Alabama

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 7 strongside defensive end in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 3 overall player in the state of Alabama per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided (former Auburn verbal)
-Considered an Alabama "lean" by many recruiting experts

Jaynard Bostwick - Port St. Lucie, Florida

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive tackle
-Currently undecided
-Considered a slight Alabama "lean" by many recruiting experts

Reuben Foster - Auburn, Alabama

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 1 inside linebacker in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall player in the state of Alabama per Rivals.com
-No. 13 overall player in the nation per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided (Former Alabama and Auburn verbal)
-Will likely sign with either Alabama, Auburn, or Georgia

Antonio (Tony) Conner - Batesville, Mississippi

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 11 safety in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall player in the state of Mississippi per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided
-Considered an Ole Miss "lean" over Alabama

Vonn Bell - Rossville, Georgia

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 4 safety in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 9 overall player in the state of Georgia per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided
-Considering Alabama, Ohio State, and Tennessee

Eddie Vanderdoes - Placer, California

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 2 defensive tackle in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 3 overall player in the state of California per Rivals.com
-No. 21 overall player in the nation per Rivals.com
-Currently undecided (Former USC verbal)
-Will likely land at either Alabama, Notre Dame, or USC

Henry Poggi - Baltimore, Maryland

-Four-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 5 defensive tackle in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 5 overall player in the state of Maryland per Rivals.com
-Verbally committed to the University of Michigan
-Still has aspirations of visiting Alabama at the UM "policy risk" of being dropped -- "The Wolverines have a policy of dropping any recruit that takes an official visit to another school so if Poggi appears in Tuscaloosa, it could be a strong sign that he plans on signing with Alabama." ~ Matt Scalici - al.com
-Will sign with Alabama or Michigan

A'Shawn Robinson - Fort Worth, Texas

-Five-star prospect per Rivals.com
-No. 4 defensive tackle in the nation per Rivals.com
-No. 1 overall player in the state of Texas per Rivals.com
-Verbally committed to the University of Texas
-Recently took an official visit to Alabama
-Barring a last minute twist, Robinson will sign with Alabama or Texas

Eddie Jackson - Lauderdale Lakes, Florida

-Three-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Listed as a wide receiver, but is being recruited as a defensive back
-Currently undecided
-Considering Alabama, Arkansas, Florida State, and LSU -- Alabama "lean"

UPDATE - January 29
(New additions/developments)

Davin Bellamy - Chamblee, Georgia

-Three-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive end
-Verbally committed to Florida State
-Although committed to FSU, Alabama and Georgia are also in play

Jarran Reed - Scooba, Mississippi

-Three-star prospect per Rivals.com
-Defensive tackle
-JUCO prospect - East Mississippi Community College
-Verbally committed to Ole Miss
-Although verbalized to Ole Miss, Reed is now considered an Alabama "lean"

Where Alabama stands...

In respect to the entire list, Alabama will "likely" pull six of the players listed above. With only a limited amount of room, players from the "on the fence" and/or "shot in the dark" section, if signed, will likely "bump" the remainder of that category simply by default.

Good standing

-Alvin Kamara
-Dee Liner
-Eddie Jackson
-Jarran Reed

On the fence

-Laremy Tunsil
*-Eddie Vanderdoes
*-Henry Poggi
-Jaynard Bostwick
-Davin Bellamy

*Likely: UA takes Vanderdoes or Poggi -- Possible: UA takes both

Shot in the dark

-Montravius Adams
-Reuben Foster
-Antonio Conner
-Vonn Bell
-A'Shawn Robinson

Invasion of the elephants...Crimson Tide style

Have you waited YEARS to see an elephant adorn a houndstooth hat? Well friend, your wait is over.

 

Thanks to the wonderful people at Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, a fleet of elephants strolled through Birmingham with a little "Roll Tide" flavor.

 

With the famed circus in town, the elephants paid a special tribute to the University of Alabama football team for capturing the 2012 national championship.

 

Read more about the "pachyderm parade"... >LINK<

 

 

 

 

 

The REAL "CRIMSON ELEPHANT(S)"... ^^^^

Parade brings fresh excitement to 'Bama fans

Saturday afternoon in Tuscaloosa, the 2012 University of Alabama football team will be honored with a parade.

While the occasion will mark the third time in four years that Alabama has received a public "congrats" for their accomplishments, Saturday will mark the first time that a parade has been "formed" to celebrate the achievement of winning a national championship.

To honor the 2009 and 2011 champions, a "simple" ceremony was held inside of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Fans gathered on portions of the field, and primarily in the stands, to watch coaches, players, and dignitaries say a few words about the accomplishment and provide the proper thanks. Essentially, that was the extent of the festivities. One could easily make the claim that after such an impressive accomplishment, the ceremony, on both occasions, felt rather lukewarm.

>Coach Saban speaks at the 2011 championship ceremony<

In respect to the new celebration plans, fans of the Crimson Tide seem anxious for Saturday's festivities and opportunities.

A trio of Alabama fans shared their thoughts via Twitter...

"I think that a parade is great in respect to what Alabama has accomplished in its last five years. It gives us fans a chance to see the players and coaches in an environment that really celebrates what they have done." ~ @dave_4_UA (David)

"I love the thought of our Million Dollar Band, along with our team, being put on display. Not to mention the businesses and sponsors who have supported our team." ~ @RTR_4EVER (Heather)

"I think a parade is an AWESOME idea! Parades are an American tradition! Think about it...the astronauts got a parade, the GI's returning from WWII got a parade! Why not the history-making National Championship team from UA? It's not just a celebration, it's to honor the accomplishments! It's something everybody loves, the team, the coaches, old folks, little kids...everybody loves parades!" ~ @cynthiastover82 (Cynthia)

>More details revealed for Alabama's National Championship parade<

Tim Williams gives verbal, Dee Liner favors 'Bama

In the world of college football recruiting, the only thing that should be expected...is the unexpected. In an age where verbal commitments seem much less than verbal, and promises are broken without seemingly a second thought, the weeks prior to National Signing Day can be quite the circus.

In respect to Alabama, the acrobats, for now, appear to be adorning a touch of crimson and white.

Tim Williams gives verbal to 'Bama

While Monday was a rainy and cold day in Tuscaloosa, the mood was quickly uplifted when Tim Williams, a highly-touted (four-star prospect) defensive end from Baton Rouge, gave his verbal pledge to the Crimson Tide for 2013.

Williams, who stands 6-foot-4 and tops the scale at 230-pounds, will most likely begin his Alabama career at the linebacker position.

Dee Liner decommits from Auburn

Thanks to this (clicky, clicky) -- fans of the Auburn Tigers are in meltdown mode, while fans of the Crimson Tide are laughing behind the trophy case.

Auburn's five-star loss, would appear, at this stage, to be Alabama's gain.

If Alabama is still the measuring stick of success, the "Auburn arms" are simply too short to box with God.

Three Tide players declare for the 2013 NFL Draft

Three of the most recognized and decorated players in recent Alabama football history have officially declared for the 2013 NFL Draft.

At a press conference held Friday, offensive lineman D.J. Fluker, running back Eddie Lacy, and defensive back Dee Milliner, each decided to take the next step...to the next level.

While Fluker was not physically at the press conference, his declaration for the NFL Draft was made known by head coach Nick Saban during the media gathering.

The aforementioned players, all juniors, (Fluker and Lacy redshirt juniors) will be forever ingrained in Alabama football lore, not only for outstanding individual achievement, but for playing a hefty role in what has now become a college football dynasty.

Additional reading

-Alabama Football Announces Hiring of Greg Brown as Secondary Coach

-Former MLB player Jai Miller to play football at Alabama

Basking in the crystal glow of a dynasty cemented

It has been almost 48 hours since the Alabama Crimson Tide claimed the BCS national championship and a vast majority of those associated with the program, in any capacity, are still basking in the "crystal glow"...and will be for quite some time.

As for the game, the ball was kicked...and the game was over. Of course in "real time" the conclusion wasn't drawn so effortlessly, but in retrospect, that is how the story unfolded.

Notre Dame was viewed as the "team of destiny" due in large measure because they "survived" a total of five close games this season, three of which came against "substandard" competition. Well, as it was revealed Monday night, those five close games were due to the Irish being "less than great"...rather than some team "destined" for a title.

The Notre Dame defensive front, regarded as one of the best in the nation, could do absolutely nothing with the Alabama offensive line. An offensive line that included an injured Barrett Jones.

Running backs Eddie Lacy and T.J. Yeldon were simply magic, and AJ McCarron looked more like a young man in the backyard playing catch with his buddies, rather than a young man going for his second straight national title as a starter.

The game looked easy, it looked simplistic...and it was all Alabama...all the time.

42-14 was the final score, but history won't remember that as the outcome...not really. History will record that a Notre Dame team, hyped by the media for the better part of 30 days, were no match whatsoever for Alabama, and one of the greatest leaders in college football history...Nick Saban.

The Alabama dynasty lives here, and in this moment, on this day, in this era, nobody has ever "rolled" like the Crimson Tide.

Enjoy this time, because the greatest dynasty in the history of college football...has been signed in crimson flame.

Eight in the box: The best of Monday night and beyond

-Alabama's triumph in 3:21 (Video: Every significant moment of the BCS title game)

-Alabama/Notre Dame Stats and Scoring Summary

-Saban's success reaches new level

-Time To Work For Another Title (Saban chats with the "College GameDay" crew)

-Sports Illustrated puts Eddie Lacy on the cover

-Saban's 2013 BCS National Championship final press conference (video and transcript)

-Scarbinsky: Alabama's now a dynasty, the best we've ever seen, the best there's ever been

-The Alabama dynasty, by the numbers

Under a cloud of Irish hype…the Tide will roll

With the BCS national championship game less than 24 hours away, the time has come for some final words...and a game prediction.

Allowing myself to take the wheel, I will obviously be going with Alabama in this contest. I firmly believe that Notre Dame is not even the best team the Crimson Tide have faced this season. In my opinion, Georgia, LSU, and Texas A&M, from top-to-bottom, are all better than the Irish.

Thanks to NBC's contract to broadcast every Notre Dame home game, I've had the "honor" of watching a few Irish games during the course of the season. Most notably, I witnessed the second half of the contest with BYU, and virtually the entire contest against Pittsburgh.

Obviously the future had yet to be written, so little did I know that Notre Dame would be facing Alabama for all the marbles, but I do recall thinking how "pedestrian" the Irish looked and being totally underwhelmed with both performances.

Granted Notre Dame is undefeated, but the Fighting Irish could just as easily be looking down the barrel of a five loss season.

Notre Dame 20 Purdue 17
Notre Dame 13 Michigan 6 (Alabama 41 Michigan 14)
Notre Dame 20 Stanford 13 (OT)
Notre Dame 17 BYU 14
Notre Dame 29 Pittsburgh 26 (3OT - Irish trailed 20-6 entering the 4th quarter)

Alabama is roughly a 10-point favorite over the Fighting Irish, and rightfully so. Barring something unforeseen and a total mental collapse by the Crimson Tide, Notre Dame will not leave Miami with the BCS title.

Placing the Irish "media push" and the "game stage" aside, Alabama is the better team, and when the chips are down in a national title game, the better team typically wins.

Notre Dame is good, and they've certainly found a way to win the close games, but when you have to win close games against the likes of Purdue, BYU, and Pittsburgh, you're certainly not a great team.

When Alabama faced "bad teams" in 2012, they destroyed them. When Notre Dame faced three "bad teams" in 2012...they had to fight to survive.

Notre Dame is more than capable of pulling the upset, but they'll need Alabama to play quite possibly the worst game of the season in order to have the upper hand. Draw images of Alabama's performance against Utah in the 2009 Sugar Bowl for proper reference.

While the Irish will "give it a go" Monday night, the trophy is crystal clear, and the final outcome "should" be just as pristine.

Alabama 27
Notre Dame 14

Additional reading

-2013 BCS Championship: Alabama vs. Notre Dame

-Time for Irish, Tide to stand and deliver

-HURT: It's not all fun and games for Alabama

-Fourth period benefits UA offense, defense

Alabama secondary “questioned” by ND’s Riddick

With the "countdown clock" to the BCS championship game now being recorded in mere hours, Friday morning showcased yet another media obligation for both Alabama and Notre Dame.

While the Friday session didn't seem to create as much anticipation, one Notre Dame player did manage to throw some "flavor" into the pot by creating the first "challenge" to the opposition.

When media members asked Fighting Irish running back Theo Riddick what was gained in respect to watching film of Alabama's loss to Texas A&M, Riddick was quick to note that Notre Dame can take advantage of Alabama's secondary.

Okay...

While Riddick is obviously entitled to his opinion, and his confidence, the Notre Dame running back committed a "big game sin" in the process, while obviously "showcasing" his inexperience when it comes to handling a game of this magnitude. The last thing a player should do, prior to a national title contest, is "talk up" a perceived weakness by the other team.

Logic would suggest keeping "film room discoveries" within the film room, rather than question an aspect of the opposition, only to "fire them up" in the process.

Now that Riddick has potentially exposed a plan, the Notre Dame offense is now responsible for "making good" on Riddick's promise.

Good luck.

Additional reading

-Alabama statistical offensive leaders

-Notre Dame statistical offensive leaders

Alabama arrives in Miami, media circus begins

In respect to media coverage prior to the BCS national title game, the car has gone from the parked position...to drafting at Talladega!

The Alabama football team arrived in Miami Wednesday afternoon and hit the ground running Thursday morning with a gauntlet of press obligations where a plethora of media members inundated both coaches and players with questions ranging from serious to slapstick.

Tide quarterback AJ McCarron and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier were just two of several Alabama “representatives” to have a “pow wow” with the national media this morning at the Harbor Beach Marriott Resort. Within the same confines, Barrett Jones, Eddie Lacy, Kevin Norwood, and Chance Warmack also fielded a series of questions in front of a media swarm.

The “big game” comes complete with fresh look

While media obligations come with the territory, new fashion from Nike is also found in the mix. For the BCS championship contest against Notre Dame, the Crimson Tide will adorn the latest Nike Pro Combat Hypercool Uniforms in addition to a new set of “script A” gloves.

On the surface, to the naked eye, the changes are essentially minuscule and given the fact that Alabama has never been noted for “rash” uniform modifications…the “tradition” lives.

Crimson Tide practice location

Barry University will be Alabama’s home for the first of three practice sessions as the national championship game grows closer. The Crimson Tide are in the midst of the first session at the time of this post.

Additional reading

 

-BCS Championship Game: Why Notre Dame will win

 

-SEC's vulnerability should give Notre Dame added confidence against Alabama

 

-Everett Golson has put early-season nerves well behind him

-BBVA Compass Bowl participant Pittsburgh nearly ended Notre Dame's championship dreams

Jones returns to practice, Tide departs for Miami

Game week has arrived and Barrett Jones has returned to the practice field.

Given the gravity of that statement, this post could conclude right now and many Tide fans would walk away with a hardy “fist pump” and a smile, and be rightly justified.

Jones, who had been relegated to a stationary bike for the initial nine practice sessions of bowl prep, returned to the fold Tuesday and displayed no “obvious” ill effects from a left foot injury he sustained in the SEC championship game. Adorning a white practice jersey, Jones “got down to business” with the rest of his teammates in what was, at the time, the second-to-last practice session before the team’s departure for Miami.

In respect to the current status of the team, the Crimson Tide have since held a Wednesday morning session, and are currently en route to Miami.

Once Alabama arrives in south Florida the health of Jones will be a “hot topic” within media circles, especially given the enormous assembly, but the fact Alabama’s most versatile lineman is no longer “pedaling in place” is a positive sign for everyone involved with the program.

Additional reading

-Barrett Jones leaving a lasting legacy at Alabama