Touchdown Alabama Magazine - BCS Championship Editon

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Bama's Depth Chart

Alabama's Elite

Extraordinary Fan Story

Hometown Hero

NOLA Hotspots

Q&A with Roy Upchurch

Battle on the

Bayeaux

Catching Up With Charles Bloom

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4TDA January 9, 2012

PreSident / PubliSHer Bennie Bice

editor in CHieF Mike Lacy

MAnAging editor Jennifer Gorham

CoPY editor Micah Phillips

PHotogrAPHY BDL, Cedric Mason, Matt Gaston, Tim Bailey, Jamie Martin, Alabama Athletic Media Department, Rivals.com, The Bryant Museum, houstontexans.com

CreAtive direCtor Robert D’Alessandro

grAPHiC deSign John Shamblin

CHieF inForMAtion oFFiCer Brian LaShomb

WebSite deSigner Carey Landon, Brian Johnson

WriterS Larry Burton, Kassidy Hill, Johnnie Jackson, Coe Robbins, Stephen M. Smith, Donald Staffo, Thomas Watts

rePorterS Marilyn Vaughn

M U L T I M E D I A

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

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

2011 issue release dates

August 24September 8

September 22October 6

October 15October 27

November 10January 9

Kent StatePenn State/North TexasArkansas/FloridaVanderbiltOle Miss/TennesseeLSUMiss St./Georgia SouthernBCS Chamionship game

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5Volume 4 / Issue 8

CONTENTS

Tide Talk8 Find out what the team is saying 10 alabama's elite

14

18 the essentials

38 An upclose look at alabama

and more...

22 ua player spotlight brad smelley 24

12 Catching up with Charles Bloom

Pro Connections

28 Larry's lowdown

Closer Look

Like Us On Facebook at touchdown Alabama

Magazine

20 keys to victory

Letter from the Editor:

Dear Touchdown Alabama Readers,

This is Touchdown Alabama Magazine and the Tide’s last run for the 2011 season. The Tide is ready to meet the LSU Tigers in their home state this go around. The two power-houses have more at stake this game. Both are eager to bring home the championship title to their home town after the Allstate BCS Title game. As most recall, the two duked it out in regular season play at Bryant-Denny Stadium where the Tide lost by a field goal in overtime. This time the Tide travels down to the Bayou, only a little over an hour from LSU’s home turf. While many called the regular-season game boring, this battle is sure to bring excitement to fans alike. For postgame reviews, scores and news stick to Touch-down Alabama Magazine’s website, www.TouchdownAla-bama.net, and follow TDAL on Twitter and Facebook. Again, thanks for the support during this great season of Alabama football.Touchdown Alabama Magazine’s staff would also like to thank our supporters during this great season and post-season of Alabama Crimson Tide football.

Enjoy this issue and Roll Tide Roll!Touchdown Alabama Magazine staff

Send letters to: P.O. Box 3251 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-3251205. 344. 3312 | [email protected]

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ON THE COVER:

Dear Subscribers: Touchdown Alabama Magazine strives to give you excellent service. Our periodical has been shipped from the distributors promptly, but unfortunately some readers have not seen timely results. If this is the case and you have received your issue late or haven't received your issues at all, please contact your local Postal Service. Again, we strive to give you the best service and accurate Alabama football news. Thank you for your interest and concerns for the magazine.

Sincerely,Touchdown Alabama Magazine staff

trent richardson # 3 On the cover, junior running back Trent Richardson runs the ball against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Rich-ardson is Alabama’s second Tide Heisman hopeful. He has broken numerous records and is up for many awards. To name a few, he is up for the Doak Walker Award, Maxwell Award and Walter Camp Player of the Year along with the Heisman trophy. Richardson has more than 37 plays of 12-yards or more, ranks first in the SEC and fifth nationally with 18 rushing touchdowns. Those stats rank him first in the SEC and second in UA history. An in-depth analysis of Richardson’s time spent at UA, Heisman statistics and more can be found in this exclusive issue of Touchdown Alabama Magazine.

Photo by Matt Gaston

TDA

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"We have basically had a good couple weeks of work. We have gone through two cycles of practicing then giving the players a few days off.”

Nick Saban

“We need to continue to work and improve not only fundamen-tally but on how we are going to execute."

Nick Saban

"I sat down with my family and made a list of pros and cons and decided I love college, I love being at Alabama and I love putting on the crimson jersey. I have a great group of friends, and I am in no hurry to get to the NFL. I do want to play in the NFL one day but I am not in any rush."

Barrett Jones

Tide Talk

"I am very excited. It will be my second championship game I get to play in, and I'll get to start this one, which is exciting."

Courtney Upshaw

"It is good to get back and start focusing on the game. I think everyone is focused and ready to go. We are looking at this as a one-game season and doing everything we can preparation-wise."

Jesse Williams

>> French QuarterBubbling with bars, restaurants, clubs and shops, this is a sure place to hit before traveling back to Alabama.

>> French MarketIf you’re looking for cheap souvenirs and nice locals, visit the French Market right off the French Quarter for a fun time.

>> Café du MondeDecatur Street’s pride and glory serves Louisiana’s popular beignets and coffee for tourists with a sweet tooth.

>> Camelia GrillWith two locations, one in the French Quarter and one closer to Uptown, this is a wallet friendly and atmospheric diner for the hungry at heart.

>> Audubon ZooSituated on Magazine Street, this zoo is home to swamp creatures and animals of all sorts. This location is great for its family-friendly atmosphere.n

olA Traveler's Guide

9Volume 4 / Issue 8

No game this season is going to wind up being as impor-tant to the Crimson Tide as the next one.Clearly, these are the best two teams in all of college football, and the game is much more thn just the two best teams settling the argument over which is best.It comes down to a man-on-man contest in every position and just one failure from just one of those people can be the difference.Here is the projected lineup and depth chart for this game based on practice reports, the health of each participant and more.

Left TackleBarrett Jones - Jr. - 6'5'', 311 pounds, special note: Back, finally healthy again with good ankleTyler Love - Jr. - 6'6'', 307 pounds Left GuardChance Warmack - Jr. - 6'3'', 320 pounds, special note: Gets better each game.John Michael Boswell - Sr. - 6'5'', 300 pounds

CenterWilliam Vlachos - Sr. - 6'1'', 295 pounds, special note: Final game in Crimson, stellar career.Kellen Williams - Soph. - 6'3'', 307 poundsChad Lindsey - Fr. - 6'2'' , 290 pounds Right GuardAlfred McCullough - Sr. - 6'2'', 311 pounds, special note: Great recent play beats out SteenAnthony Steen - Soph. - 6'3'', 303 pounds, special note: Will see lots of playing time Right TackleD.J. Fluker - Jr. - 6'6'', 340 pounds, special note: Announced he'd come back for Sr. seasonAustin Shepherd - Fresh. - 6'5'', 325 poundsThis line is missing depth and in the last game, that hurt the Tide as starters got nicked up. In this game, the starters must remain healthy and avoid injuries. This is the weak link in the Tide's armor in this game.

Depth Chart

Bama’s Depth Chart By PositionBy Larry Burton


>> Courtney Upshaw <<

Upshaw is a versatile pass rushing linebacker that can also play pass coverage. He has totaled 6.5 sacks this season and is a finalist for the Lombardi Award, a semi-finalist for the Butkus Award, and a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award. He leads the Crimson Tide in tackles for loss with 14 and in sacks with 6.5. He ran an interception back for a touchdown against the Arkansas Razorbacks. His stock is soaring on draft boards for the NFL. Numerous experts, such as ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay, think he may be a first round pick.DeQuan MenzieMenzie is one of the best cornerbacks on that nation’s top ranked scoring defense and total defense. The Crimson Tide also lead the nation in pass defense, allowing just over 130 yards per game, and pass efficiency defense. Menzie’s 32 tackles leads all Alabama cornerbacks. He returned a tipped interception against Arkansas for 25 yards and a touchdown that seemingly put that game away at the end of the first half. He has eight pass breakups and 1.5 sacks. Menzie was named as a first-team midseason All-American by ESPN.com.

>> Dre' Kirkpatrick << Kirkpatrick, like Menzie, is a huge part of one of the nation’s best defenses. Kirkpatrick was named a first-team midseason All-American by CBSSports.com and the Sporting News. He’s a semifinalist for the Thorpe Award. Although he does not have an interception this season, he did intercept three passes last season. He has 23 total tackles this season and has two tackles for loss. Kirkpatrick has developed into a lockdown corner during his time in Tuscaloosa. He’s been among the biggest strengths of Alabama’s stout defense over the last two seasons.

>> Mark Barron << Barron’s nose for the football is an instinct that can’t be coached. He’s intercepted 12 passes in his career and has deflected 34 passes in his career. The veteran safety is on practically every awards list he can be a part of.

TDA

Exclusive

By Daniel Evans

He’s a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe and Chuck Bednarik Awards, and made the watch list for the Lott Trophy. Barron was a consensus midseason first team All American. He ranks eighth on Alabama’s career interception list. He also has 226 tackles and 34 passes defended this season. According to most draft experts, the senior is a potential first round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft.

>> Dont'a Hightower << Hightower overcame a knee injury in 2009 to become the Crimson Tide’s defensive leader the last two seasons. He’s totaled 66 tackles and has 8.5 tackles for loss in 2011. He has one interception this season, which he ran back for a touchdown at the end of the first half against the Florida Gators. The senior is a finalist for the Lombardi Award and a semifinalist for the Butkus, Bednarik, and Lott Awards. He has 215 career tackles. He’s the “quarterback” of the nation’s top ranked scoring and total defense.

EliteAlabama’s

11Volume 4 / Issue 8

TDA

Fan Story

porated it into our unique style. A little from here and some from there is where we ended up with our overall look.” They built it to code as well. Everything from insulation to the electrical was by the books. One thing they did build from scratch was the actual bar seating area. Once the lounge opened the neighbors were all invited with open arms. There was also a local band from the Southeast region called 4th and One featured at the grand opening. Not to put a damper on things however, the police were called several times opening night. Mr. Brigman’s friend, Joe Pike, had this to say. “This place is the ultimate Bama football game venue, period!” There were an estimated 75-90 people at this soiree that many people parked on their seven-acre pasture. They do not hold responsibility for the patrons drinking, so it is BYOB. Some of the amenities include a seven-foot porch adjoining an in-ground pool, 10 42-inch HD flat-screen TVs, which includes a bathroom with a TV as well. The father and son split the cost to some extent. But if it was not for their friends, this Bama wonderland would never have happened. A total of $40,000 was spent for this undertaking. Some of the friends that helped out in the the short five-week period are: Greg Cleveland, Josh Meadows, Joey George, Jacob Corley, Kevin Billingsey, Mark Bailey, Eddie Allen and the band 4th and One.

Just an Ordinary Alabama Football Fan Story

What came from the 2009 National Championship game where friends and family members came together to create something that they can all enjoy and use in a matter of five weeks has been a wonderful experience,” Brian Brigman. “The scene the day after the 2009 National Championship game was out of the movie Animal House. There were people laid out all over the house the next morning. I did not have enough coffee.” Mr. Brigman and his son Jason Brigman decided to look at expanding and moving the location for all the rabid Alabama fans. The idea to build a building to house the fans for all the Alabama football games was a joke at first. Then before they knew it they got out the tape measure and sketched out a location on the property for this project. The two did not have the experience at building such a project, but with the help of friends they figured it nothing was impossible. Electrical, plumbing, framing, roofing, siding and interior decorating was all that needed to be done and the plan was alive. Most of them had full-time jobs. They would work outside their normal jobs to create a 21’x28’ place they called BJ’s Lounge. “It is built just for Alabama football games for the most part,” Jason Brigman said. “We went to some of the other restaurants around the area and took some of the layout designs and incor-

By Mike Lacy


By Donald F. Staffo

Bloom and his comrades in the conference office then want and expect good officiating. “We try to educate people about the rules of the game,” he stated. “We want our officials to make the right calls. We require perfection in every game, and then want to get better.” He said that he and several others sit in the “Command Center” in the SEC office where they watch five big screens and monitor conference games, including the officiating. “We are able to respond to officials’ calls almost immediately,” he

explained. Since 2005 Bloom said 703 plays have been reviewed on instant replay, with only 203 of the calls made by the officials being overturned. “That’s three-tenths (.3) of 1 percent of the plays that have been overturned.”

Bloom said that the conference office hopes there are no serious injuries, “and maybe that’s our most important concern,” he stated. “Injury-free games are what we all want. These are student-athletes and no one wants to see a young man seriously injured.” Bloom then addressed what he called three “hot topics.” He said the first was Texas A&M, which he said will become the 13th member of the conference full-time in July 2012. He pointed out that Texas A&M is an Association of American Universities school, indicating that it is a strong academic institu-

Catching up with

C harles Bloom, Associate Commissioner of the Southeastern Conference, informed the Tuscaloosa Quarterback Club of the four things that he “pulls for” from a conference stand-point. Emphasizing that the conference office stays neutral, he said “in the conference office we pull for all our teams in all 20 sports.” Bloom opened by stating that the SEC has won five straight BCS football championships and since 1995 has won eight national championships. “It’s always fun to be on the winning side of the ledger,” he said. Bloom listed his No.1 pull that SEC teams “win all of our non-conference games.” He said that this season in football so far that the conference is 31-4 against teams outside the league, which is the second-highest winning percentage in the nation behind the Big 12. He said that since 1992 the SEC has won 79 percent of its non-conference games and 60 percent of its bowl games. He pointed out that all 12 schools have a winning streak going against non-league foes. Bloom said that, secondly, the conference pulls for competitive games within the conference, hoping the teams are competitive from top to bottom. He said that from 2004 that 47 percent of SEC foot-ball games were decided by 10 points or less, and that 28 percent of the games were decided by five points or less, both the third best marks in the country behind the Atlantic Coast Conference and the Sun Belt Conference.

“ It’s always fun to be on the winning side of the ledger”

SEC Commissioner: What’s Important at the Conference Level


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tion. The only AAU-rated schools currently in the conference are Vanderbilt and Florida. The Aggies are also strong athletically across the board, ranking in the Top 10 in the Learfield All-Sports Trophy competition. “They are great people, have great tradition and are an outstanding institution,” he said. Bloom’s second hot topic was the Alabama-LSU game. He said it was the first time ever that an SEC regular season game featured the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the Associated Press poll. He also said that relative to the BCS standings that the human polls are more important than the computer polls, “so keep an eye on the Harris Poll and the Coaches Poll.” He noted that Alabama and LSU would both get a bump in the rankings, regardless of who won the game, because of strength of schedule. The last hot topic that Bloom addressed was NCAA reform. He mentioned that in August at the NCAA Presidential Retreat in Indianap-olis that the presidents worked on rewriting the NCAA rule book to reduce the number of rules. The presidents charged the enforcement staff with concentrating on the major viola-tions. Other items on the agenda included improving the academic standards for student-athletes and tying a team’s academic performance to participation in all NCAA championships, revamping the NCAA penalty structure, strengthening the academic require-ments for incoming freshmen and student-athletes who transfer from two-year schools and installing new academic standards that will ban Division I teams that do not meet the 930 Academic Progress Rate benchmark from bowl games. “There you have it. The four things we pull for in the SEC Office,” he concluded. “We’re working at the top conference in college athletics, and making an impact at the highest level. The SEC has been so successful in the past because of the tremendous support of our fans. The passion of our fans, handed down from generation to generation, sets our league apart. It’s a great job.” TDA


pro connection

A s a proud native of Bessemer, Ala., DeMeco Ryans made a name for himself as a prime time linebacker for the Alabama Crimson Tide, when he entered Bryant-Denny Stadium in 2005. Like with most linebackers, the journey to being the best starts with high school play. Ryans played high school football at Jess Lanier High School. He was coached by Willie Ford, and in his senior season he had over 135 tackles, 11 sacks, two forced fumbles and two interceptions. Considered as a three out of five star recruit by Rivals.com, Ryans was listed as the No. 39 inside linebacker prospect in the nation from the class of 2002. He chose to play football at the University of Alabama. In his four years in a crimson and white uniform, he did not disappoint his coaching staff, his teammates and most importantly himself. He played outside linebacker for the Tide and started his career by earning a role on special teams and backup linebacker his first season. He made big strides and improvements each season at the Capstone and in 2005 he went on to become the SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Ryans showed that being a humble person has its benefits. He attributed much of his college success to his defensive coordinator,

Star On And Off The Field DeMeco Ryans Honored

Joe Kines. For his outstanding performance in the 2006 Cotton Bowl Classic, Ryans was named the defensive MVP of the game and the Tide went on to defeat the Texas Tech Red Raiders 13-10. He was also the proud recipient of the 2005 Lott Trophy for his tremendous efforts not only on the field but off the field also. In his career at the University of Alabama, Ryans has worked hard for many awards. In 2005, he won the Lombardi Award, the Bednarik Award, the Lott Trophy and SEC Defensive Player of the Year. In 2006, DeMeco Ryans entered the NFL Draft and he was the first pick of the second round. He was selected by the Houston Texans. He began his NFL career like any other rookie; he was eager, prepared and ready to make a difference in the program that he joined. The first change that took place in Ryans NFL career was the fact that he had to play a new position, middle linebacker. Although, he was a great outside linebacker in college, he earned the starting middle linebacker position with the Houston Texans due to his excellent preseason perfor-mance. In his first game he recorded a league high of 12 tackles. Ryans, by far, had an overwhelming impact as a rookie linebacker for the Texans. He lead the team in tackles in the first half of the 2006 season. Many Texans fans began nicknaming him “D-Wreck” due to his big hits, toughness and game changing plays. Most fans affec-tionately refer to him today as “Cap’n Meco” because of his status as team captain and his professional efforts on and off the field. On January 3, 2007, Ryans was awarded the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award after finishing second in the league with 155 total tackles. On December 18, 2007, Ryans was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time. On March 30, 2010, Ryans signed a six-year $48 million extension, including $21.75 million guaranteed. With all the accolades and accomplishments that he has received in his career, he still chooses to give back to the programs that helped him succeed. On April 14, 2011, Ryans made the leap from being an outstanding athlete to being an extraordinary

By Stephen M. Smith


TDA

TDA

philanthropist. He pledged a $300,000 scholarship gift to the University of Alabama. He donated the gift for a deserving student-athlete studying in the Culverhouse College of Commerce and Business Administration. “I have always wanted to do this since the day I left," Ryans said. "The University of Alabama is such a special place to me, and I am honored to have the opportunity to endow a schol-arship. I had a great time here and I grew as a person here. This is a great time for me, and I am very excited." Athletic Director Mal Moore was thankful of the generous gesture of Ryans. "I am so very proud of one of our former players giving back," said Moore. "DeMeco's gener-osity is the latest example of the support that so many of our former football players have given us throughout the years.” He was honored for this humbled act during the Alabama-Georgia Southern game on November 19, 2011. Ryans was a smart student, a dedicated player and a charitable guy.

By Jennifer Gorham

Photos by Houstontexans.com

The award is given annually to college football’s most inspi-rational player or team. Tinker accepted the award on the Tide’s behalf. “This award does not represent me, it represents our team, our University and the Tuscaloosa community,” he said. “Everyone reached out and pulled together as a family in the face of this tragedy.” As Tinker mentioned he was not the only one who gave back to the community. Former Tide player Preston Dial drove an 18-wheeler full of supplies from his hometown of Mobile, while linebacker Courtney Upshaw, with the help of his hometown of Eufala, raised almost $20,000 for victims of the storm. Tide players banded together to get through the storm and so did the community. Being the recipient of the award is an honor, an honor that proves Tuscaloosa is more than a football town. It is a community that bands together and that just so happens to share a love of football. “The Crimson Tide and the University of Alabama have shown that sports can have a healing power far beyond the field or court,” Disney Sports executive Faron Kelley confessed. As the season comes to a close, this will always be known as a special season. This is the season following a devastating loss that Tuscaloosa residents, Tide fans and supporters will remember as the season that the Tide banded together and left an honorable mark.

The Tide Honored With Disney Spirit Award

The Tide and the entire state of Alabama experienced a tragedy this year. One in particular that hit close to home for Tuscaloosa. After the April 27 tornado, Tuscaloosa was scarred. While the town was torn to pieces, the residents stepped up and stood strong. Neighbors banded together to get through that horrific event. Like many, one athlete in particular lost more than material belongings. Carson Tinker lost his girlfriend in the storm that turned too many people’s world upside down. While Tuscaloosa experienced tragedy, it brought athletes, residents and even rivals together. Because of that, the Tide was awarded the Disney Spirit Award.


Toughest Ticket in Town:Battle on the Bayeaux

By Thomas Watts

Exclusive

TDA

Sports fans want to see their teams play in high profile games. When it was announced that Alabama would play LSU for the national title, it became a hot-ticket item. Part of that stems from the fact that both LSU and Alabama have large, rabid fan bases which will pay a pretty penny for a ticket, and part of it comes from how many large corporate sponsors, such as title sponsor, Allstate, receive as part of their compensation packages. One of the first issues that arose with tickets was the size of the Superdome. The Rose Bowl, site of Alabama’s last national title victory, seats 94,392. The Superdome has seats for 76,468. Since the pie itself is smaller, the Alabama ticket allotment is smaller. The university got only 17,000 tickets to distribute. LSU got the same allotment, and the remaining 40,000 tickets were sent to corpora-tions or sold as general admission. The Alabama allotment was broken down by the university into smaller units. It had to cover tickets for the band, faculty, students, lettermen and donors. There were only 10,000 tickets available to donors once everything was broken down. The most eye-popping statistic is that there were only about 1,500 student tickets avail-able to a student body of over 31,000. By comparison, LSU gave its students 2,000 tickets and did not subdivide its allotment past students and band members. The tickets available through either university were sold at face value

The ticket demand has driven prices sky high. StubHub.com, a major auction site for tickets, has tickets starting at $1,100 for the upper tier of the Superdome up to $185,000 for a suite. The most expensive general admission ticket listed is over $12,000 per ticket for a package of four in the lower tier of seats. StubHub.com lists the BCS title game as the top-selling match-up among the bowl games. The other major games, the Fiesta, Sugar, Orange and Rose, aren’t even close to the BCS Title game’s numbers. A fan can get a ticket to the Orange Bowl in Miami for $30. High ticket prices before the game will inevitably lead some fans to try to buy tickets at the door of the Superdome. The game is a scalper’s dream. There are reports that the city of New Orleans expects 75,000 fans without tickets to stream into the city just to tailgate and enjoy the atmosphere. Finding a decent ticket on the street will be a tall order with so many fans around the Dome before and during the game itself. The size of the Superdome, and the opposing fan bases have combined to make the 2012 BCS Title game one of the hardest tickets to come by in the past decade for any college sports event. Any fan who is lucky enough to land such a prize will be the envy of friends and coworkers and is in for a magical experience down on the bayeaux.

G A L L E R Y

lots ofautographed memorabilia!

NO NAME P CLS HT WT HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL 1 Demetrius Hart RB FR 5-9 187 Orlando, Fla. Dr. Phillips 2 Tana Patrick LB SO 6-3 236 Bridgeport, Ala. North Jackson 2 DeAndrew White WR FR 6-0 181 Houston, Texas North Shore 3 Trent Richardson RB JR 5-11 224 Pensacola, Fla. Escambia 4 Mark Barron S SR 6-2 218 Mobile, Ala. St. Paul’s 4 Marquis Maze WR SR 5-10 180 Birmingham, Ala. Tarrant 5 Jerrell Harris LB SR 6-3 242 Gadsden, Ala. Gadsden City 6 Hasean Clinton-Dix DB FR 6-1 203 Orlando, Fla. Dr. Phillips 6 Blake Sime QB FR 6-0 212 Gainesville, Ga. Gainesville 7 Kenny Bell WR SO 6-1 175 Rayville, La. Rayville 8 Duron Carter WR JR 6-4 210 Ft. Lauderdale, Fla. Aquinas 8 Jeoffrey Pagan DE FR 6-4 272 Asheville, NC Asheville 9 Phelon Jones CB SR 5-11 194 Moblie, Ala. LSU 10 John Fulton CB SO 6-0 187 Manning, S.C. Manning 10 A.J. McCarron QB SO 6-4 205 Mobile, Ala. St. Paul’s Episcopal School 11 Brandon Gibson WR SR 6-2 194 Mobile, Ala. UMS-Wright12 Phillip Ely QB FR 6-1 187 Tampa, Fla. Plant 13 Danny Woodson, Jr. WR FR 6-1 205 Mobile, Ala. LeFlore 14 Phillip Sims QB FR 6-2 212 Chesapeake, Va. Oscar Smith 15 Darius Hanks WR JR 6-0 185 Norcross, Ga. Norcross 16 Bradley Sylve WR FR 5-11 170 Port Sulphur, La. S. Plaquemines 17 Brad Smelley WR SR 6-3 229 Tuscaloosa, Ala. American Christian18 Morgan Ogilvie QB SO 6-0 198 Mountain Brook, Ala. Mountain Brook 18 Levi Cook DB JR 5-10 190 Decatur, Ala. Decatur 19 Jonathan Atchison LB SO 6-3 240 Atlanta, Ga. Douglass20 Nate Carlson TE JR 6-4 236 Birmingham, Ala. Air Force 20 Jarrick Williams DB SO 6-1 210 Mobile, Ala. Blount 21 Brent Calloway RB FR 6-1 217 Russellville, Ala. Russellville21 Ben Howell RB JR 5-9 202 Gordo, Ala. Gordo 21 Dre Kirkpatrick CB JR 6-3 192 Gadsden, Ala. Gadsden City 22 Christion Jones DB FR 5-11 175 Adamsville, Ala. Minor 24 Nathan McAlister WR SO 5-11 165 Russellville, Ala. Russellville 24 DeQuan Menzie CB SR 6-0 198 Columbus, Ga. Copiah-Lincoln CC 25 Caleb Castille DB FR 5-11 170 Birmingham, Ala. Briarwood Christian 26 Jabriel Washington DB FR 5-11 165 Jackson, Tn. Trinity Christian Ac. 26 Nick Tinker RB SO 5-10 207 Ralph, Ala. Tuscaloosa County 27 Nick Perry DB SO 6-1 205 Prattville, Ala. Prattville 28 DeMarcus Milliner CB SO 6-1 196 Millbrook, Ala. Stanhope Elmore 29 Cody Mandell P SO 6-4 202 Lafayette, La. Acadiana 29 Will Lowery DB JR 5-10 180 Hoover, Ala. Hoover 30 Dont’a Hightower LB JR 6-4 260 Lewisburg, Tenn. Marshall County 31 John Baites TE SR 6-1 231 Hendersonville, Tenn. Beech 32 C.J. Mosley LB SO 6-2 234 Theodore, Ala. Theodore 33 Trey DePriest LB FR 6-2 242 Springfield, Oh. Springfield 34 Hunter Bush DB JR 5-11 195 Wetumpka, Ala. Wetumpka 35 Nico Johnson LB JR 6-3 245 Andalusia, Ala. Andalusia 36 Chris Jordan LB SR 6-3 240 Brentwood, Tenn. Brentwood Academy 37 Robert Lester S JR 6-2 210 Foley, Ala. Foley 40 DeMarcus DuBose LB JR 6-1 240 Montgomery, Ala. Jefferson Davis 41 Courtney Upshaw LB SR 6-2 265 Eufaula, Ala. Eufaula 42 Adrian Hubbard LB FR 6-6 237 Lawrenceville, Ga. Norcross 42 Eddie Lacy RB SO 6-0 220 Geismar, La. Dutchtown 43 Cade Foster K SO 6-1 216 Southlake, Texas Southlake Carroll 43 Taylor Conant WR JR 6-0 195 Tuscaloosa, Ala. Tuscaloosa Academy 44 Jay Williams P FR 6-3 221 Thomasville, Ala. Thomasville 44 LaMichael Fanning DE FR 6-7 275 Hamilton, Ga. Harris County45 Jalston Fowler FB SO 6-1 246 Mobile, Ala. Vigor 47 Xzavier Dickson LB FR 6-3 240 Griffin, Ga. Griffin 48 Rowdy Harrell LB SR 6-0 219 Moundville, Ala. Hale County

NO NAME P HT WT CLS HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL 49 Ed Stinson LB/DL FR 6-4 252 Homestead, Fla. South Dade 49 Ranzell Watkins DB SO 5-9 170 Charlotte, N.C. Independence 51 Wilson Love DE FR 6-3 276 Mountainbrook, Ala. Mountainbrook 51 Carson Tinker LS JR 6-1 220 Murfreesboro, Tenn. Riverdale 52 Alfred McCullough T SR 6-2 311 Athens, Ala. Athens 53 Anthony Orr DL FR 6-4 258 Madison, Ala. Sparkman 54 Russell Raines OL SO 6-2 281 Satsuma, Ala. Satsuma 54 Jesse Williams NT JR 6-4 319 Brisbane, Australia Cavendish Road 56 William Ming DL SO 6-3 283 Athens, Ala. Athens 57 DJ Pettway DE FR 6-2 272 Pensacola, Fla. Catholic 57 Aaron Joiner OL JR 6-2 275 Florence, Ala. Florence 58 Nick Gentry DL SR 6-1 284 Prattville, Ala. Prattville 59 Arie Kouandjio OL FR 6-5 309 Beltsville, Md. DeMatha Catholic 61 Anthony Steen G SO 6-3 303 Lambert, Miss. Lee Academy 62 Brandon Ivory NT FR 6-4 308 Memphis, Tenn. East 63 Kellen Williams OL SO 6-3 305 Lawrenceville, Ga. Brookwood 65 Chance Warmack G JR 6-3 320 Atlanta, Ga. Westlake 67 John Michael Boswell OL SR 6-5 300 Northport, Ala. Tuscaloosa County 68 Austin Gray OL SO 6-0 309 Woodstock, Ga. Pope 68 Issac Luatua OL FR 6-2 299 La Marida, Ca. La Marida 70 Ryan Kelly OL FR 6-5 281 West Chester, Oh. Lakota West 71 Cyrus Kouandjio OL FR 6-6 322 Woodstock, Ga. Pope72 Tyler Love T JR 6-6 307 Mountain Brook, Ala. Mountain Brook 73 William Vlachos C SR 6-1 294 Birmingham, Ala. Mountain Brook 75 Barrett Jones G JR 6-5 311 Memphis, Tenn. Evangelical Christian 76 D.J. Fluker OL SO 6-6 335 Foley, Ala. Foley 78 Chad Lindsay OL FR 6-2 287 The Woodlands, Texas The Woodlands 79 Austin Shepherd OT FR 6-5 321 Buford, Ga. North Gwinnett 80 Marvin Shinn WR FR 6-3 193 Prichard, Ala. Vigor 81 William Strickland WR SR 6-0 191 ********* ******* 81 Hardie Buck WR JR 5-9 190 Birmingham, Ala. Vestavia Hills 82 Harrison Jones TE FR 6-4 248 Memphis, Tn. Evangelical Christian 83 Kevin Norwood WR SO 6-2 193 D’Iberville, Miss. D’Iberville 84 Brian Vogler TE FR 6-7 252 Columbus, Ga. Brookstone 85 Malcom Faciane TE FR 6-5 259 Picayune, Ms. Memorial 86 Undra Billingsley DE JR 6-2 288 Birmingham, Ala. Woodlawn 87 Chris Underwood TE SR 6-4 243 Vestavia Hills, Ala. Vestavia Hills 88 Michael Bowman WR SO 6-4 225 Rossville, Ga. Ridgeland 89 Michael Williams TE JR 6-6 269 Reform, Ala. Pickens County 90 Jeremy Shelley K JR 5-10 165 Raleigh, N.C. Broughton 90 Quinton Dial DL JR 6-6 294 Pinson, Ala. East Mississippi CC 91 Alex Watkins LB SR 6-3 234 Brownsville, Tenn. Haywood 92 Damion Square DE JR 6-3 285 Houston, Texas Yates 93 Chris Bonds DE SO 6-4 269 Columbia, S.C. Richland Northeast 95 Brandon Lewis DL JR 6-3 288 Pleasant Grove, Ala. Pleasant Grove99 Josh Chapman NT SR 6-1 310 Hoover, Ala. Hoover

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NO NAME P CLS HT WT HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL 1 Barrett Bailey QB 6-4 196 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. University HS 1 Eric Reid DB 6-2 207 Fr. Geismar, La. Dutchtown HS 2 Rueben Randle WR 6-4 207 So. Bastrop, La. Bastrop HS 3 Jakhari Gore RB 5-9 175 Fr. Miami, Fla. Christopher Columbus HS 4 Jai Eugene CB 5-11 189 Sr. St. Rose, La. Destrehan HS 5 Jarrett Fobbs WR 5-11 185 Fr. Shreveport, La. Huntington HS 6 Craig Loston S 6-2 200 Fr. Houston, Texas Eisenhower HS 7 Patrick Peterson CB 6-1 222 Jr. Pompano Beach, Fla. Ely HS 8 T.C. McCartney QB 6-3 216 Jr. Boulder, Colo. Fairview HS 9 Ego Ferguson DL 6-3 286 Fr. Frederick, Md. Hargrave Military Academy 9 Jordan Jefferson QB 6-5 224 Jr. St. Rose, La. Destrehan HS 10 Nick Rice LB 6-1 219 Fr. Coppell, Texas Coppell HS 10 Russell Shepard WR 6-1 188 So. Houston, Texas Cypress Ridge HS 11 Kelvin Sheppard LB 6-3 240 Sr. Stone Mountain, Ga. Stephenson HS 12 Jarrett Lee QB 6-2 207 Jr. Brenham, Texas Brenham HS 13 Ron Brooks CB 6-0 179 Jr. Irving, Texas MacArthur HS 14 Trent Hebert PK 5-9 190 Jr. Cecilia, La. Cecilia HS 14 Tyrann Mathieu DB 5-9 180 Fr. New Orleans, La. St. Augustine HS 15 Brandon Taylor S 6-0 195 Jr. Franklinton, La. Franklinton HS 16 Spencer Ware RB 5-11 225 Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio Princeton HS 17 Morris Claiborne CB 6-0 177 So. Shreveport, La. Fair Park HS 18 Richard Murphy RB 6-1 206 Sr. Rayville, La. Rayville HS 19 Deangelo Peterson TE 6-4 243 Jr. New Orleans, La. Desire Street Academy 21 Chris Tolliver WR 6-1 178 So. Rayville, La. Rayville HS 22 Ryan Baker LB 6-0 227 Jr. Grand Ridge, Fla. Blountstown HS 23 Stefoin Francois LB 6-1 215 Jr. Reserve, La. East St. John HS 24 Alfred Blue RB 6-2 207 Fr. Boutte, La. Hahnville HS 25 Drayton Calhoun CB 6-0 180 Fr. Clarkston, Ga. Tucker HS 26 Tharold Simon DB 6-3 190 Fr. Eunice, La. Eunice HS 27 Jarred Joseph WR 6-2 216 So. New Orleans, La. Brother Martin HS 28 Ronnie Vinson DB 5-11 187 Fr. New Orleans, La. Newman HS 29 Sam Gibson DB 6-1 205 Fr. Prattville, Ala. Prattville HS 30 Josh Jasper PK/P 5-11 171 Sr. Memphis, Tenn. Ridgeway HS 31 D.J. Welter LB 6-0 226 Fr. Crowley, La. Notre Dame HS 32 Brandon Worle FB 6-2 240 Fr. LaGrange, Ga. Troup County HS 34 Stevan Ridley RB 6-0 223 Jr. Natchez, Miss. Trinity Episcopal HS 35 Ryan St. Julien CB 6-1 185 So. St. Martinville, La. Catholic-New Iberia HS 35 James Stampley FB 5-10 230 Jr. Baker, La. Baker HS 36 Derrick Bryant S 5-11 199 Jr. Lawrenceville, Ga. Peachtree Ridge HS 37 Karnell Hatcher S 6-2 212 Jr. Delray Beach, Fla. Atlantic Community HS 38 Drew Alleman PK/P 5-11 182 So. Lafayette, La. Acadiana HS 38 Derek Helton P 6-0 178 Sr. Hoyt, Kan. Jefferson West HS/Fort Scott CC 38 Brad Wing P 6-3 175 Fr. Melbourne, Australia Parkview Baptist HS 39 Ian Harding WR 6-1 211 Jr. New Orleans, La. Country Day HS 39 Josh Johns LB 6-2 206 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. Central HS 40 Rockey Duplessis S 6-1 200 Fr. Belle Chasse, La. Belle Chasse HS 41 Travis Dickson TE 6-3 243 Fr. Ocean Springs, Miss. Ocean Springs HS 42 Michael Ford RB 5-10 202 Fr. Leesville, La. Leesville HS 43 Daniel Graff S 6-0 177 Sr. Metairie, La. Rummel HS/New Orleans 43 Connor Neighbors 5-10 237 Fr. Huntsville, Ala. Huntsville HS 44 J.C. Copeland DT 6-1 275 Fr. LaGrange, Ga. Troup County HS 45 Richard Dugas FB 6-1 263 Sr. Lincoln, Neb. Pius X HS 45 Zach Elkins DB 5-8 182 Sr. Bay St. Louis, Miss. St. Stanislaus College/Miss.Gulf Coast CC 46 Kevin Minter LB 6-1 225 Fr. Suwanee, Ga. Peachtree Ridge HS 46 Jeremy Peeples TE 6-4 240 Fr. Selma, Ala. Selma HS 47 Tyler Edwards TE 6-4 250 So. Monroe, La. Ouachita Parish HS 48 Jarrett Hardnett LB 6-2 230 So. Baton Rouge, La. Woodlawn HS/Northwestern St. 48 Hunter Kinchen SNP 6-0 175 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. Dunham 48 Kellen Theriot FB 6-1 234 So. Houston, Texas Episcopal HS 49 Austin Kinchen SNP 6-2 208 So. Baton Rouge, La. Parkview Baptist 49 Barkevious Mingo DE 6-5 237 Fr. West Monroe, La. West Monroe HS 50 Joey Crappell SNP 6-2 245 Jr. Patterson, La. Patterson HS

NO NAME P CLS HT WT HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL 51 Seth Mannon PK 6-6 215 Fr. Houston, Texas Episcopal HS 52 Luke Muncie LB 6-3 223 Fr. Klein, Texas Oak HS 53 T-Bob Hebert C 6-3 280 Jr. Norcross, Ga. Greater Atlanta Christian HS 54 Justin Maclin LB 6-4 230 Fr. Memphis, Tenn. Ridgeway HS 55 Cameron Fordham OL 6-3 261 Fr. Duluth, Ga. Northview HS 56 Seth Fruge LB 5-11 200 Fr. Welsh, La. Notre Dame HS 57 Lamin Barrow LB 6-2 221 Fr. Marrero, La. John Ehret HS 58 Tahj Jones LB 6-2 205 Fr. Sulphur, La. Sulphur HS 59 Jonathan Nixon DE 6-2 259 Sr. N. Little Rock, Ark. Grambling 60 Will Blackwell OG 6-4 303 Jr. West Monroe, La. West Monroe HS 61 Ben Domingue C 6-3 276 Fr. Lafayette, La. St. Thomas More HS 62 Robert Blackmon OL 6-1 220 Fr. Burkburnett, Texas Burkburnett HS 63 Allen Buniger OL 6-3 257 Fr. New Orleans, La. West Jefferson HS 64 P.J. Lonergan C 6-4 300 So. New Orleans, La. Rummel HS 68 Josh Dworaczyk OG 6-6 295 Jr. New Iberia, La. Catholic-New Iberia HS 70 Evan Washington OT 6-5 315 Fr. DeSoto, Texas DeSoto HS 71 Alex Bonnette OT 6-2 271 Fr. LaPlace, La. Riverside Academy 72 Alex Hurst OT 6-6 329 So. Bartlett, Tenn. Arlington HS 74 Josh Williford OG 6-7 324 Fr. Dothan, Ala. Houston Academy 75 Greg Shaw OT 6-5 295 Jr. Hialeah, Fla. Edward Pace HS 76 Chris Faulk OT 6-6 316 Fr. Slidell, La. Northshore HS 77 Josh Downs DT 6-1 278 So. Bastrop, La. Bastrop HS 78 Joseph Barksdale OT 6-6 318 Sr. Detroit, Mich. Cass Tech HS 79 Matt Branch OG 6-6 287 So. Monroe, La. Sterlington HS 80 Terrence Toliver WR 6-5 203 Sr. Hempstead, Texas Hempstead HS 81 Armand Williams WR 6-3 195 Fr. Slidell, La. Slidell HS 82 James Wright WR 6-2 197 Fr. Belle Chasse, La. Belle Chasse HS 83 Mitch Joseph TE 6-5 265 Jr. New Iberia, La. Catholic-New Iberia HS 84 Nic Jacobs TE 6-5 265 Fr. Many, La. Many HS 85 Alex Russian TE/SNP 6-5 240 Jr. Round Rock, Texas Round Rock HS 86 Kadron Boone WR 6-0 202 Fr. Ocala, Fla. Trinity Catholic HS 87 Chancey Aghayere DE 6-4 268 So. Garland, Texas Garland HS 88 Chase Clement TE 6-5 261 So. Thibodaux, La. E.D. White HS 89 Lavar Edwards DE 6-5 265 So. Gretna, La. Desire Street Academy 90 Michael Brockedt 6-6 300 Fr. Houston, Texas Chavez HS 91 Chris Davenport DT 6-4 311 Fr. Mansfield, La. Mansfield HS 92 Drake Nevis DT 6-2 285 Sr. Marrero, La. John Ehret HS 93 Bennie Logan DT 6-3 280 Fr. Coushatta, La. Red River HS 94 Kendrick Adams DE 6-5 255 Jr. Enterprise, Ala. Enterprise HS/Copiah-Lincoln CC 95 Lazarius Levingston DT 6-4 280 Sr. Ruston, La. Ruston HS 97 Dennis Johnson DT 6-2 287 Jr. Amory, Miss. Amory HS/Itawamba CC 98 Jordan Allen DE 6-6 252 Fr. West Monroe, La. West Monroe HS 99 Sam Montgomery DE 6-4 245 Fr. Greenwood, S.C. Greenwood HS Dexter Alexander DB 5-9 174 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. Christian Life Academy Michael Casanova FB 6-1 210 Fr. Crowley, La. Notre Dame HS Cleveland Davis RB 6-0 260 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. McKinley HS Tayler Debusk DB 5-11 180 So. Tupelo, Miss. Tupelo HS David Detz DB 6-0 177 So. Leesville, La. Leesville HS Paul Felio LB 6-0 212 Sr. League City, Texas Clear Creek HS Josh Gast TE 6-3 211 So. Covington, La. St. Paul’s HS/Millsaps College Brandon Harden WR — Jr. Patterson, La. Patterson HS/SW Assem. of God DJ Howard P 6-3 192 Jr. Baton Rouge, La. West Feliciana HS Jordan Lewis WR — Fr. Prairieville, La. Jesuit HS Jordan Newell WR 5-9 170 Sr. Homer, La. Claiborne Academy/Louisiana College Greg Ostrom TE 6-4 217 Fr. Baton Rouge, La. Catholic HS Jason Slaydon FB 5-10 215 Fr. Westlake, La. Westlake HS Kendric Smith WR — Fr. Harker Heights, Texas Harker Heights HS Alex Walton QB — Fr. Shreveport, La. C.E. Byrd HS Chris Wells DB 5-11 186 Fr. Frierson, La. DeSoto HS Tabari Williams RB 5-10 173 Fr. Hiram, Ga. The Culver Academies B.J. Wilson RB 5-9 184 So. New Orleans, La. Holy Cross HS/Delgado CC


Keys to victory

The clichés for the game on Nov. 5 was overwhelming to say the least. The same might be said as to what has been simply called as the “Rematch.” Alabama lost a heartbreaker to LSU in Tuscaloosa that night in overtime. All seemed certain that Alabama would end up playing in the Sugar Bowl against possibly Boise State. All that changed when Oklahoma State, Stanford and Okla-homa all ended up falling while Alabama surged the rest of the year to set up the showdown in the Superdome on Jan. 9. These keys to victory will be crucial for Alabama to win their second BCS championship in three years.

Offense>> Control the trenches- Alabama managed 295 total yards, 199 of those yards through the air. On another note, four different receivers averaged more than 10 yards per catch including Darius Hanks (19.0) and Trent Richardson (16.0). Richardson ended the day with 23 carries for 89 yards, his second lowest rushing average during the season at 3.9 yards per carry.>> Decision-making- A.J. McCarron finished the LSU game completing 57 percent of his passes against a very stout LSU defense. Coach Nick Saban got on McCarron’s case a few times for missing guys open in the flat and instead taking risks down-field. He finished the rest of the season completing 69.6 percent of his passing for 537 yards and six touchdowns. In its only overtime possession, McCarron took a critical sack on third and long for five yards that set up a difficult 52-yard field goal that fell short. Saban wants McCarron to be a game manager rather than a hero and make good decisions with the football. >> Limit turnovers- Alabama stayed out of trouble for most of the season averaging more takeaways than giveaways. No two turnovers, however, were more crucial than McCarron’s interception with a little over a minute left in the third quarter that gave LSU the tying score and the Wildcat interception that would have put Alabama at the 1 yard line. >> Finish drives- The offense managed to move the ball pretty well its first four possessions, but had to end up settling for field goals connecting on only 1-of-4 attempts. The three misses were from 44, 50 and 49 yards out respectively. Four out of its next seven possessions only managed four plays or more, the most being seven plays from scrimmage. Sustaining longer drives is crucial for the defense to keep the LSU offense off the field and to put touchdowns rather than field goals on the board.

By Coe Robbins

Alabama’s Keys to Victory


Defense>> Create turnovers- If the offense is strug-gling for Alabama, it will be imperative for Alabama to disrupt LSU’s flow on offense by creating turnovers and giving the Alabama offense good field position to start their drives. Pressuring LSU quarterback Jordan Jefferson has proven to be effective with Jefferson tending to get happy feet when pressure is coming up the middle and is susceptible to making questionable decisions.>> Stout defense- In LSU’s 11 possessions, six were punts while three drives managed only seven plays or more. LSU’s offense had six possessions of drives of 15 yards or fewer and holding LSU to three field goals on three attempts in the red zone including the over-time possession. Alabama must maintain that stronghold to keep Jefferson and company frustrated.>> Contain running game- LSU has a stable of running backs led by Spencer Ware and Michael Ford. Both average over 100 yards per game combined and account for most of LSU’s rushing statistics. Ware is used more as a power guy whereas Ford mainly is in their option package. The defense must control the push of the line of scrimmage up front to limit Ware up the middle and make Jefferson pitch the ball early to Ford in their option plays to create negative yards.>> Make Jefferson throw- Jefferson missed the first four ball games due to a suspension and did not return until the Kentucky game. In his nine games recording stats, Jefferson has only attempted 10 or more passes in four ball games including the one against Alabama with 10 attempts. Jefferson had an abysmal showing in the SEC championship game completing just 5-of-13 for 30 yards. LSU had a strong special teams performance from Tyrann Mathieu to mask the worst quarter-back performance in SEC championship game history. Jefferson has had very little explosive plays this year and is able to connect on quick come-back routes to make him manageable. Taking away those routes from Jefferson will make him make decisions down the field rather than just reacting to what’s on the field.

TDA


TDA

Now in his senior year, this 6-foot-3, 229 pound tight end has steadily seen his numbers increase all season, with quarterback AJ McCarron successfully spreading the ball around to a number of receivers. Smelley was also able to pull in his first career touch-down against Vanderbilt. Being a Tuscaloosa native, Smelley is a little more in tune to the traditions than most Alabama football players. After the Tennessee win he commented. “This is pretty much, besides Auburn, the biggest rival we have, and a lot of people [from Tuscaloosa] would say Tennessee is our biggest rivalry,” Smelley said. “In my four years I’ve won every game against Tennessee and I’ll be able to say that the rest of my life.” As far as Alabama fans go, you should be pleased with this athlete’s play on the field as he continues to improve each week and show what this hometown boy is capable of.

Growing up a resident of Tuscaloosa makes it easier to live and breathe the Crimson Tide. So where better to attend college than The University of Alabama? Luckily for Alabama fans, Brad Smelley thought the same and his love of the Tide carried over to his college decision. Smelley is a senior tight end for the Tide, and one of the few on the team who was actually born and raised in Tuscaloosa. He played quarterback for American Christian Academy. His senior year, he led his team to a state semifinal appearance. This was somewhat following in the footsteps of his older brother Chris Smelley, who played for some time as the quar-terback at South Carolina, before transferring to Alabama to play baseball. He was apart of what some consider to be one of the best recruiting classes to come out of Alabama, along with Julio Jones, Mark Barron and Terrance Cody. He was set to be a redshirt his freshman year, but after seeing a need for him on offense, Coach Saban decided to burn the redshirt and put him in as tight end.

Hometown Glory

By Kassidy Hill

Brad Smelley

UA player spotlight

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Protein ImportanceBy Johnny Jackson

About the Author Johnny Jackson graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelors degree in exercise science and he is no stranger to the Tide. He interned with The University of Alabama football team that won the SEC and BCS National Championship title. Jackson also interned with the baseball and track and field teams while at the Capstone from 2007 until 2010. As far as strength and conditioning goes, Jackson knows his strengths. He bench presses over 550 pounds and currently caters to serious high school, college and professional athletes that are driven to reach their full athletic potential. “I’m dedicated to getting athletes brutally strong, lightning fast and mentally tough,” he said. Jackson has a Strength and Conditioning article featured in each issue of Touchdown Alabama Maga-zine. To contact Jackson send your questions and concerns to: [email protected].

Practice for Performance

W orking out with weights will help build muscle and put some mass on you as well. If you would like optimal results you will need the proper protein. Protein is the building block for muscles by way of amino acids, which build proteins, which are very important when it comes to improving body composition, adding mass and your body performing better as a whole.There are a couple of types of protein shakes. Whey is a common protein; it’s more of a fast acting protein that is usually low in carbohydrates and fat. Whey protein is also known as a complete protein: this means it contains all the essential amino acids, which makes it a great choice for a sports nutrition supplement. Some research suggests that combining whey protein with a casein protein will be more bang for your buck. The reason being that casein is more of a slow-acting protein that breaks down slower. After a workout, very important nutrients are lost and it is your job to replace them so that the recovery process takes place and you will begin to add muscle mass and growth. Muscles can’t grow if you don’t feed them. Also, add in your casein before going to sleep at night and your body will be in a natural anabolic state. The reason being, the muscles will recover faster and you will be able to lift harder and longer during your workouts. Casein is perfect at bed time because your muscles will get proper nutrients while you sleep. In addition to aiding in muscular recovery, protein may help you lose weight when you consume it in conjunction with resistance exercise. Research has proven that increased daily protein intake and exercise resulted in increased fat and weight loss compared to exercise alone. This is another reason why protein should be taken for muscle gain or fat loss. Protein builds muscles and muscles burn fat. Fat can’t burn fat nor can it contract like muscles, so fat should be kept to a healthy level.Because protein increases muscle protein synthesis after exercise, it can help promote increases in strength. Resis-

tance training causes microscopic trauma to your muscles, so consuming protein after your workouts can help your body repair your muscles and adapt to training by increasing strength. According to research from the October 2006 issue of the Inter-national Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, consumption of whey protein after exercise significantly improved strength gains.Now you know why protein is important, don’t forget to pack it in your gym bag and consume it before and after your workouts depending on your goals. Whether it’s getting big muscles, fat loss or increasing mass, protein will be your best friend in reaching those goals. Don’t let your hard work in the gym go to waste.


Where were you born?Miami, FLWhat weight did you play at in your senior year in high school and your senior year in college?I played at 185lbs senior year in high school and 205lbs my senior year in college. What is your favorite quote?You get what you give!Do you have any fears?Lightening and water. I do not know how to swim.How many years did you play full contact football?15 yearsWhat game at Alabama was your first and how did it feel that first play?It was against Western Kentucky and I was on Kickoff return. Everything was a blur. People were flying around and you could hear them fly past you with a loud whooshing sound. That’s when I knew I was in college football. The hardest hit you took in college football?Yea, hands down Trey Blackman of Auburn University. Did you ever suffer a concussion?No

What book are you reading right now?Niccolo Machiavelli Did coach Saban ever laugh with you and the players?Yea, when a player had the no contact jersey “Black,” he would call it the “pink one” and kid around with them.Then who aside was the funniest coachBobby Williams What is your favorite movie?Home Alone and the Scary Movie Series.Do you ever want to get into coaching, and why?Yes, I think if you can teach a football player to compete he will take those attributes with him for the rest of his life. That is a winning aspect for their minds. The key is, you have to be coachable to learn the game of football first. There are some players that are not coach-able!Who made an impact on you while playing football? Coach Burton Burns. I learned way more from listening to him rather than using my talents as a running back. He only made me better on and off the field.With all your injuries in college (4), what was your mind set?I set goals on returning and I wanted a National Championship. Coach Burns kept me going. He kept me motivated and hungry. I was looked at by the younger players as a role model, so I lead by example when it comes to coming back as player that was injured.Did you ever play hurt?Yes, I played with a sports hernia for half a season.What is your degree in at University of Alabama?Criminal Justice

q & A

Q & Awith Roy upchurch

Roy Upchurch was a member of the 2009 Crimson Tide team that won the BCS National Championship. He was a running back for the Tide but went undrafted in the 2010 NFL draft. Although entering the NFL for this Tide standout didn’t happen as most anticipated, he still remains hopeful and looks to the future with a positive attitude.

By Mike Lacy


NFL or College football fan?Both, I watch to learn.Funniest player on the team?Kareem Jackson. We had some characters on that team.Who are you still in contact with your BCS National Championship Team?Rolando McClain, Kareem Jackson, Corey Reamer and Leigh Tiffin. We get together when they all come back into town. We pick up where we left off, like it was yesterday!Most memorable moment at the BCS game?Just being with the guys and knowing we weren’t going to be together as a group after this game. We all embraced the moment and understood what we had accomplished. We set goals together and as a team. That was very important in my life and I will always be grateful for all the experience as a student athlete from University of Alabama.Do you think a scholarship student /athlete should be given a stipend in addition?Yes, most of the athletes’ do not have income at all while in college. We are students first then athletes second. We are in school from 8am-6:30pm, everyday! When do we have time to work? Where do you want to be in 5 years?I want to be involved in assisting people that have been paralyzed with fitting them with the latest technology to help make their lives better. Known as ATP, Assisted Technology Profession.

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMATOLL FREE888-215-[email protected]

TDA

Alabama

Crimson Tide

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s by C

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Maso

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It's really hard for a full-time student to

also be a full-time athlete. The demands on your time, not to mention your body and mind, are sometimes numbing. But what if you're a father also? Now you really have to juggle your time, your attention, your guilt in sacrificing time at one endeavor for the sake of one of the others. Take Trent Richardson for example, a father of two girls, a three-year-old and five-year old, who is pulled in many direc-tions and faced with many responsibilities. One of his biggest responsibilities is being a father, something he's doing out of instinct alone, since there was no father in much of his childhood. There was just an uncle who gave him the resolve to have faith in himself and the resolve to find faith in God. His mother taught him the importance of putting family first. He is the youngest of six kids, three from his mother and the other three adopted from her best friend. Then came his children, whom his mother also took in. Often there wasn't much much to go around to feed so many hungry mouths and his mother and grandmother worked numerous jobs to keep things together and food on the table. Even if a lot of times it was just peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. He tried to help by working at a buffet restaurant in nearby Orange Beach at 16. So juggling school work, sports and working is nothing new to him. He's always been driven, never had time to just relax or enjoy

By Larry Burton

Larry's Lowdown

Being a Student Athlete with Children

When Tough Gets Even Tougher


TDA

Photo by MAtt Gaston

being a football star. Richardson had an older brother who also excelled at football and signed a scholar-ship to play defensive end with the Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana–Lafayette in Lafayette, La. His brother left home in 2005 to start his college career and gave Trent the idea that maybe football could give him way to get a college degree and a better life, but in 2005 that seemed a far away dream. That was his freshman year of high school and injuries kept him from really becoming a star, the same thing happened in his sophomore year. Richardson almost gave up on his dream. He had ankle problems that continually plagued him. But it didn't affect him in the weight room, where he would go to prove he could still do something well. He was a star on the weight lifting team and running in the sand in Pensacola, Fla., helped him rehab his ankle. By his junior year, his light finally got a chance to shine and by his senior year he was the No. 1 running back prospect in America. Now every college in the country wanted to offer him a scholarship. His dream of getting that degree was now assured and there was the possibility of so much more. But no matter if he ever plays a day in the NFL, Richardson wants to earn his degree. His mother, his brothers and his uncles have told him how important that is. And so has the coach that has come to mean so much to him. He still leans on them all. He calls his uncle each week before a game. Richardson once said in an interview, “You're just one good lick from not having foot-ball anymore, but an education and degree lasts forever. I want to be as good a student as I am an athlete.” If he does in fact accomplish that, he may be the next Shakespeare, cure cancer or be a Nobel Laureate, because that's just how good he is as an athlete. Richardson said that it's important to him, his mother and his daughters all equally to finish his degree. There is guilt over the time that he can't spend with his daughters, but he knows that life is about priorities now. Perhaps he is just the kind of man who finishes what he starts, who wants to set the right example to his own children and student athletes everywhere that this is in fact the reason why student comes first in the phrase student athlete. It's refreshing to see a man who has a clear picture of life and a game plan to get there. Just as he knew as a young high school student that, to strengthen his legs and ankles, running up a hill of sand over and over would help him get where he wanted to go; as a man, he learned what else he had to do first to make everything else work the way he wanted. In an interview once, when asked what the accomplishment he was most proud of at this point of his career, without hesitation, Richardson replied, “Becoming a Christian.” And with his eyes misting just a little and after a pause to catch his breath continued, “After that, everything else just sort of fell into place.” Maybe that's how Richardson can juggle the toil of being a football star, a media presence, a student, a role model and a father. He has his priorities in order. He made mistakes along the way, but like the football injuries he's endured, he overcame them, learned from them and they made him wiser. Yes, he's great alright and a pretty fair football player too.


Gridiron grub

Editor’s Choice Gridiron GrubPenne with “Arrabbiata” Sauce

cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients:1 pound penne pasta

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium onion, sliced (2 cups)

5 garlic cloves, crushed

12 ounces lean or low-fat ham, cut in 1-inch cubes

(6 cups)

4 cups canned peeled plum tomatoes (including

juice)

½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

4 teaspoons sugar

1 1/2 cups coarsely chopped fresh basil leaves

Pinch of salt

4 tablespoons grated pecorino Romano cheese

Directions: Place a large pot filled with water on to boil. Prepare sauce ingredients (slice/cube). When water boils, add pasta and cook 10-12 minutes. Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Sauté onions for 3 minutes then add garlic and sauté 2 minutes. Next add plum tomatoes with their juice and crushed red pepper. Cut tomatoes in half with the edge of a cooking spoon. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes

Photo

by d

olc

evita

dia

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om

then stir in sugar and basil; add salt to taste. Lastly drain pasta and toss with sauce then sprinkle cheese on top. Makes 4 serv-ings Per serving: 515 calories; 40 grams protein; 63 grams carbo-hydrates; 10.2 grams fat; 18 percent of calories as fat; 4.5 grams fiber; 95 milligrams cholesterol; 1817 milligrams sodium.

Wherever you go.....Shouldn’t your money follow?

Mobile Transactions is here. Nowyou can check your balance, find

the nearest ATM, and transfer moneybetween accounts, all from your mobile

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205-469-0083Northport (next to Bojangles)

205-469-0530

www.tuscaloosacu.org


By Coe Robbins

TDA

Recruit of the weekPh

oto

by

Insideth

eu.c

om

“Thomas is a play-maker. He lines up at quarterback now, but will likely move to wide receiver on the next level because of his size.”

P rattville High School seems to be a recruiting pipeline for Alabama and the players that come from that school have not been too shabby: Roman Harper, Travis McCall and Bobby Green-wood all made huge contributions while playing for the Crimson Tide. Justin Thomas looks to add to that list starting in 2012. “I went to a couple of places, but [Alabama] was the place where I felt like I should feel,” Thomas told The Birmingham News. “Being an Alabama fan makes it easier, but you still have to base your decision on how you feel about schools.” Thomas committed to Alabama back in Nov. 2010 and had many other schools wanting him, including Auburn, LSU, Florida and Florida State just to name a few.

In-State Recruit Brings In-State TalentJustin Thomas stays at home to play for Tide

Mainly playing quarterback for Prattville this year, Thomas proj-ects to play wide receiver at the next level. The 5-foot-11 prospect boasts a 4.3 40-yard dash and has the quickness and elusiveness to make big plays in the open field. To start the year, Prattville played Florida powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas on a national stage tele-vised by ESPN. Thomas threw for 92 yards and ran for 139 more but the Lions fell short, losing 34-31. Thomas is ranked No. 15 on Rival’s list of best athletes for 2012. Thomas is also ranked as the seventh best prospect in the state of

Alabama by Rival’s. Chad Simmons of Scout.com had this to say about Thomas: “Thomas is a play-maker. He lines up at quarterback now, but will likely move to wide receiver on the next level because of his size. He has a good arm, but he is best when he is using his legs in the open field. He has good accelera-tion and he can make people miss. He has good wiggle, great top-end speed, and he is a real weapon when the ball is in his hands. He will be best as an inside receiver on next level.” Prattville ended the season 8-2 and played Alma Bryant in the first round of the state playoffs. In that game, Thomas helped lead the Lions to an early 28-0 lead in the first quarter including a rushing touchdown on the opening possession. Thomas also went 6-of-8 for 56 yards in his first two drives. Thomas said every team is treated equally in these playoffs. “We came in here thinking they were the No. 1 ranked team

in the nation," Thomas told the Montgomery Advertiser. "We prepared all week, had good practices and we performed strong.” Thomas could make a huge impact for the Tide at the

receiver position with his speed alone. One thing that coach Nick Saban has been looking for in his receivers is speed rather than size. Some people might complain about that but Alabama’s top two wide receivers this year are Marquis Maze and Darius Hanks, who are both under 6-foot. Only time will tell on what kind of production Thomas can bring to the table.


1 Which Alabama national title team did NOT finish the season undefeated?

a. 1961b. 1978c. 1979d. 1992

2 Alabama, which was selected No. 1 by the AP, actually split the 1978 national championship with what other team, selected No. 1 by UPI?

a. USC

b. Penn State

c. Notre Dame

d. Texas

3 Alabama’s first national championship was won in .

a. 1915

b. 1920

c. 1925

d. 1930

4 Who did Alabama defeat in the Rose Bowl that year to win it?

a. Washington State

b. Washington

c. Michigan

d. Oklahoma

5 Which team has Alabama NOT played to win a national championship?

a. Washington

b. Washington State

c. Nebraska

d. Oklahoma

AnswERs: 1. B | 2. A | 3. C | 4. B | 5. dTIDE TRIVIA

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2009 National Champions

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Marr’s Pond PoetsGame DayBy R.D Wiley

Marr's Pond

The sun is up, but who’s noticed?Tis fall as the weather attests.And the faithful are seen on the sidelines and screensWhile Tuscaloosa is holding its breath.

This week has been long and drearyWith stacks of papers and bills on the desk.But there’s not a care for the team is preparedAnd Tuscaloosa is holding its breath.

Businesses add spit and polish.Tailgaters serve up their very best.Memorabillia abounds. This is holy ground.And Tuscaloosa is holding its breath.

Interstates are tangled with traffic.The “best seat” becomes a state quest.The data is in and the Tide may not win!And Tuscaloosa is holding its breath.

The “Walk of Champions” is crowded.Thousands in crimson are dressed.With prayers on their lips they stand hip to hipAnd Tuscaloosa is holding its breath.

So its fight…Fight! Fight to the finish!Neither team nor the faithful can rest.Till victory is assured and the stadium is cleared.Tuscaloosa is holding its breath

Now it is Saturday in the Southland.Coaches and teams offer their best.Then the snap fills the air and nothing can compareTo Tuscaloosa holding its breath.


showing PridePhotos by MAtt Gaston

Closer LookGeneral

Nick Saban looks on as the tide

stomp Auburn.

Photography by Cedric Mason

Closer LookWar Horse

Trent Richardsonrushes for 203 yds on23 carries. The tide would rollover Auburn in a

42-14 victory.


Closer Look

The AussieJesse Williams

sacks Auburns QBKiehl Frazier.


Closer LookPre Snap

The Alabama offensepassed for 184 yds and 3 TDand rushed for 203 yds against Auburn.


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205-345-6043Skyland (next to State Hwy. Dept.)

205-469-0083Northport (next to Bojangles)

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www.tuscaloosacu.org

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Touchdown Alabama Magazine - BCS Championship Editon

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