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Page 1: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview
Page 2: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

2 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Tide TriviaHelp West Alabama Rebuildfrom the April 2011 Storms

Give a tax deductible donation toUnited Way of West Alabama’s Disaster Relief Fund

100% of all donations received by August 31, 2011 will go to disaster relief

Three Ways to help...Give online at uwwa.org

Text RELIEF to 50555 and give$10 on your cell phone*

Mail to: United Way of West AlabamaP. O. Box 2291/Tuscaloosa, AL 35403

United Way of West Alabama uwwa.org 205.345.6640*$10.00 donation to United Way of West Alabama. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your

prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy

Page 3: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

TouchdownAlabama.net | 3

AFTERWITH

NANCY BATESREPORTER / WRITER

Touchdown Alabama Magazinewww.TouchdownAlabama.net

Every  Tuesday  &  Thursday  at  6PM  CST  on  TouchdownAlabama.net  

“Your  source  for  Alabama  Football  News”

Interviews  with  playersNick  Saban  Press  ConferencesExclusive  News  Surrounding  Crimson  Tide

@TDAPointsAfter

@TouchdownAlabamaMagazine

Alabama’s  Premier  College  Football  Magazine

Tide Trivia1. __________ is named after former Alabama head

coach Wallace Wade.

a. The home locker room at Bryant –Denny Stadium

b. The football stadium at Duke University

c. The practice field at Alabama

d. The coaching complex at Alabama

2. Which Alabama star went on to an 11-season career with the Green Bay Packers and was inducted with the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s first class?

a. Don Hutson

b. Bart Starr

c. Joe Namath

d. Scott Hunter

3. Former Alabama players________ and __________

Combined to earn MVP honors for Super Bowls I, II and III.

a. Bart Starr and Joe Namath

b. Bart Starr and Ozzie Newsome

c. John Hannah and Ozzie Newsome

d. John Hannah Joe Namath

4. Alabama’s longest losing streak, in the mid-1950’s lasted how many games?

a. 8

b. 13

c. 17

d. 23

5. What were the most points Alabama has ever scored in a single game?

a. 80

b. 90

c. 100

d. 110

ANSWERS: 1. B | 2. D | 3. A | 4. C | 5. D

Help West Alabama Rebuildfrom the April 2011 Storms

Give a tax deductible donation toUnited Way of West Alabama’s Disaster Relief Fund

100% of all donations received by August 31, 2011 will go to disaster relief

Three Ways to help...Give online at uwwa.org

Text RELIEF to 50555 and give$10 on your cell phone*

Mail to: United Way of West AlabamaP. O. Box 2291/Tuscaloosa, AL 35403

United Way of West Alabama uwwa.org 205.345.6640*$10.00 donation to United Way of West Alabama. Charges will appear on your wireless bill, or be deducted from your

prepaid balance. All purchases must be authorized by account holder. Message and Data Rates May Apply. Text STOP to 50555 to STOP. Text HELP to 50555 for HELP. Full Terms: www.mGive.org/T. Privacy Policy

Page 4: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

In This Issue

Tide Talk 8

Q & A -Delbert Reed 10

In Memoriam 12

Recruiting 16

The Lowdown 20

Saban Statue 22

Post Game 24

2011 Roster 30

NFL Lockout 32

Pro Connections 36

Return to ATL 40

Tide Trivia 44

M U L T I M E D I A

All content is the property of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Touchdown Alabama Magazine reserves all rights to content in both the print and online (www.touchdownalabama.net) versions of the publication. No image or text may be reproduced without written consent from Touchdown Alabama Magazine.

Next Issue• Complete SEC Media Days Conference• 2011 SEC Breakdown Analysis/Predictions• Alabama Sleepers Watch list

Web Content• Post-Game Interviews• Game Footage• Press Conferences from Nick Saban• More From Larry Burton

Weekly Radio Show

• Coming Soon!

MISSION STATEMENT“Touchdown Alabama Magazine was created to bring Alabama football fans the coverage of their team that they crave and expect, as well as to bring them closer to the action on the field. The University of Alabama has a long college football history, rich with tradition and triumph. Each season has added more dynamic players and colorful stories to the Alabama family. It is only fitting that a program with 13 National Championships should have a weekly magazine dedicated to conveying the excitement of the game to its devoted fans. Touchdown Alabama Magazine strives to be the most up-to-date, relevant and exciting maga-zine covering University of Alabama football. Furthermore, we guarantee in-depth articles, exclusive inter-views and quality content surrounding the Crimson Tide. We will never forget for whom we generate this magazine: you the fan. God bless.”

ON THE COVER: Keiwone Malone #7 As a true freshman Malone stepped into Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time during the A-Day Game. He is a wide receiver out of Memphis, Tenn. Malone stands at 5 feet 11 inches and comes in at 165 pounds. Committing right after singing day in 2009, Malone was the first verbal commit of the 2010 class. ESPNU ranked Malone as the No. 13 wide receiver prospect and Rivals.com ranked him as the No. 32 prospect. He is vying for the starting position as wide receiver for the Crimson Tide.

Photography: Cedric Mason

August 24th Kent State

September 8tH Penn State/North Texas

September 22ND Arkansas/Florida

October 6th Vanderbilt

October 13th Ole Miss/Tennessee

October 27th LSU

November 10th Miss St./Georgia Southern

November 17th Iron Bowl

2011 ISSUE RELEASE DATES

Page 5: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

Post Game 24

2011 Roster 30

NFL Lockout 32

Pro Connections 36

Return to ATL 40

Tide Trivia 44

Summer 2011 | Volume 4, Issue 1

StaffPRESIDENT/PUBLISHER

Bennie Bice

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMike Lacy

MANAGING EDITORJennifer Gorham

PHOTOGRAPHYBDL, Mark Lent, Matt Gaston, Cedric Mason

The Bryant Museum, rivals.com

CREATIVE DIRECTORChristina Lopez

GRAPHIC DESIGNCassandra Johnson, Tramayne Wright

CHIEF INFORMATION OFFICERBrian LaShomb

WEBSITE DESIGNERCarey Landon

PUBLIC RELATIONSEric Hudson

CUSTOMER RELATIONS Herb Neu

WRITERSLarry Burton, DJ K Dub, Mike Parker, Coe Robbins, Stephen E. Smith, Ethan

Summers, Donald Staffo, Jen Underwood, Thomas Watts

REPORTERSNancy Bates, Victoria Sheehan

ADVERTISINGDaphney Colinet, Lacey Ezekiel, Pat Richeson

ADVERTISING888-580-0852

MISSION STATEMENT“Touchdown Alabama Magazine was created to bring Alabama football fans the coverage of their team that they crave and expect, as well as to bring them closer to the action on the field. The University of Alabama has a long college football history, rich with tradition and triumph. Each season has added more dynamic players and colorful stories to the Alabama family. It is only fitting that a program with 13 National Championships should have a weekly magazine dedicated to conveying the excitement of the game to its devoted fans. Touchdown Alabama Magazine strives to be the most up-to-date, relevant and exciting maga-zine covering University of Alabama football. Furthermore, we guarantee in-depth articles, exclusive inter-views and quality content surrounding the Crimson Tide. We will never forget for whom we generate this magazine: you the fan. God bless.”

Page 6: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

6 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010

Letter from the Editor:

Dear Tuscaloosa and Crimson Tide fans,

On April 27, 2011 Tuscaloosa was hit by an EF-4 tornado. The town was crippled to it’s knees but Alabamians and many out-of-state volunteers refused to crumble under the horrific devastation.

Droves of volunteers from all over the country and the state gathered just hours after the tornado plowed its way through the heart of town. Church volunteers, Military personnel, state workers and Tide and Tiger fans alike gather together during troubling times to lend helping hands. Whether they were bringing water to volunteer stations, clearing debris, feeding workers or taking care of children, their help is greatly appreciated.

Although the town has seen better days, Southerners stay strong and so do all Americans. With the help of thousands of volunteers we will restore our town to normalcy. It may not come in weeks or months and it may take years but with the help of kind souls, willing neighbors and gracious volunteers our town will become vivid with Crimson Pride again. Roll Tide! Touchdown Alabama staff

Send Letters to: PO Box 3251, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-3251205-701-1211 | [email protected] | Advertising: [email protected]

...to represent Touchdown Alabama Magazine and TouchdownAlabama.net for the purpose of selling advertising in the Birmingham Metro area, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Mobile.

These positions are commission-based with healthy bonuses tied to sales success.

Print advertising experience is preferred.

Send Resume and cover letter to BDL Media Group, Inc. [email protected] or

call Toll Free 888-580-0852

Account Executive...

Page 7: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

TouchdownAlabama.net | 7

...to represent Touchdown Alabama Magazine and TouchdownAlabama.net for the purpose of selling advertising in the Birmingham Metro area, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Mobile.

These positions are commission-based with healthy bonuses tied to sales success.

Print advertising experience is preferred.

Send Resume and cover letter to BDL Media Group, Inc. [email protected] or

call Toll Free 888-580-0852

Account Executive...

Page 8: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

8 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Tide Talk

BARRETT JONES: OFFENSIVE LINEMAN

On the quarterbacks’ performance in the A-Day game: “They both did a great job today. Both made some big plays in the passing game. That’s how it’s been all spring. They’ve been neck and neck. Both did a great job of leading the huddle out there and being assertive. I saw a lot of positives out of both of them.”

TRENT RICHARDSON: RUNNING BACK

On his expectations for next season: “I’m feeling pretty good and I’m just ready to go. I can’t wait to play that first game in September. It’s all about staying focused now during the offseason – going to class, spending time with my family as much as possible and watching film as much as I can. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time so I can stay on top of my game and be a good example for the rest of the team.”

DEQUAN MENZIE: DEFENSIVE BACK

On his extra year of experience: “I believe it will help me. I have a year under my belt and played with a lot of injuries, but I put everything behind me and am moving forward.”

COACH NICK SABAN:On spring practice and the upcoming season: “All in all, I thought that we had a really good spring but the key to this team is: what’s the commitment to the standard of excellence that they need to work toward, to commit to, to play to, to believe in, to have faith, trust and confidence in, so

that we can be the best team that we can be? I think if we can be the best team we can be, we can have a really good football team.

On the statue of himself commemorating the 2009 National Championship: “That statue represents a lot of people. It represents all the people on the team. I definitely wanted everyone’s name that was on the team and contributed to that – whether it’s players, coaches or administration, our fans and everyone who contributed to that – to be a part of it. It’s an honor, but it’s also something that is just representative of a lot of people in terms of what they’ve done.” PH

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Tide Talk

TRENT RICHARDSON: RUNNING BACK

On his expectations for next season: “I’m feeling pretty good and I’m just ready to go. I can’t wait to play that first game in September. It’s all about staying focused now during the offseason – going to class, spending time with my family as much as possible and watching film as much as I can. I’m just trying to take it one day at a time so I can stay on top of my game and be a good example for the rest of the team.”

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The GalleriaAcross from Indian Hills Country Club 205.742.3511 ~ www.ozment.com

Page 10: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

10 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Q&A

Delbert Reed is a native of Tuscaloosa and loves the Tide. He was born at the University’s infirmary, which is now known as the Gorgas House. Reed attended The University of Alabama and earned his master’s degree in jour-nalism. He is no stranger to sports writing and editing. He was a sports

editor for The Tuscaloosa News and he spent 26 years in the Army Reserve. He was on active duty for three years, too. While with the Army Reserve he was a military histo-rian, which led him to his current job as an author and historian for the Bryant Museum. Reed is the author of “Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant: What Made Him A Winner” and now he has a new book entitled “When Winning Was Everything.” The book covers former Tide football players who served in World War II. “Former University of Alabama football players were in every major battle of the war from start to finish,” Reed said. I was able to talk with Reed, ask him a few questions about his book and get the inside scoop on his newest piece of work, “All the Men and Women in WWII.”

For a military historian and a football lover, what job could be better? To report and write on something so amazing and histori-cally rich is Reed’s perfect job.

“It has been a great experience,” Reed said. “Everyday it is a blessing. To make this my everyday mission, it’s rewarding and I am blessed to be a part of it.”

Reed is asking for the help of anyone who may have information on a veteran who went to UA and served during World War II. He would like any information that can be passed along that would help to honor these heroes. Contact the Bryant Museum at (205) 348-4668 or www.bryant.ua.edu if you have any information. To receive your copy of “When Winning Was Everything” contact the Bryant Museum. Look for his book “All The Men and Women in WWII” within the year.

Jennifer Gorham: Where did you find out about the veterans?

Delbert Reed: The Alabama Alumni Magazine put out a list of veterans in a 1946 issue. I start from there.

JG: Where do you get most of your information from?

DR: Some of it comes from the families but you want to talk to the veterans. A lot don’t want to talk about it because they try to forget.

JG: How did you get started with this book?

DR: It was Paul Bryant Jr.’s idea. He donated the money to the University

to make a grant to fund the book. It all happened because of him.

JG: How long did it take you to write the book?

DR: Ken Gaddy [director of the Bryant Museum] asked me how long it would take me and at the time I was working so I said it would take me 3 years. He said that he wanted me to quit and come work for him. So I quit my job and it took me one year.

JG: What inspired you to write this

book?DR: The veterans have been our

national heroes for generations and their stories deserve preservation.

Our goal is to have it serve as a lasting tribute to them and to their sacrifice and service. I call them the heroes of my youth. No one thought to ask them their story because everyone served.

JG: How many veterans are mentioned in the book?

DR: There are twenty-five featured in the book and over 300 are listed.

JG: Do you have plans for another book?

DR: Right now I am working on a book that covers all of UA in the war. It covers faculty, men and women that aren’t just football players.

with Delbert Reed

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Q&A

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Page 12: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

12 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Title

HOMER SMITHHomer Smith, age 79, passed away April 30,

2011. Nationally recognized as an offensive guru, Smith served as the offensive coordinator on Bill Curry’s staff at Alabama in 1988 and 1989 and in the same capacity for Gene Stallings in 1994 and 1995. Alabama had a high-scoring offense under Curry and quarterback Gary Hollingsworth set numerous Crimson Tide passing records under Smith’s tutelage. Smith developed the offensive attack that enabled Alabama in 1989 to win its first SEC Championship since 1981 and make its first appearance in the Sugar Bowl since 1979.

Smith was honored by the American Football Coaches Association in 2007 with the prestigious Outstanding Achievement Award for his contributions to the football coaching profession. In 1990 The Sporting News named Smith the Offensive Coach of the Year, and in 1997 Smith was a finalist for the Frank Broyles Award given to the nation’s top assistant coach. Smith also was the head coach at West Point, Davidson and the University of the Pacific, and an assistant at Stanford, Air Force Academy, Arizona, and UCLA, where he served three stints as offensive coordinator. He also was an assistant coach with the Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL. Smith coached in four Rose Bowls, and the Sugar, Fiesta, Gator, Citrus, Tangerine, Bluebonnet, Sun and Insight.com bowls. Smith had academic degrees from Princeton, Stanford and Harvard and was the author of 17 offensive manuals as well as a novel.

A memorial service was held Friday, April 15, 2011 at First United Methodist Church in Tuscaloosa. Smith is survived by his beloved wife Kathryn Haskell Smith; daughter Kimberly Smith Hall and son-in-law Leamon Hall, who played quarterback for him at Army, daughter Carolyn Smith Carpenter and son-in-law Dr. Wayne Carpenter, and several grandchildren.

In MemoriamTwo Former Alabama Assistant Coaches Passed Away this Spring

Donald F. Staffo

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In MemoriamTwo Former Alabama Assistant Coaches Passed Away this Spring

Donald F. Staffo

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LARRY “DUDE” HENNESSEYLarry “Dude” Hennessey, 81, a long-time assistant

to legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant, passed away March 2, 2011. Dude and the Bear went way back. As a 150-pound defensive end, Hennessey was a three-year starter for Bryant at Kentucky. Hennessey played on UK teams from 1951-1953 that compiled a 31-11-3 record. As a freshman he was a starter on the UK team that went 11-1 and upset No. 1 Oklahoma 13-7 in the Sugar Bowl. He was also on the 1953 team that beat TCU in the Cotton Bowl.

Hennessey was a member of Bryant’s Alabama coaching staff from 1960 until Bryant’s retirement in 1982. Hennessey was associated with Crimson Tide teams that won national championships in 1961, 1964, 1965 and 1973. Bama went to a bowl every year that Hennessey was on the coaching staff. After retiring from coaching in 1982, Hennessey was an associate director with the Tide Pride program, and in the late 1980s and early 1990s was Bryant Hall dorm director when it was predominantly the football dormitory.

A very popular assistant coach, Hennessey recruited Ray Perkins and Mike Dubose, both of whom later became head coaches at Alabama. When Joe Namath opened his Bachelors III restaurant in Tuscaloosa, Hennessey was the manager.

A funeral mass was held at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Tuscaloosa and numerous former Alabama players and coaches attended. Besides athletic director Mal Moore, players who spoke during the church ceremony included Namath, Ray Perkins and Lee Roy Jordan.

Hennessey is survived by his beloved wife of 37 years, Carole Fields Hennessey, and her children, Becky Satterfield (Tommy) and John Hulsey; his daughters Haviland Hennessey Smith ( John Blue) and Maggie Hennessey Nees, and their mother Sidney Hudson Hennessey; and several grandchildren.

Page 14: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

14 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Title Player Profile

Offensive lineman Aaron Douglas passed away May 12 in Florida. The 21 year old was found by friends on a balcony after a party. Douglas was

a native of Maryville, Tenn., and transferred to the Capstone from Western Arizona Community College in January of this year. He attended spring drills with the Tide and will be missed by many.

“It is a tragedy any time you lose someone close to you and even more so when it is a member of your family,” Nick Saban said. “Aaron was a part of our family and always will be a part of our family at Alabama. He was an outstanding young man and we were excited about what he had accomplished as a player and a person in the short

time he was with us.”Douglas’s resume boasted many on-the-field accomplishments. He earned Freshman All-America honors in 2009 while he played for The University of Tennessee. He also earned the National Junior College Athletic Association’s All-America recognition in 2010 while playing for Western Arizona Community College.

He was originally a tight end in high school, where he earned the title of Class 4A Mr.

Football Lineman of the Year in Tennessee. His family was no stranger to athletics. His father was an offensive lineman for The University of Tennessee and his mother was a member of the Lady Vols basketball team. Coach Saban gives his regards to Douglas’s parents.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to his parents, David and Karla, who are two of the best

people you will ever meet and the love they had for their son was something very special,” Saban said. “As a father, there is nothing we can say to describe the loss of a son. Our Alabama family has sustained a tragic loss and the Alabama family is grieving that loss. We will be here to support Aaron’s family in any way we can.”

Although Douglas’s Alabama career was short lived, he will forever be missed by the Crimson Tide family.

THE TIDE FAMILY MOURNS LOSS OF

FRIEND, TEAMMATE

Aaron Douglas will be missed by many

Exclusive

Retirement Social

Continued on page 26

2009 National Champions

Posters Available AtTouchdownAlabama.net“IT IS A TRAGEDY ANY TIME YOU LOSE SOMEONE CLOSE TO YOU AND EVEN MORE SO

WHEN IT IS A MEMBER OF YOUR FAMILY,” NICK SABAN SAID.

Jennifer Gorham

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Title

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Player ProfileExclusive

Retirement Social

Continued on page 26

2009 National Champions

Posters Available AtTouchdownAlabama.net

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Page 16: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

Recruiting

16 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010

Dial, a Pinson, AL native, played two seasons for East sMississippi Community College before enrolling early with the University of Alabama.

His size, strength and surprising athleticism are reminiscent of Cody and Suh. In 12 games with East, Dial managed 76 tackles, 3.5 sacks and four tackles for loss.

Dial’s commitment to UA brings physical size and strength to an already powerful defensive line. His techniques need work according to Scout.com, but under the tutelage of Nick Saban and his crew, Dial will certainly become a powerful asset for the Crimson Tide defense.

For intangibles, Dial’s limited eligibility may ensure he stays motivated and competitive as he eyes the NFL.

Clinton-Dix, also a Dr. Phillips High School alum, considered Florida, Florida State, the USC Trojans, Ohio State and Notre Dame before signing with Alabama.

“A great athlete with a lot of physical tools and intangibles as a defensive prospect,” according to ESPN, Clinton-Dix registered 93 tackles, three interceptions and 9 pass break ups as a junior.

Clinton-Dix could become one of Alabama’s more versatile players. He’s not small at 6’2” and 194 pounds, and is certain to add muscle under Saban. ESPN described him as “a big time hitter who can separate the ball from the receiver with his timing and velocity on contact.” Look forward to many fumbles and recoveries as Clinton-Dix plays for the Crimson Tide.

His main intangible is his talent; in the spirit of Ingram and J. Jones and a growing trend towards early draft departures, Alabama may only have two seasons with Clinton-Dix.

QUINTON DIAL

6’5”, 325 lbs. JUCO transfer, 2nd-team JUCO All-American, Defensive end

HA'SEAN CLINTON-DIX

6’2”, 194 lbs. ESPN 4 star recruit, Ranked #7 by rivals.

com, 1st ranked safety by Scout.com

Hailing from Akron, Ohio, the linebacker considered futures with the Ohio State Buckeyes, Florida Gators, LSU Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish before enrolling early at Alabama.

ESPN described DePriest as a “versatile player with excellent playing strength and the speed capable of making big plays at any time” and his high school stats show that, with 92 tackles and 7 sacks on season, and 0.3 interceptions per game and 1 point per game for his senior season.

DePriest may be the shot in the arm needed by Alabama’s developing defense. While many say Alabama’s defense, young in 2010, comes into the fall more seasoned, having the addition of DePriest at linebacker adds depth for this season and a rising star.

Looking at intangibles, DePriest hales from Ohio and considered the Sooners but chose Alabama instead, graduating high school in December and enrolling early. He’s eager to play ball for Saban and has the size and skill to contribute soon.

TREY DEPRIEST

6’1”, 225 lbs. ESPN 4 star recruit, Ranked #97 by rivals.com, 3rd best linebacker by

Scout.com

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Page 17: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

Recruiting

U.S. Army national high school player of the year Dee Hart was recruited by Georgia, Florida State, Arkansas, Auburn and Michigan before enrolling early with the University of Alabama.

ESPN’s description of Hart as a “small explosive package” with “great quickness and productivity” matches his high school stats. At Dr. Philips High School in Orlando, Hart racked up 18.4 points per game, with 8.8 yards per carry, 40 rushing touchdowns, 10 receiving touchdowns and pounded out 2,218 rush yards his senior season.

Hart could be viewed as this class’s Mark Ingram or Javier Arenas. With his quick decisions, ability to slice on the run and versatility when receiving (518 receiving yards his senior year), Hart can outrun and out-catch all but the fastest defenses.

Hart’s main intangible is his early enrollment. The Florida star chose Alabama while many other top-ranked recruits waited until Signing Day. He wants to play for Alabama.

DEMETRIUS “DEE” HART

5’8”, 190 lbs. ESPN 4 star recruit, ranked #19 by rivals.com, 8th best running back by Scout.com

The indecisive offensive tackle comes in as 2011’s third best recruit and as Alabama’s first. Kouandjio considered Auburn, New Mexico, Iowa, the USC Trojans and Miami (FL), committing to Auburn but signing with Alabama on Signing Day.

Kouandjio brings a wealth of strengths and very few weaknesses to the Crimson Tide. ESPN declared him a “dominant run blocker with excellent athleticism that is very rare at his size coming out of high school.” His arm length and decent speed (40 yards in 5.2 seconds) let him protect the pass and the rush equally well while his size guarantees he won’t be shoved around easily by experienced players.

touchdownalabama.net | 17

CLASS OF RECRUITS

This year’s

recruiting class

placed Alabama

among the

nation’s proudest.

Here’s a sneak

peek at some of

the best for 2011.

CYRUS KOUANDJIO

6’7”, 325 lbs. ESPN 5 star recruit, ranked #4 by rivals.com, #1 Offensive tackle

by Scout.com

Ethan Summers

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Page 18: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

18 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Recruit of the week

Landing Eddie Williams as the first commitment of the 2012 class could not have created a bigger buzz around Nick Saban’s always closely-watched recruitment classes. The class is already headed in a fantastic direction, with 12 commits to date. Look for this class to fill up much more quickly than any previous class.

Eddie Williams is one of the most dangerous athletes in the country, with or without the ball in his hands. He has lightning speed to go along with his great athletic ability. You can put Williams in the Wild Cat and he will take it to the house or you can put him at wide receiver and get the same result. On defense, ball hawk is the only word that comes to mind. Williams reads the quarterback’s eyes better than any safety prospect I have seen in a long time. He is notorious for bone-crushing hits, as well as great technique. Landing Williams to start off this class will prove

Eddie Williams• 6’4”, 197 lbs.

• Arnold High School, Panama City, Florida

No.1 Floridian recruit is the Tide’s first 2012 commitMike Parker

HEAD OF THE PACK

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Recruit of the week

Eddie Williams• 6’4”, 197 lbs.

• Arnold High School, Panama City, Florida

Mike Parker

more profitable down the line, as he is an avid recruiter for more 2012 prospects with whom to attend the University of Alabama.

The following is an interview I had with Eddie Williams and his high school coach James Hale. Williams is expected to attended A-Day at Alabama with one of his high school teammates.

Mike Parker: Coach, when you and your team visited the University of Alabama, what were your first impressions?

James Hale: We took our entire football team there in 2007. Every year we would pick a place to go, to different colleges. We went to the University of Alabama in 2007 and a lot of the kids got to see the facilities: the indoor practice facility, the stad ium, the weight room. It was all very impressive. We were really impressed with the coaching staff. The way Coach Saban runs the program, probably one of the best in the country.

MP: So has Nick been recruiting Eddie for quite some time?

JH: Yes. Eddie went there his freshman summer. He went to Florida and Florida State, but he really liked the campus at Alabama, really liked the coaches. He did a great job up there as a freshman at the football camp.

MP: What was it that differentiated Alabama from some of the other top-notch schools, like Florida State, Miami and Florida? They’re all right up there. So what was it that

jumped out for Eddie about Alabama?

JH: I think one of the things that impressed Eddie about Alabama was when he went to the spring games, especially when he had his uncle up there. There were 92,000 people at the game.You go to the other stadiums, you go to their spring games, and the stadium is half full. I think that got Eddie’s attention. I know it did. He commented to me about that, about the support that Alabama gives their fans and the facilities that are second to none. He plays in the secondary and he knows Coach Saban coached in the NFL and is known as probably the best defense coach in the country, and one of the best, if not the best head coach in the country. So, Eddie just took all that into consideration and I think all of that is what won him over for Alabama.

MP: Did Coach Saban recruit Eddie to play free safety?

JH: He told Eddie he could go out and try to play any position he

wanted to. He would give him an opportunity to play quarterback, receiver or wherever he wants to play. He would give him that opportunity and see how it works out, but he definitely wants to play in the secondary.

Eddie Williams joins the interview:

MP: Eddie, what was your first impression of Nick Saban?

Eddie Williams: My first impression of Coach Saban was that he is a real businessman, not about no game. He was real straight up.

MP: Is that a lot different from the way the other head

coaches are?

EW: Well you know most of the other coaches. I guess you could say they play around and have fun, but Coach Saban is all business. I don’t go too much for that “buddy-buddy” thing.

MP: You mean the others are telling you what you really want to hear?

EW: Yeah.

MP: What was your first impression when you visited the University of Alabama?

EW: My first impression when I first came to the University of Alabama was the facility and how fan-based it is. They have a lot of fans who love and support the team. I talked to some of the guys around the campus and some coaches and they were telling me about the way they run things at Alabama. I had never heard of anything like that before.

MP: Do you know exactly what position Nick Saban wants you to play?

EW: He told me I could play either side of the ball. He told he would give me a chance to play any

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Section Title

20 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010

The Lowdown

Alabama in 2011: MUCH TO LOOK FORWARD TO

MUCH TO WORRY ABOUT

Larry Burton

With the A Day Game over, the fall recruits lined up to come in, last season’s injuries getting healed up and a favorable schedule, there is much for Alabama fans to look forward to this fall.

Could a 14th National Championship be in the cards?

With a year under their belts and a domi-nating win in the Capital One Bowl, has the team, especially the defensive secondary, finally come around as it appears they have?

Will returning almost the entire offensive line mean that Alabama will mow down defenders and create huge gaps for Alabama’s mighty running game?

With Dont’a Hightower back for his senior year and more importantly back to his former healthy self along with what may be the best front defensive line in college football, will the opposing offenses be begging for mercy?

Then there is the nagging questions that remain. Is either A.J. McCarron or Phillip Sims really ready to lead this team to the heights of college football?

Is there a go to guy this year to take the place of Julio Jones?

Can the team finally get over the punting miscues and the place kicking team that ranked 62nd in the nation last year?

And lastly, will this team live up to the potential it has this year or squander that talent as it did last year with too many blown plays on defense and a sense of entitlement?

These are the good and bad points that will be debated as the season goes on.

While the good points are debatable to a point, they are clearly strengths that Alabama has and can and will exploit to their fullest advantage.

But what about the bad points?Greg McElroy hated to be called a game

manager, but when he first started at Alabama, that’s exactly what he was asked to do. The same can be said of A.J. McCarron who I fully expect to be the starter come September.

With a veteran offensive line and a super one-two punch of running backs Richardson and Lacy, he need only work inside his comfort zone and not worry about having to carry the team on his shoulders.

With early wins comes the confidence he’ll need later on.

And for anybody still scared about having all this talent on a team with a rookie quarterback, let me remind you that Alabama won it all just two years ago with another rookie quarterback, who all the offensive coaches say was less ready than McCarron is right now.

Saban has hinted that if the quarterback position was his biggest concern that he wouldn’t have any concerns at all.

As for the person who replaces Julio, Mike Groh, the receiver coach at Alabama may just decide that it doesn’t have to be just one man. He may replace by committee until one simply refuses to be sat down with outstanding play.

Continued on page 37

Page 21: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

Section Title

TouchdownAlabama.net | 21

The Lowdown

“What made you become a supporter of Alabama?”

I truly believe that I was born to be an Alabama fan. Ever since I can recall, I

have been an Alabama fan. Most fans like to pin point a time frame when they became a fan. Not me, I fell in love with the tradition at The University of 

Alabama and the passion the fans bring to the table. There is nothing that 

compares to being inside Bryant-Denny Stadium watching the tide play. It gives me the chills each and every time. If 

Alabama was to not win another game for the rest of my life, I would still be a fan. To me, that’s the true test of a 

person’s loyalty to their team. It is easy to be a fan when everything is going

right and your team is winning championship after championship. I’m 

an Alabama supporter because at some colleges they play football, but at Alabama we live it. Roll Tide!

DJ K Dub is a member of the Sons of Saban. He is an avid Alabama

football fan and will co-host “In the Trenches” with Legend, his Sons of Saban 

brother. The show will debut in August and continue  each Friday at noon on 

TouchdownAlabama.net. Be sure to stay up to date with DJ as he answers questions from readers and fans alike. If you 

would like a question answered by DJ send it to [email protected].

DJASK

Page 22: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

22 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Magazine readership has grown over the past five years. (Source: MRI)

Average paid subscriptions reached nearly 300 million in 2009.(Source: MPA estimates based on ABC first and second half 2009 data)

4 out of 5 adults read magazines. (Source: MRI)

Magazines deliver more ad impressions than TV or Web in half-hour period. (Source: McPheters & Company)

Magazine readership in the 18 to 34 segment is growing. (Source: MRI)

Since Facebook was founded, magazines gained more than one million young adult readers. (Source: MRI)

The average reader spends 43 minutes reading each issue. (Source: MRI)

Magazines are the No. 1 medium of engagement — across all dimensions measured. Simmons’ Multi-Media Engagement Study find magazines continue to score significantly higher than TV or the Internet in ad receptivity and all of the other engagement dimensions, including “trustworthy” and “inspirational.” (Source: Simmons Multi-Media Engagement Study)

Magazines and magazine ads garner the most attention: BIGresearch studies show that when consumers read magazines they are much less likely to engage with other media or to take part in non-media activities compared to the users of TV, radio or the Internet. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

Magazines outperform other media in driving positive shifts in purchase consideration/intent. (Source: Dynamic Logic)

Magazines rank No. 1 at influencing consumers to start a search online – higher than newer media options. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

11 Facts About Magazines

REACH CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL FANS!Partner with the absolutely Number One Alabama Football Magazine in 2011

BE SEEN BY MORE OF THE FANS YOU WANT!

Advertise in Touchdown Alabama Magazine. GET MUCH MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

More than 154,000 hard copy and digital magazine fans per month during the season.

Magazine circulation is concentrated in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville.

Touchdown Alabama Magazine sells quickly at $3 per issue and fans keep them longer than other competing print sports media.

Published EIGHT TIMES PER YEAR covering exclusively in-depth Crimson Tide Football during the peak of Alabama Football sales.

Every game gets extensive on-the-scene and behind-the-scene coverage, both in Touchdown Alabama Magazine and on TouchdownAlabama.net.

Common-sense ad prices, fans get what they want, and you get great exposure to many thousands of target consumers; this equals effective advertising.

*Experienced staff will create great ads for you at no extra cost.

Complimentary issues given to advertisers to distribute to customers and clients.

Commit to all eight games and get a year of free banner ads on www.touchdownala-bama.net. 1/2 to full page commitments get Skyscraper ads and commercials in our online sports shows like The Legend & DJ “In the Trenches”, and “Points After” with Nancy Bates.

Commit to a minimum of four games and receive six months of hyperlink exposure. 1/2 to full page commitments will receive six months of banner ads.

Touchdown Alabama Magazine is the largest-circulated and most-read maga-zine that covers Crimson Tide Football. We are distributed and sold at over 400 locations in the state of Alabama including Barnes & Noble. Our reporters and photographers are on the field for every home game and are well-known by play-ers and coaches alike. We are based in Tuscaloosa, where we began in 2007.According to WebsiteGrader.com, our 365 days-a-year website, TouchdownAlabama.net scores higher than 91% of all websites in terms of marketing effectiveness. According to Alexa.com, our website averaged more than 100,000 visits per month (unique and return) during September through December, 2010.

YES I want to advertise in Touchdown Alabama Magazine

4 ISSUES (price each). 8 ISSUES 12% DISCOUNT$198 Eighth Page

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___ Kent State issue 9/3___ Penn State/N. Texas issue 9/23___ Florida/Arkansas issue 9/24___ Vanderbilt issue 10/8___ Ole Miss/Tennessee issue 10/22___ LSU issue 11/5___ Miss. State/Ga. Southern 11/19___ Iron Bowl issue 11/26

Premium positions and feature sponsorships are available. Just call us.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Your Name/Title

Business

Address

City/State/Zip

PHONE/EMAIL/NOTES:

*Please contact me to begin work on the free design of my adA camera-ready ad will be provided. Please send specs and submission information for your magazine

I agree to advertise in the issues checked and represent that my business will be responsible for payment. I will be billed on a Per Issue basis and understand that payment is due within ten days. Overdue accounts may be billed collection costs plus 20 percent interest. No ad shall run until first being approved by me or the agency for the company. SIGNATURE_____________________________________

Volume 3, Issue 11 $4.00

touchdownalabama.net

Catching Up With

Mark Womack

Exclusive:Bill Curry

ProConnections:

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alabama’s Premier college Football magazine

I RONBOW L

QUESTIONS?888-580-0852

Mail to: Touchdown AlabamaP.O. Box 3251 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Page 23: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

Magazine readership has grown over the past five years. (Source: MRI)

Average paid subscriptions reached nearly 300 million in 2009.(Source: MPA estimates based on ABC first and second half 2009 data)

4 out of 5 adults read magazines. (Source: MRI)

Magazines deliver more ad impressions than TV or Web in half-hour period. (Source: McPheters & Company)

Magazine readership in the 18 to 34 segment is growing. (Source: MRI)

Since Facebook was founded, magazines gained more than one million young adult readers. (Source: MRI)

The average reader spends 43 minutes reading each issue. (Source: MRI)

Magazines are the No. 1 medium of engagement — across all dimensions measured. Simmons’ Multi-Media Engagement Study find magazines continue to score significantly higher than TV or the Internet in ad receptivity and all of the other engagement dimensions, including “trustworthy” and “inspirational.” (Source: Simmons Multi-Media Engagement Study)

Magazines and magazine ads garner the most attention: BIGresearch studies show that when consumers read magazines they are much less likely to engage with other media or to take part in non-media activities compared to the users of TV, radio or the Internet. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

Magazines outperform other media in driving positive shifts in purchase consideration/intent. (Source: Dynamic Logic)

Magazines rank No. 1 at influencing consumers to start a search online – higher than newer media options. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

11 Facts About Magazines

REACH CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL FANS!Partner with the absolutely Number One Alabama Football Magazine in 2011

BE SEEN BY MORE OF THE FANS YOU WANT!

Advertise in Touchdown Alabama Magazine. GET MUCH MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

More than 154,000 hard copy and digital magazine fans per month during the season.

Magazine circulation is concentrated in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville.

Touchdown Alabama Magazine sells quickly at $3 per issue and fans keep them longer than other competing print sports media.

Published EIGHT TIMES PER YEAR covering exclusively in-depth Crimson Tide Football during the peak of Alabama Football sales.

Every game gets extensive on-the-scene and behind-the-scene coverage, both in Touchdown Alabama Magazine and on TouchdownAlabama.net.

Common-sense ad prices, fans get what they want, and you get great exposure to many thousands of target consumers; this equals effective advertising.

*Experienced staff will create great ads for you at no extra cost.

Complimentary issues given to advertisers to distribute to customers and clients.

Commit to all eight games and get a year of free banner ads on www.touchdownala-bama.net. 1/2 to full page commitments get Skyscraper ads and commercials in our online sports shows like The Legend & DJ “In the Trenches”, and “Points After” with Nancy Bates.

Commit to a minimum of four games and receive six months of hyperlink exposure. 1/2 to full page commitments will receive six months of banner ads.

Touchdown Alabama Magazine is the largest-circulated and most-read maga-zine that covers Crimson Tide Football. We are distributed and sold at over 400 locations in the state of Alabama including Barnes & Noble. Our reporters and photographers are on the field for every home game and are well-known by play-ers and coaches alike. We are based in Tuscaloosa, where we began in 2007.According to WebsiteGrader.com, our 365 days-a-year website, TouchdownAlabama.net scores higher than 91% of all websites in terms of marketing effectiveness. According to Alexa.com, our website averaged more than 100,000 visits per month (unique and return) during September through December, 2010.

YES I want to advertise in Touchdown Alabama Magazine

4 ISSUES (price each). 8 ISSUES 12% DISCOUNT$198 Eighth Page

$375 Quarter Page

$581 Half Page

$1034 Full Page

PICK YOUR GAMES*Ads must be ready 4 weeks before game

___ Kent State issue 9/3___ Penn State/N. Texas issue 9/23___ Florida/Arkansas issue 9/24___ Vanderbilt issue 10/8___ Ole Miss/Tennessee issue 10/22___ LSU issue 11/5___ Miss. State/Ga. Southern 11/19___ Iron Bowl issue 11/26

Premium positions and feature sponsorships are available. Just call us.

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________

Your Name/Title

Business

Address

City/State/Zip

PHONE/EMAIL/NOTES:

*Please contact me to begin work on the free design of my adA camera-ready ad will be provided. Please send specs and submission information for your magazine

I agree to advertise in the issues checked and represent that my business will be responsible for payment. I will be billed on a Per Issue basis and understand that payment is due within ten days. Overdue accounts may be billed collection costs plus 20 percent interest. No ad shall run until first being approved by me or the agency for the company. SIGNATURE_____________________________________

Volume 3, Issue 11 $4.00

touchdownalabama.net

Catching Up With

Mark Womack

Exclusive:Bill Curry

ProConnections:

TERRANCE CODY

PlaYeR SPotlIGht: dJ FlukeR $4 00

alabama’s Premier college Football magazine

alabama’s Premier college Football magazine

Volume 3, Issue 8, $4.00

touchdownalabama.net

alabama’s Premier college Football magazine

I RONBOW L

QUESTIONS?888-580-0852

Mail to: Touchdown AlabamaP.O. Box 3251 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

Page 24: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview
Page 25: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview
Page 26: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

26 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

The entrance to Bryant-Denny Stadium from University Boulevard is called “The Walk of Champions,” appropriate for a university that has won 13 national championships.

Few other universities have won enough national championships to rightfully use that designation. In a line are the statues of Wallace Wade, Frank Thomas, Paul “Bear” Bryant, Gene Stallings and now Nick Saban, all national championship-winning coaches at the University of Alabama. Impressive indeed. The likenesses of Wade, who coached the Crimson Tide to

three national championships (1925, 26 and 30), Thomas who took the Tide to two titles (1934 and 41), Bryant who won six national championships (1961,64, 65,73,78, 79), and Stallings, who accomplished the feat in 1992, were unveiled August 31, 2006.

Prior to the A-Day Game Saturday, April 14, the statue of Nick Saban, who coached the Crimson Tide to its latest national championship in 2009, joined the other national championship coaches. Saban’s 2009 team beat No. 1 Florida in the SEC Championship Game and No. 2 Texas in the BCS Championship Game

Saban Statue Unveiled in Ceremony Prior to A-Day Game

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Fifth Alabama national championship coach joins the “Walk of Champions”

Donald F. Staffo

Page 27: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

TouchdownAlabama.net | 27

to earn him a place among the school’s legendary coaches. Saban’s statue was unveiled before thousands of Bama fans that packed Championship Plaza and stadium balconies when master of ceremonies Eli Gold, the Voice of the Crimson Tide, led a count of 1-2-3 before Saban’s wife Terry pulled the black cover off the nine-foot frozen figure of her husband in a coaching stance clapping his hands.

“That statue represents a lot of people and certainly all the people on that championship team,” stated Saban during his post-game press conference following the A-Day Game. “It’s an honor, but it just represents what a lot of people have done. All those statues (of the other previous championship coaches) kind of set the standard of what we’re trying to accomplish here. I’m very proud of what the 2009 team accomplished. They contributed to the tradition that we have here at Alabama.”

In addition to Gold and Saban, UA athletic director Mal Moore, fellow statue-honoree Gene Stallings and former player Rolando McClain made brief remarks. Following the ceremony Saban led his team up the entrance to the stadium, with people lined up, cheering and clapping as the Crimson Tide passed by.

Tommy Brooker, a tight end and placekicker on Bear Bryant’s first national championship team in 1961 was pleased with the addition. “I think Coach Saban’s statue adds to the tradition of Alabama football. It continues to give us a one-up on everybody else, and I’m quite sure there’ll be some more,” he stated. “There’s a lot of sentiment for this type of thing. We made (Saban) an honorary member of the A-Club after his first year here, before he won the national championship, and that was unusual. He adds to the Alabama family and the meaning of being a member of the Alabama family. With the credentials that our team has as far as grades and the positive attitude and all the things that Coach Saban talks about, this only makes Alabama greater than great.”

Former Crimson Tide athletic director Cecil “Hootie” Ingram was also pleased. “(The statues) are a great tradition,” he said. “They represent a standard to

reach- winning national championships- and that is what we’re trying to do every year. The standard is there, and Coach Saban more than met it. I hope they can put multiple years (of winning national championships) under Coach Saban’s statue. This is a great university with great students, great players, great coaches and a great tradition, and that’s what those statues represent.”

From talking with Alabama faithful at the unveiling, it was apparent that they appreciated the accomplishment. Most said the statue fits Saban’s persona. “I think it’s great,” stated Jim Henderson, a life-long Bama fan who traveled to Tuscaloosa from Savannah, Georgia for the A-Day Game and the unveiling. “That’s him. That’s his stance. I’m glad that it’s finally there.”

Alan Green, from Anniston, said, “I think it’s deserving. He met the criteria. I like it. I think it’s great. And I think it’s very appropriate to do this for the fans

on A-Day.”Becky Basford, who came

with her family from Salem, echoed similar thoughts: “It’s good. It’s about time,” she stated. “I like the pose. It looks like him because Coach Saban is very energetic and excitable.” Others in her group were nodding their heads in agreement as she spoke.

Vicki King from Huntsville remarked: “I think it’s pretty awesome. I think it does him justice. I think Coach Saban is a remarkable man. He has a lot of good qualities. He has high expectations for himself and his players. We need more like him.”

After Alabama beat Texas to win the 2009 national championship Moore announced that a statue of Saban would be added to the Walk of Champions. Jeremy

Davis, 27, an artist from West Blocton and a University of Alabama senior art major, was commissioned by the athletic department to create the statue. With guidance from the athletic department and Terry Saban, Davis submitted several sketches to the athletic department for consideration. Once the decision-makers approved a pose, Davis used clay to sculpt a three-foot statue that was sent to Oklahoma City where the miniature model was expanded to nine feet and cast in bronze. The statue was originally scheduled to be

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

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Donald F. Staffo

Page 28: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

28 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Post Game Review

THE SPRING SHOULD LEAVE FANS SALIVATING OVER THE UPCOMING SEASON AT THE CAPSTONE.

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Post Game Review

a spring in review: A-Day Style

Thomas Watts

Alabama’s spring has been dotted with questions. Who would replace Greg McElroy? Who will fill spots vacated by Julio Jones, Mark Ingram and Marcel

Dareus? What color blazer will Nick Saban wear at the annual A-Day game?

The main storyline throughout the spring has been about the quarterbacks. Greg McElroy’s eligibility ran out and AJ McCarron and Phillip Sims have been competing to earn the starting job. McCarron, out of Mobile, Ala., actually has some in-game experience. He played during garbage time in several games and had to fill in for McElroy at the end of the 2010 Iron Bowl. Sims, from Chesapeake, Va., was redshirted last year.

The game itself did very little to complete the story. The quarterbacks’ stats were almost equal. McCarron completed 21 of 38 passes for 222 yards with one touchdown and an interception. Sims had 19 completions out of 38 passes for 229 yards and an interception.Both quarterbacks showed flashes, but they also made their share of mistakes. Sims’ interception in the second quarter was a timing problem. He didn’t see Jarrick Williams coming toward

Eddie Lacey, and Williams simply jumped the route. The quarterbacks weren’t totally to blame for their

off days. A lot of the responsibility rests with the Alabama defense. The defense was astounding throughout the game. The linebackers were consistently in the backfield messing up timing of plays. If a play did get going, the secondary did its job admirably. With the

exception of one bad miss by Robert Lester on Trent Richardson, the entire defense tackled very well. The most shocking thing from the defensive side of the ball is that the defense only ran a few base sets and a couple of blitz packages. Once the season begins in the fall, the number of sets and blitz packages will go up and the offensive confusion will go hand-in-hand with this increase.

The defensive dominance did have its downside. The offensive line looked very poor. It was unforeseen because the line returned four starters off last year’s unit. The coaches did use different combinations of players to see which groupings worked most effectively. The line had difficulty opening holes for the running backs and pass blocking. Also, it was a botched snap by William Vlachos to AJ McCarron that caused Mark Barron’s 99-yard fumble return for a touchdown in the first quarter of the game.

The spring should leave fans salivating over the upcoming season at the Capstone. The defense will be very strong, particularly the linebackers and the secondary. If any player steps up on the defensive line to replace Marcel Dareus, fans can expect a defense that

could rival the 2009 BCS Championship winning team’s defense. The offense still has some question marks and with an early test in Happy Valley the questions will need to be answered under duress. The offense does have enough raw talent to be extremely good, particularly if one of the quarterbacks can assume the mantle of leadership.

THE SPRING SHOULD LEAVE FANS SALIVATING OVER THE UPCOMING SEASON AT THE CAPSTONE.

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30 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Exclusive, con’t NO NAME POS CL HT WT HOMETOWN

unveiled before last year’s A-Day Game, but completion of the project was delayed as modifications were made. “In keeping with our custom of honoring our national championship head football coaches, we are pleased and proud to unveil the statue of Coach Saban to add to our Walk of Champions at Bryant-Denny Stadium,” Moore stated in a press release. “By leading our team to Alabama’s 13th football championship in 2009, Coach Saban earned his place among the legends we recognize. This is an outstanding testament to his work at Alabama, and a fitting tribute to the accomplishments of our entire football program under his leadership.”

Saban said that he wanted the names of all the players on the team on a plaque to be placed in the sidewalk at a later date.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

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1 Demetrius Hart RB FR 5-9 187 Orlando, Fla.

2 DeAndrewWhite WR FR 6-0 181 Houston, Texas

2 Tana Patrick LB SO 6-3 236 Bridgeport, Ala.

3 Vinnie Sunseri DB FR 6-0 217 Tuscaloosa, Ala.

3 Trent Richardson RB JR 5-11 224 Pensacola, Fla.

4 Marquis Maze WR SR 5-10 180 Birmingham, Ala.

4 Mark Barron DB SR 6-2 218 Mobile, Ala.

5 Jerrell Harris LB SR 6-3 242 Gadsden, Ala.

5 Ronald Carswell WR FR 6-0 180 Macon, Ga.

6 Demetrius Goode RB SR 5-10 205 LaGrange, Ga.

7 Kenny Bell WR SO 6-1 175 Rayville, La.

7 Keiwone Malone WR FR 5-11 165 Memphis, Tenn.

9 Phelon Jones DB SR 5-11 194 Moblie, Ala.

9 Nick Williams WR SO 5-10 185 Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

10 AJ McCarron QB 6-4 205 Mobile, Ala.

10 John Fulton DB SO 6-0 187 Manning, S.C.

11 Brandon Gibson WR SR 6-2 194 Mobile, Ala.

12 Phillip Ely QB FR 6-1 187 Tampa, Fla.

14 Phillip Sims QB FR 6-2 217 Chesapeake, Va.

15 Darius Hanks WR SR 6-0 185 Norcross, Ga.

17 Brad Smelley TE SR 6-3 229 Tuscaloosa, Ala.

18 Morgan Ogilvie QB FR 6-0 198 Mountain Brook, Ala.

18 Blake Sims A FR 6-0 212 Gainesville, Ga.

19 Jonathan Atchison LB SO 6-2 240 Atlanta, Ga.

20 Nate Carlson TE JR 6-4 236 Birmingham, Ala.

20 Jarrick Williams DB SO 6-1 210 Mobile, Ala.

21 Dre Kirkpatrick DB JR 6-3 192 Gadsden, Ala.

21 Ben Howell RB JR 5-9 202 Gordo, Ala.

23 Robby Green DB SR 6-0 184 New Orleans, La.

24 Nathan McAlister WR FR 5-11 165 Russellville, Ala.

24 DeQuan Menzie DB SR 6-0 198 Columbus, Ga.

25 Corey Grant RB FR 5-9 194 Opelika, Ala.

25 Caleb Castille DB FR 5-11 170 Birmingham, Ala.

26 Nick Tinker RB SO 5-10 207 Ralph, Ala.

27 Nick Perry DB SO 6-1 205 Prattville, Ala.

28 Dee Milliner DB SO 6-1 196 Millbrook, Ala.

29 Cody Mandell P SO 6-4 202 Lafayette, La.

29 Will Lowery DB JR 5-9 180 Hoover, Ala.

30 Dont’a Hightower LB JR 6-4 260 Lewisburg, Tenn.

31 John Baites TE SR 6-4 231 Hendersonville, Tenn.

32 C.J. Mosley LB SO 6-2 234 Theodore, Ala.

33 Trey Depriest LB FR 6-2 242 Springfield, Ohio

34 Hunter Bush DB JR 5-11 195 Wetempka, Ala.

35 Nico Johnson LB JR 6-3 245 Andalusia, Ala.

36 Chris Jordan LB SR 6-3 240 Brentwood, Tenn.

37 Robert Lester DB JR 6-2 210 Foley, Ala.

38 Petey Smith LB FR 6-1 260 RS Tampa, Fla.

40 DeMarcus DuBose LB SR 6-1 240 Montgomery, Ala.

41 Courtney Upshaw LB SR 6-2 265 Eufaula, Ala.

42 Eddie Lacy RB SO 6-0 220 Geismar, La.

42 Adrian Hubbard LB FR 6-6 237 Lawrenceville, Ga.

43 Cade Foster PK SO 6-1 216 Southlake, Texas

Page 31: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

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1 Demetrius Hart RB FR 5-9 187 Orlando, Fla.

2 DeAndrewWhite WR FR 6-0 181 Houston, Texas

2 Tana Patrick LB SO 6-3 236 Bridgeport, Ala.

3 Vinnie Sunseri DB FR 6-0 217 Tuscaloosa, Ala.

3 Trent Richardson RB JR 5-11 224 Pensacola, Fla.

4 Marquis Maze WR SR 5-10 180 Birmingham, Ala.

4 Mark Barron DB SR 6-2 218 Mobile, Ala.

5 Jerrell Harris LB SR 6-3 242 Gadsden, Ala.

5 Ronald Carswell WR FR 6-0 180 Macon, Ga.

6 Demetrius Goode RB SR 5-10 205 LaGrange, Ga.

7 Kenny Bell WR SO 6-1 175 Rayville, La.

7 Keiwone Malone WR FR 5-11 165 Memphis, Tenn.

9 Phelon Jones DB SR 5-11 194 Moblie, Ala.

9 Nick Williams WR SO 5-10 185 Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

10 AJ McCarron QB 6-4 205 Mobile, Ala.

10 John Fulton DB SO 6-0 187 Manning, S.C.

11 Brandon Gibson WR SR 6-2 194 Mobile, Ala.

12 Phillip Ely QB FR 6-1 187 Tampa, Fla.

14 Phillip Sims QB FR 6-2 217 Chesapeake, Va.

15 Darius Hanks WR SR 6-0 185 Norcross, Ga.

17 Brad Smelley TE SR 6-3 229 Tuscaloosa, Ala.

18 Morgan Ogilvie QB FR 6-0 198 Mountain Brook, Ala.

18 Blake Sims A FR 6-0 212 Gainesville, Ga.

19 Jonathan Atchison LB SO 6-2 240 Atlanta, Ga.

20 Nate Carlson TE JR 6-4 236 Birmingham, Ala.

20 Jarrick Williams DB SO 6-1 210 Mobile, Ala.

21 Dre Kirkpatrick DB JR 6-3 192 Gadsden, Ala.

21 Ben Howell RB JR 5-9 202 Gordo, Ala.

23 Robby Green DB SR 6-0 184 New Orleans, La.

24 Nathan McAlister WR FR 5-11 165 Russellville, Ala.

24 DeQuan Menzie DB SR 6-0 198 Columbus, Ga.

25 Corey Grant RB FR 5-9 194 Opelika, Ala.

25 Caleb Castille DB FR 5-11 170 Birmingham, Ala.

26 Nick Tinker RB SO 5-10 207 Ralph, Ala.

27 Nick Perry DB SO 6-1 205 Prattville, Ala.

28 Dee Milliner DB SO 6-1 196 Millbrook, Ala.

29 Cody Mandell P SO 6-4 202 Lafayette, La.

29 Will Lowery DB JR 5-9 180 Hoover, Ala.

30 Dont’a Hightower LB JR 6-4 260 Lewisburg, Tenn.

31 John Baites TE SR 6-4 231 Hendersonville, Tenn.

32 C.J. Mosley LB SO 6-2 234 Theodore, Ala.

33 Trey Depriest LB FR 6-2 242 Springfield, Ohio

34 Hunter Bush DB JR 5-11 195 Wetempka, Ala.

35 Nico Johnson LB JR 6-3 245 Andalusia, Ala.

36 Chris Jordan LB SR 6-3 240 Brentwood, Tenn.

37 Robert Lester DB JR 6-2 210 Foley, Ala.

38 Petey Smith LB FR 6-1 260 RS Tampa, Fla.

40 DeMarcus DuBose LB SR 6-1 240 Montgomery, Ala.

41 Courtney Upshaw LB SR 6-2 265 Eufaula, Ala.

42 Eddie Lacy RB SO 6-0 220 Geismar, La.

42 Adrian Hubbard LB FR 6-6 237 Lawrenceville, Ga.

43 Cade Foster PK SO 6-1 216 Southlake, Texas

43 Sam Kearns DB SR 5-6 155 Mobile, Ala.

44 Jay Williams P FR 6-3 221 Thomasville, Ala.

45 Jalston Fowler RB SO 6-1 246 Mobile, Ala.

46 William Strickland WR SR 6-0 191 Tuscaloosa, Ala.

48 Rowdy Harrell LB SR 6-0 219 Moundville, Ala.

49 Ranzell Watkins DB SO 5-9 170 Charlotte, N.C.

49 Ed Stinson DL SO 6-4 279 Homestead, Fla.

51 Carson Tinker Special TeamsJR 6-1 220 Murfreesboro, Tenn.

51 Wilson Love DL FR 6-3 276 Mountain Brook, Ala.

52 Alfred McCullough OL SR 6-2 311 Athens, Ala.

53 Anthony Orr DL FR 6-4 258 Madison, Ala.

54 Jesse Williams DL JR 6-4 319 Brisbane, Australia

54 Russell Raines OL SO 6-2 281 Satsuma, Ala.

56 William Ming DL SO 6-3 283 Athens, Ala.

57 Aaron Joiner OL JR 6-2 275 Florence, Ala.

58 Nick Gentry DL SR 6-1 284 Prattville, Ala.

59 Arie Kouandjio OL FR 6-5 335 Beltsville, Md.

61 Anthony Steen OL SO 6-3 303 Lambert, Miss.

62 Brandon Ivory DL FR 6-4 308 Memphis, Tenn.

63 Kellen Williams OL SO 6-3 305 Lawrenceville, Ga.

65 Chance Warmack OL JR 6-3 320 Atlanta, Ga.

67 John M. Boswell OL SR 6-5 300 Northport, Ala.

69 David Blalock OL SR 6-5 261 Charlotte, N.C.

71 Allen Skelton OL JR 6-1 267 Coker, Ala.

72 Tyler Love OL JR 6-6 307 Mountain Brook, Ala.

73 William Vlachos OL SR 6-1 294 Birmingham, Ala.

74 David Ross OL SR 6-3 302 Homewood, Ala.

75 Barrett Jones OL JR 6-5 311 Memphis, Tenn.

76 D.J. Fluker OL SO 6-6 335 Foley, Ala.

77 Aaron Douglas OL JR 6-7 275 Maryville, Tenn.

78 Chad Lindsay OL FR 6-2 287 The Woodlands, Texas

79 Austin Shepherd OL FR 6-5 321 Buford, Ga.

81 Hardie Buck WR JR 5-9 190 Birmingham, Ala.

82 Harrison Jones TE FR 6-4 248 Memphis, Tenn.

83 Kevin Norwood WR SO 6-2 193 D’Iberville, Miss.

84 Brian Vogler TE FR 6-7 252 Columbus, Ga.

86 Undra Billingsley DL JR 6-2/ 88 Birmingham, Ala.

87 Chris Underwood TE SR 6-4 243 Vestavia Hills, Ala.

88 Michael Bowman WR SO 6-4 225 Rossville, Ga.

89 Michael Williams TE JR 6-6 269 Reform, Ala.

90 Quinton Dial DL JR 6-6 294 Pinson, Ala.

90 Jeremy Shelley PK JR 5-10 165 Raleigh, N.C.

91 Alex Watkins LB SR 6-3 234 Brownsville, Tenn.

92 Damion Square DL JR 6-3 285 Houston, Texas

93 Chris Bonds DL SO 6-4 269 Columbia, S.C.

94 Darrington Sentimore DL SO 6-3 273 Norco, La.

95 Brandon Lewis DL JR 6-3 288 Pleasant Grove, Ala.

97 Brandon Moore DL SO 6-5 309 Montgomery, Ala.

99 Josh Chapman DL SR 6-1 310 Hoover, Ala.

Page 32: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

32 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 201132 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010

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Page 33: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

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Ready for the 2011 Season?

Page 34: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

34 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Exclusive

Stephen Smith

By now, most Touchdown Alabama Magazine readers will have heard the tireless coverage of

the NFL lockout and its effect on the franchises, the players and the overall economy. But what is the argument exactly when we’re in a

tumultuous economic time where 9 percent of the nation is unemployed and the rich and the wealthy still cannot reach a compromise. With football just around the corner, let’s catch up

on what is really going on between the NFL and the Player’s Association.

The NFL’s overall annual revenue is estimated at $9 billion. Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement that ended March 11, the owners of the league take $1

billion off the top of the revenue. From the remaining $8 billion, the players receive 59.6 percent. This percentage is where the salary cap originates. Everyone seems to get rich, so what is the problem?

The owners want to take $2.4 billion off the top and continue to give the players the same percentage of the money left over. ‘Billions’ is an astronomical figure for most of us to imagine. This cut is an 18 percent pay decrease for the players. The tricky

part of that is the Tom Brady’s, Peyton Manning’s, Ray Lewis’ of the league wouldn’t be affected. They are in higher demand, so the supply of money must meet their contracts’ demands. It is the

THE NFL LOCKOUTMILLIONAIRES VS. BILLIONAIRES

MOST PEOPLE HAVE NO SYMPATHY FOR THESE PLAYERS. THEY ARE ‘LIVING THE DREAM’ AND MAKING A GREAT DEAL OF MONEY.

Page 35: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

TouchdownAlabama.net | 35

Exclusive

Stephen Smith

second string, special team, and practice squad players who would be greatly affected. While the league minimum is dependent upon the number of years a player has been in the league, a player with no experience can make less than $355,000. That means the cheapest player on a roster would lose $63,900.

Most people have no sympathy for these players. They are ‘living the dream’ and making a great deal of money. The often overlooked aspect of the game is that most NFL players are living from paycheck to paycheck. While there are a lot of marquee talents, most are no-name players, struggling to keep their paychecks. So why do the owners want the $2.4 billion? Is it pure greed?

Well, maybe….NFL franchises used to be

funded greatly by tax dollars.

Because of the economic state of the country, these taxes have been allocated to other places. This leaves the owners to pay more out of pocket. These owners have to take out mortgages on stadiums and, with such expensive properties, they claim the franchises are at risk of imploding. The owners say that the players

hold stock in the franchise just as they do and should have to take the same risks. According to the owners, the players will be rewarded in the future, although the terms are unclear. During mediation, the Player’s Association asked to see the books as proof of the struggling franchises, but the league refuses to show them anything. This lack of cooperation is what concerns the Player’s Association about the motives of the league.

The players feel that they are not stock holders in the equation. Their idea of risk is the extreme physical danger they take every Sunday. Most player contracts are not guaranteed, so they feel their risk is found in every snap of the ball. The players believe that they are the most important asset to these franchises, so they should not be forced to accept pay cuts.

According to a study by the NFL Player’s Association, 63 percent of athletes in the NFL are injured in a season. The players know that is what they signed up for, and they do not necessarily want more money. They just want the same amount of money that they have been allotted in previous years.

Most importantly, what does

this mean for the Crimson Tide players entering the draft? Despite all of the controversy surrounding the NFL, there will be a draft. Marcell Dareus, Mark Ingram and Julio Jones are all projected to be first-round draft picks, so this ordeal will not hurt them immediately, but they will be affected. The NFL and Player’s Association are considering taking the money needed from first-round picks. As of now, the top 10 picked in the draft get guaranteed money. The idea is to take this money and give it to proven veterans. The Alabama players will still get paychecks, but they will have to earn their money. This should not be a problem for these three outstanding prospects, but it leaves the Ryan Leafs and JaMarcus Russels of the past out millions in guaranteed money.

There is no guarantee of a 2011

NFL season as of now, but do not be surprised by an agreement in the near future. Mark, Julio, and Marcell helped rebuild a tradition of excellence at Alabama. They should not have any trouble finding a team that wants them and is willing to pay big money for them.

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Page 36: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

36 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Interview

touchdownalabama.net | 36

Ro. Pick Name Position Team

1 3 Marcell Defensive Buffalo Dareus Tackle Bills

1 6 Julio Wide Atlanta Jones Receiver Falcons

1 25 James Offensive Seattle Carpenter Lineman Seahawks

1 28 Mark Running New Ingram Back Orleans Saints

7 5 Greg Quarterback New York McElroy Jets

The Lowdown

Traumatic brain injuries have left thousands with drastically changed

lives. Wounded Warrior Project offers services that ease the

burdens of these returning heroes, along with their fellow troops

who have suffered other severe physical and mental injuries.

For more information, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Some wounds you can’t see.

JAMES MYLOTTWounded in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq

Traumatic brain injury, severe muscle damage

CFC #11425 Wounded Warrior Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

The greatest casualty is being forgotten.TM

The University of Alabama has always been in the

spotlight. During the 2011 NFL Draft the Crimson Tide

was no different. Even though the draft might have

ended differently than some might have thought the

Tide still had five players drafted and here is a list.

Page 37: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

TouchdownAlabama.net | 37

Interview

Ro. Pick Name Position Team

1 3 Marcell Defensive Buffalo Dareus Tackle Bills

1 6 Julio Wide Atlanta Jones Receiver Falcons

1 25 James Offensive Seattle Carpenter Lineman Seahawks

1 28 Mark Running New Ingram Back Orleans Saints

7 5 Greg Quarterback New York McElroy Jets

The Lowdown

We have yet to see Duron Carter in a Crimson uniform, but Alabama does have two physical “Julio type” receivers that could transi-tion into that role in Kevin Norwood and Brandon Gibson.

Then you have speed merchants who can come in and give the defense nightmares by stretching the field. This could only create more problems for defensive coordinators in preparing for Alabama. Replacing the produc-tivity that Jones provided may be difficult, but it is easily within reach.

As for the punting miscues and place kicking problems, to he honest, there won’t be an easy fix. Time may bring some more consistency. Remember that Leigh Tiffin also had a difficult first year before settling down and becoming almost a “Mr. Automatic” for Alabama.

The hope here is that the defense will squelch opposing offenses and the Tide offense will put enough points of their own on the board that they won’t have to rely on late game heroics from the placekicking team until they get the consistency that everyone wants from them.

Last is the sense of entitlement that Saban grumbled about last season. According to Saban, last year’s team simply expected to win without doing the things that were necessary to make them win.

In interviewing players, that message certainly seems to have been taken to heart. There is no sense of entitlement on this year’s team. Not after being humbled by a second tier SEC team like South Carolina and then losing two more games that were easily within reach to LSU and Auburn.

This is a team that is hungry again, that is working the “Process” that Nick Saban expounds on and that is unified in one goal: being the best team they can be.

Time will tell us all how this plays out, but one thing is for sure, this season will be an entertaining one, full of surprises, some better than others and it truly is a team with a chance to achieve the goals they’ve set for themselves.

Unless they have an unforeseen stumble like they did last year against South Carolina, the season could boil down to the LSU game, not just for an SEC Championship, but for all the marbles.

Till then, let’s just enjoy it and see it all unfold.

Traumatic brain injuries have left thousands with drastically changed

lives. Wounded Warrior Project offers services that ease the

burdens of these returning heroes, along with their fellow troops

who have suffered other severe physical and mental injuries.

For more information, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Some wounds you can’t see.

JAMES MYLOTTWounded in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq

Traumatic brain injury, severe muscle damage

CFC #11425 Wounded Warrior Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

The greatest casualty is being forgotten.TM

The University of Alabama has always been in the

spotlight. During the 2011 NFL Draft the Crimson Tide

was no different. Even though the draft might have

ended differently than some might have thought the

Tide still had five players drafted and here is a list.

PHOT

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LEN

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Continued from page 20

Page 38: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

38 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Peo Connections

A BRIEF JOURNEY INTO

THE CAREER OF JAVIER ARENAS

Page 39: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

TouchdownAlabama.net | 39

Peo Connections

Originally from Tampa, Fla., Javier Arenas first graced the fields at Bryant-

Denny Stadium in 2006 as a freshman. At Robinson High School Arenas made a name for himself as a talented punt returner and defensive back. He continued this success during his first year at the Capstone when he became the number one punt and kick returner for the Tide.

Throughout his career at The University of Alabama Arenas did just about everything a football player could do. He played multiple positions consisting of corner back, defensive back and returner of kickoffs and punts. He was highly recognized and awarded throughout his college career. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week in 2009, All-American and second team All-SEC in 2008, he was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award as well as many other awards. He is the only college football player to have accumulated over 1,500 punt return yards and over 2,000 kick-off return yards in a career. Perhaps one of his greatest successes is being a substantial member of the 2009 championship team.

As the saying goes, “All good things must come to an end.” Arenas’s incredible career at UA ended after the 2009 season. He was selected in the 2010 draft in the second round, 50th overall

A BRIEF JOURNEY INTO

THE CAREER OF JAVIER ARENAS by Jen Underwood

Page 40: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

40 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Title Peo Connections

pick, to the Kansas City Chiefs. Arenas’s potential as a

professional player was noticed before his opening season even began. In July 2010 he competed with other Kansas City players for the cornerback position. His talent for this position was noticed and reported in an article by Josh Looney, an insider of the Chiefs.

“Second-round draft pick Javier Arenas should make a run for the club’s starting duties at nickel, having repped with the first-team defense at that position through much of the off-season,” Looney stated. “Although it seems like a nickel role may be Arenas’s ticket to defensive snaps in 2010, it’s not out of the question to think that he could see time as a traditional

cornerback as well. Arenas could be in store for a busy rookie season if he can also win the return jobs on special teams.” At a press conference Arenas commented on how he has dealt with coming from a national championship team, where his position was basically set, to going into a professional arena where he must compete for a position.

“A fresh start. I do the same thing I did when I first got to

Bama,” Arenas said. “I had to compete for a spot. I felt comfortable doing that because, ya know, I had a lot of great guys around me and obviously it’s the same thing here. That’s football, ya know, competing. Like I said, as soon as I got there I knew I had to compete and I’ve got to start all over.”

Arenas stayed true to these assumptions during his first season in the NFL. He played 16 games during his starting season with the Chiefs. In his first year of professional football Arenas logged 509 kick-off return yards and averaged 8.3 punt returns per game. He also had a total of 43 tackles during his rookie season.

Arenas also commented about how Saban played a part in preparing him for the NFL.

“For the most part, mentally, I think he prepared us great and it was humungous to have him as a college coach,” Arenas said. “But at the same time when you get up here it’s more than just that mental preparation. It’s physical, ya know, you’re playing with grown men and you’ve got to go out and compete. So, the things that he taught us are vital, but at the same time we’ve got to do our own thing. We’ve got to fight to survive.”

ARENAS’S POTENTIAL AS A

PROFESSIONAL PLAYER

WAS NOTICED BEFORE HIS

OPENING SEASON EVEN

BEGAN

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PHOT

OGRA

PHY

COUR

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EUM

Page 41: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

Title

touchdownalabama.net | 41

Peo Connections

Bama,” Arenas said. “I had to compete for a spot. I felt comfortable doing that because, ya know, I had a lot of great guys around me and obviously it’s the same thing here. That’s football, ya know, competing. Like I said, as soon as I got there I knew I had to compete and I’ve got to start all over.”

Arenas stayed true to these assumptions during his first season in the NFL. He played 16 games during his starting season with the Chiefs. In his first year of professional football Arenas logged 509 kick-off return yards and averaged 8.3 punt returns per game. He also had a total of 43 tackles during his rookie season.

Arenas also commented about how Saban played a part in preparing him for the NFL.

“For the most part, mentally, I think he prepared us great and it was humungous to have him as a college coach,” Arenas said. “But at the same time when you get up here it’s more than just that mental preparation. It’s physical, ya know, you’re playing with grown men and you’ve got to go out and compete. So, the things that he taught us are vital, but at the same time we’ve got to do our own thing. We’ve got to fight to survive.” by Jen Underwood

120CHANNELS

LOCAL CHANNELS INCLUDED*

in over 97% of the U.S.

NOW GET ACCESS TO OVER

LOCK IN YOUR PRICE FOR ONE YEAR!

LOCK IN YOUR PRICE NO Equipment

to Buy!

NO Start-Up Costs!

LIMITED TIME ONLY FOR 12 MONTHSAsk how.

$2999^mo.

After rebate

For a limited time get:

IT’S FAST!IT’S EASY!

Custom installation extra. Additional fees required.

Switch in minutes! 1-888-802-6774

Custom installation extra. Additional fees required.

Get 400 of the newest releases.◊ Plus over 6,000 shows and movies, at no extra charge.

Spanish-language packages available!

Ask how.

With CHOICE XTRATM package or higher, and Auto Bill Pay. HD Channels based on package selection.

Over 160 HD channels available^^

FREE HDAccess†

FREEPro InstallIn up to 4 rooms

With activation of CHOICE XTRA™ package or higher.

Over $130 Value!

12 Channels 9 Channels 3 Channels9 Channels

FREE for 3 months^

Get 33 movie channels!

Get 400 of the newest

With CHOICE XTRABill Pay. HD Channels based on package selection.

Over 160

FREE HD

Models may vary. With activation of the CHOICE XTRA™

package or above. Whole-Home DVR service required for second

receiver upgrade. Additional fees required.

2 FREEUpgrades

HD DVR & HD Receiver

Models may vary. With activation of the CHOICE XTRA™

package or above. Whole-Home DVR service required for second

$298Value!

Prices higher and terms & conditions vary in select markets, also dependent on the package selected. All offers require 2 year agreement.º Package pricing may vary in certain markets. Free HD requires Auto Bill Pay. Offer ends 7/20/11. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). $19.95 Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation. ◊Additional fees required for new releases. Prices higher and terms & conditions vary in select markets, also dependent on the package selected.

^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES. Free SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $38.97. Free HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME and Cinemax for 3 months, a value of $135. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. †FREE HD OFFER: Includes access to HD channels associated with your programming package. To be eligible for Free HD you must activate and maintain the CHOICE XTRA Package or higher and enroll in Auto Bill Pay. Also requires at least one (1) HD Receiver and activation of HD Access. Account must be in “good standing” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion to remain eligible for all offers. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary.°2-YR. LEASE AGREEMENT: EARLY CANCELLATION WILL RESULT IN A FEE OF $20/MONTH FOR EACH REMAINING MONTH. Must maintain 24 consecutive months of your DIRECTV programming package. DVR Service $7/mo. required for DVR and HD DVR lease. HD Access fee $10/mo. required for HD Receiver and HD DVR. No lease fee for only 1 receiver. Lease fee for first 2 receivers $6/mo.; additional receiver leases $6/mo. each. NON-ACTIVATION CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER MAY APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. DVR or HD advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE package or above. HD DVR upgrade requires activation of CHOICE XTRA package or above. Second advanced receiver offer requires activation of an HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR service ($3/mo.). Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra.DIRECTV CINEMA: Access to DIRECTV CINEMA programming available at no additional charge is based on package selection. Actual number of TV shows and movies will vary. Some DIRECTV CINEMA content requires an HD DVR (HR20 or later) or DVR (R22 or later), DIRECTV CINEMA Connection Kit ($25) and broadband Internet service with speeds of 750 kbps or higher and a network router with an available Ethernet port are required. DVR Service required for DVR and HD DVR Receivers. HD Access required for HD DVR. Visit directv.com/cinema for details. *Eligibility for local channels based on service address. Not all networks available in all markets. ^^To access DIRECTV HD programming, an HD Access fee ($10/mo.) and HD television equipment are required. Number of HD channels varies by package selected. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. ©2011 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE and CHOICE XTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

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Page 42: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

42 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Exclusive

Ask any Alabama fan what they expect from the Crimson Tide in 2011 and you will get a resounding answer: Alabama will be back in Atlanta.

Whether that is the case or not remains to be seen. Replacing your two-year starting quarterback, a Heisman trophy winning running back and your go-to wide receiver is no easy task, but that’s the reason you have the off-season.

On the bright side, Alabama returns a ton on the defensive side and has been able to sign a couple of JUCO guys to add depth to what was considered a weakness last year, the defensive line. Dont’a Hightower, Robert Lester and Will Lowery are capable of providing leadership so guys like

Dre Kirkpatrick, Nico Johnson and Demarcus Milliner can get more comfortable in their roles on defense.

The schedule is also a reason Tide fans expect big things this year, with a majority of their difficult opponents coming to Tuscaloosa. There are no back-to-back away games the Crimson

Tide faces this year and the opponents away from Tuscaloosa are either in a rebuilding period or under a new coaching regime.

Alabama opens the season on Sept. 3 against Nick Saban’s alma mater, Kent State. Alabama has never played the Golden Flashes on the gridiron and the game will mark just the fourth opponent Alabama has played out of the Mid-American Conference. Kent State is coming off of a 5-7 season while head coach Doug Martin enters his eighth season with the Golden Flashes.

The first big test for Alabama comes the following week when the Tide travels to State College to take on the Penn State Nittany Lions. Alabama holds a 9-5 record against coach Joe Paterno,

who is coaching his 46th season at Penn State. Alabama is 3-2 against Penn State in Happy Valley, with the most recent being a thrilling last second blocked field goal to preserve a 17-16 victory in 1989. Since then, Penn State has expanded Beaver Stadium to a capacity of 107,282, making it the second largest

college stadium in the country. It will be the largest crowd Alabama has faced.

On Sept. 17, the Tide returns to Tuscaloosa to take on North Texas. Alabama owns a 3-0 record against the Mean Green from Denton, Texas, including a 53-7 win in 2009. The Crimson Tide then opens up conference play against Arkansas, who came off a BCS bowl appearance last year and are returning starters Greg Childs, Joe Adams and Tramain Thomas. Like Alabama, Arkansas will be looking for a starting quarterback; however the battle might not be as intense as it is in Tuscaloosa, with junior Tyler Wilson drawing the most praise from the Razorback coaching staff. Arkansas will look for

revenge coming into Tuscaloosa. A lack of a running game really hurt the Razorbacks at the end of the ‘Bama game last year and as the season went along, Arkansas found a gem in running back Knile Davis, who looks to improve from 2010.

The Tide will then travel to Gainesville on Oct. 1 to take on

TIDE FOCUSES ON RETURN TO ATLANTA IN 2011

“CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT ‘NEVER AGAIN’ MIGHT MEAN? SABAN SAID. “BEING AHEAD IN A GAME 24-0 AND THEN LOSING THE GAME 28-27?

WE DON’T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN AGAIN.”

Coe Robbins

Page 43: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

TouchdownAlabama.net | 43

Exclusive

“CAN YOU IMAGINE WHAT ‘NEVER AGAIN’ MIGHT MEAN? SABAN SAID. “BEING AHEAD IN A GAME 24-0 AND THEN LOSING THE GAME 28-27?

WE DON’T WANT THAT TO HAPPEN AGAIN.”

Coe Robbins

the Florida Gators under Nick Saban disciple and first year head coach Will Muschamp. The series is 21-14 in favor of Alabama, though seven of the meetings have been in the SEC championship game. Muschamp was always known as a defensive mind while with Saban at LSU, as well as during stops in Auburn Miami and Texas. Coach Urban Meyer decided to resign after 2010 to spend time with his family and with that also went the spread offense. For a personnel that’s built for a spread, it may take a season or two to get back to the smash-mouth, pro-style football Muschamp wants.

An Oct. 8 homecoming meeting with Vanderbilt will be next up as the Tide battles the Commodores in a cross-divisional

matchup. Alabama owns a 59-19-4 record that includes a 24-10 victory in 2007 which was the last time the two teams met. Vanderbilt will also be under a new head coach in James Franklin. He was previously the offensive coordinator at the University of Maryland for three seasons and had other stops at Kansas State, Washington State and the Green Bay Packers.

A trip to Oxford on Oct. 15 to play Ole Miss will then set up “The Third Saturday in October” as Alabama battles Tennessee in Tuscaloosa on Oct. 22. It’s hard to forget what happened last time these two teams played in Bryant-Denny Stadium when Terrence Cody blocked not one but two field goals in the fourth quarter to secure the victory and go on to win the national championship. A

lot has changed since then, with a new head coach who just happens to be the son of an SEC legend and another disciple of Nick Saban’s, Derek Dooley. To say Tennessee was unlucky last year is an understatement. A would-be victory over LSU in the final seconds was then retracted after a penalty for having too many men on the field. Fast forward to a wild finish in the Music City Bowl that cost the Vols a win and you get a season that many would like to forget.

After playing eight straight games, the Tide finally gets a bye week before playing divisional rival LSU on Nov. 5. Alabama has dominated the overall series with LSU posting a 45-24-5 record. “Saban Bowl V,” as some people would like to call it, will feature, in all likelihood, the two

Page 44: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

44 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

Cont’d

teams battling to represent the West in the SEC championship game. These two teams have provided fantastic games the last few years and this year looks to be the same.

Alabama will then travel to Starkville to take on Miss. State on Nov. 12 which might be a sleeper in the West. A strong nucleus comes back for the Bulldogs and players are getting comfortable in coach Dan Mullen’s system. An upset in Gainesville last year has helped Bulldog fans be very optimistic this year. The following week, Alabama will play Georgia

Southern on Senior Day for the last home game of the year. It will be the first meeting between the two schools. Georgia Southern is 0-7 all-time against SEC institutions.

And then there’s the Iron Bowl. A date set for Nov. 26 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. Signs are posted throughout locker rooms, weight rooms and meeting areas in the Mal Moore Athletic Facility which say, simply, “Never Again.” The sign displays a 24-0 lead in the first half against Auburn at the top and then the 28-27 final on the bottom; it’s a reminder every day

to the players about finishing what they started.

"Can you imagine what 'never again' might mean?” Saban asked. “Being ahead in a game 24-0 and then losing the game 28-27? We don't want that to happen again."

A win for the Tide against Auburn could ease some pain from last year’s loss. It could also mean another trip to Atlanta. For Alabama it’s one game at a time. Like 2008, after the loss to Florida in the SEC championship, a mission has been set for the Crimson Tide yet again to be the best team in the conference in 2011.

position I want to play and if I think I want to play a different position he would have a meeting with me about it and talk about it.

MP: But you definitely want to play in the secondary?

EW: Yes.

MP: You’re pretty tall already, Eddie. What are you, about 6 foot 4, 200 pounds?

EW: Yes, sir.

MP: Eddie, you said you were going to actively recruit players. How is that going? Have you already started that?

EW: You know, one of these days I go up there, the spring games, things like that, and that’s how I get around and talk to most of the players.

MP: What is it about Nick Saban’s defense that is so attractive that he is able to get these elite DB’s and end up putting them in the NFL?

EW: Something about Alabama defense. It’s not a normal-based defense. It’s basically run like the NFL. So when a DB goes to a combine it won’t be anything to them. They already know what to do.

MP: Yes, I get that. So Eddie, how

do you think Alabama is going to do next season?

EW: I think they will have a pretty good season. Last year they had such a young team, but this year they should have a real good season. Especially with all the young talent they had last year.

MP: Now, Mark Barron who plays free safety, probably the position you would come in to play, if I had to guess, will definitely be drafted to the NFL next season. So, you know there will be an open spot there. Do you have your eye on that position?

EW: Definitely, yes.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Continued from page 41

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Page 46: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

46 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2011

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Page 47: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

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touchdownalabama.net | 47

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Page 48: Touchdown Alabama Magazine 2011 Football Preview

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