Touchdown Alabama Magazine Volume 7 Issue 1

Alabama's Premier College Football Magazine

Redemption Alabama Rookie Magic Recruiting Updates T OU C H D O W N A L A B A M A . N E T

V o l u m e 7,

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ON THE COVER Amari Cooper, Alabama’s star receiver will be instrumental to bringing another championship

Volume 7, Issue 1 // August/September 2014

to Alabama.

Publisher/C.E.O - Bennie Bice III Editor in Chief/C.O.O - Mike Lacy Photo Editor/C.F.O - Cedric Mason

Mission Statement

Managing Editor - Coe Robbins

“We strive to provide you with the absolute best Alabama Football

Finance Manager - Coy O’neal

coverage in the world.”

-Bennie Bice III

Circulation Manager - Lindsay Woodall Advertising/Marketing Manager - Rebecca Ashley Writers - Stephen Smith, Larry Burton, Scott Hodnett,

Publication Schedule

Maxwell Taylor, Ivan White, Jordon Semien, Thomas Watts

August 2014 September 2014 October 2014 November 2014 December 2014

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Contents The Saban Effect 7 Features

Larry's Lowdown

9

Three In a Row for Alabama Rookie Magic?

The Process 15 10

Priscilla Wadsworth

22

Alabama Passion Through Ink

Marlon Humphrey

S.E.C. Games of the Month 12 Recruit of the Month 25 Pro-Connections 13 Eddie Lacy

13

Josh Sweat

Around the S.E.C. 26

Player Spotlight 14 DeAndrew White

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TheSaban Effect

B Y T homas W atts

T

he ripple effect is a common metaphor for an event that has far-reaching, unforeseen consequences. Drop a stone in a pond and you get ripples that go outward until they hit shore. Alabama's hire of Nick Saban in 2007 is one such instance of dropping a stone into the college football pond.

It has had consequences on a local and national scale, and continues to be felt throughout the football world. What changes have happened thanks to the "Saban Effect"?

The most obvious effects are seen in Tuscaloosa, particularly in the fall. In seven seasons, he has compiled a 7415 record along with three national championships and a pair

of SEC titles. The success on the field is only the first ripple, and directly contributed to tremendous expansion in the Alabama athletic department. In 2007 when the University of Alabama hired Nick Saban, Forbes.com valued the Alabama football team at $72 million with a profit of $31 million. Fast forward to 2013, and Forbes.com now values the Alabama football team at $110 million along with $47 million in profits. These numbers stand to only go up with the launch of the SEC Network and the multi-billion dollar media contract it has secured with the Southeastern Conference.

Improved performance on the field has not only profited TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 7

the athletic department, it has benefited the entire university as well. There has been a tremendous surge in enrollment since Saban’s arrival - in part because of the notoriety of the Alabama football team, according to a 2013 story by Tom Van Riper, a staff writer at Forbes. In 2006, the year before Saban was hired, 23,878 students enrolled at the Capstone per the UA news website.

As of 2013, that number had grown to a staggering 34,852. This swell in students has resulted in construction all over campus, including dormitories, improved athletic facilities, and an entirely new engineering building.

While the local Saban effect is seen mostly in terms of dollars and cents, the national college effect is far clearer in the rulebook. There are at least two rules bearing his name that have been proposed since he joined the Tide. The first rule, which came about in 2008, kept head coaches on their home campus. It was in response to the practice of a "bump-in" where a head coach such as Saban would happen to see a recruit when he was on the high school campus to meet with that school's head coach. This rule is geared toward the off-season cycle only.

The other, far more recent rule that earned the "Saban rule" moniker dealt with hurry-up offenses. This iteration of the Saban rule stated that offenses could not snap the ball before ten seconds ran off the play clock in order to give the defense the chance to substitute. The rule would have negatively impacted the ability of an offense to dictate when the defense can substitute, one of the core tenets of a hurry-up offense.

The biggest signpost for Saban's influence with this rule?

He wasn't the only coach voicing concerns. The University of Arkansas head football coach, Bret Bielema, was also in the meeting where this rule was proposed. As of the 2014 season the NCAA has not adopted this rule, though it retains the "Saban rule" title.

The ripples from the Nick Saban hire back in 2007 have been felt in multiple ways. He has profoundly affected the fortune of the University of Alabama athletic department and also the University of Alabama's enrollment numbers. On a national scale, it is his influence that has at least brought about debate regarding rule changes, such as the 2014 "Saban rule," or actually forced changes, such as the 2008 recruiting version of the "Saban rule."

The most obvious effects are seen in Tuscaloosa, particularly in the fall. In seven seasons, he has compiled a 74-15 record along with three national championships and a pair of SEC titles.

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Three in a Row for Alabama Rookie Magic?

B Y larr y burton

A

sk any coach in college football and they’ll tell you it's hard to win a championship with a rookie quarterback. But recent history would make one question the validity of that statement.

Last season Alabama lost at least one opportunity to “three-peat.” While they didn't win their third national championship in a row, they do have a chance this season for another improbable “three-peat” that may actually be harder to accomplish. This year could be the third Alabama team to win a national championship led by a rookie quarterback.

This would be a record accomplishment in the history of college football and would certainly point to the depth of the teams that have been built by Nick Saban. It is certainly a record that teams will be hard-pressed to repeat.

Greg McElroy won the 2009 national championship as a rookie, followed by Auburn’s Cam Newton in 2010. AJ McCarron continued the tradition in 2011, following up with another national championship the very next year. Last season another rookie, Florida State's Jameis Winston, quarterbacked the Seminoles to their first national championship since 1999.

So instead of Alabama fans lamenting the loss of AJ McCarron, recent history shows that possibly the Tide might be better off without him.

It is certainly strange for the NCAA to have so many teams led by rookie quarterbacks pulling such a long streak and stranger still if one team, namely Alabama, can pull it off for the third time in a row.

So why is this rash of rookie quarterbacks having such luck? At least at Alabama, the reason could be simple and it's two words that all quarterbacks at Alabama have come to hate: Game Manager.

While at Alabama, Saban has relied on deep recruiting classes he's brought in year after year with rookie quarterbacks and leaned on running backs (who all went on to the NFL) and fleet-footed receivers who could get yards after the catch or sneak by cornerbacks occasionally for a deep ball every now and then just to keep them honest.

Saban doesn't ask the quarterback to play above his comfort zone or stretch his skills in knowledge, experience, and ability. One might say that Saban actually insists on those things.

So can Alabama keep the streak alive?

McElroy was a heady quarterback who rarely made mistakes to hurt the offense or stop drives. While he didn't have an NFL arm, he more than had the smarts.

McCarron had a stronger arm and like McElroy, didn't throw many interceptions. He always seemed able to keep moving the chains in long drives, occasionally dropping in a deep ball. Most people agree that McCarron was an upgrade over McElroy.

What could keep the streak alive at Alabama this year is Florida State transfer Jacob Coker. Most experts who measure both the tangible and intangible aspects of a quarterback say that Coker could be an upgrade to McCarron both in mobility and certainly in arm strength.

They say that the best quarterbacks are the best because they have a talented running back to lean on or a key receiver that always makes that crucial catch at just the right time. No team in college football has the depth at running back and receivers that Alabama does. That's not even an arguable statement.

Therefore, if Coker can just be an average quarterback, then Alabama has a chance to run the table with the talent he has to lean on. Alabama has three running backs that would all start on other teams and behind them are three more that would be pushing for starting or second string on most other teams.

Everyone knows Amari Cooper (and that he will be in the NFL next season at receiver). Most also know that Christion Jones and DeAndrew White are dangerous pass catchers. But – BUT - there is a huge depth of young talent that, while relatively

unknown now, fans may certainly get to know in the future. Be assured that if one of the main names goes down, the pass production won't suffer.

Chris Black was someone who should have already been a star, but an injury kept him off the field as others passed him on the depth chart. He is now healthy and ready to shine this season under new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin.

Raheem Falkins is a big, tall “go get it” kind of receiver. Think of Kevin Norwood, but taller. Falkins is 6-foot-4, 210 pounds and will prove to be quite the mismatch for 5-foot-10 cornerbacks. Saban has also been praising the work in practice this year of young ArDarius Stewart, who looks like a future game-breaker.

Coker certainly has a stronger cast of supporting characters than McElroy did during his rookie year and it could be said that this group is better than the one McCarron began with as a starter.

If Coker lives up to the billing that his former coach, Jimbo Fisher at Florida State gives him, then this could be the most prolific offense of the Saban era and one of the best in the entire history of the Crimson Tide and Alabama could continue the streak.

The real question will be if Coker, who is generally seen by most of us in the press as the winner of the quarterback battle in Tuscaloosa, can keep the interceptions low and make good reads and avoid sacks.

That, more than the supporting cast of characters, will determine how far the Tide rolls and whether or not the streak continues.

Larry is an award winning writer whose work has appeared in almost every college football venue. Now he primarily writes for Touchdown Alabama Magazine.

Follow him on Twitter at https://twitter. com/LBSportswriter TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 9

Priscilla Wadsworth Alabama Passion through Ink B Y S tephen M . S mith

No matter what you do in life, it’s always good to have a support system behind you. As for Wadsworth, her support has come from Shelia Williams, the wife of tight end and special teams coach Bobby Williams. Williams and Wadsworth have been good friends since she started drawing Crimson Tide Art. Wadsworth looks up to Williams as a mentor.

Williams said it was her husband who became the first fan of Wadsworth’s talent.

“It all started with her [Wadsworth's] introduction to my husband,” Williams said. “I must admit that I am the second fan. Coach Williams, who is not very good at Facebook, saw Priscilla’s postings on Facebook and became a fan.”

Williams said her relationship with Wadsworth began when she was able to meet the rising artist while she was showing her drawings to Saban and Bobby.

E

very Alabama fan has a unique way of showing their passion for Crimson Tide football. Whether it’s through song, press releases or interpretive dance, people want their voice to be heard. It’s great to be recognized; however, it’s even better when your work receives positive feedback.

Since landing Nick Saban in 2007, Alabama has collected three national titles and two Southeastern Conference titles.

There are many that show their appreciation to the Crimson Tide and Tuscaloosa as a whole for these successes; one individual sheds her light on the city through a canvas.

For Priscilla Wadsworth, capturing the essence of Alabama football is as simple as putting a pencil to paper. At just 24 years old, Wadsworth is a rising star in Tuscaloosa. While most people can only dream of meeting the Crimson Tide’s football team, Wadsworth has met the team, with the opportunity to create portraits of Alabama’s most recent legends - including Eddie Lacy, Trent Richardson, Nick Saban and Mal Moore.

Wadsworth’s drawings of Nick Saban, A.J. McCarron, and Kevin Norwood lifted the spirits of Tuscaloosa residents in the months following the April 2011 tornadoes. Her work has also been featured in the Paul W. Bryant Museum. Though she hasn’t been creating Alabama art long, many can attest to the talent Wadsworth possesses.

Wadsworth has branded herself well through social media.

Wadsworth’s Facebook site, Priscilla Wadsworth Pencil Drawings, has over 19,000 likes. She also has her own website, www.priscillawadsworth.com (Priscilla Wadsworth: Crimson Tide Art).

Wadsworth wasn’t always creating masterpieces for Alabama football.

“I’ve actually been drawing since I was 16,” Wadsworth said.

“Back then, it was more of a hobby that I did. About a year and a half ago, I decided that music wasn’t really where I wanted to go in the long run. So, I wanted to make art my career,” Wadsworth said.

Wadsworth said she started out by doing commissions for people and drawing pictures of their children and family members.

“After doing this, it finally dawned on me that I’ve been an [Alabama] fan for a few years,” Wadsworth said. “I thought, ‘Why not draw what I really love, instead of getting little side jobs here and there?’ That’s why I decided a little over a year ago that I wanted to draw Alabama football full time,” Wadsworth said.

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“It seems like it’s been a lifetime, but she’s like a daughter to me,” Williams said. “She’s just a talent on the inside and out. It’s been a privilege for me to be able to work with her.”

Mal Moore will always be remembered as the individual who helped usher in a new dynamic of Alabama football. He persuaded Saban to come to Alabama when it wasn’t the sexiest place to be. Saban took heed and the Crimson Tide has been the cream of the crop since then.

Wadsworth’s portrait of Mal Moore made its debut inside the Paul W. Bryant Museum this past football season. Wadsworth said she couldn’t believe her portrait made it into the museum.

“I think that was one of the first milestones after meeting Coach Williams in my career,” Wadsworth said. “I was just so happy and I was so glad especially with some of his family members Martha Moore and his sister who really loved the portrait. I was so overwhelmed by the family and being able to have the portrait displayed in the museum,” Wadsworth said.

Williams said she was thrilled that Wadsworth did the portrait as well.

“She did the portrait during the time when Coach Moore was sick,” Williams said. “It just meant more for the University of Alabama as a whole. There are many wonderful portraits and photographs of Mal Moore, but Priscilla puts her heart as an artist in each one of her drawings. For her to have the subject of Mr. Moore at this time is just historical and we are just blessed such a twinkle at the University of Alabama so close by,” Williams said.

Despite not being in Tuscaloosa during the April 2011 tornado, Wadsworth’s portraits have brought joy to the community and

continue to help the city heal. As for football, she has something in common with the Crimson Tide - and that is philanthropy.

In two of the Tide’s national title seasons, Wadsworth portraits captivated the minds of Alabama fans.

Wadsworth said she feels her work has brought life back to Tuscaloosa.

“I get a lot of fans who send messages or emails that say when I look at your work it just brings me to tears,” Wadsworth said. “That really touches me and it’s the best part of being able to do this especially when they send me photographs. For instance, there was a family who sent me a picture of every member holding one of my prints. I felt like I helped heal Tuscaloosa and the city healed me in return,” Wadsworth said.

With that healing, Wadsworth has been able to connect with the football program and with the athletes she ends up drawing.

“I always joke and say it’s my dream to play Alabama football,” Wadsworth said. “I actually sometimes have dreams about being the kicker, though it will never happen. This isn’t something that I wanted to be a part of because it was big. I am really inspired by Eddie Lacy and everyone else on the team.”

Wadsworth said it’s surreal sometimes as she looks around because though she’s not on the field, she is still able to contribute.

If nothing else can be said, one thing is certain. Alabama has a long-standing tradition as a household name in college football; now, Priscilla Wadsworth’s art is helping both the football team and Tuscaloosa become a household name in visual design.

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 11

Games of the Month B Y S cott H odnett

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he 2014 college football season kicks off with one of the best opening weeks in recent memory. Get excited for an action-packed first weekend to kick off the season. The entire month of September has some intriguing matchups around the conference as well. Here are your SEC Games of the Month for Aug. 28-Sept. 27th:

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Sept. 18: Auburn at Kansas State

The Auburn Tigers take a dangerous trip out of conference on a Thursday night when they travel to Manhattan, Kan., to take on Kansas State. Head coach Bill Synder is one of the best coaches in the game and he always has his Wildcats ready to play. K-State finished 8-5 last season including winning six of their last seven games. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 2007 when Auburn won 23-13. Both teams will be coming off bye weeks and both should be 2-0. Expect a barnburner in Kansas.

4

Sept. 20: Florida at Alabama

Alabama has outscored Florida 101-29 over the last three games between the two schools. To say the least, it has been a one-sided affair since 2009. Muschamp brings in Kurt Roper as new offensive coordinator in hopes of giving life to what's been a stagnant offense the past three seasons. Florida is coming off a 4-8 2013 campaign and is primed for a good season, but will they have enough to come into Bryant-Denny Stadium and upset the Tide?

3

Aug. 30: LSU vs Wisconsin (In Dallas)

The 2014 season gets started with an epic showdown between two college football powers when the Tigers take on the Badgers. This will be the first meeting between the two since 1972 and finds both teams coming off of good seasons. LSU could be in a bit of a rebuilding phase with the amount of talent lost to the NFL, but never count out head coach Les Miles. Wisconsin brings back

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four starters from an offensive line that punished opposing defenses last season under first-year coach Gary Anderson.

Expect a classic, hard-hitting SEC-Big 10 matchup.

2

Aug. 30: Clemson at Georgia

Clemson edged out the Bulldogs 38-35 to open last season. The Tigers now travel to Athens, Ga., in hopes of winning another big first-week matchup.

Both teams are starting new quarterbacks in 2014, but return lots of talent surrounding them. Clemson could have the best defensive line in the nation and offensive coordinator Chad Morris will have the offense rolling no matter who the quarterback is. Quarterback Hutson Mason will lead the Bulldogs and running back Todd Gurley is a bona fide Heisman candidate in the backfield. This one could be a shootout much like the 2013 game.

1

Sept. 13: Georgia at South Carolina

The showdown between the Bulldogs and the Gamecocks is one of the marquee matchups in the SEC East each year. This one should be no different. The Bulldogs won 41-30 last year in Athens.

In 2014, Georgia makes the trek to Columbia, S.C., with expectations to once again rise to the top of the East. South Carolina also has their sights set on another division crown.

Something will have to give when these two teams line up on the third week of the season.

Honorable Mentions:

August 28th: Texas A&M at South Carolina August 28th: Mississippi vs Boise State (in Atlanta) August 30th: Alabama vs West Virginia (in Atlanta) September 20th: Mississippi State at LSU September 27th: Missouri at South Carolina

PRO CONNECTIONS

Eddie Lacy b y S tephen M . S mith

A

labama has recruited many talented players from Louisiana, including Kenny Bell and Landon Collins. Despite their production, it was Eddie Lacy that got the ball rolling for the Tide in 2009 when he decided on the Crimson Tide over LSU. Known for his trademark laugh, Lacy was serious when it came to the gridiron. A former four-star prospect from Dutchtown High School in Geismar, La., Lacy enrolled at Alabama and desired to play running back.

As with all prospects under Nick Saban, Lacy had to show how productive he was on special teams first. After redshirting in 2009, Lacy provided a significant impact on kickoff coverage in 2010 recording four tackles.

Mark Ingram won the Heisman Trophy in 2009, but had arthroscopic knee surgery in the offseason and subsequently missed the home opener against San Jose State in 2010. Lacy got his first taste at running back and didn’t disappoint, rushing for 111 yards and two touchdowns off 13 carries.

Lacy ended his freshman campaign totaling 56 carries for 406 yards and six touchdowns while 34 percent went for first downs or touchdowns. Alabama didn’t win a national title in 2010, but Lacy provided fans with a pleasant hope for the future in his performance against Michigan State in the 2011 Capital One Bowl. He averaged 17.2 yards per rush and totaled 86 yards rushing with two scores.

Ingram’s departure in 2011 to the NFL left an opportunity for Lacy to contribute more in the backfield. Lacy displayed power and speed as a freshman, but developed a patented move to his game as a sophomore.

Affectionately known as “Circle Button” among his teammates, the term is a video game reference when executing a spin move in the game. Lacy embraced the nickname and it stuck with him throughout his Alabama career. Some running backs shy away from contact by either running out of bounds or juking defenders aside. Lacy used his vision to sense the contact approaching and spin away from it. His spin would negate opposing defenses from getting a grip on him.

Lacy battled foot injuries as a sophomore, but managed to finish second on the team in rushing in 2011. He tallied 674 yards and seven touchdowns off 95 carries. Lacy recorded his second career 100-yard performance against North Texas averaging 17.89 yards per carry and blasted the Mean Green for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

Lacy took a lot of pressure off of first year quarterback AJ McCarron in 2011.

Along with the defense, Lacy guided the Crimson Tide to the 2011 BCS National Championship Game against divisional rival LSU in New Orleans. He rushed for 43 yards and converted four third-down conversions. Alabama defeated the Tigers 21-0 and Lacy won his second national title as a member of the team.

Being a backup is cool for learning, but everyone dreams of being a starter. Lacy became Alabama’s featured back in 2012. Behind a dominant offensive line, Lacy collected six 100-yard rushing performances. His first 100-yard game came against Florida Atlantic, but his finest were against Missouri, Georgia and Notre Dame.

On a drenched Faurot Field, Lacy embarrassed Missouri’s run defense. He had 18 carries for 177 yards and three touchdowns including a 73-yard touchdown on the second play of the game.

Todd Gurley put on a clinic for Georgia in the SEC Championship, but Lacy stole the show. In a back-and-forth battle, Lacy rushed for a career-high 181 yards and two touchdowns. His performance put Alabama over the hump and the Tide notched its 23rd

SEC title with a 32-28 win over Georgia.

Notre Dame entered the BCS National Championship that year with the No. 1 defense in the nation, surrendering only 10.3 points per game. But against Alabama, it didn’t matter. Lacy gashed the Irish for 140 yards and a touchdown. The Tide won 42-14, secured its 15th national title and Lacy was awarded most valuable player.

After a stellar career at Alabama winning two national titles and a conference title as a collegiate player, it was time to reach for the ultimate goal as a football player. With his excellent vision and the ability to get more yards after contact, the Green Bay Packers selected Lacy in the second round of the NFL Draft.

Lacy had a great start in his first year until he suffered a concussion against Washington in Week 2. After sitting out to recuperate, the NFL rookie made a name for himself among Packer fans, leading the team high in rushing in 12 of the next 14 games.

Lacy pounded Green Bay rival Chicago Bears in Week 9 for 150 yards and passed the 1,000-yard mark against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 15 rushing for another 141 yards.

Lacy finished his rookie season with 1,178 yards rushing, four 100+ yard games and 11 touchdowns with 257 receiving yards.

He set the Packer rookie records for most rushing yards and touchdowns in a season.

He collected numerous awards, including second-team All-Pro, AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and PFWA Rookie of the Year.

Lacy became the first Packer running back to win Offensive Rookie of the Year since John Brockington in 1971. He guided the Packers to a playoff appearance and a NFC North Division title in 2013.

Lacy is about to enter his second year in the league and is already taking on a leadership role. He’s poised for another 1,000-yard season and has appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s 2014 issue.

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 13

Player Spotlight

DeAndrew White

BY STEPHEN M. SMITH

E

verything operates in terms of three. As children, we were introduced to snap, crackle and pop along with Thomas Jefferson’s theory of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. In sports, we are drawn to stars such as Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili and Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs as well as the “Legion of Boom” consisting of Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas and Kam Chancellor of the Seattle Seahawks.

Alabama fans are very familiar with the current running back tandem of T.J. Yeldon, Kenyan Drake and Derrick Henry, but Alabama has a dangerous trio in its receiver core as well.

Amari Cooper, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White are veterans on this team that can provide the leadership that is needed for an offense with a new quarterback. All three are talented, but it seems as if Cooper and Jones have become the marquee names and White is the forgotten member.

A former four-star recruit from North Shore High School in Houston, Texas, White doesn’t shy away from competition.

He redshirted in 2010, but displayed deep-threat capabilities as a redshirt freshman in 2011.

White finished the season with 14 receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns. 6 of his 14 catches resulted in first downs. White’s best game in 2011 came against Vanderbilt. He collected 3 passes for 58 yards and two scores.

White was poised for a breakout season in 2012, starting his sophomore campaign as the X-receiver for Alabama. He had just one reception in the opener against Michigan, but it went for a 51-yard touchdown. White captured his second score against Florida Atlantic, but saw his promising season negated after a torn ACL against Ole Miss.

Being sidelined isn’t fun, especially for high-caliber players. Ever determined, White rehabbed his way back in 2013. With Cooper and Kenny Bell struggling, White became the Crimson Tide’s second option behind Kevin Norwood.

White was clutch for Alabama in 2013 against Texas A&M, Kentucky and Oklahoma. He recorded four receptions for 82 yards and a touchdown against the Aggies secondary including a 44-yard flea flicker.

It was muggy at Commonwealth Stadium in Lexington,

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Ky., but that didn’t bother White. He brought in four passes for 80 yards and helped the Tide blow out the Wildcats 487. Before defeating Kentucky, Alabama faced Georgia State on homecoming where White caught four passes for 45 yards, but it was his leaping one-handed 10-yard touchdown reception that got him on ESPN’s SportsCenter the next day.

Aside from Cooper and Derrick Henry, White was the lone upside for Alabama against Oklahoma in the 2014 Sugar Bowl game. He aggravated the Sooners and caught three passes for 139 yards and a touchdown.

2012 was taken away from him, but White’s resurgence in 2013 made him a receiver not to be overlooked. He finished the season with 32 catches for 534 yards and four touchdowns.

White’s not a big guy, standing at only 6-feet and weighing 190 pounds, but he is physical at the line of scrimmage. He is a savvy route runner that can take the top off of a defense if it’s not prepared.

Now a senior, White looks to have a significant impact on the team. He has to have a productive season to secure any NFL draft stock, but White is now more focused than ever on helping Alabama secure its 16th national title.

The Process

BY SCOTT HODNETT

B

lake Barnett had a great summer. The Corona, Calif., native committed to the University of Alabama, gained a fifth star, and was all the rage at Nike's "The Opening" and "Elite 11."

Barnett was one of 18 quarterbacks invited to the annual event.

The young stars receive personal instruction from former NFL quarterbacks and private coaches. They also compete in 7-on-7 matchups with other high school rising seniors. The 6-foot-4, 200 pound dual-threat signal caller took home the "Elite 11" MVP, given to the camp’s top quarterback. His team, Apocalypse, also won the 7-on-7 championship.

Once a Notre Dame commit, Barnett ended his recruiting journey in June after a great trip to Tuscaloosa with his family.

After de-committing from Notre Dame, Barnett's choices came down to Alabama and Oregon. For head coach Nick Saban and new offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, to get a dual-threat quarterback from the likes of Oregon speaks volumes. Barnett is the highest rated quarterback to commit to the Tide under Saban. He can beat you with his arm and his legs, which is something Alabama has not had in the Saban regime. Barnett has the perfect mixture of athleticism, raw talent, build, and smarts to make an impact at the next level.

Barnett showed off his pinpoint accuracy and ability to make plays on the run all week long at "The Opening." These plays culminated in touchdowns and long plays to his favorite target and fellow Alabama commit, Calvin Ridley. Ridley, a 6-foot, 170 pound wideout from Pompano Beach, Fla., was also named the tournament MVP. Looking like old teammates, it was a sight to behold watching Barnett essentially play catch with Ridley. The two were in constant rhythm with one another the entire week, giving Alabama coaches and fans a glimpse into the future. Ridley selected the Tide over highly favored Miami during Alabama's A-Day game in April. A-Day was a historical day in recruiting for the Crimson Tide, which saw four players rated four or five-stars commit to Alabama. Ridley, along with five-star defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and four-stars Shawn Burgess-Becker and Leo Lewis made the day a massive recruiting haul. Lewis has since de-committed, but Ridley, Fitzpatrick, and Burgess-Becker are strong commits.

Fitzpatrick is one of the top players in the 2015 class. The 6-foot-1, 200 pound cornerback out of New Jersey is another huge talent added to a Tide secondary that keeps building for the future. Burgess-Becker is a big kid that plays safety and wide receiver and is a teammate of Calvin Ridley in Pompano Beach.

Throw in Deionte Thompson, another Alabama commit and top safety in the 2015 cycle, and other safeties Ronnie Harrison

and Rico McGraw; and this class clearly proves Saban and defensive coordinator Kirby Smart want to make the secondary as talented as possible. Add these players to current freshmen defensive backs Tony Brown, Marlon Humphrey and Hootie Jones, a monster secondary is emerging in Tuscaloosa.

Saban constantly pushes "The Process," and that always starts with top recruiting classes. Saban is showing no signs of slowing down and the 2015 class is looking as strong as ever.

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 15

SEC Championship Game Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

Saturday Dec. 6

Auburn Tigers Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Western Carolina Catamounts (HC) Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Saturday Nov. 22 Saturday Nov. 29

at LSU Tigers Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA

Saturday Nov. 8

Mississippi State Bulldogs Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Open Date

Saturday Nov. 1

Saturday Nov. 15

at Tennessee Volunteers Neyland Stadium, Knoxville, TN

Texas A&M Aggies Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Saturday Oct. 18 Saturday Oct. 25

at Ole Miss Rebels Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, Oxford, MS

Saturday Oct. 4

at Arkansas Razorbacks D.W.R. Razorback Stadium, Fayetteville, AR

Open Date

Saturday Sept. 27

Saturday Oct. 11

Florida Gators Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Saturday Sept. 20

Southern Miss Golden Eagles Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Saturday Sept. 13

Florida Atlantic Owls Bryant-Denny Stadium, Tuscaloosa, AL

Saturday Sept. 6

West Virginia Mountaineers Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA

Saturday Aug. 30

3:00 p.m. CT CBS

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

TBA

5:00 p.m. CT ESPN2

11:00 a.m. CT SEC Network

2:30 p.m. CT ABC/ESPN2 (RM)

2014 Alabama Football Schedule

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2013 Alabama Football Roster No. Name 93 7 28 94 87 18 31 1 75 72 2 43 67 1 14 26 15 9 12 39 48 62 33 30 55 47 17 36 32 85 80 83 10 8 45 69 41 37 58 99 11 9 58 86 63 27 64 96 42 37 88 29 99 76 4 89 22 5 6 20 35 39 70 81 85 77 95

20

Jonathan Allen Ryan Anderson Anthony Averett Dakota Ball Parker Barrineau Cooper Bateman Jerrod Bierbower Chris Black Bradley Bozeman Leon Brown Tony Brown Gussie Busch Josh Casher Ronnie Clark Jake Coker Landon Collins Jonathan Cook Amari Cooper David Cornwell Paden Crowder David D'Amico Will Davis Trey DePriest Denzel Devall Josh Dickerson Xzavier Dickson Kenyan Drake Johnny Dwight Rashaan Evans Malcolm Faciane Raheem Falkins TY Flournoy-Smith Reuben Foster Robert Foster Jalston Fowler Joshua Frazier Kurt Freitag Daniel Geddes Brandon Greene Adam Griffith Shaun Dion Hamilton Da'Shawn Hand Alex Harrelson Truett Harris J.C. Hassenauer Derrick Henry Grant Hill Stephen Hodge Keith Holcombe Zach Houston O.J. Howard Marlon Humphrey Brandon Ivory Dominick Jackson Eddie Jackson Bernel Jones Christion Jones Cyrus Jones Laurence Hootie Jones Tyren Jones Walker Jones Kyle Kazakevicius Ryan Kelly Derek Kief Korren Kirven Arie Kouandjio Darren Lake

TDAL AUGust/september 2014

Pos. DL LB DB DL WR QB DB WR OL OL DB LB OL DB QB DB DB WR QB LB TE OL LB LB LB LB RB DL LB TE WR TE LB WR RB DL TE WR OL PK LB DL SN TE OL RB OL DL LB DB TE DB DL OL DB DL WR DB DB RB LB WR OL WR DL OL DL

Class Ht./Wt. SO SO FR SO JR FR SR SO FR SR FR FR FR FR JR JR FR JR FR JR SO SO SR JR SR SR JR FR FR JR SO JR SO FR SR FR SO SR SO SO FR FR JR JR FR SO SO JR FR JR SO FR SR JR SO SR SR JR FR FR FR SR JR FR SO SR JR

6-3/272 6-2/258 6-0/180 6-2/280 /184 6-3/215 6-1/198 5-11/186 6-5/325 6-6/320 6-0/198 6-0/210 6-1/295 6-3/215 6-5/230 6-0/222 6-0/190 6-1/210 6-5/234 6-4/235 6-0/213 6-5/316 6-2/250 6-2/254 6-1/228 6-3/268 6-1/202 6-3/300 6-3/225 6-5/265 6-4/210 6-3/245 6-1/244 6-3/191 6-1/248 6-3/335 6-4/255 5-6/170 6-5/304 5-10/188 6-0/233 6-4/273 6-0/226 6-3/210 6-3/290 6-3/241 6-6/322 6-1/257 6-3/215 6-1/192 6-6/240 6-1/186 6-4/308 6-7/320 6-0/188 6-3/253 5-11/187 5-10/194 6-2/221 5-9/212 6-2/238 6-0/184 6-5/296 6-5/200 6-5/297 6-5/315 6-3/323

Exp. 1L 1L RS SQ 1L RS SQ 1L RS 1L HS HS HS HS HS 2L RS 2L HS SQ SQ SQ 3L 2L SQ 3L 2L HS HS 2L 1L JC 1L RS 3L HS 1L SQ 1L 1L HS HS SQ SQ HS 1L 1L SQ HS SQ 1L HS 3L JC 1L SQ 3L 2L HS RS RS SQ 2L HS 1L 2L 2L

Hometown (Last School) Leesburg, Va. (Stone Bridge) Daphne, Ala. (Daphne) Woodbury, N.J. (Woodbury) Lindale, Ga. (Pepperell) Northport, Ala. (American Christian Academy) Murray, Utah (Cottonwood) Dublin, Ohio (Coffman) Jacksonville, Fla. (First Coast) Roanoke, Ala. (Handley) Riverdale, Md. (ASA College) Beaumont, Texas (Ozen) St. Louis, Mo. (Priory) Mobile, Ala. (St. Paul's) Calera, Ala. (Calera) Mobile, Ala. (Florida State) Geismar, La. (Dutchtown) Daphne, Ala. (Spanish Fort) Miami, Fla. (Northwestern) Norman, Okla. (Norman North) Vestavia Hills, Ala. (Vestavia Hills) Birmingham, Ala. (Vestavia Hills) Letohatchee, Ala. (Fort Dale Academy) Springfield, Ohio (Springfield) Bastrop, La. (Bastrop) Evans, Ga. (Lakeside) Griffin, Ga. (Griffin) Powder Spring, Ga. (Hillgrove) Rochelle, Ga. (Wilcox County) Auburn, Ala. (Auburn) Picayune, Miss. (Picayune Memorial) New Orleans, La. (G.W. Carver) Moultrie, Ga. (Georgia Military) Auburn, Ala. (Auburn) Monaca, Pa. (Central Valley) Mobile, Ala. (Vigor) Springdale, Ark. (Har-Ber) Buford, Ga. (Buford) Northport, Ala. (Tuscaloosa County) Ellenwood, Ga. (Cedar Grove) Calhoun, Ga. (Calhoun) Montgomery, Ala. (Carver) Woodbridge, VA. (Woodbridge) Vestavia Hills, Ala. (Vestavia Hills) Brentwood, Tenn. (Brentwood) Woodbury, Minn. (East Ridge) Yulee, Fla. (Yulee) Huntsville, Ala. (Huntsville) Akron, Ala. (Hale County) Tuscaloosa, Ala. (Hillcrest) Daphne, Ala. (Daphne) Prattville, Ala. (Autauga Academy) Hoover, Ala. (Hoover) Memphis, Tenn. (East) Cupertino, Calif. (College of San Mateo) Lauderdale Lakes, Fla. (Boyd Anderson) Montgomery, Ala. (Jefferson Davis) Adamsville, Ala. (Minor) Baltimore, Md. (Gilman) Monroe, La. (Neville) Marietta, Ga. (Walton) Germantown, Tenn. (Evangelical Christian) Ocala, Fla. (Trinity Catholic) West Chester, Ohio (Lakota West) Cincinnati, Ohio (La Salle) Lynchburg, Va. (Brookville) Hyattsville, Md. (DeMatha Catholic) York, Ala. (Sumter County)

No. Name 98 25 40 52 51 68 55 47 34 60 11 16 46 53 38 61 27 57 71 97 66 19 90 86 74 15 79 6 7 24 21 91 22 13 3 50 59 28 54 84 69 44 23 2 20 49 56 4

Adrian Lamothe Dillon Lee Isaac Leon Dee Liner Jake Long Isaac Luatua Cole Mazza Corey McCarron Christian Miller Brandon Moore Alec Morris Jamey Mosley Michael Nysewander Anthony Orr Tyler Owens Austin Peavler Nick Perry D. J. Pettway Ross Pierschbacher John Pizzitola Chris Posa Reggie Ragland Jarran Reed A'Shawn Robinson Cam Robinson JK Scott Austin Shepherd Blake Sims Cam Sims Geno Smith Maurice Smith O.J. Smith Nate Staskelunas ArDarius Stewart Bradley Sylve Alphonse Taylor MK Taylor Altee Tenpenny Dalvin Tomlinson Brian Vogler Paul Waldrop Levi Wallace Jabriel Washington DeAndrew White Jarrick Williams Kieran Williams Tim Williams T.J. Yeldon

Pos. P LB TE DL DL OL SN TE LB OL QB LB TE DL LB OL DB LB OL P OL LB DL DL OL P OL QB WR DB DB DL DB WR DB OL SN RB DL TE OL DB DB WR DB TE LB RB

Class Ht./Wt. SO JR SO SO SO JR SO JR FR JR SO FR SR SR SR SO SR JR FR SO SO JR JR SO FR FR SR SR FR JR SO FR SO FR JR SO SR SO SO SR JR FR JR SR SR FR SO JR

5-9/190 6-4/243 6-6/215 6-3/295 5-10/229 6-2/315 6-1/251 6-2/245 6-4/215 6-0/277 6-3/230 6-5/210 6-1/238 6-4/289 6-0/225 6-3/317 6-1/211 6-2/265 6-4/295 5-11/175 6-3/269 6-2/254 6-4/315 6-4/320 6-6/323 6-4/185 6-5/320 6-0/208 6-4/208 /197 6-0/195 6-2/330 6-3/206 6-0/193 5-11/180 6-5/325 5-10/230 6-0/218 6-2/290 6-7/263 6-4/285 6-1/172 5-11/183 6-0/192 6-1/215 6-4/243 6-3/242 6-2/221

Exp. SQ 2L SQ SQ SQ 1L 1L 1L HS SQ SQ HS SQ 1L SQ SQ 3L JC/1L HS SQ SQ 2L JC 1L HS HS 3L 3L HS 2L 1L HS SQ RS 2L 1L SQ 1L 1L 3L SQ HS 2L 3L 3L RS 1L 2L

Hometown (Last School) Monterrey, Mexico (Prepa Tec) Buford, Ga. (Buford) Boynton Beach, Fla. (American Heritage) Muscle Shoals, Ala. (Muscle Shoals) Vestavia Hilla, Ala. (Vestavia Hills) La Mirada, Calif. (La Mirada) Bakersfield, Calif. (Liberty) Mobile, Ala. (Spanish Fort) Columbia, S.C. (Spring Valley) Cincinnati, Ohio (Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy) Allen, Texas (Allen) Mobile, Ala. (Theodore) Hoover, Ala. (Hoover) Madison, Ala. (Sparkman) Columbiana, Ala. (Clay-Chalkville) Weldington, Fla. (Wellington Community) Prattville, Ala. (Prattville) Pensacola, Fla. (East Mississippi CC) Cedar Falls, Iowa (Cedar Falls) Birmingham, Ala. (Spain Park) Commerce, Mich. (St Mary's Prep) Madison, Ala. (Bob Jones) Goldsboro, N.C. (East Mississippi CC) Fort Worth, Texas (Arlington Heights) Monroe, La. (West Monroe) Denver, Colo. (Mullen) Buford, Ga. (North Gwinnett) Gainesville, Ga. (Gainesville) Monroe, La. (Ouachita Parish) Atlanta, Ga. (St. Pius X) Sugar Land, Texas (Fort Bend Dulles) Bossier City, La. (Airline) Grenville, N.C. (Arendell Parrott Academy) Fultondale, Ala. (Fultondale) Port Sulphur, La. (South Palquemines) Mobile, Ala. (Davidson) Oxford, Ala. (Oxford) North Little Rock, Ark. (North Little Rock) McDonaugh, Ga. (Henry County) Columbus, Ga. (Brookstone) Phenix City, Ala. (Central) Tucson, Ariz. (Tucson) Jackson, Tenn. (Trinity Christian Academy) Houston, Texas (North Shore) Mobile, Ala. (Blount) Lawrenceville, Ga. (Archer) Baton Rouge, La. (University Lab) Daphne, Ala. (Daphne)

Coaches

Nick Saban - Head Coach Burton Burns - Associate Head Coach/Running Backs Mario Cristobal - Offensive Line Bo Davis - Defensive Line Lane Kiffin - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Billy Napier - Wide Receivers Kirby Smart - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Kevin Steele - Linebackers/Special Assistant to Head Coach Lance Thompson - Outside Linebackers Bobby Williams - Tight Ends/Special Teams Coordinator Joe Pannunzio - Director of Football Operations Scott Cochran - Director of Strength and Conditioning Tyler Siskey - Director of Player Personnel

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 21

Freshman Humphrey Looks to Make Early Impact B Y J ordon S emien

Defense wins championships.

That adage has guided many teams to the famed crystal ball in college football. And nowhere is that saying more vital to one’s final record than in the brutal SEC, or “The NFL-lite” as it’s been called.

Competition in the Southeast is designed to test the wills of the strongest defenses week in and week out; it’s the job of head coaches and their defensive coordinators to ensure their players are the best in the nation every game.

In Tuscaloosa, that means teaching players their coach Nick Saban’s specific nickel defense, the heart of which lies in its cornerbacks.

With Haha Clinton-Dix suiting up for the Green Bay Packers this fall, Saban and Co. will look for a new smashmouth corner for air and run support. Their answer may come in the form of in-state recruit, Marlon Humphrey.

A native of Hoover, Ala., Humphrey is pedigreed to play Saturdays in Bryant-Denny Stadium. His father, Bobby Humphrey, was an All-American in his time with the Tide before going on to play in the NFL. A graduate of Hoover High School, Humphrey was a bane to quarterbacks in his time as a Buccaneer, amassing 13 interceptions, 68 tackles, and 24 passes defended in his career, earning Alabama Preseason Mr. Football honors and a spot on the 2013 All USA-Today first team.

On tape, Humphrey’s play style looks to fit Saban’s 3-4 nickel defense. Humphrey is spot on in zone coverage, something the Tide will rely heavily on in third-and-long passing situations. His closing speed to the ball carrier is 22

TDAL AUGust/september 2014

blistering, matched only by his instincts in tackling. Rather than lining up for the SportsCenter worthy big hit, he wraps up his targets and ensures they go nowhere but down.

He also displays tremendous run support ability, a much needed quality in defensive backs in the SEC. His speed off the edge can blow up even the best of offenses in a heartbeat off the whistle.

In coverage, his instincts are top of his class, attacking the ball in the air before the quarterback and receiver realize he’s there.

Humphrey is also extremely adept at reading an offensive set and diagnosing plays on the fly and determining where the ball is going. His talents in the secondary are most reminiscent of an Antoine Bethea, despite their differing positions.

Like Bethea, Humphrey is a fierce competitor with instincts that are unmatched in most circles, creating havoc no matter where they attack on the field. Be it in run support, defending passes or even blocking punts, Humphrey’s motor will not quit until the final whistle blows.

There are very few areas that Humphrey shows he would need improvement in before hitting the field. The main would likely be a better grasp on the techniques in straight man-toman coverage. While he excels in zone cover, leaving him alone on an island might come back to haunt you later.

However, an offseason with defensive coordinator Kirby Smart and the rest of the Tide’s coaching staff will have Humphrey ready for any offensive challenge sent his way. It won’t be long until Hall of Famer Eli Gold is calling Humphrey’s name on a key defensive stop as Alabama makes its way to another SEC title.

Closer Look Amari Cooper Looks to be one of the most explosive receivers in the SEC. Photography by

Cedric Mason

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 23

Tide Trivia 1

Who was the coach before Paul “Bear” Bryant?

a. J.B. “Ears” Whitworth b. Wade Wallace c. Mal Moore d. Harold “Red” Drew

Who was the MVP of the 1993 Sugar Bowl?

a. George Teague b. Jay Barker c. Derrick Lassic d. Antonio Langham

What was the first bowl game Gene Stallings went to as Alabama’s head coach? a. Peach Bowl b. Capital One Bowl c. Fiesta Bowl d. Sugar Bowl

5

Who holds the record for career leader in points?

Which team did Alabama beat in the 1926 Rose Bowl? a. Washington St.

“Sonnet for a New Season”

by Jessica Temple As days cool down and nights come earlier,

4

3

3. D

4. C

b. USC c. UCLA d. University of Washington

a. Phillip Doyle b. Leigh Tiffin c. Van Tiffin d. Jamie Christensen

Answers: 1. A 2. C

2

Crimson Poetry

the new season begins.

Each team's recruits look better than last year's, faster, burlier.

It's for these boys that everybody roots.

They'll take the field in white and crimson suits with wide-eyed wonder at so many fans in Tide t-shirts, houndstooth hats, crimson boots.

This is a team sport, but it is each man's duty to do his best, muster Spartans' strength.

Every player out there gives his all in this old game of skill and speed that spans the whole hundred yards for that pig-skinned ball.

Today each member of the team is strong.

We hope they'll keep it up all season long.

5. B

Gridiron Grub Bacon Basil Shrimp on a Stick Ingredients 24 extra large shrimp (about 1 1/2 pounds), peeled and deveined 24 fresh basil leaves 24 thin strips bacon, each 6 to 7 inches long 24 slender bamboo skewers (8 to 10 inches long), soaked in water for 30 minutes

Directions Hold a shrimp in a straight position in your left hand (or right hand, if you're left-handed). Starting at the tail end, insert a skewer running the length of the 24

TDAL AUGust/september 2014

shrimp. Place a basil leaf on the "back" (the formerly rounded part) of the shrimp. Wrap the shrimp in bacon, tucking in the ends. Skewer and wrap the remaining shrimp the same way.

Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to high.

Arrange the shrimp on a grate, placing an aluminum foil protector under the exposed portion of the skewers to keep them from burning. Grill the kebabs until the bacon is nicely browned and the shrimp are cooked through, 1 to 2 minutes per side, 4 to 6 minutes in all, turning the kebabs to ensure even cooking.

Recruit of the Month

Josh Sweat

(DE), Oscar F. Smith High School, Chesapeake, Va. B Y J ordon S emien

High School: Oscar F. Smith (Chesapeake, Va.) Height: 6-foot-5 Weight: 240 pounds 40-yard dash: 4.51 seconds Bench: 345 pounds Squat: 495 pounds

H

ow do you win a football game? Many people will tell you it’s by coaching, which is very true, while others will say it’s through sound strategy and counter strategy.

But really, it can often be as simple as this: keep your signal caller upright and make the opposing quarterback as uncomfortable as possible.

With the evolution of the pass rush into one of the most critical components in football, the position that has seen the most growth is that of the defensive end. Professional, collegiate, even high school football has now put more emphasis on the ends than ever before.

One young man looking to add his name near the top of that extensive list is the No. 1 recruit in the nation Josh Sweat of Oscar F. Smith High School. Sweat may be just beginning his senior year with the Tigers, but his stats as a junior are what earned him the top spot in the class of 2015. Sweat dominated offensive lines in 2014, totaling 94 tackles, 31 of which were for a loss of yardage; Sweat also added 22 sacks and two forced fumbles.

Watching tape of the 6-foot-5 phenom obliterate offensive tackles and guards is like watching a second coming of the legendary Deacon Jones. His shear speed off the snap is enough to leave linemen gasping for air trying to keep pace but to no avail. Sweat’s athletic build makes for the opportunity to split time at linebacker as well as attacking from the ends.

He displays a unique understanding of the game, much like a Ray Lewis or Clay Matthews, in dissecting an offense’s

set and intentions. Most times, he can leave everyone on the field thinking that he was in on the offense’s huddle before the snap. His skills at the pass rush are second to none; his bull rush is just as fearsome as his swim move.

His presence alone at the edge can force a double team, or at the minimum keep an extra blocker at your quarterback’s side. However, it’ll do you no good, as Sweat’s speed and instincts will continually prove the old adage true, “He’s a man amongst boys out there.” If his play style wasn’t enough to intimidate offensive coordinators around the league, then his size will.

The high school senior dwarfs half of his teammates, appearing as if he were the New York Giant’s Jason PierrePaul playing prep ball. To add to the growing legend of Sweat, he also split time on the offensive side of the ball at tight end; he even played special teams booting punts when asked to. As with any new underclassman making his way to the next level of ball, Sweat will have a few learning curves to hurdle.

Though his bench weight says otherwise, it would be beneficial to work more on his strength in the bull rush. When confronted with a heavier offensive tackle, Sweat can get caught in shaking the block and pursuing the ball carrier. This could be problematic in leagues like the SEC, Big Ten, Pac-12, and ACC where big, steadfast offensive linemen are plentiful.

Sweat has received offers from across the nation, including Alabama, Louisville, Virginia, Florida State, LSU, Auburn and more, but is yet to decide on where he will play college ball. Coaches dream of players like Sweat, who may come along only once in a lifetime. Now, the competition rages to see who will have the honor of adding the monstrous pass rusher to their arsenal.

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET 25

NEWS A monthly look at the sec teams

Around the B Y J ordon S emien

AUBURN

In 2014, Gus Malzahn will look to lead his Tigers back to the promised land of Atlanta and beyond as they attempt to defend their SEC title. Presently, the Tigers will have more pressing problems to corral before the opening kick, namely quarterback Nick Marshall’s mid-July citation for possession of marijuana. Marshall has since apologized and awaits Malzahn’s decision on his punishment.

Marshall’s citation was brought up during SEC Media Days more than once, to which Malzahn replied that Marshall will face the consequences of his actions.

“I'm not saying what that consequence is right now, but it will be addressed," Malzahn said.

This is not Marshall’s first run-in with broken rules, as he was dismissed from Georgia for rules violations. The Tiger faithful also await news on senior defensive back Jonathon Mincy’s pending punishment. Just a week before Marshall’s citation, Mincy was arrested himself for possession of marijuana. Malzahn stated that he and his staff will deal with both situations accordingly.

The Tigers will likely spend the bulk of their season without pass rushing phenom Carl Lawson as he recovers from off-season ACL surgery. Malzahn confirmed at SEC Media Days that Lawson underwent successful surgery on his left knee under the skillful knife of Dr. James Andrews in late May. He added that Dr. Andrews was very pleased with Lawson’s recovery, and that Lawson still hopes to return to action before the end of the year.

Lawson was pegged to match Ford’s output from a year ago, but now with reports saying he might miss the season altogether, Malzahn and company will look to senior LaDarius Owens to pace the Auburn pass rush. Other names like Elijah Daniel, DaVonte Lambert, and Andrew Williams among 26

TDAL AUGust/september 2014

others will help ease the load on Owens, but if Mincy is to miss any significant time this year, the Tigers’ secondary will be highly vulnerable.

MISSOURI An SEC East title hasn’t excluded head coach Gary Pinkel’s Tigers from the offseason arrest bug. Sophomore wide receiver Dorial Green-Beckham was arrested twice in the spring, once for drug related charges in January, and then again in April for a reported altercation with his girlfriend.

After being dismissed, Green-Beckham quickly signed with the Oklahoma Sooners.

GEORGIA Mark Richt’s 14th year at the helm of Georgia football is already off to a rough start, having four players arrested in March on charges of theft, including Jonathon Taylor and Tray Matthews, who were dismissed from the team. Uriah LeMay, also implicated in the theft charges, chose to transfer out to an FCS school. Rounding out the offseason departures is former safety Josh Harvey-Clemons’ dismissal in February for multiple team rules violations.

TEXAS A&M

Head coach Kevin Sumlin is already deflecting questions about replacing Heisman-winning signal caller Johnny Manziel, but his job got even harder over the offseason. Sumlin said the race is “dead even” between sophomore Kenny Hill and freshman Kyle Allen for starting quarterback heading into the opener against South Carolina.

Defensive back Victor Davis was suspended for shoplifting in April and in May, defensive stars Darian Claiborne and Isaiah Golden were dismissed after their second arrests in 2014.

Defensive end Gavin Stansbury rounds out the departures with his leaving the team for personal reasons in April.

Fan Photos

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CloserLook

Christion Jones Christion Jones adds depth as an explosive receiver and standout special teams player.

Kenyon Drake Kenyon should be a key contributor for the tide under Lane Kiffin in 2014. Expect Kenyon to be a standout at fullback.

P h oto g r a p hy by C e d r i c M a s o n

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