Bama in the News

July 2007

• Glenn visits Capstone • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Massive offensive lineman Cordy Glenn is considered one of the nation’s top offensive tackles and last week the 6-foot-6, 315-pounder, made a trip to Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit. Glenn, a member of the Rivals250, returned from the Capstone with good things to say about his visit.

• Cecil Hurt: Time will tell if Alabama or Auburn made right decisions • Tuscaloosa News
In the accelerating race for major college athletic programs to spend money on facilities, the rule of the day is usually one-upmanship. If Texas, for instance, builds something, rest assured that Texas A&M is going to tap its donors and attempt to... 

• Alabama basketball team gets commitment • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama received its first basketball commitment for its 2008 signing class on Saturday when Tony Mitchell, a 6-foot-6 small forward from Swainsboro, Ga., announced he will sign with the Crimson Tide in November. 

• Wells' U-turn a blip on the radar • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - It has been 10 days since Jim Wells retired as the University of Alabama's baseball coach and four days since he unretired.

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
Petty claims against Saban:

• Randy Kennedy: Gators top athletic program • Press-Register
The best overall program in college athletics today is ... 

• Globetrotters • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Mikhail Torrance knew he was in a different world when one of the locals strolled up and asked him if he was Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant.

• Croyle ready to run offense, walk down aisle • Press-Register
GULF SHORES -- This has been quite a summer for Kansas City Chiefs and former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle, and it's far from complete. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, July 01, 2007

• Five-star Narrows The Field • BamaMag (for members only)
T.J. Bryant, a five-star cornerback from Tallahassee, Florida, has narrowed his college choices. Bryant is the nation's No. 2 rated cornerback.

• Four-star PF visits UA • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Big men were expected to be a priority in the Alabama 2008 basketball class and late last week one of the Tide’s top targets was in Tuscaloosa for an unofficial visit. Texas big man J’Mison Morgan, 6-foot-10, 275-pounds, made the trek from Dallas to Tuscaloosa with his mother and returned with good things to say. 

•  Andrew Bone: Alabama and LSU to battle for signature • Tuscaloosa News
Scout.com four-star prospect weighing options..

• Tide’s Kretschman drives in USA’s only run in victory • Tuscaloosa News
SOUTH SURREY, B.C., Canada | Former University of Alabama softball star Kelly Kretschman drove in the game’s only run when she was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded to give the U.S. national softball team a 1-0 victory over Japan in the opening... 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, July 02, 2007

• 100 Greatest Finishes - No. 51 to 60 • CollegeFootballNews.com
The 100 Greatest College Football Finishes since 1970 ... No. 51 to No. 60

• Tennessee LB claims UA offer • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Tennessee native Ricky Holloway hasn’t received as much attention as some of his peers, but the 6-foot-2, 220-pound linebacker has quietly put together an impressive offer list. So far, the Fayette Ware High School stand out claims offers from six SEC programs including Kevin Steele and Alabama.

• Louisiana Back Names Favorites • BamaMag (for members only)
Don Brown, a Scout.com three-star fullback from West Monroe, (La.), has not attended any camps due to his concentration with grades. He gives Scout.com the latest news...

• Stigers Adds Another SEC Offer • BamaMag (for members only)
Trevor Stigers was expected to be one of the more highly recruited players in the state of Mississippi and the early results are very favorable. Stigers now holds five division offers and four of them are from the Southeastern Conference.

• Tide interested in Georgia DT • Tider Insider (for members only)
The Crimson Tide staff is evaluating several defensive tackles, including this 6-2, 280-pounder who racked up 81 tackles and 11½ sacks and forced two fumbles and recovered two last season.

• Bobcats, seven other teams interested in forward Wallace • CBS Sportsline
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The Charlotte Bobcats face heavy competition in their effort to re-sign leading scorer Gerald Wallace. Bobcats, seven other teams interested in forward Wallace.

• Louisiana Sports Buzz: New Orleans Saints Roman Harper Interview • bayoubuzz.com
Saints strong safety Roman Harper is back on top of the team's depth chart and is being counted on to be a big factor in the defense of a team that is favored to get to the Super Bowl.

• Recruiting notebook: UA camp recap • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The University of Alabama football facilities have been a turnstile for high school athletes throughout the summer with individual and seven-on-seven camps running almost non-stop. Find out the latest from several of these participants, including a top in-state tackle with offers from both Alabama and Auburn by checking the Ultimate Ticket.

• Tide's director of marketing resigns • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Daniel Hopper has resigned his position as the University of Alabama’s director of athletic marketing and promotions, approximately one month prior to the start of fall football practice.

• Andrew Bone: Quarterbacks, receivers on UA's recruit wish list • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama football team enters the 2007 season with three quarterbacks on the roster; returning starter John Parker Wilson (junior), Greg McElroy (freshman) and Nick Fanuzzi (2007...

• Tennessee athlete likes UA • Tider Insider (for members only)
Alcoa standout Brian Sommer is one of the top athletes in the state of Tennessee, and currently the 6-foot, 200-pound two-way star has a solid list of offers. Included among that list is Alabama who to date have made a good impression.

• ScoutTV: Mountain Brook's Tyler Love • BamaMag
The state of Alabama has been loaded on the offensive line the past three years with two players participating in the U.S. Army All-American game in Andre Smith (2006) and Ryan Pugh (2007). Scout.com presents junior game footage of one of the nation's best for the class of 2008. 

• Four-Star OL Updates Recruitment • BamaMag
Scout.com reports the latest news...

• ScoutSouth.com Combine: Wide Receivers • BamaMag
The wide receivers at the ScoutSouth.com Combine turned heads with several one-handed catches, and the excitement level of their participation made for a competitive event. The 40-yard dash was timed on an artificial turf resulting in slower times.

• Ray Melick: SEC will be keeping an eye on Big Ten Network • The Birmingham News
The Big Ten Network will begin broadcasting on Thursday night, Aug. 30, with a highlight show and, two days later, its first football game. 

• AAFL may bring players back home • The Birmingham News
All Lance Taylor ever wanted to do was play football at the University of Alabama. He got his wish, lettering from 2001 to 2003 with the Crimson Tide before bouncing around arena football in places such as Columbus, Ohio, and Green Bay, Wis.

• Paul Finebaum: National press hopes Saban fails • Press-Register
Hell finally froze over.
An occurrence as uncommon at Haley's Comet happened the other day and hardly anyone noticed. Someone living in South Florida gave props to Nick Saban. 

• Now a veteran, Samuels focused on team goals • Press-Register
GULF SHORES -- Few, if any, in the Mobile area are surprised by Chris Samuels' success in the NFL. He was a success in his football career almost from the first day he stepped on the field.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, July 03, 2007

• Croyle could be head Chief • Montgomery Advertiser
GULF SHORES -- This has been quite a summer for Kansas City Chiefs and former Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle, and it's far from complete.

• 100 Greatest Finishes - No. 41 to 50 • CollegeFootballNews.com
The 100 Greatest College Football Finishes since 1970 ... No. 41 to No. 50

• Versatile in-state star discusses favorites • Tider Insider (for members only)
"Alabama has been really consistent in how they have recruited me. The coaches have been up front with me and…"

• Top DB starts to trim his list down • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Tallahassee Lincoln five-star DB T.J. Bryant is one of the nation's best prospects. But, not everyone will have a shot at the talented corner who boasts over 40 offers. Luckily for Tide fans, the elite defender has UA surviving his first cut...

• The Gallington Saga • BamaMag
The Deveric Gallington carousel continues to spin. Back in June, RaiderPower was the first to report that the elite offensive guard had narrowed down his list to Texas Tech and Florida. A new school has now entered the picture with a familiar Texas Tech foe heading up their recruiting efforts. Come inside as we bring you the latest chapter in the Gallington Saga.

• Applewhite: A Hot Commodity on the Hot Seat • BamaMag (for members only)
TUSCALOSSA, ALABAMA -- To say that former Texas QB Major Applewhite's career is on the fast-track would be an understatement. Just three years removed his Graduate Assistant days with the Longhorns, the new University of Alabama offensive coordinator admits that even he is surprised by the accelerated pace of his rise through the ranks.

• Wednesday State Rankings • BamaMag
The Scout.com Pre-season State Rankings for the Class of 2008 will be released over the next two weeks. Today, Texas, Oregon, Alabama, North Carolina, and Iowa all unveiled. Headlining these states are wide receiver Julio Jones, running backs Jermie Calhoun, Justin Johnson and Brandon Barnes, defensive lineman Ethan Johnson and offensive lineman Dan Hoch.

• Day To Think About Upsets • BamaMag (for members only)
If The University of Alabama was paying the chairman of the School of Communications $4 million a year and the professors were all making princely sums in excess of a quarter of a million a year, how long would we be patient in waiting for the Crimson White to read like the New York Times?

• Electric athlete planning USC visit • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Bainbridge (Ga.) athlete Nick Williams is coming off a junior season in which he threw for over 1,500 yards and rushed for over 500 more, and he accounted for over 20 total touchdowns. With five offers on the table, the Tide is in good shape in the early going with this versatile star....

• Not all faculty, staff will get football tickets • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - More than half of the ticket requests from University of Alabama faculty and staff members for 2007 Crimson Tide football games will go unfulfilled, the university announced Tuesday in a letter to those associated with the school.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, July 04, 2007

• SEC Position Rankings: Tide TEs check in • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
BOL continues its trek through the Southeastern Conference position by position with a look at the league's tight ends.

• Signee Update: Goode to go • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The commitment of running back Demetrius Goode was one of the Crimson Tide’s first big recruiting upsets under Nick Saban and the highly-rated prep school star out of Hargrave Military Academy is already hard at work in Tuscaloosa taking classes and working out with the team. Find out what Goode's former head coach at Hargrave has to say about the highly-touted back inside our latest Signee Update...

• Bama Freshman Kimberly Laing Wins the Jamaican Junior National Championship • RollTide.com
University of Alabama freshman Kimberly Laing won the 100 meter hurdles at the Jamaican Junior National Championships in Kingston, Jamaica. 

• Tide already eyeing Pelican State juniors • Tider Insider (for members only)
Two of Louisiana's top rising juniors were in Tuscaloosa last month for the Crimson Tide's summer camp. Both players have already made a good impression on the Alabama coaching staff.

• Football passes restricted for UA employees • Tuscaloosa News
University of Alabama employees are the latest group having a hard time getting their hands on what has become the hottest ticket in the state. More than 9,300 employees, more than twice the number of available tickets, ordered tickets for the upcoming Crimson Tide football

• Tide players complete in China • The Crimson White
This summer Tide sophomores Mikhail Torrance and Demetrius Jemison joined an eight-man off-season team comprised of Division 1 players from the Southeast. 

• 100 Greatest Finishes - No. 21 to 30 • CollegeFootballNews.com
The 100 Greatest College Football Finishes since 1970 ... No. 21 to No. 30

• Huge Texas OL to camp at Bama • Tider Insider (for members only)
This mammoth Texas offensive lineman isn't familiar with Alabama's glorious past, but he knows something about its glamorous present. "To be honest, Major Applewhite is why he is interested in Alabama. He remembers what Major did as the Texas quarterback, and he knows about the reputation he's already made for himself as a coach."

• Highly recruited WR looking at Tide • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Tennessee native Rodriguez Wilks has seen his offer list climb to over 20 since his impressive junior season. Wilks, 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, has yet to narrow down his favorites, but the Smyrna High School said a few schools have made a good impression up to this point, including Alabama.

• Kathleen Ekey to Join Tide Women's Golf Program • RollTide.com
University of Alabama head women's golf coach Mic Potter, who came to Tuscaloosa after leading Furman for 23 seasons, has added a former Lady Paladin to his roster with the Tide. Kathleen Ekey, a junior from Wadsworth, Ohio, will transfer to Alabama to play for Potter in the fall. 

• Vlachos gets the word • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama incoming signee William Vlachos was offered a scholarship by the previous coaching staff with one stipulation: he would be a grayshirt, and defer his enrollment. Thursday, the Mountain Brook offensive lineman learned from the new staff whether that stipulation would be lifted.

• ScoutTV: UA Verbal John Michael Boswell • BamaMag (for members only)
John Michael Boswell, a Scout.com three-star offensive tackle from Northport-Tuscaloosa County, (Ala.), was a solid performer at the Scout.com Southeast Elite camp in Atlanta May 26.

• 4 Star DT updates his favorites • BamaMag
Terrence Cody is one of the top Juco DT's in the country

• 2009 Profile: D.J. Banks • BamaMag (for members only)
It’s never too early to get a jump on recruiting and one of the top athletes in the state of Louisiana for 2009 is D.J. Banks.

• Breakdown: Southeast's top uncommitted prospects • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The race for many of the Southeast's top prospects is heating up. Rivals.com recruiting analyst JC Shurburtt brings you the latest on 25 of the region's best prospects. Get the breakdown of where these athletes may go, how Alabama may fare with these studs and the latest on Julio Jones.

• Thomas Murphy: Offense Could Be Great If... • BamaMag (for members only)
Before you cast Alabama into the third or fourth slot in the SEC West this season -- as many will do when the mass media meets in Hoover later this month -- consider one thing about this team.

• Kretschman goes 2-for-2 in 10-1 U.S. victory • Tuscaloosa News
SURREY, B.C., Canada | Former University of Alabama softball star Kelly Kretschman continued her tear through the Canada Cup on Wednesday, going 2-for-2 and driving in three runs to help the United States national team defeat Chinese Taipei 10-1.

• Crimson Tide self-reports three football violations • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The University of Alabama has self-reported three secondary violations committed by its football program since Oct. 16, 2006, according to documents obtained by The Birmingham News.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, July 06, 2007

• 100 Greatest Finishes - No. 11 to 20 • CollegeFootballNews.com
The 100 Greatest College Football Finishes since 1970 ... No. 11 to No. 20

• Louisiana DT emerging for Tide • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I've talked to Coach [Bo] Davis a couple of times since Alabama's camp. Coach Davis says that they really like me and that they need players like me at defensive tackle…"

• Behind Enemy Lines: 49ers Preview, Pt. 4 • BamaMag (for members only)
In the conclusion of our preseason preview series, Craig Massei of SFIllustrated.com asks Seahawks.NET's Doug Farrar the final five of ten questions. Will Hasselbeck and Alexander rebound from disappointing seasons, how will the new offensive line fare, and what will it take for the Seahawks to win their fourth straight division title?

• Class of 2009 Rundown: Who's Where? • BamaMag (for members only)
As coaches prepare to head out on the road for the ever-important July recruiting period, we'll give you the complete rundown on the Top 40 players in the talented Class of 2009 - where they are going, who they are looking at and what team(s) they will play for. The school lists are accurate as almost all of them came straight from the kids - in the last few days.

• Top Louisiana WR has UA on mind • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
One of Louisiana's top athletes for 2007 was recently in Tuscaloosa for Alabama's June football camp. Already holding a Tide scholarship offer, the trip served as both an outlet for Rivals.com's 10th-ranked player in Louisana to get better as well as a get-acquainted visit.

• Steve Lowery On The Record • BamaMag (for members only)
Steve Lowery learned early in life that golf can be an interconnected game comprised of body mechanics, mental anguish, grass surface fluctuations and course configurations which present numerous hurdles to placing a little white ball in a hole. His grandfather, the late Charles E. “Smokey” Harper, shared a philosophy that pierced through the complexities of life.

• Decoding the manual, NCAA style • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The National Collegiate Athletic Association's rules manual rivals the longest of novels in terms of thickness, and it's never been known for being easy to read, either. With the news that Alabama has reported three secondary violations in its football program, BOL provides a look at the key rules that doesn't take a law degree to comprehend.

• Crimson Tide self-reports three football violations • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama has self-reported three secondary violations against its football program since Oct. 16, 2006, according to The Birmingham News.

• Andrew Bone: Alabama commitments earn state ranking • Tuscaloosa News
Scout.com ranks all eight in-state commitments among the best. 

•  Alabama reports 8 NCAA violations • The Huntsville Times
School officials consider none of the issues serious

• Tim Gayle: Salem's exemplary character just what Devil Rays need • Montgomery Advertiser
Emeel Salem wasn't even batting his weight when officials with the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award called with the news.

• Another football option • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Imagine your favorite college football players coming back to the stadiums they once roamed to compete against their old rivals.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Saturday, July 07, 2007

• Mentoring the Tide's new mentor • The Decatur Daily
Trio of coaches who gave Saban a job say that he had his fun, serious sides

• It'll cost a pretty penny • The Times Daily
Two of Alabama's three NCAA violations came after the hiring of head coach Nick Saban in...
Alabama football fans in the Shoals will have an opportunity to hear their new head coach when Nick Saban speaks at the Deshler High School fundraiser banquet 

• Tide on top for Louisiana safety • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The John Curtis High School football program has churned out bluechip recruits like a toy factory in recent year, and the 2008 crop of athletes is no exception. One of the top safeties in the southeast made his way to the Alabama camp in June and currently has the Tide on top of his list of favorites....

• NC linebacker still a Tide target • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
The Alabama coaching staff isn't just putting a premium on size for its front-seven, but they are also looking high and low for speed. One prospect that fits that role and holds an early Tide offer is New Bern (NC) High School linebacker Kevin Reddick. Find out more by.

• Quinn headed to Capstone • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
It's been a productive summer for Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide staff on the recruiting trail as Alabama continues to be mentioned by some of the top prospects in the nation. The latest elite prospect to talk up the Tide is South Carolina defensive end Robert Quinn, considered one of the top defensive prospects in the nation.

• Who's the best? • Tuscaloosa News
It’s almost hard to believe that 15 school years have already come and gone since the Southeastern Conference expanded to 12 teams by adding Arkansas and South Carolina.

• Albury, Laing selected to All-Academic Team • Tuscaloosa News
NEW ORLEANS | University of Alabama women’s track and field stars Aymara Albury and Kimberly Laing were selected to the United States track and field and cross country coaches association... 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, July 08, 2007

• Bayou star still high on UA • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Almost everything about E.D. White High School (Thibodaux, La.) star Chase Clement screams "LSU," but so far, Alabama coach Nick Saban and his staff have kept the Crimson Tide in the hunt for this Rivals250 jumbo athlete. Find out about Clement's recent visit to Tuscaloosa and his future recruiting plans by checking the Ultimate Ticket.... [

• Winston signs with Euroleague champion • Tuscaloosa News
ATHENS, Greece | Defending Euroleague champion Panathinaikos announced on Monday that small forward Kennedy Winston has inked a two-year deal with the club.

• Elite defensive end to visit Alabama • Tuscaloosa News
Scout.com four-star arriving in Tuscaloosa this weekend.... 

• Tide among favorites for playmaker • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Crimson Tide hope to see an improved offense under Nick Saban and are already in the running for some of the nation's top offensive prospects in Saban's first full year of recruiting at Alabama.

• UA stars take aim at school records • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson and wide receiver D.J. Hall etched their names into Crimson Tide lore in 2006 with an assortment of broken records. The record-book assault returns for an encore in 2007, and BOL examines the marks in jeopardy in a two-part installment.

• Josh Tatum Talks Recruiting, Camps  • BamaMag
ScoutSouth.com reports the latest news...

• Neck and Neck • BamaMag
DeAndre Brown has two solid leaders and a down-the-road desire to make a big splash announcement.

• Saban has Bama in the hunt for Tennessee star • Tider Insider (for members only)
"The fact that Alabama has Nick Saban is a big pull for them…"

• Focusing on Four • BamaMag (for members only)
One of the nation’s top tight-ends is Louisiana’s own Tyler Edwards (6-3, 238, 4.7).

• Burton Scott Talks the Best Fit • BamaMag (for members only)
Scout.com has the latest...

• Times may be a-changin' in Tuscaloosa • Realfootball365
Alabama hasn't won an SEC title since 1999, which was also the last time it even played for one. It's been very dry for almost a decade in Tuscaloosa.

• QB hopes to return Tide to national scene this year • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- John Parker Wilson's midsummer night's dream is populated by one thought: re-establishing Alabama football on the national scene.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, July 09, 2007

• Russellville star has three favorites • Tider Insider (for members only)
Russellville running back/fullback Michael Abernathy only has three offers -- but they are big ones.

• Tide pushing for another top DL • Tider Insider (for members only)
"LSU, Alabama and Tennessee are my top three," says this star defensive lineman who has offers from some of the nation's top programs.

• Four-star DB likes UA • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Chester (S.C.) High School athlete Charles Whitlock has seen his offer list climb to an all-time high, and the Rivals250 member is still considering them all. Whitlock, 5-foot-11, 172 pounds, is closing in on a modified list of favorites when he plans to cut his list down to five.

• Two Crimson Tide Women’s Golfers Earn All-American Scholar Honors • RollTide.com
After earning its second straight NCAA Championship appearance in May, the Crimson Tide women's golf team received some recognition for its work in the classroom when two players on the team, Laura Goodwin and Helena Blomberg, were included on the National Golf Coaches Association's (NGCA) All-American Scholar list. 

• Tide's Mark Harrell Shares 1st Round Lead at U.S. Amateur Public Links • RollTide.com
Harrell, who missed the cut by one stroke at last month's U.S. Open, continues to shine in his national summer play.

• Gottfried response limited after Coleman's arrest • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama forward Yamene Coleman remains a member of the Crimson Tide men’s basketball team pending further information on his Monday arrest, Tide head coach Mark Gottfried said on Tuesday.

•  Andrew Bone: Ranking the best football prospects from the state • Tuscaloosa News
The state of Alabama is loaded with football talent for the class of 2008, especially at the defensive end position with six of the top 20 prospects projecting as defensive ends at the next...

• Mississippi DL continues to draw strong interest • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I know what Coach [Nick] Saban did at LSU. What he did for LSU, I believe he'll do for Alabama..."

• Gottfried talks arrest, Pan Am Games • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
It's been a busy summer for Mark Gottfried and the Crimson Tide basketball team and this week it will get even busier. Gottfried along with two of his star players will be in Philadelphia taking part in tryouts for the Pan American Games while another member of the Tide is facing criminal charges.

• Hendrix Is Working • BamaMag
Richard Hendrix said he hasn't lost any weight, but the 6-9, 260-pound Alabama junior forward has certainly relocated some of it in preparation for Pan-Am Games tryouts beginning on Thursday.

• Gottfried Says Wait And See • BamaMag
Coleman not booted from Tide basketball team after credit card arrest

• Steele Continues To Make Progress • BamaMag
Upcoming senior basketball star three months past surgery

• Jacoby Thomas Adds Two Offers • BamaMag (for members only)
Scout.com reports the latest news...

• Rucker Taking His Time  • BamaMag (for members only)
Wide receiver Marcus Rucker is excited about the possibilities. Rucker has already picked up some offers from the Southeastern Conference's family of schools, but Marcus is just not ready to make a decision.

• Tide basketball player arrested • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama men’s basketball player Yamene Java Coleman was arrested Monday and charged with eight counts of fraudulent use of a credit card. 

•  Cecil Hurt: Saban’s first game is must-see TV • Tuscaloosa News
If University of Alabama football fans are unanimous on one topic this summer, it’s that they just can’t wait for Nick Saban’s debut as the Crimson Tide’s head football coach.

• Alabama’s Harrell leads at Public Links • Tuscaloosa News
WHEATON, Ill. | Mark Harrell, who missed the cut at last month’s U.S. Open by one stroke, and Clayton Rask shot 3-under-par 69s Monday to share the lead in the rain-delayed first round of the U.S.

• Gaspard exptected to return to Tide • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Mitch Gaspard is expected to rejoin the University of Alabama baseball coaching staff as its top assistant, two sources said Monday.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, July 10, 2007

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL COMMENTARY: How does SEC shape up? • Montgomery Advertiser
Magazines are on the rack, season tickets are in the mail, and expectations are up in the air.

• SPORTS BRIEFS: Tide quarterback Wilson motivated • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson, with a veteran offensive unit to guide, is looking to put the Crimson Tide back on the national scene this fall.

• Stud RB to camp at Alabama again • Tider Insider (for members only)
"He's the whole package," says his high school coach. "He's got great size. He's strong. He runs with power and he has breakaway [4.5] speed. He can catch the ball very well. But the thing that impresses me the most is his willingness to step up and block…"  

• Star's Capstone landing coming soon • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Lake Worth signal caller Star Jackson saw his stock climb in the May evaluation period with his offer list climbing to double digits. Alabama was one of the first schools to target the Florida native, and later this month the Rivals250 member will make his much anticipated trip to the Capstone for the Tide’s camp....

• T.J. Barnes Talks Offers • BamaMag (for members only)
T.J. Barnes, a Scout.com three-star offensive tackle from Enterprise, (Ala.), has been to a couple of schools this summer. He has received three scholarship offers, and he updates Scout.com about his recruitment. 

• Rucker Taking His Time • BamaMag (for members only)
Whitehaven Wide Out Marcus Rucker has picked up a few offers and he thinks more are on the way soon.

• Tide's Mark Harrell Finishes 1st in Stroke Play at U.S. Amateur Public Links • RollTide.com
Harrell finishes at 5-under par, winning by two strokes in the two rounds of stroke play. He was set to begin match play on Wednesday afternoon. 

• Dax Norris Named Volunteer Assistant Coach • RollTide.com
One of the cornerstones in the University of Alabama's baseball revival under head coach Jim Wells is returning to the Capstone as the school's volunteer baseball coach.

• Blue-chip OL to visit on Friday • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I know about Alabama's tradition in football. I want to find out more about the school and the area…"

• Mammoth DT to camp at UA • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama coach Nick Saban's 3-4 defense will need a space-eater in the interior, and Bushnell (Fla.) South Sumter tackle Marty Everett perfectly fits the job description. Everett will bring his 6-foot-4, 300-pound frame to the Capstone in late July for the Tide's next football camp.

• Tide Freshman Wants to Go "Closer to Home" • BamaMag
Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban told the Montgomery Advertiser Wednesday morning that freshman running back Jamar Taylor wants to be "closer to home" and that an announcement about the Lakeland, Florida native's plans - apparently to transfer out of Alabama - will be forthcoming soon.

• 2008 Schedule Is Pathetic • BamaMag (for members only)
Saban wants to play tough teams in the future, but he’ll have to wait

• Nick Saban talks about Tide team at YMCA • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama football coach Nick Saban spent an hour in the Capital City on Wednesday morning, speaking to a group of children at the Cleveland Avenue YMCA after addressing some off-the-field issues involving his Crimson Tide team.with the media 

• Saban: Tide should play Notre Dame • AL.com
Nick Saban admits some fans may think he's crazy.

• Habetz promoted to associate UA softball coach • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Alyson Habetz had several chances to leave the University of Alabama softball program to become a head coach, but was too loyal to leave.

• NC linebacker keeping door open for Tide • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I talked to Coach [Curt] Cignetti. He told me about their spring game crowd. He also told me they will be losing three starting linebackers after next season. They really got my attention…"

• UA stars take aim at school records • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Alabama quarterback John Parker Wilson and wide receiver D.J. Hall etched their names into Crimson Tide lore in 2006 with an assortment of broken records. The record-book assault returns for an encore in 2007, and BOL examines the marks in jeopardy in a two-part installment. Today, BOL finishes with a look at Wilson’s projections.

• Rain Strands Bama's Mark Harrell from 2nd Round Play at U.S. Amateur Public Links • RollTide.com
Bama's Mark Harrell is among the leaders at the 2007 U.S. Amateur Public Links, a gather of the nation's best amateur golfers. Opening tied at 1st with a 3-under par 69, Harrell never got to make it to the tee box Tuesday as rain suspended completion of the second round.

• Mitch Gaspard Returns as Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator • RollTide.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Long-time University of Alabama assistant coach Mitch Gaspard is returning to the Capstone to become the Crimson Tide's assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, head baseball coach Jim Wells announced today.

• Tide Hoops Trio Headed to Pan Am Games Trials • RollTide.com
Tide head basketball coach Mark Gottfried begins his tour of duty Wednesday as an assistant coach for the USA Pan American Games basketball team. Two of his Crimson Tide players, upcoming juniors Alonzo Gee and Richard Hendrix, will join him on Thursday in Philadelphia as the Tide duo are among the 32 players competing at the invitation-only trials vying for spots on the USA team and the trip to the Games in Rio de Janeiro.

• SportSouth to air Saban program • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | SportSouth will debut an original program on University of Alabama head football coach Nick Saban on Saturday.

• Cecil Hurt: Alabama trio in search of gold • Tuscaloosa News
Richard Hendrix and Alonzo Gee are looking for a once-in-a-lifetime experience -- literally. 

• Gaspard returns with raise in pay • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Mitch Gaspard was rehired as an Alabama baseball assistant, in his own words, to bring some energy back into the program.

• Gottfried supports Coleman after arrest • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - A day after his arrest, Yamene Coleman is "absolutely" still a member of the University of Alabama basketball team, coach Mark Gottfried said Tuesday.

• Having Gottfried as a coach doesn't assure Hendrix, Gee of roster spots • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Richard Hendrix and Alonzo Gee have fought off the temptation.

• Gaspard returning to Alabama • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA -- Longtime University of Alabama assistant baseball coach Mitch Gaspard is returning to the Capstone to become the Crimson Tide's assistant coach and recruiting coordinator, coach Jim Wells announced Tuesday.

• Hendrix hopes to reach beach • The Huntsville Times
Trials for U.S. Pan Am team's trip to Rio about to start

• Gottfried stands by Coleman • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Mark Gottfried is standing by his man, sophomore forward Yamene Coleman.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, July 11, 2007

• Gottfried defends arrested center • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama men's basketball coach Mark Gottfried defended center Yamene Coleman following the Crimson Tide center's arrest Monday and predicted the Wilcox County native would be viewed in a different light once the facts were presented.

• Hendrix sees tryout as opportunity to travel • The Decatur Daily
Athens product working for spot on Pan Am team

• Football Basics: Explaining the Cover Two • CollegeFootballNews.com
You watch 47 football games a weekend. You read every football publication, chirp on message boards about your team, and talk about the sport 24/7. Even so, you might not necessarily know all the terminology and occasionally get lost in what the announcers are saying. That's fine ... you're not alone. Professor John Harris will explain some of the terms and schemes and what they mean. 

• St Paul's star has a lot options • Tider Insider (for members only)
Destin Hood, a 6-3, 190-pound wide receiver from St. Paul's Episcopal in Mobile, has offers from Alabama, Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Houston, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi State and Purdue, among others. But football is not Hood's only option.

• UA still holding strong in GA star's final five • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Even before Norcross star athlete Devonta Bolton released a list of five finalist in the past few weeks, Alabama was always highly regarded by the 6-foot-4, 215-pound weapon. With the end of the summer approaching and a decision looming, how does the Tide stand currently with the three-star recruit?

• Jon Major Recruiting Diary: Part 5 • BamaMag (for members only)
5-Star linebacker Jon Major from Ponderosa HS (Parker, CO) gives Scout.com an exclusive interview narrowing his list down to 11 schools. See who made the cut.

• Griffin awaits late arrival • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Batesville (MS.) South Panola standout Jeramie Griffin was a late addition to Nick Saban's first signing class at Alabama. And in keeping with late arrivals, the 230-pound fullback plans to join his new Crimson Tide teammates just before fall camp commences next month.

• Alabama’s Billy Pate Chosen to Head Boys 18’s Southern Team • RollTide.com
For the second consecutive year 0the Southern Tennis Association has selected Alabama men's head tennis coach Billy Pate as the head coach of the Southern Boys 18 team that will compete in the 2007 USTA National Team Championships July 28-31 in Champagne, Ill. The event is hosted by the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne.

• Tide's Joseph Sykora Named Cleveland Golf Academic All-America • RollTide.com
The Golf Coaches Association of America has honored the Crimson Tide golfer for his performance in the classroom. Six Alabama golfers were named Academic All-SEC Wednesday, including Sykora, Mark Harrell, Matt Hughes, Matthew Swan, Michael Thompson and Stewart Whitt.

• Tide's Mark Harrell Wins Stroke Play at U.S. Pub Link But Falls in Match Play • RollTide.com
Alabama golfer Mark Harrell had a busy day Wednesday, winning the stroke play by finishing first at the U.S. Amateur Public Links after his morning round then turning around and playing match play Wednesday afternoon. 

• Georgia lineman likes Tide, Dogs, Jackets • Tider Insider (for members only)
"I really wasn't interested in looking at Alabama until Coach [Nick] Saban. Coach Saban is one of the best coaches in the game of football."

• Alabama players stick with Saban plan • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
When hard-nosed college football coaches change jobs, players have a tendency to change schools. New Alabama head coach Nick Saban, however, has witnessed very little attrition in his first six months on the job. With the opening of fall camp only three weeks away, the Tide's nearly intact roster suggests the players Saban inherited have been sold on the coach's plan.

• Tide in top ten for Sunshine OL • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
Offensive line is a major are of strength in the 2008 class and one of the top linemen in the country from the state of Florida has listed the Alabama Crimson Tide among his top ten favorite schools. Find out more about what this 6-foot-4, 310-pound monster prospect thinks about ...

• Three in the Lead for William Green • BamaMag (for members only)
William Green, a Scout.com four-star defensive end from Hoover-Spain Park, (Ala.), has scholarship offers from schools across the country. The highly touted prospect has three programs neck-and-neck for his signature with a weekend visit planned. Green talked with Scout.com about the latest....

• Bolton holds a slew of offers • BamaMag
Devonta Bolton isn’t as well known as his teammate, but that doesn’t mean he’s being ignored.

• Jamar Taylor: USF Transfer Rumor Has Legs • BamaMag (for members only)
All summer there have been rumors that former Lakeland running back Jamar Taylor who enrolled early at Alabama, was seeking a transfer to USF. Well lately it seems that rumor has got some legs. Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban told the Montgomery Advertiser Wednesday morning that freshman running back Jamar Taylor wants to be "closer to home".

• Andrew Bone: Alabama makes cut for Scout.com five-star • Tuscaloosa News
Linebacker prospect has Tide in hunt for signature.

• Cecil Hurt: Stars have a message for area youth • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Five years ago, three men wanted to show the youth of West Alabama that you didn’t necessarily have to come from the big city in order to make it to the big time.

• Harrell wins stroke play, falls in match play • Tuscaloosa News
WHEATON, Ill. | Last summer Mark Harrell finished second in stroke play at the United States Amateur. On Wednesday he bettered that finish in another major amateur event. 

• Tide’s Taylor likely to transfer to USF • Tuscaloosa News
Although the University of Alabama has yet to make a formal announcement, freshman running back Jamar Taylor is close to transferring to South Florida. 

• Saban wants Irish • The Birmingham News
By now, Nick Saban realizes he thinks differently from other coaches.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, July 12, 2007

• Ex-Tide player Wallace stays in Charlotte • The Decatur Daily
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Former Alabama player Gerald Wallace and the Bobcats reached an agreement in principle that would keep the team's leading scorer in Charlotte, executive vice president of basketball operations Bernie Bickerstaff said Wednesday. 

• Saban says he'd like to play Notre Dame • The Decatur Daily
BIRMINGHAM (AP) — Nick Saban said Wednesday he'd like to see his Crimson Tide take on some of college football's biggest powerhouses. 

• Phil Paramore: The biggest controversies in Alabama football • The Dothan Eagle
As the Auburn Nation continues to simmer over Tuesday’s reruns of the biggest football controversies in the modern era, here’s a cordial invitation to the Alabama fan base to wade into the warm waters. Heavens, where do I begin?

• Ellis narrows it down • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
After visiting a number of schools on his list of possible college destinations, one 6-foot-3, 280-pound Rivals250 defensive tackle decided the time was right to narrow down his options. Fortunately for Tide fans, Alabama has made this dominant athlete's final cut.

• Electrifying WR says Bama, Florida stand out • Tider Insider (for members only)
"Alabama's coaches have said they are impressed with my highlight tape. Of all the receivers they are recruiting, they said I'm one of the top ones on their list. You never know, I might end up there…"

• Video: Nick Saban offers life lessons to youths at YMCA • Montgomery Advertiser
Video: Nick Saban offers life lessons to youths at YMCA

• Video: Nick Saban on University of Alabama football program • Montgomery Advertiser
Video: Nick Saban on University of Alabama football program

• PHOTO GALLERY: Nick Saban visits the Cleveland Ave. YMCA • Montgomery Advertiser
PHOTO GALLERY: Nick Saban visits the Cleveland Ave. YMCA

• Alabama Men’s Tennis Releases 2007-08 Schedule • RollTide.com
Coming off its best season since 2003, the Alabama men's tennis team will face another challenging schedule in 2007-08. The Crimson Tide will face five NCAA teams in its non-conference schedule to get ready for the always competitive Southeastern Conference.

• Individual Football Game Tickets Made Available for Two Games • RollTide.com
Western Carolina and Louisiana Monroe Individual Game Tickets to go on sale Monday, July 16, 2007 at 8:00 a.m.

• Hendrix Says Pan Am Games Trials Going Well So Far • RollTide.com
Bama's Richard Hendrix and Alonzo Gee are among 32 of college basketball's top players vying for one of the 12 spots on the USA Basketball Pan American Team roster. Alabama head coach Mark Gottfried is an assistant coach for the USA team.

• Future Stars: Photo Gallery • BamaMag
The first set of rankings have been doled out for the 2008 class, now lets look at the future.

• Sixty-Four Tide Athletes Earn SEC Academic Honors • RollTide.com
As another symbol of the University of Alabama athletic department's emphasis on student-athlete success in the classroom, 64 Tide athletes were included on the Southeastern Conference's Academic Honor Roll for the spring 2007 season the league announced Wednesday. 

• 2009 in-state star ready for Tide camp • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
The Alabama coaching staff got off to an early start for the 2009 recruiting class when they extended a verbal offer earlier this year to Pickens County star Mardrecas Hood. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound athlete is preparing for the Tide's July football camp and is also hearing from schools about playing another sport.

• Countdown to Kickoff: Houston Cougars • BamaOnLine  (for members only)  
BamaOnline's Countdown to Kickoff continues with a look at Alabama's Game Six opponent, the Houston Cougars. The Cougars took home a Conference USA title thanks to a record-breaking performance from quarterback Kevin Kolb but will now need to replace the star signal ...

• Local stars commit to UA • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball program has been built into a national power largely on the strength of players from Florida, Texas, Georgia, and even Pennsylvania and Washington.

• Tide’s Sykora named to Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars team • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Joseph Sykora, a Daphne native who will be a senior on the University of Alabama golf team this fall, has been named to the Cleveland Golf All-America Scholars team for Division... 

• Saban addresses coaches • Press-Register
HUNTSVILLE -- University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban came to Huntsville on Thursday to share a couple of words with high school football coaches from across the state.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, July 13, 2007

•  Kevin Scarbinsky: NCAA sanctions on Oklahoma laughable • The Birmingham News
Another slap on the wrist for a wayward football program, another slap in the face for Alabama.

•  John Pruett: Saban speaks no cliches • The Huntsville Times
Reaching players more than talking good game, he says

• Tide helps Taylor find new home • The Huntsville Times
Alabama is helping transferring tailback Jamar Taylor find a new school, coach Nick Saban said Thursday during an appearance in Huntsville. 

• Saban has tidal wave of support • TimesDaily
Nick Saban was surrounded by love on Thursday.- At a $100-a-plate dinner at the Deshler Dome -- to benefit Deshler's athletic programs -- more than 600 Alabama football fanatics showed their support for the Crimson Tide's new leader every chance...

• QB expects more offers to come • Tider Insider (for members only)
"The [Alabama] coaches have four offers out [to quarterbacks] right now. I'm under those guys. Coach Applewhite told me he was most impressed with my knowledge and…"

• Who's More Intense? • BamaMag
"The Alabama camp was a lot of fun," Robby Green said. "It was very intense. I liked getting to work with coach Nick Saban because he's a wonderful defensive back coach. I like how intense they practice and I think they'll be on-the-rise next year. They also have great fan support and I feel like I'd be able to play right away there...The coaches at USC are great and a lot more laid-back..." 

• Dr. Bott’s 2007 Alabama Preview • BamaMag (for members only)
The Cougars have never beaten Alabama, being 0-9 against the Tide. However, many of those games

• ScoutTV: WR Chris Tolliver (LA) • BamaMag (for members only)
Rayville wide out Chris Tolliver is one of the premiere prospects in the South for 2008 and his highlights brought to you by ScoutTV show why....

• New RB target for Tide? • BamaOnLine  (for members only)
Although the Crimson Tide currently holds commitments from two running backs already, it is apparent from the UA coaching staff's recruiting activities that they would still take a third if the right prospect came along. The latest offer by the Tide was directed just west to the top back in Mississippi. Is the interest mutual?

• Alabama grants Jamar Taylor release  • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Alabama granted freshman running back Jamar Taylor his release from scholarship Friday, freeing him to transfer to another school.

• Andrew Bone: Two South Carolina prospects visiting Alabama  • Tuscaloosa News
The Crimson Tide will host two top out-of-state recruits....

• Darby working to make Bucs roster • Tuscaloosa News
TAMPA, Fla. | Not far down the stretch of Dale Mabry Highway rests a football stadium that, to dreamers and believers -- at least those whose journeys lead them to Tampa -- epitomizes the ultimate prize, a chance to play in the NFL for the Tampa Bay...