touchdown alabama magazine aug. 10, 2010

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In This Issue

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.

8 A-Day Recap

10 SEC Projections

14 Greg McElroy

16 2010 Schedule

19 2010 Roster

20 Scott Cochran

22 RecruitingProfile

24 ClemGryskaProfile

28 Lionel Grant Interview

Summer 2010 | Volume 3, ISSue 1

StaffPresident/Publisher Bennie Bice

Editor-in-Chief Mike Lacy

Managing Editor Jessica Temple

Photography BDL Mark Lent Matt Gaston Tim Bailey Rivals.com

Creative Director Jenifer McCormick

Graphic Design Cassandra Johnson Tramayne Wright Antonio Rodgers ChiefInformationOfficer BrianLaShomb

Website Designer Carey Landon

Public Relations Eric Hudson

Customer Relations Herb Neu National Sales Director George W. Garmon

Account Executives Rebecca Ashley Kimberly Carter

Contributing Writers Larry Burton Troy Farsoun Mike Parker Coe Robbins Donald Staffo

Reporters T.J. Paysinger Jonathan McMath

Next Issue

• Breakdown of Offense, Defense, and Special Teams

• Siran Stacy

Web Content

• Post-Game Interviews

• Game Footage

• Press Conferences from Nick Saban

• More From Larry Burton

Weekly Radio Show

• Coming Soon!

6 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010

Letter from the Editor:

It does not seem that long ago--seven months--when they were flyingbackfromPasadena,CAwiththeBCSTrophyhoistedhigh above their heads delighted to show the college football worldthattheywerebackontop.However,thereisonesurefactaboutlife,andthatis,“timewaitsfornoone.”Inthisshortinterim,thelandscape,roster,andthefans’perspectivehaveallchanged in and around Alabama football. Naturally,astimemovesforward,changeisinevitable,and

withchange,comesnewopportunitiesandchallengesforthenew starters. The fans expect the new starters to seize the opportunitiesandwhenfacedwithchallenges,riseupandcompete at a championship level. The Alabama fans are smart enough to synthesize what lies ahead for the Crimson Tide. With therightscenarioandluck,thisteammayhavethetimeofitslife.TheCrimsonTide,justlikealltheother13National

championshipteamshasanopportunity,but“time”willtell.Realisticallythough,thefanscomingofftheSECMedia

Days,arejustcountingthedaystofillingthefifthlargestnewlyexpandedBryant-DennyStadiumwhichwillhouseover102,000loyal fans of the Crimson Tide. Ear plugs will be recommended during all home games. Hope to see some of you at Fan Day!

Roll Tide!

Send Letters to:POBox3251Tuscaloosa,[email protected]: [email protected]

MISSION STATEMENT“Touchdown AlabamaMagazinewascreatedtobringAlabamafootballfansthecoverageoftheirteamthattheycraveandexpect,aswellastobringthemclosertotheactiononthefield.TheUniversityofAlabamahasalongcollegefootballhistory,richwithtradition.EachseasonhasaddedmoredynamicplayersandcolorfulstoriestotheAlabamafamily.Itisonlyfittingthataprogramwith13NationalChampionshipsshouldhaveaweeklymagazinededicatedtoconveyingtheexcitementofthegametoitsdevoted fans. Touchdown AlabamaMagazinestrivestobethemostup-to-date,relevantandexcitingmagazinecoveringUniversityofAlabamafootball.Furthermore,weguaranteein-deptharticles,exclusiveinterviewsandqualitycontentsurroundingtheCrimsonTide.Wewillneverforgetwhowegeneratethismagazineforyou,thefan.Godbless.”

ON THE COVERHead Coach Nick SabanInjustfouryearsatAlabama,NickSabanhasledtheCrimsonTidetotwoundefeatedseasonsandbroughthomeaNationalChampionship.BeforethetrophymadeittoTuscaloosa,Sabanwasalreadylookingaheadtothe2010season.Withninereturningstarters,includingBama’sfirstHeismanwinner,andsomerisingstars,thedefendingNationalChampsarelookingforaninstantreplayoftheirremarkableseason.ThespringA-Daygamegavefansapreviewofwhattheycanexpectseeinthebigger,louderBryant-Dennythisyear.ForallthedetailsonA-Day,seepage8.Foralookaheadatthe2010season,checkoutpage10.Photography by BDL.


When head coach Nick Saban wants his offense to show off a little, theCrimson Tide is only too happy to deliver.

The reigning national championsputonahigh-flyingdemonstrationofAlabama’s new offensive scheme before acapacity crowd of 92,000 at Bryant-DennyStadium for the spring A-Day game. Backup quarterbackA.J.McClarronandhisWhiteTeambeattheCrimsoninsuddendeathovertime,23-17.In a game that saw a plethora of passes from McClarron and first string quarterback GregMcElroy, Heisman-trophy winner Mark Ingramstill managed to accumulate 121 all-purpose yards to win the A-Day MVP award. Ingram played oppositehispartnerTrentRichardson,whoshow-cased his pass-catching ability for the White team inhaulinginthreepassesfor63yards and a touchdown. Star receiver Julio Jones has been praised by McElroy and Saban forsteppingupinpractice,butwas used sparingly and had just 15yardson theday.BrandonGibsonseems themost likely to play a second go-to receiver,impressing fans and coaches alike with 142 yards on eight catches and the game-winning touchdown.Alabama’s defense is said to have taken the

biggestblow,losingsuchstarsofthe2009season

as Rolando McClain, Terrance Cody, KareemJackson, JavierArenas,Mike Johnson,BrandonDeaderick,andseveralothers.Butithasbeensaidthat the Alabama defense does not rebuild; it only reloads. Returning for the 2010 year is defensive endMarcelDareus,whobecameanovernightstaras he shined in the national championship game and should be a major contributor to a depleted defense that ranked among the best in the nation last year. Dareus took home the most valuable lineman award after accumulating three tackles and a sack during the scrimmage. Dre Kirkpatrick lookstobecometheTide’snewshutdowncorner,generatingtheCrimsonteam’sonlyturnoverafterpickingoffaMcElroypasstoMarquisMaze.TheCrimson defense came up with five sacks andeight tackles for a loss, while theWhite squaddelivered six sacks and another eight tackles for a loss of yardage.

The largest area of concern for the top-ranked Crimson Tide could be the substantial losses to the special teams unit. With the departure of kicker Leigh Tiffin, record-setting return manJavierArenas, and punter P.J. Fitzgerald, NickSabanwill have to find quality replacements tomake up for a lack of experience.

Troy Farsoun

A Taste of What’s to Come

Continued on page 30

With expectations at their highest, Alabama looks to take the national crown once again.

Exclusive

touchdownalabama.net | 9

After two consecutive undefeated regular seasons, the school’s first Heisman trophy, an SEC title, and a national championship, Nick Saban has stated that this is just the beginning for the Tide.

Photography by Tim Bailey

Preseason Preview

2010 Alabama Crimson Tide SEC schedule

Road to the SEC Championship


Considering this is the toughest conference in college football, no game is easy. When you’re the previous year’s national champion, opponents will be geared up to knock you off.

This is our take on how the 2010 Alabama Crimson Tide SEC schedule will breakdown from easiest opponent to most difficult.

The schedule dates are subject to change because the last six SEC opponents have bye weeks before playing Alabama. Athletics director Mal Moore appealed the schedule to the SEC offices and is awaiting a response as of May 2010.

Coe Robbins


at Tennessee 10/23Returning starters:11(4offense,7defense)Strengths:WR,K,PWeakness:QB,OLOverall: To say the Tennessee program is

lacking depth is an understatement. No offensive lineman willbereturningfromlastyear,thefuturestartingquarterbackhastransferredandanewcoachingstaffhastaken over. Things do not bode well for Derek Dooley in hisfirstyear,buthedoeshaveacoachingpedigree.WithSEC legend Vince Dooley as a father and a coaching philosophylearnedunderNickSaban,Dooleyknowswhat it takes to win. It just will take a little time for him to get his guys.

Mississippi State 11/13Returning starters: 15(7offense,8defense)Strengths:OL,DB,LB,K,PWeakness:QB,RB

Overall: If you go around asking people how you would describeCoachDanMullen,peoplewouldtellyoucharismatic. Mullen made a huge splash on the fanbase in Starkville because he was the offensive coordinator of the national champion Florida Gators. With the near win against Florida and being one-for-one in the Egg Bowl againstin-staterivalOleMiss,lifecan’tgetmuchbetterforthe Bulldogs. Mullen did announce recently that a two-quarterbacksystemwillbeusedthisyear,butitremainstobeseenwhetherthat’sagoodthingorabadthing.

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Ole Miss 10/16Returning starters:10(4offense,6defense)Strengths: RB,DL,PWeakness: QB,WR,DBOverall: High expectations loomed over Ole

Miss during the 2009 campaign with some voters picking Ole Miss to even win the Western Division under the commandofJevanSnead.ThebrightspotfortheRebels,however,wasDexterMcCluster,whoranamasterfulWildcat option package. The grim news for Ole Miss is that both players are gone and third year coach Houston Nutt must do some rebuilding with his playmakers.

at South Carolina 10/9Returning starters:15(8offense,7defense)Strengths:QB,WR,K,PWeakness:OL,DL

Overall: Fans of South Carolina are still holding on to Steve Spurrier to bring them an Eastern Division crown and a spot in the SEC title game after Spurrier made that his goal for the Gamecocks. He might have the best receivingcorpsintheconferencenexttoAlabama,withhighly under-rated Alshon Jeffrey leading the pack. The Carolinanativeisthebiggestreceiverintheconference,standing6’4”andawhopping247pounds.Spurriermustfindawaytogettheballintohishandsasmuchaspossible.

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#5

Continued on next page

Preseason Preview

Auburn 11/26Returning starters:15(7offense,8defense)Strengths: LB,OL,DB,KWeakness:QB,DL

Overall: Whatcanyousayaboutthisgame?It’stheIronBowl.Lastyear,Auburnwasplaguedwithinjuries,particularlyintheirbackfield,buttheTigersheldtheirownandamajoritywillbeback.Auburn’soffensivelineandlinebackers also come back pretty well intact. Auburn got a commitmentfromFloridatransferCamNewton,whowasthe heir apparent to Tim Tebow. He was able to enroll in JanuaryandparticipatedinAuburn’sspringgame,thoughitwas sparingly. It was announced recently that Newton will be the starter for Auburn. Were coaches keeping the offensive playbook hidden with Cam Newton under center during the spring game?

at Arkansas 9/25Returning starters:16(9offense,7defense)Strengths: QB,DB,OL,K,PWeakness:DL,RB

Overall: Arkansas’offenserivalsAlabama’sforhavingthe most starters returning from last year. Signal-caller Ryan Mallett returns and will probably be considered the second best QB behind Greg McElroy. The downside for the Hogs is the loss of their running back Michael Smith. However,theoffensiveguruBobbyPetrinowillhavesomethingworkedout,andwithPetrino’ssecondfullrecruitingclass,hewillbeabletoworkmorefreelywithhis offense.

#4

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at LSU 11/06Returning starters:10(6offense,4defense)Strengths: QB,DB,K,PWeakness:LB,RB,WR

Overall: Les Miles took over a well-stocked program in 2005afterSabanleftLSUfortheNFL.InthefirstthreeseasonsMilescoached,includingthe2007nationalchampi-onship,hisoverallrecordwas34-6.Sincethen,Mileshasgone17-9andhassurprisinglylosttorivalsOleMissandArkansas.JordanJeffersonhadLSUfansthrilledafterhisperformance in the demolishing of Gerogia Tech in the 2008 Chic-fil-aBowl,buthisseasonthefollowingyearwassub-par at best. He returns from last year as the starting QB withaveteransecondary,includingNFLprospectPatrickPeterson. This should be an intriguing matchup with the veteranreceivingcorpsAlabamawillfieldinBatonRouge.

Florida 10/2Returning starters:13(6offense,7defense)Strengths: RB,DB,K,PWeakness:QB,TE,LB

Overall: What an off-season it has been for the Florida Gators.Earlyentries,graduations,thesuddenretirementofUrbanMeyer,thenthe“timeoff”aftercomingoutofretirement has been a whirlwind of chaos down in Gainesville. A player like Tim Tebow comes around every quarterofacentury.Hisleadershiptangibleswillbesomething very hard to replace and it remains to be seen whowillbetheonetobethevocalleader,bothonoffenseanddefense.ButlikeSaban,UrbanMeyercanrecruittalent,and he is in a hotbed of talent in the state of Florida. New quarterbackJohnBrantleyismoreofadrop-backpasserthanTebow,solookforanoffensesimilartoUrban’sfirstyear when Chris Leak was there. Their last time in Tuscaloosa,theGatorsgotclobbered31-3inMeyer’sfirstyear.It’sawholenewballgamenow.Punintended.

#3

#1


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Greg McElroy

Photography by BDL


-&- and

Player Profile

OnlytwomeninthehistoryofcollegefootballhavefinishedtheirhighschoolandcollegecareersasstartingquarterbacksunbeatenanduntiedandTouchdown Alabama is the only print magazine to have their exclusive interviews and advice for Greg McElroy to join their ranks.

ThefirstofthesemenisJames(Jim)Harris.HequarterbackedtheOklahomaSoonersforthreeyearsfrom1954-1956,wonback-to-backnationalchampionshipsand was a huge part of their 48-game winning streak.

Only the second man to accomplish the feat is Chuck Ealey. He was undefeated in highschoolandcollege,goingundefeatedinthreeyearsforToledointheearly70’s.He is often sought-out to speak on being a winner.Ealeywasoneofthefirstblackquarterbacksatawhitecollege.Hecouldnothave

comefrommuchsimplerbackground,growingupinahousingprojectinarust-bucketAppalachia foothill steel town.Today,heissuccessfulinvestmentadvisorandafixtureinhiscommunity.Bothmenweregenuinelywarmandhumble,andbothofferedsimilaradvicefor

GregMcElroyforhisquesttobecomeonlythethirdundefeatedhighschoolandcollegequarterbackinthehistoryofDivisionINCAAfootball.Ealey’sadvicewassimpleanddirect.“Takeitoneplayatatime.Forgetthebadonesandjustfocusonthenextthing

you’resupposedtodo.Don’tlookback,don’tlooktoofarahead,focusonthemomentandthenextplay,”headvised.Ealeyalsosaidit’sabouttrust.Hesaidyouhavetotrustyourteammates,andyou

havetotrustyourcoaches;theywouldn’thaveyououtthereifyouweren’tthebestchoice. You also have to trust in yourself to put your training and practice to work.JimHarrisisawareofMcElroy’sandhisteam’sachievementssofarandsawmany

similarities with his own days at Oklahoma.“IplayedforthemanIthinkwasthebestcoachinfootballatthetime,Bud

Wilkinson.HewasaprovenwinnerjustlikeNickSabanisnow,”Harrissaid.“IwasalsoblessedtohavetwoAll-Americanrunningbacks,TommyMcDonald

andClendonThomas,whowentontogreatprocareers,“heContinued on page 18

UnbeateN UntieD

Larry Burton

1. Alabama2. Ohio State3. Boise State4. Florida5. TCU

6. Miami7. Texas8. Oregon9. Nebraska10. Wisconsin

TopPreseasonPoll10

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT GASTON


Photography by BDL

said.(ThosetwoplayedmuchlikeAlabama’sMarkIngramandTrentRichardon.)“Iwassurroundedbygreatplayersandtherewasverylittle

differencebetweenthefirstandsecondteams,andIknewIdidn’thaveto[do]itallmyself,”saidHarris.“Youhavetotrustinyourteam.Youdoyourjob,buttrust

them to do theirs too. No championship is won by oneman,sodon’tthinkyou’retheonlysolutionortheonlyproblem.Everyonecanbereplaced.Don’teverpanic,youarepartofateamandthepartsinterchange.“You’reboundtomakemistakes,eventhevery

best do. Let people pick you up if you make them (mistakes)andyoupickthemupwhentheydo.That’sateam,”hesaid.“Andtakeitonegameatatimeandnever

overlookanyone,”Harriswarned.“WehadjustbeatenagreatNotreDameteam

somethinglike40-0mysenioryear,andwethoughtwe were invincible. Our next game was against little Colorado,whodidn’thavemuchthatyearandwethoughtwewouldbeatthetaroutofthem,”Harrisrecounted.“Butabouthalfwaythroughthegamewe’re

behind and getting our butts handed to us. Coach Wilkinsontalkedusthroughthatathalftime,andwecamebackandwon27-19,butafterthegame,feltlike losers.“Wehadletanobodybeatuponusbecausewe

didn’ttakethemseriously.Itwasagoodlearningexperience,andthatdidn’thappenagain,”hestated.LikeEaley,Harrisisenjoyingsuccessbeyond

football.

HeownsMidrocOperatingCompany,anOilandGascompany,whereheputshisdegreeingeologytowork,andlivesinShreveport,La.At75,hestillenjoysfollowingfootballand

athletics. He plays a mean game of tennis and is still active in his business and community affairs.

Both Ealey and Harris advised McElroy to realize the importance and abilities of his team-mates and trust in them.Don’ttrytodoitallyourself,anddon’tlookto

thepast,butatwhat’srightinfrontofyou.Both of these men are members of a club much

more rare than that of Heisman Trophy winners; membershipintothisclubdoesn’tcomeeveryyearor even every decade.

Whether or not McElroy will gain membership is up to the fate of another long and arduous season,butshouldheaccomplishit,thesetwomen

will be grinning and will welcome McElroy into their ranks.There was one other piece of advice that both men gave:

earn your degree. Your life after football is long and can be very rewarding.That’sgoodadviceallthewayaround,andhopefullyGreg

McElroy can learn from the advice of these two great men.

Player Profile, con’t

alabama 2

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Roster

82 Earl Alexander WR SR 6-4 207 Phenix City, Ala.49 Jonathan Atchison LB FR 6-2 228 Atlanta, Ga.31 John Baites LB JR 6-4 235 Hendersonville, Tenn.4 Mark Barron DB JR 6-2 210 Mobile, Ala.7 Kenny Bell WR FR 6-1 172 Rayville, La.86 Undra Billingsley TE SO 6-3 269 Birmingham, Ala.32 David Blalock DL JR 6-5 245 Charlotte, N.C.93 Chris Bonds DL FR 6-4 263 Columbia, S.C.67 John Michael Boswell OL JR 6-5 291 Northport, Ala.88 Michael Bowman WR SO 6-4 225 Rossville, Ga.37 Hardie Buck WR SO 5-9 184 Birmingham, Ala.87 Drew Bullard LB JR 6-3 232 Florence, Ala.34 Hunter Bush DB SO 5-11 181 Wetempka, Ala.77 James Carpenter OL JR 6-5 300 Augusta, Ga.99 Josh Chapman DL JR 6-1 310 Hoover, Ala.57 Marcell Dareus DL JR 6-3 306 Huffman, Ala.96 Luther Davis DL SR 6-3 279 West Monroe, La.23 Craig Dee SO 5-11 193 Pembroke Pines, Fla.51 Michael DeJohn LB SR 6-1 237 Hoover, Ala.85 Preston Dial TE SR 6-3 237 Mobile, Ala.40 DeMarcus DuBose LB JR 6-1 240 Montgomery, Ala.13 Rob Ezell WR SR 5-10 172 Athens, Ala.76 D.J. Fluker OL FR 6-6 340 Foley, Ala.43 Cade Foster PK FR 6-1 221 Southlake, Texas45 Jalston Fowler RB/LB FR 6-1 236 Mobile, Ala.10 John Fulton DB FR 6-0 179 Manning, S.C.95 Colin Gallagher PK SR 5-10 194 Atlanta, Ga.58 Nick Gentry DL JR 6-1 282 Prattville, Ala.11 Brandon Gibson WR JR 6-2 196 Mobile, Ala.6 Demetrius Goode RB JR 5-9 220 LaGrange, Ga.23 Robby Green DB JR 6-0 181 New Orleans, La.34 JeramieGriffin RB JR 6-2 232 Batesville,Miss.15 Darius Hanks WR SR 6-0 184 Norcross, Ga.54 Glenn Harbin DL SO 6-5 260 Mobile, Ala.48 Rowdy Harrell LB JR 6-0 213 Moundville, Ala.10 Jerrell Harris LB JR 6-3 231 Gadsden, Ala.30 Dont’a Hightower LB JR 6-4 260 Lewisburg, Tenn.45 Mark Holt DB SR 6-1 172 Muscle Shoals, Ala.21 Ben Howell RB SO 5-9 193 Gordo, Ala.22 Mark Ingram RB JR 5-10 215 Flint, Mich.2 Star Jackson QB SO 6-3 209 Lake Worth, Fla. 35 Nico Johnson LB SO 6-3 238 Andalusia, Ala.57 Aaron Joiner OL SO 6-2 258 Florence, Ala.75 Barrett Jones OL SO 6-4 301 Memphis, Tenn.8 Julio Jones WR JR 6-4 211 Foley, Ala. 9 Phelon Jones DB JR 5-11 199 Moblie, Ala.36 Chris Jordan LB JR 6-3 232 Brentwood, Tenn.81 Kendall Kelly WR FR 6-3 214 Gadsden, Ala.10 J.B. Kern LB SR 6-1 232 Dove Canyon, Calif.21 Dre Kirkpatrick DB SO 6-3 190 Gadsden, Ala.42 Eddie Lacy RB FR 6-0 212 Geismar, La.37 Robert Lester DB SO 6-2 206 Foley, Ala.

95 Brandon Lewis DL JR 6-3 274 Pleasant Grove, Ala.78 Chad Lindsay OL FR 6-2 277 The Woodlands, Texas72 Tyler Love OL SO 6-6 304 Mountain Brook, Ala.29 Will Lowery DB JR 5-9 188 Hoover, Ala.17 Tyler Maddox DB JR 5-10 191 Houston, Texas33 Mike Marrow RB FR 6-2 235 Holland, Ohio4 Marquis Maze WR JR 5-10 182 Birmingham, Ala.10 A.J. McCarron QB FR 6-4 190 Mobile, Ala.52 Alfred McCullough OL JR 6-2 309 Athens, Ala.12 Greg McElroy QB SR 6-3 225 Southlake, Texas28 DeMarcus Milliner DB FR 6-1 182 Millbrook, Ala.56 William Ming DL FR 6-3 263 Athens, Ala.97 Brandon Moore DL FR 6-5 305 Montgomery, Ala.66 Brian Motley OL SR 6-3 289 Autaugaville, Ala.64 Kerry Murphy DL SO 6-4 319 Hoover, Ala.46 Wesley Neighbors DB SO 6-1 205 Huntsville, Ala.83 Kevin Norwood WR FR 6-2 187 D’Iberville, Miss.18 Morgan Ogilvie QB FR 6-0 198 Mountain Brook, Ala.53 Anthony Orr DL FR 6-4 268 Madison, Ala.2 Tana Patrick LB FR 6-3 231 Bridgeport, Ala.39 Kyle Pennington DB JR 5-11 187 Chatom, Ala.68 Taylor Pharr OL SR 6-6 285 Irondale, Ala. 54 Russell Raines OL FR 6-2 265 Satsuma, Ala.3 Trent Richardson RB SO 5-11 220 Pensacola, Fla.74 David Ross OL SR 6-3 302 Homewood, Ala.1 B.J. Scott DB SO 5-11 193 Prichard, Ala.94 Darrington Sentimore DL FR 6-3 261 Norco, La.94 Jeremy Shelley PK SO 5-10 165 Raleigh, N.C.79 Austin Shepherd OL FR 6-5 307 Buford, Ga.14 Phillip Sims QB FR 6-2 214 Chesapeake, Va.71 Allen Skelton OL SO 6-1 261 Coker, Ala.17 Brad Smelley TE JR 6-3 227 Tuscaloosa, Ala.38 Petey Smith LB FR 6-1 250 Tampa, Fla.92 Damion Square DL SO 6-3 284 Houston, Tex.61 Anthony Steen OL FR 6-3 292 Lambert, Miss.47 Ed Stinson LB FR 6-4 252 Homestead, Fla.46 William Strickland WR JR 6-0 188 Tuscaloosa, Ala.90 Milton Talbert DL SR 6-4 271 Hattiesburg, Miss.98 Kolby Taylor PK SO 5-9 184 Bessemer, Ala.47 Logan Thomas WR SR 6-3 206 Houston, Texas 51 Carson Tinker ST SO 6-1 220 Murfreesboro, Tenn.87 Chris Underwood TE SO 6-4 238 Vestavia Hills, Ala.41 Courtney Upshaw LB JR 6-2 263 Eufaula, Ala. 73 William Vlachos OL JR 6-1 289 Birmingham, Ala.65 Chance Warmack OL SO 6-3 /300 Atlanta, Ga.91 Alex Watkins LB JR 6-3 232 Brownsville, Tenn.55 Chavis Williams LB SR 6-4 223 Dora, Ala.60 David Williams OL SO 6-3 267 Duncanville, Ala.63 Kellen Williams OL FR 6-3 307 Lawrenceville, Ga.89 Michael Williams TE SO 6-6 270 Reform, Ala.9 Nick Williams WR FR 5-10 179 Fort Lauderdale, Fla.18 Rod Woodson DB SO 5-11 199 Olive Branch, Miss.

NO NAME POS CL HT WT HOMETOWN NO NAME POS CL HT WT HOMETOWN

Exclusive

During the few times that visitors are allowedtowatchtheUniversityofAlabamafootballteampractice,onepersoninevitablygetsattentionquickly,andmanyscratchtheirheads,not

recognizingthemanleadingtheopeningdrills,clearly in charge and clearly commanding the attention of everyone wearing a jersey.

That man with the booming voice that can be heard overthevastexpanseoftheoutdoorfieldisScottCochran.Ifyoudon’trecognizehim,maybeit’sbecausehe’snotahigh-profilepositioncoach,butinstead the strength and conditioning coach.Totheplayersthough,therearefewpeople,evenon

thecoachingstaff,whohaveabiggerandmoreprofoundimpactontheirlives.Cochran’swiththemafter the bowl games beginning the winter weight training,he’swiththeminthespringrunningdrillsandpractices,hemakessuretheydon’ttakethesummeroff,andcomefallhe’stheonethey’llseefirstat each practice.He’smuchmorethanastrengthandconditioning

coach—he’salsopartcheerleader,partdrillsergeant,partpsychologist,partmotivationalguru,partdominatrix,partdoctor(hehasadegreeinkinesi-ology),anddefinitelypartcomedian.

Perhaps one of the reasons Coach Nick Saban

doesn’tallowinterviewswithassistantsisbecauseCochranwouldquicklybecomethemediadarling.Hecertainly has the gift of one-liners and sound bites.

Who can forget his outburst in preparing for the famous Georgia blackout game?

The media used to be allowed to stay through the stretchingandopeningworkoutsessions,andeveryonebecamefamiliarwithhisbooming“Yeah!Yeah!Yeah!”and“Yougottapaythatcosttobetheboss!”Hisquotesalsoinclude,“YoucandothisALLdaylong!”and“Getyourbodyright,thengetyourmindright.”Perhapsourfavorite,yelledinhisweirdaccent,is,

“Itdon’tgetnobettahthanthis!”BeforethatGeorgiagame,withthepresshanging

onhisboomingvoice,Cochranyelledout,“Yeah,they’rewearingblack,they’regoingtoa(expletive)funeral!”Sincethatstatementandtheresultingmediastorm,

the press and visitors have been sent away before Cochran takes the stage. We all miss it.LikeSaban,Cochranhaspulledtheplayersoverto

hiswayofthinking,andhehashisownprocessthathe insists on players following.ThatprocessisalmostallSaban’s:Workyourself

untilthere’snowayyouropponenthasoutworkedyou.Be in the physical condition to own his butt in the

Larry Burton

Coach Scott Cochran is Alabama’s

Ace in the Hole


Photography by Matt Gaston

forthquarterwhenyouaretired,butheismoretired.Nevergiveup,andworkhardtomakethatplayerplayingagainstyouquit.HistwististhatunlikeSaban,he’llalmostgointoa

ragetomakehispointandhe’llyellyourpraisestothe heavens when you do something right.

The combination works out well.Sabanpresentlyhasabout70four-andfive-star

athletesoncampus.That’saboutthesameasLSUandFloridahave,yetAlabamaclearlystandsatoptheSEC.Thedifferenceisinthecoachingand,justasimportantly,intheconditioning.There’sanoldsayingaboutateamthatlandedthe

besthighschoollinebackerinthestate,andafterfouryears he still played like the best high school line-backer in the state.Inotherwords,it’snotalwayswhoyousignandthe

starstheyhavebesidetheirname,butratherhowwellthecoaches“coach‘emup,”andconditionthemforalong season.Youdon’thavetolookbeyondsuchexamplesas

RashadJohnsonorJavierArenas,twoplayerswithrésumésthatdidn’timpressmanyschools,butwhostill became superstars at Alabama under this coaching staff.

Saban will tell you there are

“Coach Cochran is always 100 percent pumped, his spirit is infectious and he makes those workouts seem like the most important thing in the world...” - Cory Reamer


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Recruiting

With the Tide probably on its hottest recruiting startever,definitelyintheNickSabanera,oneplayerisprimedtodevelop,makemoreplays,and have a larger impact than any of the other

commits:Hasean“Ha-Ha”Clinton-Dix. Whilemostratingshavenotyetcomeout,everyonehas

a pretty good idea that Hasean Clinton-Dix has a great looking physical appearance with all the tools to go to the top level;whentheratingsdocomeout,Clinton-Dixshouldbevery close to the top safety in the country on every website. DespitecomingfromtheheartofFlorida,Clinton-Dixwas

recruited by Nick Saban from the very beginning. That definitelyhadtoputadentinUrbanMeyer’sego,sinceClinton-Dixwillbeoneofthetop-rankedrecruitsinFlorida,if not number one. Clinton-Dix could pay extreme dividends fortheTidelaterdowntheroad,sinceheisactivelyrecruiting

some of the best players in Florida to commit to Alabama along with him. Saban is recruiting Clinton-Dix to play the same role as Mark Barron. If Barron’sseasongoesaswellashisfirstyearasastarter,heshouldbeprojectedtogointhefirstroundoftheNFLdraftnextyear,althoughthisisadifficultthingtopredict.Thetwoplayers’sizesandskilllevelsareverysimilar,exceptClinton-Dix looks much faster. He is a veryinstinctiveplayer,hasgreatballskills,andisexcellentatreadingthequarterback’seyes.Let’sjustgetthismysteryoutofthe

way:Clinton-Dixhas“Ha-Ha”asanicknamebecauseasachild,hefelldownaflightofstairs,smashedhisface,andgotbackup,bleedingprofusely. His grandmother said despitethefall,hestoodupwitha

2011 Commit Set to Make Big Impact

Mike ParkerRecruiting Analyst

“Ha-Ha” Hasean “Ha-Ha” Clinton-Dix

• 6’2”, 190 lbs, 40- 4.5, Safety• Dr. Phillips High School,

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hugesmileonhisfaceandwaslaughingheartily.Eversincethen,thename“Ha-Ha”hasstuck.Currentlymeasuring6’2”,190lbs.,bythetimehearrivesinAlabama

Clinton-Dixshouldbecloserto6’3”,210-215lbs,allwhileretaininghisspeed.Whenyoulookatthisplayer’sfilm,youjustfeeldown-rightsorryfortheopposingquarterbacks,whohehasaknackfortotallysmashing.AnotherqualitythatstandsoutinClinton-Dixis“footballspeed.”Forthoseofyouwhoareunfamiliarwiththatterm,footballspeedcannotbemeasuredbya40timeorshuttle,butbyaplayer’snaturalabilitytoseethefootball and increase his speed immensely. Clinton-Dix is a very true tackler,whowrapsupwithbotharms,whilestilldrivinghislegs-averyrare skill at the high school level.

It is not well-known that Ha-Ha had been a running back until he transferredtoDr.PhillipsHighSchool,wherehebeggedandpleadedwithhiscoachtobeputondefense.Thisstorycamefromthehorse’smouth,CoachWells,Ha-Ha’sheadcoach.HesaidtheyhadplannedtoplayHa-Habothways,buthewassuchanaturalatsafetythattheymovedhimtothatpositionfulltime.CoachWellsalsosaidthat,offthefield,Ha-Haisa“veryresolvedandrespectful”studentwhowantstomajorincriminaljustice.Ha-HaClinton-Dix’scommitmentstatuslooksverystrongforAlabama,

but,asweknowalltoowell,itisnotoveruntilthefatladysingsonSigning Day. Clinton-Dix is sure to be heavily pursued by other power-housesincollegefootball.Betonit.Ifhekeepsittogether,Ha-HaalreadyhaseverythingittakestogettotheNFL,exceptNickSaban’scoachinghiminthebackfield,whichhewillfindwhenarrivesatAlabama.Whenthatcoachingbeginstotakeeffect,alotofplayersotherthanquarterbacksaregoing to be scared of this beast with the funny name.

Featured ONE-on-ONE interview on page 28


Exclusive

Donald F. Staffo

On April 16 the Bryant Museum hosted a social to honorClemGryska,whoat82yearsofagefinallyretiredaftera50-plusyearassociationwiththeUniversityofAlabama,wherehehadfaithfully

servedatvarioustimesasfreshmenfootballcoach,recruitingcoordinator,anathleticsadministratorandfinallyasanadmin-istrative assistant at the museum.

In an interview before the occasion Gryska recalled coming fromSteubenville,Ohioasa17-yearoldtoplayfootballforAlabama and being on the team that beat Southern California in theRoseBowl,thelastonetheCrimsonTideplayedin.Awealthofinformation,hetalkedabouthisearlydaysasacoach,thegreatteamsthatAlabamahad,andhistimewithlegendarycoachPaul“Bear”Bryant.“Therearealotofpleasantmemo-ries,”hesaid,notingthat2009washis65thfootballseasonandthat he had eight national championship rings. “Weneversaidthatwecan’tbecauseweworkedatituntil

wecould,”hestated,summinguponeofthereasonswhyBamaenjoyed such sustained success during the Bryant years. Askedhowhefeltjustpriortothepeoplefilinginto

recognizehim,Gryska,notknowingwhattoexpect,said,“scared,reallyscared”buttheroomsoonbecamefilledwithlove and affection. Theeventwasscheduledfrom5-7p.m.,butitwas8:15p.m.

beforethelastofthewell-wishershaddeparted.Itwasdifficulttodeterminehowmanypeoplewerethere,butbasedon

responsestoinvitations,therewereatleast600andtherecouldhave easily been a couple of hundred more counting others who decidedtoattendtheopen-to-the-publicoccasion.Regardless,therewereyoungandold,formerplayersandfriendsthroughtheyears,andtheycamefromalloverinatremendousoutpouring of appreciation and respect for a man who had devotedoverfivedecadesofservicetohisalmamater.“Firstofallistheamazingnumberofyearsthatheputin,”

statedKirkMcNair,editorofBamaMagazine.“Heplayedinthe1940sandwasonthelastRoseBowlteam,heheadeduprecruiting and he was such an important member of Coach Bryant’sstaff.Heprobablyhasmorefriendsinmoreplacesthananybodythatyoucanthinkof.”FinusGaston,seniorassociateathleticdirectorandchief

financialofficersaid,“CertainpeoplearefixturesaroundtheUniversity,andClemiscertainlyoneofthosepeople.Hehasmademany,manycontributionsthroughtheyears.I’venevermetanybodywhodidn’tloveClemGryska.”JackRutledge,amemberofthe1961nationalchampionship

team,wasamongthefirstgroupofplayersrecruitedbyGryska.“CoachGryskaandIgobackalongway,”statedRutledge.“Asa high school player I played against his teams when he coached at Huntsville. Then I was on the coaching staff with himfrom1966through1982.Wewerekindofjustlikefamily.”

Mike Hall was an All-American linebacker for Alabama in 1968 and as a freshman was coached by

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Gryska.“Hewasthefreshmencoach,andadamngoodone,”statedHall.“Healwayslookedafter his players. He was also a great recruiter. He was very well-liked,andthat’sthereasonforthisbigturnout.Itiswell-deserved.”

Another player who played when college football had freshmenteamswasScottHunter,aquarterbackfortheCrimsonTideinthelate1960s.Hesaid,“CoachGryskawastheperfectlead-in to Coach Bryant because he was so detailed and orga-nized. He got us ready to play. In 1966 both the freshmen and thevarsitywentundefeated.”

Yet another player who expressed his appreciation for Gyrska wasJerryDuncan,whoafterhisplayingdayswasasidelinereporterfortheCrimsonTidefor24years.“Iwasn’thighlysoughtafterandhecametoNorthCarolinaandsignedme,soI’vegotalotofrespectforCoachGryska.I’mjustgladthatheshowedupandbroughtmetoAlabama.”ThentherewasGryskaonDuncan.“Hethoughthewasarunningback,butweputhiminafour-pointstanceandmadehimalineman.”RogerShultzdidn’tplayforGryska,buthesaidthatGryska

wasthefirstpersonhemetonhisrecruitingvisitinthemid-1980s.“Hewasthenicestguy.HemademefeellikeI’dknownhimforalongtime.Thiscrowdhere,it’sunbelievable.ItobviouslysaysalotaboutCoachGryskaandwhathe’smeanttosomanypeopleoverthegenerations.”AlabamaathleticdirectorMalMooresaid,“Wegobackto

1961.Itwasagreattimeinour(football)history,withthesuccess that we enjoyed under Coach Bryant. They were all goodyears.I’mhappyforClemandhisfamily.It’sgreattoseealltheplayersheresupportinghim.We’realltiedtogether.”Sittinginachairinthefarrighthandcornerofthemuseum,

Gryska for three-and-a-half hours greeted and reminisced with eachperson.“Therewasanawfullotofhandshakingandbackslappinggoingontonight,”statedKenGaddy,directorofthemuseum.“ThisjustshowshowmuchClemmeanttoosomanypeople.”

Gryska summed up all the players through the years by stating,“Theywereallwinners.”Askedattheendoftheeveningwhathethought,Gryska,

who admitted to becoming emotional on a few occasions during thecourseoftheevening,stated,“Allofthesincerethingspeoplesaid,allthenicethings.Iwasreallyhumbled.AllthoseyearsandIneverwasacollegeheadcoach.Iwasnothing.”Well,itturnsouthewaswrongonthat.Hecertainlywas

something,asevidencedbythehundredsofpeoplewhocametoshow just how much they thought of him and what he meant to eachofthem.Toeachoftheminhisorherownway,ClemGryska was and continues to be a gem- a Tuscaloosa treasure and an Alabama football legend. AsforhisretirementGryskasaid,“Idon’thaveanycommit-

ments.I’vealwaysbeenusedtobeingsoregimented.NowIwon’tbetiedtoaschedule.”

“We never said that we can’t because we worked at it until we could . . .” - Clem Gryska

Continued from previous page

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Interview


&Q’sQ’s A’sA’sLionel L. Grant II has been a resident of Tuscaloosa

since his playing days as a defensive back. Having been brought up all over the world, he has expanded his mentorship to the youth of

Tuscaloosa in a positive way. We had a chance to chat with Lionel about his days as a Crimson Tide player as well as his future goals.

Former Crimson Tide player making a Difference in the Community.

Lionel L. Grant II

TAM (Touchdown Alabama Magazine):Where were you raised?

LG (Lionel Grant): I was raised in Oklahoma, Germany, California and Florida because my father was in the military.

TAM: Who was the most influential person outside your family growing up?

LG: Henry Manning, my high school football coach from Del City High school in Oklahoma City, OK. I played for him in the 10th grade.

TAM: While in college did you have a mentor on the football team?

LG: Yes, former teammate Ricky Thomas, now the Tight End coach for the Indianapolis Colts. He was one of my first close friends to start preaching. Also, we were from the same area, Fort Walton Beach, FL.

TAM: What was your best and worst time at University of Alabama?

LG: The best time was when I made it as a walk-on. The worst was two-fold, first, becoming ineligible as a player for not doing the necessary work in the classroom and then losing my Grandfather in that season. It is like a part of me died that year.

TAM: Did you know of any sports agents controversies while attending UA?

LG: Yes, it was discussed, and at the time, the big controversy was concerning the basketball players and the agents that came thru the campus and infil-trated to some of the players. It was around 1987-1989.

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Interview


TAM: Reflecting back to your football days at the Capstone, what was your attitude after you left?

LG: Definitely the hardest thing in my life. The dedication, sacrifice, and time spent on the football field were incredibly challenging. I worked harder than I have ever had up to that point in my life. I was a good athlete going up against great athletes like Cornelius Bennett, Kerry Goode, Derrick Thomas, David Casteal and the list goes on. That was a humbling experience, but exciting to be around great players and competing.

TAM: What are your thoughts on the current situation regarding the NCAA/UA investigating Marcell Dareus’ trip to South Beach-Miami this past Memorial Day weekend?

LG: Well I’m not surprised by it, but at the same token, I’m kind of sad because of the fact that all the money that is generated by the college athletes and the NFL. It seems like student athletes do not have any protection. They do not know who they are talking to. So sometimes you see they are kind of standoffish. I hope it is resolved and things turn out for Dareus and the University. Moreover, it should shed some light on the families and collegient personnel that monitoring closely may be a 24 hour, 7 days a week mission to protect these student athletes.

TAM: Alabama has to play 6 games this season with teams coming off a bye week, your thoughts?

LG: That is just an indication how strong the team is. The opponents want to take a week off before they play Alabama. In a way it is a complement. Also, the Crimson Tide know they have to work even harder than last year. Every team will be gunning to knock of the #1 team.

TAM: As a strong member of the community and a founding member of the Paul W. Bryant Youth Football League, what are the goals you wish to accomplish?

LG: First, I would like to instill the fundamentals and discipline with each player in the football league. As a kid, I was coached by people who cared enough to take the time and to teach me the game of football, and I will always be grateful for that. It is my turn to give back the game that was given to me. I feel like I was coached by two of the best high school football coaches of All-Time, Henry Manning and Bob Lyle. It was drilled into us to have discipline and class when we stepped on the field. I want these young mento take something from the football field and apply it to their other areas of life in a positive way.

TAM: Outside the youth football league, what else are you currently involved in?

LG: I am a Youth Pastor at the Corner Stone Baptist Church. I’m heavily involved in a lot of community organizations. A TV show that was just approved for the Fall Season which debuts this fall and is headlined as Lionel Grant II Talk Show. It will have four segments, faith based, cancer survivors, Young Gifted & Talented, and businesses that make a difference in the community.

TAM: Why is the show important to you?

LG: Actually, I would not call it a TV show; it’s a project that I came up with as a result from a tragedy. I just attended a young man’s funeral this year at a tender age of 18. I remember baptizing him three years ago. These stories are the common place and I want it to become a rarity. I would like to focus on the positive stories and combat the negative. We have too much negative stimuli and it is affecting our youth in record numbers. I have a son Lionel Grant III and a daughter Justice Grant who are in school now. I just want to try to make a difference in our community, that’s all. -Mike Lacy

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“...the Crimson Tide know they have to work harder than last year. Every team will be gunning to knock out the #1 team.” -LG

Articles, Continued


Though the kickers were not called on often in the scrimmage, bothJeremy Shelley and Cade Foster were 1 of 2 on the day.

With an offense that returns nine starters including a Heisman-trophy winnerandamoreexperiencedquarter-back, theCrimsonTide isexpected tolight up the scoreboard for the 2010 season. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardsonare thought tobeequal interms of talent, and could be the bestrunning back tandem in all of college football. Saban hopes that the two will not have to carry so much of a load this season,however,astheretooledoffensedemonstrated an aerial attack that will take advantage of Greg McElroy’saccuracy and arm strength. With a breakout season from Julio Jones,Alabama may not have to rely on its inexperienced defense to offset a lack ofoffensiveproduction.However, thefact that the score was kept even before the final bonus play of the extendedfourthquarterspeaks to thedepthandtalent the Tide still has on the defensive side of the ball, and that squad couldreceiveasignificantboostwhenanothertop-5recruitingclassreportsinthefall.After two consecutive undefeated regular seasons, the school’s firstHeisman trophy, an SEC title, and anationalchampionship,NickSabanhasstated that this is just the beginning for the Tide. With expectations at their highest, Alabama looks to take thenational crown once again.

Scott cochran Continued from page 21What’S to come Continued from page 8many parts to making a high school athlete a great college athlete.

Of course you have to have the academics down to get the opportu-nity,youhavetohavethementalfaculties to accept the rules and abide bythem,andyouhavetohavetheability to learn from both coaching and from your mistakes.

You also have to commit to making your body a weapon to use on your opponents. Javier Arenas was a good example of how that is done through great conditioning. He gave up dozens of pounds in weight and muscle tackling players much larger than he is,yethewasneverinjured.Creditfor much of that has to go to Coach Cochran,whoteachesplayershowtoposition themselves for such impacts to minimize potential damage.Everyschoolhasaweightprogram,

everyschoolpreachesforth-quarterconditioning,butnoteveryprogramlivesandbreathesitlikeAlabama,orhas a coach that gives the kinesiology touch to that conditioning. Cochran’sdegreeinkinesiology

helps him teach players ways to build better muscles and then how to protect themselves during impact. Kinesiology is the science of human movement. It teaches how to develop muscles and movement so that tasks can be done withthegreatestefficiency.

Kinesiologists work with individuals with disabling conditions to assist in regaining their optimal physicalfunction.Forexample,Cochran’sworkwithDont’aHightower’sdoctorshasthejuniorlinebacker back much sooner and much stronger than most thought would be possible.

How much importance does Saban place on all this? Insteadofhavingonanoffice

overlookingthemagnificentoaksoncampusorsomeothergreatview,fromhis desk Saban can look downstairs into the weight room.HecanwatchCochran,running

the program and not just building muscle,butbuildingtherightmuscles,teaching players how to use those muscles and encouraging them to keep goingwhentheythinkthey’vealreadymaxed out.

Players love Cochran and trust him. He pushes himself almost as hard as he pushes them. How he keeps his vocal cords is still a mystery. They have to be callused.“CoachCochranisalways100

percentpumped,hisspiritisinfectiousand he makes those workouts seem like the most important thing in the worldandyoujustbuyintoit,”recentgraduate Cory Reamer said.“Youstayboughtintoitwhenyou

see your opponent sucking air and physicallyfailingandyou’restillfitand ready and you know you own his ass. You know Coach Cochran was rightallalongandyoudon’teverwanttobethatman,”Reamerconcluded.

Cochran is a native of New OrleansandwenttoLSU.HecaughtSaban’seyewithhisworkasanassistantstrengthcoachonSaban’s2003nationalchampionshipLSUteam.Fromtherehegototherjobs,including assistant strength and conditioningcoachfortheNBA’sNewOrleans Hornets.In2007,whenSabanfeltthe

needtofindanewstrengthandconditioningcoach,herememberedthisyoung,feistycoachandtherestishistory.Cochran,who’s31andmarried

withoneson,isregardedasoneofthenation’sbeststrengthandconditioningcoaches,buthedoesn’tlikebeingcalledthat.He’smuchhappierjustbeing called Coach Cochran.He’smuchmorethanjustthe

strength and conditioning guy—he coachestheplayersinlife,love,footballormoney.He’llcoachtheminjustaboutanything,andheoftendoes.

That helps make him an ace in the hole for the Crimson Tide staff and team.

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