Bama in the News

August 1 - August 15, 2007

• University of Alabama Football Team Reports to Campus on Thursday • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team will report to the UA campus on Thursday, August 2 as the Crimson Tide readies for the start of fall camp that will begin with a practice on Friday afternoon at 3 p.m.

• Bolton has moved up his announcement • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
A Peach State prospect that is likely to make a move up the rankings when they are updated is Devonta Bolton. Bolton has numerous offers now, but has it down to three. That number of three will be cut to one this Saturday when he makes his announcement. 

• Vanderbilt Football 2007: The Opponents • BamaMag (for members only)
Vanderbilt's 2007 football season starts in less than a month. We all know about the high expectations for this year's Commodore squad but let's take a look at the opponents and what they have to offer. VandyMania analyzes several important vital signs for the Commodore's 2007 opponents and for comparison purposes also provides the same data for the Black and Gold.

• Bama’s Bor and Maiyo to Compete at the World University Games • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama men's track and field team will send two athletes to the World University Games in Bangkok, Thailand, August 8-18. Augustus Maiyo will run the 3,000 meter steeplechase and Emmanuel Bor will run the 1500 meters.

• Former Crimson Tide Standout Miruna Mataoanu Wins.... • RollTide.com
Former Tide All-American high jumper Miruna Mataoanu took home fist place at the Romanian Championships this past weekend in Bucurest, Romania. 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Hoover 7-on-7 • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Last week, Hoover High School hosted one of the nation's biggest high school 7-on-7 tournaments and among the attendees were some of the nation's elite high school prospects. BamaOnline photographer T.G. Paschal was on hand to capture the action as the nation's top prospects went head to head on the field... 

• South Carolina blue-chipper will narrow list soon • Tider Insider (for members only)
Defensive end Robert Quinn of North Charleston-Fort Dorchester, South Carolina has offers from virtually every top program in the country. The 6-4, 258-pound Quinn says that "everybody" is still in the hunt. But that will change soon.

• Mitch Dobbs: Another Farewell Column • BamaMag
After reading some of the BamaMag.com forum responses to Thomas Murphy’s farewell column last week I think it might be wiser to take a pass on my own farewell column, but I just can’t leave without saying goodbye. 

• Players Report • BamaMag
Saban will meet with media late Thursday

• 2007 Crimson Tide Volleyball Preview • RollTide.com
If there is one thing to be said about the volleyball program at the University of Alabama, it is that the team, along with its coaching staff, is constantly moving forward.

• Michigan going hard after Square • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
One of the Lonestar State's top defensive playmakers for the 2008 class recently paid a visit to the UA campus and came away with a new perspective on his recruitment. 

• Pate’s Southern Squad Falls to Southern California in Tournament Championship • RollTide.com
University of Alabama head men's tennis coach Billy Pate led the Southern boys team to its second consecutive championship match appearance at the USTA Boys 18 National Team Tournament. The tournament wrapped up its final day of play today and was hosted by the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

• Scott Limbaugh Hired to Alabama's Golf Staff • RollTide.com
The former Huntingdon head coach produced three All-Americans in his three seasons there and played for a national championshp team at Central Alabama Community College. 

• Fall camp preview: 5 core players • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Who are the players Alabama will count on the most in 2007? As always, with passionate Crimson Tide fans, that is debatable. Entering fall camp this week, BamaOnLine examines its five core players for 2007 as part of our Fall Camp Preview... 

• Louisiana star might be closing in on a decision • Tider Insider (for members only)
"It going to be either LSU or Alabama. I wish I could pick them both, but I can't. It's going to be a really tough decision…"

• Edwards Talks Official Visits • BamaMag (for members only)
Lavar Edwards of Baton Rouge (La.) Desire Street Academy does not have any dates set but he knows who four of his official visits will go to with one spot still open for a new suitor.

• Laundry List • BamaMag
Covaughn Deboskie has diverse tastes and good reasons to choose any one of his favorites.

• UA ROUNDUP: Scott Limbaugh Tide’s new assistant men’s golf coach • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Scott Limbaugh, who has been the head golf coach at Huntingdon College for thepast three seasons and led his team to a school-best fourth-place national finish last season, has been named assistant men’s golf coach at the University of Alabama.

• Keeney takes difficult path to Bama • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | If Caroline Keeney had chosen an easier path, she might be preparing to leave town for college with some kind of scholarship.

• Crimson Tide Fan Day is Sunday • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama will kick off the 2007 football season with its annual Fan Day on Sunday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.Admission is free. 

• Eufaula's tough Upshaw committed to Tide • The Birmingham News
EUFAULA - To say Courtney Upshaw had a tough upbringing might be an understatement. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, August 01, 2007

• Saban top topic for UA's Moore • Montgomery Advertiser
Mal Moore sat at the dais, finishing up a meal while he pondered the speech he was about to give to the Montgomery Kiwanis Club.

• Alabama plans 'Fan Day' Sunday • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama's football team will hold a special "Fan Day" on Sunday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, allowing all Crimson Tide fans to watch practice and get autographs from their favorite players.

• Jimmy Smothers: Sullivan recalls Wishbone Offense • The Gadsden Times
Football fans in Alabama are well informed about the turnaround in the Crimson Tide's football program when Coach Paul Bryant installed the Wishbone Offense before the 1971 season. But how many fans know that two years before, Coach Shug Jordan had done the same thing at Auburn.

• Rivals100 OL talks UA camp • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Anniston offensive lineman Antoine McClain was in Tuscaloosa last month to compete in the Alabama’s camp and the huge tackle came back for more in the second session. McClain, 6-foot-6, 317-pounds, who is considered among the top linemen in the nation recently cut his list down to his eight favorites with Alabama making the cut

• Missouri junior visits Bama • Tider Insider (for members only)
"It was a nice visit. We toured the campus and the facilties with Coach [Geoff] Collins. Alabama has a lot of tradition. They have great facilities…"

• Four of Bama's Five Make 36-Hole Cut at Western Amateur • RollTide.com
The field faces 36 holes in one day on Friday with hopes to be among the 16 top finishers who will advance to Saturday's match play.

• Looking At Fall Camp Roster • BamaMag (for members only)
Alabama has 105 report for pre-season camp

• Four-Star Receiver Talks Favorites • BamaMag (for members only)
Scout.com reports the latest with Rodriguez Wilks.

• Welcome to Camp Saban • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed the media Thursday as players on the 105-man roster reported for fall camp. Several roster moves highlighted Saban's remarks, including the absence of signee Michael Ricks and some good scholarship news for a former walk-on.

• VIDEO: Saban previews fall camp • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
On the eve of his first fall camp as head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide, Nick Saban took time to address the media and BOL was on hand to capture his comments.

• 8.2.07 Coach Saban Press • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Saban gives his reporting day press conference.

• 2007 Crimson Tide Football Team Reports to Campus • RollTide.com
First-year head coach Nick Saban welcomed 105 players to fall camp today as the University of Alabama football team begins preparation for the upcoming 2007 season. 

• Saban addresses media • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | With his first recruiting class being fitted for pads and tested for strength a floor below, University of Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed the media Thursday afternoon on the eve of the Crimson Tide's first scrimmage.

• Four Lost To Injuries • BamaMag
As much as it might have been hoped that Tyrone Prothro might eventually return to the Alabama football field, it was announced Thursday on the eve of the beginning of Crimson Tide fall camp that Prothro is among four players whose careers have been ended by injury.

• Saban Backs State-Funded Scholarships • BamaMag (for members only)
Alabama coach weighs in on scholarship issue.

• Alabama Football Preseason Football Practice Schedule • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The University of Alabama football team begins 2007 preseason practices on Friday, August 3, with a 3 p.m. CT workout at the Sewell-Thomas Practice Fields.

•  Cecil Hurt: Tide newcomers face a fast-paced preseason • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Today will be a quiet, peaceful day for the new football players who’ll be officially reporting to the University of Alabama campus.

• Mitch Dobbs: Devonta Bolton to announce Saturday • Tuscaloosa News
Out-of-state wide receiver ready with decision...

• Ticket demand for FSU-Alabama through the roof  • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Next month's Florida State-Alabama game won't go down as the biggest showdown in either university's history, but it certainly will be remembered as one of the toughest tickets in years - particularly for a regular-season game. Seminole and Crimson Tide fans have been placing ...

• Huge 2009 star favors UA • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Gigantic two-way lineman D.J. Fluker already has a leg-up on being one of the largest prospects for the 2009 recruiting class in the country. Fortunately for whoever lands this huge star, they will also be getting one of the best. Find out more about this talented prospect as he talks about rumors of a recent transfer and his recruitment by Alabama by checking the Ultimate Ticket.

• Tide recruiting continues to roll • Tider Insider (for members only)
With commitments from several high-profile prospects, Alabama recruiting is off to its best start in many years, and it doesn't look like Nick Saban and his staff will slow down anytime soon.

• Four-Star Receiver Talks Favorites • BamaMag (for members only)
Rodriguez Wilks, Scout.com four-star receiver from Smyrna, (Tenn.), is an incredible athlete who has narrowed his college choices to eight schools. Wilks talks about his upcoming season, favorites, and the time-frame for his college decision. 

• Two Tide Golfers T-4th After Opening Round of Western Amateur  • RollTide.com
Bama's Michael Thompson and Mark Harrell shot 3-under to open play and are among five UA golfers competing in a group that also includes Thomas Hugghins, Matt Swan and Gator Todd. 

• Just give me the BOL • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Where do 92,000 crazy fans get their Alabama football coverage? Anywhere they want. But the smart ones go where the best and latest information is, and that means BamaOnLine.com. BOL's plans for covering the 2007 season have never been more ambitious. Subscribe today and don't miss any of the action from the first whistle of fall camp to the final gun of the Iron Bowl. So exactly what does a subscription get you? Just check out what makes BOL the best value on the web...

• Some Southeast Schools On A Roll • BamaMag (for members only)
There are always several points in the year when a surge in new commitments normally take place before the season begins: after junior days, after summer camps, and right before practice begins. Several teams are smoking hot after a recent run in July. 

• Tide newcomers face a fast-paced preseason • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Today will be a quiet, peaceful day for the new football players who’ll be officially reporting to the University of Alabama campus.

• COLLEGE BEAT • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA

• Saban era opens with high hopes • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- The first reporting date in the Nick Saban era at Alabama dawns today as the 105-man roster checks in to begin preseason football practice.

• SEC East ready for football season • Crimson White
At the 2007 SEC Media Days in Birmingham last week, all 12 SEC teams were represented by the head coach and two players. This week The Crimson White takes a look at the SEC East. Next week will feature SEC West teams. Kentucky After a 9-5 season, a big win over Georgia and a Music City Bowl victory over Clemson in 2006, the Kentucky Wildcats are ready for another winning season.

• Love him or hate him, Saban's changing things at UA • Crimson White
Even on the day when the coach of the defending national champions was present in the building, he couldn't take the spotlight away from Alabama football head coach Nick Saban. Cameras and swarms of reporters followed Saban from room to room at SEC Media Days in Hoover last week hoping to get a word and several snapshots of him, solidifying the rock star reputation Saban has taken on during his short time at Alabama.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, August 02, 2007

• Golf coach heads to Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
Huntingdon College golf coach Scott Limbaugh always wanted to coach at a Division I-A program, but that didn't make the choice any easier when Alabama head coach Jay Seawell offered him a job.

• Saban, defense biggest mysteries • The Decatur Daily
Tide opens preseason practice Thursday

• Kim Craft: Upsets discussed at Media Days • The Gadsden Times
Want to talk about an upset in the Southeastern Conference before the season begins?

• Alabama, Clemson heavily pursuing big-time back • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide have been on the lookout for another speedy and multi-talented running back prospect for the 2008 class so it's good news for UA that one of the nation's top athletes has named 'Bama his leader.

• Practice Report: Freshmen take the field • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
After most of the Crimson Tide took in their first practice of fall camp this afternoon, the newest members of the Tide worked with the Tide coaching staff in a separate practice session this evening.

• Tide takes the practice field • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | With the temperature gauge spiking triple digits — steamy enough to melt asphalt and send people scurrying for air-conditioned solace — the hottest story in college football took the field this afternoon.

• 8.3.07 Fall Practice Day 1 • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch some quick clips from the first day of fall practice.

• 8.3.07 Friday Practice Photos • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Friday Practice Photos

• PHOTO GALLERY: Day 1 • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide took the Thomas-Drew practice fields to kick off fall camp for the 2007 season on Friday. Bamaonline photographer T.G. Paschal was on hand to capture the action in this exclusive photo gallery.

• Which freshmen will play? • TideFans.com
Here’s a look at the incoming freshmen and transfer signees on the 2007 Alabama football team, and a quick assessment of which will and won’t play this upcoming season:

• TideFans/NARCAS Preseason All-SEC 2007 • TideFans.com
Publisher's Note: Here are our 3-deep pre-season All-SEC picks for 2007. 

• Andrew Bone: Alabama verbal leads top class 5A • Tuscaloosa News
Ivan Matchett talks of goal for 2007... 

• QUICK CLIP: Scenes from Friday's first practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
For the first time in the Nick Saban era at Alabama, the Crimson Tide opened fall camp Friday with the first of two split-squad workouts at Thomas-Drew practice field.

• Practice Report: Fall camp begins • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
After an off-season full of hype, speculation and excitement the Alabama Crimson Tide football team finally took to the field again Friday with its first day of fall practice. Conditions were sunny and scorching on the Sewell-Thomas Practice Fields where first year head coach ...

• Bama recruiting top out-of-state prospects • Tider Insider (for members only)
Nick Saban has proven that he can go anywhere and get players. Just last weekend the Alabama head coach went into the heart of Florida State country and nabbed Tallahassee-North Florida Christian blue-chip wide receiver Melvin Ray out from under the Seminoles. Look for the Tide to continue to have success recruiting outside the state.

• Bama's Mark Harrell Advances to Match Play at Western Amateur • RollTide.com
The Tide golfer finished 8th in stroke play Friday to earn one of the 16 coveted spots. Match play begins on Saturday.

• Bama's Mark Harrell Advances to Match Play at Western Amateur • RollTide.com
The Tide golfer finished 8th in stroke play Friday to earn one of the 16 coveted spots. Match play begins on Saturday.

• Tide Basketball Headed to Canada • RollTide.com
Mark Gottfried and his 2007-08 Crimson Tide basketball team will play four exhibition games in Ottawa against Canadian university teams on Labor Day weekend.

• End of the line • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama senior wide receiver Tyrone Prothro has been ruled out for the 2007 season, essentially ending his college football career. 

• Cecil Hurt: Reality of Prothro's status sets in • Tuscaloosa News
“It’s great to be optimistic. It’s probably not so good to be pessimistic. “But it’s best to be realistic.” 

• Four UA golfers make cut at Western Amateur • Tuscaloosa News
BENTON HARBOR, Mich. | Four of the five University of Alabama golfers competing at the 105th Western Amateur are among the 58 who made the 36-hole cut Thursday.

• Prothro's career over • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The image of Tyrone Prothro, wearing a crimson jersey, courageously limping out with the game ball for the 2006 Iron Bowl will likely be the last image he leaves for Alabama football fans

• Reform-minded Tide snags tight end • The Birmingham News
REFORM - Michael Williams needed a new e-mail address. 

• Tommy Hicks: New year, new poll to debate • Press-Register
It's not enough, it seems, to argue about which college football team should be No. 1 in a particular season. Oh, no. It's much more fun to take that argument to higher, more involved and more debatable levels. 

• Prothro taken off athletic scholarship • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban said Thursday that Tyrone Prothro has been taken off athletic scholarship and been given a medical scholarship waiver, an indication the once-spectacular Tide receiver may never play again.

• Prothro's career at UA likely finished • The Huntsville Times
Former standoutis now on medical scholarship 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, August 03, 2007

• Former Tide coach Stallings takes center stage at local event • Montgomery Advertiser
The hamburger sat on Gene Stallings' plate for at least 30 minutes before one of the guys at Landmark Church's Gridiron Kickoff Preview swapped the old burger out with a new one.

• Talk is cheap: Bama reports to camp • TimesDaily
Finally, after months of talk and speculation, Alabama will get down to business today with the start of fall practice. 

• PHOTO GALLERY: • Montgomery Advertiser
Gene Stallings speaker at Gridiron Kickoff Review at Landmark Church of Christ

• ALABAMA NOTES: Majority of Tide freshmen report • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Nineteen of Alabama's 24 signees officially reported to preseason camp on Thursday.

• Crimson Tide loses Walton, Ricks • The Decatur Daily
West Morgan's Walton receives medical hardship; Courtland's Ricks academically ineligible

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama 

• Alabama begins work today • The Dothan Eagle
By Ken Rogers - Nick Saban’s first University of Alabama football team took its first steps of the 2007 season Thursday.

• 2007 Preseason Rankings - No. 30 to 39 • CollegeFootballNews.com
Preview 2007 CFN Preseason Rankings No. 30 to 39 ... Fringe Top 25 Teams

• Scott to bring special talent to Capstone • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Monday's surprise commitment by Vigor star Burton Scott to Alabama capped a wildly successful run of great news for Tide fans. A multi-talented prospect, Scott should bring much-desired athleticism to the Tide's offense.

• Saban previews fall drills • Tider Insider (for members only)
This afternoon Tide head coach Nick Saban met with the media to discuss the opening of fall camp.

• Chiefs have QB decision ahead • kansascity.com
RIVER FALLS, Wis. | When forced to choose a starting quarterback between Brodie Croyle and Damon Huard, the Chiefs will have hour after hour of practice video to aid in the process.

• Tide's Mark Harrell Plays in Match Play of Western Amateur • RollTide.com
The Tide golfer, who will be a senior this fall, fell 1-Up in match play to a two-time All-American Saturday morning. 

• More Day 2 photos • Tider Insider (for members only)
Here are more scenes from Saturday's practice.

• Goode suffers knee injury Friday night  • Tuscaloosa News
Demetrius Goode’s first practice as a member of the University of Alabama football team didn’t pan out quite like he had pictured.

• VIDEO: Scenes from Saturday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide returned to the practice field Saturday afternoon and BamaOnline brings you more than five minutes of video footage of some of the Tide's top players including veterans Andre Smith, DJ Hall and Terry Grant as well as newcomers like Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Saturday's Practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
After splitting up for the first day of fall camp, the Crimson Tide held their first practice as a full team on Saturday and several of the newcomers showed they were ready to hang with their older, more experienced teammates. 

• Video feature: Bolton chooses Alabama • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Norcross standout Devonta Bolton is one of the South's top athletes and Saturday afternoon the Georgia native ended his recruitment. Bolton, 6-foot-4, 220-pounds, committed to Alabama after considering offer from AU, UGA and UF among others.

• Bama's looking good • Tider Insider (for members only)
Nick Saban said on Saturday that he was pleased with the condition of his team. In these shots from today's practice, you can see that the Tide players put in a lot of hard work this summer.

• Tide Meets as Full Squad for First Time in 2007 • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - The University of Alabama freshmen joined the varsity for the first time in 2007 and the Crimson Tide went through its first practice as a full squad under the direction of first-year head coach Nick Saban.

• 8.4.07 Practice Day 2 • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch quick clips from the second day of fall practice.

• VIDEO: Scenes from Saturday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide returned to the practice field Saturday afternoon, working out in stiffling heat on the University of Alabama campus. Click the link below for video footage from Saturday's practice.

• Practice Report: Fall camp heats up • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama's full football roster practiced together for the first time Saturday under stifling heat as the second day of fall camp commenced at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. 

• Saban Rules • BamaMag
It’s risky to take chances in Bama football coverage

• Tide Tailback Has Knee Injury • BamaMag
Otherwise news from first day is almost all good

• VIDEO: Saban reviews Friday's practices • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama head coach Nick Saban took time prior to Saturday's workout to review the opening day of fall camp.

• Head Coach Nick Saban – Press Conference Quotes – Aug. 4, 2007 • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - "I was obviously pleased to get started yesterday and excited about the opportunities we have to work with the players we have to improve our team. I think it started with number one, we improved the conditioning of our team with I think around 75 percent of our players having passed their conditioning tests and a significant amount of those who didn't were right at the edge. 

• Alabama Football Saturday Update • WVUA TV 7
Watch Video of Nick Saban's Saturday Press Conference. Coming Soon: Video from Saturday's Practice.

• 8.4.07 Coach Saban Press • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Saban talks about the first day of practice.

• Goode injured in opening practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Freshman running back Demetrius Goode sustained a knee injury on the first day of Alabama's fall football practice Friday. Goode's status was among several topics Alabama coach Nick Saban touched on with the media Saturday afternoon. 

• Tide reports in good condition • Tider Insider (for members only)
Speaking to reporters for the first time since the Tide opened fall drills on Thursday, Tide head coach Nick Saban said that he liked the condition -- physical and mental -- of his team on day one.

• 2008 Recruiting: 
WR  Devonta Bolton commits

• Andrew Bone: Alabama lands commitment • Tuscaloosa News
Tide picks up out-of-state verbal..

• Bolton chooses Tide • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Four-star Norcross (Ga.) athlete Devonta Bolton saw his offer list climb towards the 20 mark with offers from most of the Southern powers. Bolton, 6-foo-4, 220-pounds, has seen his stock rise this summer and he cut his list of schools to Alabama, Auburn, Boston College, Georgia and Florida. Saturday at a press conference at his high school Bolton made his college decision…

• Alabama Lands Commitment • BamaMag
The University of Alabama added a commitment Saturday afternoon as Devonta Bolton, a Scout.com three-star receiver from Norcross, (Ga.), announced his decision.  

• Bama all the way for Bolton! • Tider Insider (for members only)
DeVonta Bolton says that he's know where he was going for two weeks. Today, the 6-3, 222-pound receiver from Norcross, GA let everyone in on his secret. In a press conference early this afternoon at his high school, Bolton announced that he had committed to Alabama over the defending national champion Floirda Gators.

• Crimson Tide Opens Season With Two Practice Sessions • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team officially opened the 2007 season with a pair of practice sessions at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. The upperclassmen opened the day before the freshmen gathered for an evening practice.

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
8.3.2007 - Football Freshman Practice #1

•  Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
8.3.2007 - Football Practice #1

• 8.3.07 Night Practice Photos • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch as the freshmen hit the field in their first night practice.

• 8.3.07 Night Practice Photos • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
8.3.07 Night Practice Photos

• Linebacker Hall practices with freshmen • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama football team opened fall practice with a key contributor in an unfamiliar spot, as sophomore inside linebacker Prince Hall didn’t practice with his fellow veterans Friday afternoon, rather with the freshmen during the extra evening session.

• ‘Bama legacy passed on to another generation • Tuscaloosa News
JASPER | For the Alabama faithful, the names “Bryant” and “Denny” can invoke a sense of reverence and pride. When combined, these names can summon images of honor, tradition and a history of...

• UA associate athletic director to retire • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Johnny Williams, who has served since 2004 as the University of Alabama’s Senior Associate Athletic Director for External Operations, announced his retirement from the UA Athletic... 

• TideSports Galleries • Tuscaloosa News
First day of practice: 8/03/07

• It's Saban 101 • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The University of Alabama held two practices Friday.

• Family matters move associate AD to resign • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Johnny Williams knows that when the University of Alabama hired him in October 2004, some considered him the likely successor to Athletics Director Mal Moore.

• Tide associate AD joins new company • The Huntsville Times
Williams resigns to become CEO of venture  

• Sports Buzz • The Birmingham News
THE HOT CORNER

• Paul Finebaum: Iron Bowl will send shock waves • Press-Register
In the wake of SEC Media Days, I started wondering which event this college football season might cause the higher number on the Richter Scale. 

• Tide bakes in debut • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- The heat index soared to 100 degrees as the Alabama Crimson Tide hit the practice field Friday.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Saturday, August 04, 2007

• Walton to assist Tide's coaches • The Decatur Daily
Muscle condition ends playing days

• Camp Saban begins: UA coach conducts unique practice • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The usual number of media gathered outside Thomas-Drew Field for the first day of Alabama's fall football practice, but it wasn't a typical day.

• Associate AD Williams leaves Tide department • Montgomery Advertiser
Johnny Williams, the former Troy athletic director who has served as an associate athletic director at Alabama for the past three years, announced he is leaving the university for private business.

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK • The Decatur Daily
Alabama 

• Tide gets down to business on practice field • The Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — It was Nick Saban weather. It was hot and it was muggy and it was the first day of football practice at the University of Alabama.

• FRIDAY VIDEO: More scenes from opening day • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Opening day of fall camp featured a pair of workouts at Thomas-Drew practice fields. Nick Saban and his staff put most of the Crimson Tide's returning players through their paces before working with newcomers and reserves (with the exception of one defensive starter) during the evening session.

• Barrett down to five • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
With over 30 offers Evangelic Christian offensive lineman Barrett Jones is one of the nation's most highly recruited tackle prospects. Up until this point Jones, 6-foot-5, 271-pounds, has kept his recruitment wide-open but this week the four-star Memphis native cut his ... 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Freshman take the field • BamaOnLine  (for members only)    
The Alabama Crimson Tide freshman took the field Friday evening for their first practice. BOL photographer T.G. Paschal was on hand to capture the newest Tide players in action. 

• FRIDAY NIGHT VIDEO: Tide freshmen take the field • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Highlighting the second workout of the opening day of fall camp was the practice debut of Luther Davis and the rest of Alabama's 2007 recruiting class. 

• Scenes from Day 1 • Tider Insider (for members only)
The Tide opened fall drills this afternoon with two practice sessions. Here are some scenes.

• Barrett Jones Trims List to Five • BamaMag (for members only)
Barrett Jones, Scout.com four-star offensive tackle from Cordova-Evangelical Christian, (Tenn.), is one of the most sought after recruits in the South. Jones has trimmed his list of favorites and wanted to tell Scout.com the latest news... 

• Crimson Tide Holds Annual Fan Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team held its annual "Fan Day" Sunday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium with more than 9,000 Crimson Tide fans attending the event.

• Tide Completes Media/Fan Day Drills at Bryant-Denny • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama football team, working as a full squad for just the second time in fall camp, practiced in front of nearly 9,000 fans in Bryant-Denny Stadium as a part of the Tide's annual Media/Fan Day on Sunday. 

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
8.5.2007 - Football Fan Day

• 8.5.07 Sunday Practice and Fan Day • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch as the Tide practice and sign autographs for fans.

• VIDEO: Scenes from Sunday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide went through a two-hour workout in shoulder pads and helmets Sunday afternoon and BOL was there to bring you the highlights from Bryant-Denny Stadium.

• Practice Report: Fans take in Tide • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Alabama fans got their only chance to see a fall camp football practice at Fan Day on Sunday, and an estimated 9,000 took advantage of the opportunity. So which players put on a show for the fans? 

• Sunday shots • Tider Insider (for members only)
The Tide worked at Bryant Denny Stadium this afternoon. Here are some scenes.

• Nick Saban Pre-Practice Press Conference Transcript - August 5, 2007 • RollTide.com
"We're certainly excited about the opportunity that we have in this fall camp. I've really been impressed with the players' attitude toward improvement.

• Cecil Hurt: Turnaround won’t happen overnight • Tuscaloosa News
The opening days of 2007 football practice at the University of Alabama have engendered the usual excitement, particularly over the newcomers to the Crimson Tide football team.

• Sunday's Alabama Football Practice Report • WVUA TV 7
Go Inside to watch Nick Saban's entire Sunday press conference, as well as, comments from Major Applewhite, Kevin Steele, D.J. Hall, and John Parker Wilson.

• PHOTO GALLERY: Fan Day and Practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide practiced in Bryant-Denny Stadium as apart of the Fan Day festivities. BOL photographer T.G. Paschal was on hand to capture all the action. 

• Hard road traveled for Mustin  • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Darren Mustin spent two years as a walk-on under Mike Shula's coaching staff. Last week, he learned why the coaching change may have benefitted him more than anyone when he was put him on scholarship.

• VIDEO: Tide coordinators meet the press • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Two of Nick Saban's top lieutenants -- offensive coordinator Major Applewhite and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele -- met with the media Sunday morning and BOL was on hand to get their comments.

• VIDEO: Tide players talk fall camp -- Part II • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
On Sunday, a select number of Crimson Tide players met with reporters at Bryant-Denny Stadium as a part of UA media day. BOL was on hand to get comments from DJ Hall, Prince Hall and Darren Mustin. Click the link below for our second video installment from media day.

• Saban Positive, But Realistic • BamaMag
Alabama coach pleased with attitude of players in fall camp

• 8.5.07 Coach Steele Press • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Defensive Coordinator Kevin Steele takes questions from the media.

• 8.5.07 Simeon Castille • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Simeon Castille talks about the strength of the defense.

• 8.5.07 John Parker Wilson • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
John Parker talks about the potency of the offense.

• 8.5.07 DJ Hall • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
DJ talks about flying under the radar, and his expectations.

• 8.5.07 Antoine Caldwell • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Antoine talks about the offensive line.

• 8.5.07 Coach Applewhite Press • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Applewhite talks to the media after the first two practices.

• 8.5.07 Coach Saban Press • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Coach Saban talks about the first two days of practice.

• VIDEO: Tide players talk fall camp • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
On Sunday, a select number of Crimson Tide players met with reporters at Bryant-Denny Stadium as a part of UA media day. BOL was on hand to get comments from John Parker Wilson, Andre Smith and Matt Caddell.

• VIDEO: Saban on Sunday • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Alabama head coach Nick Saban kicked off media day Sunday, addressing reporters before leading his team through an open practice at Bryant-Denny Stadium later in the afternoon. 

• Saban, staff work on 'process' of rebuilding Tide • Tider Insider (for members only)
It's not often the media covering a Nick Saban-coached team get a chance to chat with Saban's coordinators, so a large contingent of instate reporters and cameramen showed up Sunday morning at the Mal Moore Football Building. First Saban, then offensive coordinator Major Applewhite and defensive coordinator Kevin Steele took the podium to discuss what Saban likes to call "the process."

• Tide offense leans on veteran line • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Two seasons ago, a weak offensive front proved to be the biggest chink in the armor of an otherwise impressive Alabama Crimson Tide team. Since that time, both former head coach Mike Shula and new head coach Nick Saban have worked to strengthen the offensive front into ...

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
8.4.2007 - Football Practice #2

• 8.4.07 Saturday Practice Photos • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
8.4.07 Saturday Practice Photos

• Tide offseason conditioning program paying off • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Before the University of Alabama football team took the field for its first fall practice Thursday, coach Nick Saban answered most questions about his team’s offseason development by saying something to the effect he didn’t know because head coaches can’t oversee players during the summer.

• No depth chart for UA's Saban • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Today, when thousands of fans arrive at Bryant-Denny Stadium to take part in Alabama's football Fan Day, they likely will be provided a roster so they will be able to identify the players.

• Crimson Tide hosts Fan Day today • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- It's Fan Day at Bryant-Denny Stadium today, and while other preseason practices will be closed to the public, fans are encouraged to attend the Alabama Crimson Tide's planned two-hour session.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, August 05, 2007

•  John Pruett: Bo, Herschel and '66 Tide among SEC's greatest • The Huntsville Times
Remember the classic film "The Sand Pebbles''? At the end, gunboat machinist mate Steve McQueen is on the verge of a clean getaway after being surrounded by a horde of marauding guerrillas in pre-Mao China. 

• Tide's shaping up under Saban • The Huntsville Times
New coach happy, for the most part, with conditioning

• Ray Melick: There was so much more for Prothro to do • The Birmingham News
Three images of Tyrone Prothro:

• Alabama notebook • The Huntsville Times
Saban: No depthchart yet

• Battling for positions • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Nick Saban's choices are limited in his first season as the University of Alabama's football coach. Aside from the 21 signees who enrolled, he can only work with the players left for him.

• Tide RB injured in first day of practice • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama's first day of practice ended on a somber note Friday night when freshman running back Demetrius Goode suffered a knee injury.

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
Sunday, August 05, 2007

• Josh Moon: Stallings gets Faulkner staff's undivided attention • Montgomery Advertiser
Had you just watched the faces of the Faulkner University football coaches sitting around the table Friday morning, you would have bet good money that a supermodel was sitting at the head of that table.

• Tide players have say in discipline • The Decatur Daily
TUSCALOOSA — Philosophical jargon is one of Alabama coach Nick Saban’s strengths. 

• College Football Notebook • The Decatur Daily
Alabama  

• Alabama notes: Freshman running back injures knee • The Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Freshman running back Demetrius Goode injured a knee Friday during his first practice at the University of Alabama

• A final look at Saturday • Tider Insider (for members only)
Here are some more scenes from Saturday's practice..

• Devonta Bolton Announcement Media Gallery • BamaMag (for members only)
NORCROSS, GA -- Here are exclusive images and video from Norcross wide receiver Devonta Bolton's commitment to Alabama.

• Monday shots • Tider Insider (for members only)
Here are some scenes from Monday's practice.

• Arenas Gets Kick From Rules Change • BamaMag (for members only)
Kickoffs from 30-yard line make kickoff returns more important

• Crimson Tide Continues Preseason Drills • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama football team held a two-hour workout in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts Monday afternoon, its fourth practice of preseason camp. 

• Photo Gallery • RollTide.com
8.6.2007 - Football Practice #4

• 8.6.07 Mike McCoy • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Mike talks about the first few days of fall camp.

• 8.6.07 Mike Johnson • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Mike talks about the competition amongst the O linemen.

• 8.6.07 Javier Arenas • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Javier talks about practice, and returning kicks.

• VIDEO: Crimson Tide players talk fall camp • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
A handful of Alabama players were made available to the media following Monday's practice and BOL was on hand to get their comments.

• Practice Report: Fall camp rolls on • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Alabama moved into Day Four of fall camp Monday with an afternoon session on the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. 

• PHOTO GALLERY: Monday's Practice Action • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
The Crimson Tide returned to practice on Monday and continued working to prepare for the 2007 season. BamaOnline photographer T.G. Paschal was on hand to capture Tide stars Prince Hall, Terry Grant and DJ Hall in action.

• 8.6.07 Monday Practice • Crimson Tradition (Members Only)
Watch as the Tide hit the field for monday practice.

• Toby Jackson Knows Two Official Visits • BamaMag (for members only)
Toby Jackson, Scout.com four-star defensive end from Griffin, (Ga.), has given his verbal pledge to the University of Georgia. Jackson expects to take all five of his official visits before making his final college choice. 

• Dream Job • BamaMag (for members only)
A person can dream. When Major Applewhite was playing quarterback for Texas, Crimson Tide fans who knew Applewhite had grown up a Bama fan could only dream about how much better things would be if he had been playing for the Crimson Tide. (Applewhite was not recruited by Coach Mike DuBose's staff.)

• VIDEO: Scenes from Monday's practice • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide returned to work Monday afternoon, practicing in helmets and shoulder pads at Thomas-Drew practice field.

• Rating the units • TideFans.com
Any ratings system – save perhaps for the mysterious computers used in the BCS statistical conglomerate – is subjective. But anything that can be done to lessen the impact of personal opinion or bias is generally regarded as a good thing.

• A look into the crystal ball • TideFans.com
While predictions are often a shot in the dark, it is still fun to look ahead and try to predict the future. Here is our annual look at how the SEC might shape up in the coming year.

• 2008 Recruiting: 
WR  Destin Hood commits

• Tide lands 15th commitment • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama got off to a good in-state start to the recruiting year by landing 11 of the state’s top prospects. That roll continued Monday when the Tide staff landed another standout who had offers from some of the South’s top programs.

• Andrew Bone: Alabama Lands commitment from Mobile • Tuscaloosa News
The Tide is on a roll in the Port City...

• St Paul's star will bring big-play ability to Bama • Tider Insider (for members only)
Mobile-St. Paul's head coach Mike Bates has been blessed with several top prospects this year. Back in the spring, one of those talented players, running back Ivan Matchett committed to Alabama. This morning, Saints wide receiver Destin Hood (6-2½, 190, 4.5) picked the Tide.

• Destination Alabama • BamaMag (for members only)
Destin Hood, from Mobile-St. Paul’s, (Ala.), has ended his recruitment with his commitment to the University of Alabama. Hood committed Monday morning, and he talks about his decision. 

• The Numbers Don't Lie • BamaMag (for members only)
Are you for or against an early signing period? The numbers simply don't lie as commitments are up 337% and roughly half the prospects that sign with BCS schools have already made their college decision. The Scout.com Recruiting Team weighs in on this subject.

• Steele Down To Three • BamaMag (for members only)
Process is winding down for Steele

• Coach Talks About Star Receivers • BamaMag (for members only)
Keith Maloof understands he is fortunate to have two of the top wide receivers in the country

• ScoutTV: Bolton in Hoover  • BamaMag (for members only)
Highlights from the National Select 7on7 passing tournament

• Kretschman invited to U.S. Olympic Team tryouts • Tuscaloosa News
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. | Former University of Alabama softball star Kelly Kretschman has been invited to try out for the U.S. Olympic Team next month.