Crimson Tide Number 3 In 2015 Preseason Coaches Poll; Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Derrick Lassic; Wisconsin Back Clement Predicts Badger Win Against The Crimson Tide

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Crimson Tide Number 3 In 2015 Preseason Coaches Poll

     The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team has been at or near the top for a long time. In fact, the 2015 Preseason Coaches Poll marks six consecutive years Bama has been ranked in the top three. The poll was released yesterday morning. The Crimson Tide comes in at number three to start the 2015 season.

     Bama claims half of the last six national championships, quite a feat for any school. And with 12 starters and even more with game experience from last season, the Tide is poised to make another run. Bama finished 12-2 last year, falling to the eventual national champs, Ohio State, in the Allstate Sugar Bowl semifinal.  Under head coach Nick Saban, Alabama boasts an 84-11 record.

     Ohio State comes in at number one. TCU placed second with one first place vote, and Bama third with one first place vote. OSU got the remaining 62 first place votes. A total of eight teams from the Southeastern Conference made the top 25. They are Auburn (7), Georgia (9), LSU (13), Ole Miss (15), Arkansas (20), Missouri (23), Tennessee (25), and of course the third ranked Tide.

     Alabama will open the 2015 season on September 5 in Arlington, Texas facing the Wisconsin Badgers in the AdvoCare Classic at AT&T Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled just after 7 PM CDT on the ABC television network.

Here is the 2015 preseason coaches poll

School	Points
1. Ohio State (62)	1,598
2. TCU (1)	1,487
3. Alabama (1)	1,452
4. Baylor	1,365
5. Oregon	1,260
6. Michigan State	1,230
7. Auburn	1,103
8. Florida State	1,057
9. Georgia	1,026
10. USC	1,014
11. Notre Dame	883
12. Clemson	838
13. LSU	727
14. UCLA	697
15. Ole Miss	668

16. Arizona State	577
17. Georgia Tech	573
18. Wisconsin	470
19. Oklahoma	407
20. Arkansas	377
21. Stanford	365
22. Arizona	299
23. Missouri	229
24. Boise State	190
25. Tennessee	166

Other SEC schools receiving votes:

26. Miss St.           164

27. Texas A&M    149

36. So. Carolina      18

48. Florida                2 (tie)

53. Kentucky            1 (tie)


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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Derrick Lassic

     Many great running backs have played for the University of Alabama. And so many went on to careers in the National Football League. Derrick Owens Lassic is one of those, and is our next featured player as one of Bama's greatest names.

     Lassic was born on January 26, 1970, attended North Rockland High School in New York, and set several records and collected awards as a young man. In high school, he set county records with 1,719 rushing yards, scoring 31 touchdowns and 194 points. He was a big part of his team winning three straight Section 1 Class A bowls, and as a senior was named the New York State large-school Player of the Year. He was also a USA Today High School All-American.

     Lassic was one of two primary running backs for the University of Alabama beginning in his junior year. He started in his senior season, rushing for 905 yards on 178 carries (5.1 yards per carry) and 11 touchdowns. He was named the MVP of the 1993 Sugar Bowl after Alabama upset Miami in humiliating style  34-13 to win the National Championship.

     Drafted in fourth round of the 1993 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, Lassic found himself the starter for the first two games of the season while Emmitt Smith was holding out on his contract. In ten games, including three starts in 1993, Lassic rushed 75 times for 269 yards, scoring three times.

     Lassic suffered nagging injuries during his pro career, and was placed on the injured reserve list in December 1994. In the '95 NFL Expansion Draft he was selected by the Carolina Panthers but never played a game and reached an injury settlement with the team with injury problems during training camp.

     He signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 1996 but was waived that same year. In 1998 he signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League but was again waived.


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Wisconsin Back Clement Predicts Badger Win Against Tide

     It seems Wisconsin running back Corey Clement is using some convoluted formula to predict a Wisconsin win over Alabama in the AdvoCare Classic at AT&T Stadium on September 5th. We won't get into the formula, but suffice it to say it's a stretch the way he figured it. He made his pronouncement during Big 10 Media Days in Chicago on Thursday.

     Young Clement is looking forward to the match up. He said, " There's not better way to start a season than to beat a team like Alabama, though it won't be easy. We have a lot of confidence in ourselves, based on what we did the past calendar year."

     Obviously the youngster doesn't subscribe to the Nick Saban process. Basing things on last season's anything doesn't play a part in this season's team.

     However, looking at last season, Wisconsin did okay. In their season-opener against LSU they led 24-7  in the third quarter before the wheels fell off. LSU managed the comeback for a 29-24 win. Then at the end of the season Wisconsin played the other Tigers in the SEC West, Auburn. The Badgers pulled out a 34-31 comeback in overtime.

     New Wisconsin head coach said, "I think our guys are confident. And what a great opportunity. I think your older kids love playing those games, and the younger guys, they'll grow up."

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Derrick Thomas; 19 Now Committed To Tide For 2016; UA Football Fan Day Is August 9th; 4-Star Chadarius Townsend Commits To Tide

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Derrick Thomas

     He was born on January 1, 1967 and died too young, from a massive blood clot that developed in his paralyzed lower extremities and traveled to his lungs on February 8, 2000. His name is Derrick Vincent Thomas, one of the true greats to play the game of football at the University of Alabama and in the National Football League.

     Thomas was born in Miami, Florida and was raised by his mother. His father was Air Force Captain Robert James Thomas who died during a mission in Viet Nam Thomas began playing football at the age of three. He played his high school football at South Miami Senior High School.

     Thomas was part of one of the best Crimson Tide defenses ever, and personally smashed many Bama defensive records that included the number of sacks in a single season at 27. Thomas won the Butkus Award that season, 1988. He also finished in the Top 10 in Heisman Trophy balloting. He still holds the single season NCAA FBS sack record with those 27 sacks. He held the career sack record, at that time, with 52 sacks. He was named a unanimous All-American at the conclusion of that season. Thomas was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

     Selected fourth overall in the 1989 NFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, he went on to a stellar career. In fact, he would remain with the Chiefs throughout his NFL career.

      Thomas was awarded Defensive Rookie of the Year by Sporting News, and was the first Chief's linebacker to be elected to the Pro Bowl in his first season since Hall of Fame player Bobby Bell. During his career he would participate in nine Pro Bowls.

      Thomas was a master at sacking quarterbacks. He was named All-Pro six times. Thomas totaled 126.5 sacks during his career, ranking 12th all-time in NFL history, and still holds the single game record of 7 quarterback sacks.

     He is one of only 25 NFL players to achieve 100 or more sacks, and ranks fifth all-time in Chiefs' history with 649 career tackles. During his career, he also recorded 1 interception and recovered 19 fumbles, returning them for 161 yards and 4 touchdowns. Thomas set career records with the Chiefs for sacks, safeties, fumble recoveries, and forced fumbles. Off the field, Thomas established the Third and Long Foundation in 1990, which helps inner city youth learn to read and teaches life skills through educational and cultural programs.

     On January 31, 2009, Thomas was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his fifth year of eligibility.

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19 Now Commited To Tide For 2016

This is the complete list of the 18 University of Alabama football commitments for 2016 class as of July 20, 2015.

• T.J. Simmons, WR (6' 2", 185 lbs), Clay-Chalkville High School, Pinson, Ala.*
• Deonte Brown, OL (6' 3", 330 lbs), Austin High, Decatur, Ala.*
• Riley Cole, LB (6' 3", 210lbs), Oneonta High Schol, Oneonta, Ala.*
• Quinnen Williams, DL (6' 4", 265 lbs), Wenonah High School, Birmingham, Ala.*
• Shawn Jennings S (6'2", 218 lbs.), Dadeville High School, Dadeville, Ala.*
• Chris Owens, OL (6' 3", 312 lbs), Lamar High, Arlington, Texas
• Shyheim Carter, CB (6' 0", 185 lbs), Kentwood High, Kentwood, La.
• Raekwon Davis, DT (6' 7", 315 lbs), Meridian High, Meridian, Miss.
• Jonah Williams, OL (6' 5", 283 lbs), Folsom High, Folsom, Calif.
• Brendan Scales, TE (6' 4", 230 lbs), Lafayette, Ballwin, Mo.
• Joshua Perry, DB (6' 3", 190 lbs), Amite High, Amite, La.
• Kendell Jones, DT (6' 4", 360 lbs), Shoemaker High, Killeen, Texas
• Charles Baldwin, OL (6' 5", 305 lbs), ASA College, Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Jalen Hurts, QB (6' 2", 208lbs), Channelview High, Channelview, Texas
• Jaquan Yulee, LB (6' 0", 252 lbs), Indian River High, Chesapeake, Va.
• Eddy Pineiro, K (6' 1", 180 lbs), ASA College, Miami, Fla.
• Miller Forristall, TE (6' 5", 220lbs), Cartersville High School, Cartersville, Ga.
• Khalid Kareem, DE (6' 4", 260 lbs), Harrison High School, Farmington, Mich.
• B.J. Emmons, RB (5' 10", 232 lbs), Freedom High School, Morganton, N.C.

*In-state commitments

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UA Football Fan Day Is August 9th

     The annual University of Alabama Football Fan Day event has been set for 2015. For your opportunity to see a preseason Crimson Tide football game, head to Tuscaloosa on August 9th. The practice will be held in Bryant-Denny Stadium, and will run from 2:30 PM CDT to 4:30 PM. Autographs with coaches and players will begin at approximately 4:45 PM CDT.

     Admission is absolutely free. The gates will open at 1:30 PM at Gates 12 and 16.

     Those interested only in the autographs without sitting through the practice can line up at 1:30 PM at Gate 45.


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4-Star Chadarius Townsend Commits To Crimson Tide

     Four-star athlete Chadarius Townsend has announced his commitment to the University of Alabama, becoming the fifth commit for Bama in the 2017 class. The 6' 0", 180-pounder from Tanner High School is rated the number nine player in the state of Alabama and 20th in the country in the athlete category.

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Barry Krauss; 3-Star Shawn Jennings Commits To The Tide; Bama's Natalia Maynetto Wins Singles Tennis Title; UA Hosts UCA Spirit Camp In Tuscaloosa

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Barry Krauss

     Continuing our series on some of the greatest football players at the University of Alabama brings us to Barry Krauss. He was born on March 17, 1957, and not only played for the Crimson Tide, but went on to play professional football in the National Football League.

     Krauss played his high school football in Pompano Beach, Florida before being recruited by legendary Alabama head football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. He was an integral part of the University of Alabama's 1978 National championship football team. Krauss is probably remembered best for his stop of Penn State running back Mike Guman. Krauss stuck him short of the goal line in the 4th quarter to save the win and National Championship. The artist Daniel Moore immortalized Krauss in his famous "Goal Line Stand" painting.

     Krauss was a first round draft choice for the Baltimore Colts in 1979, playing with them ten seasons. He played his eleventh and final season with the Miami Dolphins. In those eleven seasons Krauss played in 152 games posting eight sacks and six interceptions.

     Krauss was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.


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3-Star Shawn Jennings Commits To The Tide

     6' 2", 218-pound 3-star Dadeville High School safety Shawn Jennings committed to the University of Alabama last night. He will join his brother, Anfernee, at the Capstone. When asked why he chose Alabama, it was Nick Saban, the facilities, and his brother that helped in the decision.

     The plan is for Shawn to play safety at Alabama, although weight could contribute to a possible future move to linebacker.  He played both safety on defense as well as quarterback on offense for the Dadeville Tigers.

     Though he says he may take other visits, he is "100 percent committed to Alabama for right now."


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Bama's Natalia Maynetto Wins Singles Tennis Title

Photo Credit: Roll Tide.com

     Number three seed Natalia Maynetto, a senior on the University of Alabama tennis team, captured the singles title in the  ITA Summer Circuit Tournament in Gainsville, Florida. The Florida native did Bama proud as she played her way through a field of 64 to claim the singles title. Maynetto defeated University of Florida's Peggy Porter, the number two seed, in the semi-finals. She then beat Arline Berkenbrock of the University of North Florida 7-6, 7-5 in the title match.

     Maynetto had a very successful junior season for the Alabama Crimson Tide. She won or shared in 23 victories in singles and doubles matches this season. Maynetto is a three-time ITA Scholar-Athlete.

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UA Hosts UCA Spirit Camp In Tuscaloosa

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Over 1,500 college cheerleaders from across the country attended the Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA) Spirit Camp in Tuscaloosa. College teams from the SEC, Big 12, ACC, Sun Belt, and Conference USA were all represented...and of course Alabama was well-represented. The All-Girl, Coed, and Big Al squads were all there, and began their new season working hard with 11 practices over an eight-day period. The camp is the largest in the United States, with UA hosting for over 20 years now.

     According to RollTide.com, the various teams learned new stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, cheers, and band cadences. The camp theme was "Game Day," and focused on school traditions while emphasizing improving crowd involvement at live events.

     The teams competed against each other by performing a sideline cheer as well as band cadence in a college game day reenactment. The Tide's All-Girl squad placed number one in the cheer and had top five finishes in the sideline, fight song, and overall game day competition. The Coed team won first place in the cheer, sideline, and fight song competition and were the overall game day champs. In addition, they captured the "most collegiate team" award as voted unanimously by UCA staffers.
On the final day, the teams competed against other squads in their divisions by performing a sideline, cheer, and band cadence in a college game day reenactment. Alabama’s All-Girl squad placed first in the cheer and had top 5 finishes in the sideline, fight song, and overall game day competition. Coed won first place in the cheer, sideline, and fight song competition and were the overall game day champs. The Coed team also received the highly coveted “most collegiate team” award as voted unanimously by UCA staffers.

     Big Al won the leadership award at camp. This award is voted on by the other mascots for the top program at the camp. He placed second in the camp championship which consisted of over 30 different mascot teams.

No. 1 Dual-Threat QB Tate Martell Likes The Tide; 5-Star Athlete Darnay Holmes Tweets Tide In Top 10; Greatest Names In Bama Football History-John Hannah; 5-Star DE Marlon Davidson Includes Tide In His Visits

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No. 1 Dual-Threat QB Martell Likes The Tide

     The No. 1 dual-threat quarterback in the nation for 2017, Tate Martell, tweeted this week that he has narrowed his college choices to five schools. These are his five sent from his Twitter account, in no specific order: Alabama, Texas A&M, Michigan, Washington, and USC.

     The 5'11", 180-pound five-star prospect out of Las Vegas, Nevada is ranked by 247Sports Composite Rankings as the No. 1 player at his position and the No. 11 overall player in the class of 2017.

     It is believed that Texas A&M and USC are the front-runners for his services.

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5-Star Athlete Darnay Holmes Tweets Tide In Top 10

     5' 11", 190-pound five-star Calabasas, California recruit Darnay Holmes has hit Twitter with his Top-10 list of favorite schools.  Holmes is the top-ranked athlete in the recruiting class of 2017 according to 247Sports Composite Rankings.

   Here are the 10 tweeted by Holmes as his favorite schools to play for:  Alabama, Arizona, Miami, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA, USC, and Washington.

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-John Hannah

     We continue to look at the greatest players ever to don the Crimson and White football uniform for the University of Alabama. Today we look at John Allen "Hawg" Hannah.

     Hannah was born on April 4, 1951 in Canton, Georgia. His dad, Herb, was an offensive lineman for the University of Alabama and then played tackle for the New York Giants in 1951. He has two brothers who also played at Alabama, Charlie and David. Charlie also went on to play in the NFL while David's football career ended at Bama with a knee injury.

     Though born in Georgia, Hannah was raised in Albertville, Alabama. (I was able to meet the family while managing two radio stations there.) He graduated from Albertville High School, and excelled at football, wrestling, and track at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He captured an individual  national championship in wrestling at the National Prep Championship in 1967. His senior season of football was played for the Albertville Aggies. He graduated in 1969.

     Hannah played tackle and guard for the Crimson Tide under legendary head football coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from  1970 to 1972. He earned All-American honors twice, was part of an SEC championship team, named to the University of Alabama All-Century Team, and to the Alabama 1970s All-Decade Team. Bryant would later state that Hannah was the greatest lineman he ever coached.

     Hannah joined the New England Patriots of the National Football League in 1973 as the 4th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft. He played his entire career with the Pats, 1973-1985. He was on the cover of Sports Illustrated on August 3, 1981 and dubbed, "The Best Offensive Lineman of All Time." He was named All-Pro 10 times, All-AFC 11 times, and played in 9 Pro Bowls as well as numerous other honors. Hannah was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

     Hannah was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

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5-Star DE Marlon Davidson Includes Tide In His Visits

     Though his decision as to where to continue his football career will not come until late November, five-star defensive end Marlon Davidson is taking advantage of the summer months and making visits, talking to coaches, and weighing his options.

     Many believe that the Auburn Tigers have the edge for his services since his older brother, Kenneth, played for the Tigers and is now on the coaching support staff. But Marlon says his recruitment is still open and is interested in those who are interested in him. He has made two trips to Auburn, as well as one apiece to Alabama and Georgia over a ten-day period. He is also being pursued by LSU, Florida State, Michigan, and several others.

     The Crimson Tide is recruiting the Greenville High School defensive end at the five-technique (spot) position, as are most of the other schools. Florida State is looking at him for a defensive tackle slot.

     With his decision planned for late November, and graduating in December, his plan is to enroll in college this next January.

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Steve Sloan; Tiders McCleney And Traina Participate In Pan Am Games; 3-Star LB Erroll Thompson To Announce Commitment This Friday

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Steve Sloan

     Our next great name in Alabama football history is Stephen Charles Sloan, born August 19,1944. He has been a player in high school, college, and in the National Football League. He served as a coach for several universities, and also served as an athletic director. To top it all off, Sloan is also an author.

     Sloan played quarterback at the University of Alabama from 1962 to 1965 under legendary head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. While at Bama the team compiled a record of 28-4-1. He then went on to play in the NFL for the Atlanta Falcons for the 1966 and 1967 seasons.

     In 1973 Sloan became the head coach at Vanderbilt University compiling a 12-9-2 record during his two seasons at the helm. Then on to Texas Tech University from 1975-1977 where he compiled a record of 23-12.  Next came a head coaching stint at the University of Mississippi from 1978-1982 with a record of 13-34-1. Duke University was Sloan's next head coaching job. He led the Blue Devils to a 13-31 record from 1983-1986.

     Following his coaching career Sloan went into the administration end of college football. He served as athletic director at the University of Alabama, the University of North Texas, University of Central Florida, and the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Sloan retired in 2006.

     Sloan was inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 2000. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

     Sloan is also the author of two books, Calling Life's Signals: The Steve Sloan Story (with James C. Hefley) and A Whole New Ball Game.

Sloan is the author of Calling Life's Signals: The Steve Sloan Story (with James C. Hefley) and A Whole New Ball Game.

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Tiders McCleney And Traina Participate In Pan Am Games

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Team USA fell to Canada yesterday in the championship game of the 2015 Pan American games 3-0 in extra innings. Current Alabama outfielder Haylie McCleney and former pitcher for the Tide, Jaclyn Traina both spent last week in Toronto, Canada last week as part of Team USA.

     Winning five games during the week put Team USA in the finals, outscoring their opponents 48-6 in the competition. Team USA had already beaten Canada in the two previous meetings at the Pan American Games by scores of 7-0 and 5-2. Canada's victory would be considered an upset, scoring three unearned runs in the eighth inning to break the scoreless tie.

     Traina pitched in five of the seven games played last week. She pitched in just over 10 innings and allowed only one earned run. McCleney went 6-14 (.429) at the plate scoring seven runs, five RBIs, and five walks. She successfully reached base in every game.


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3-Star Erroll Thompson To Announce Commitment This Friday

     3-star Florence linebacker recruit Erroll Thompson plans to make his college choice known this Friday at Florence High School in Florence, Alabama. Just last week the No. 17 prospect in the state of Alabama told AL.com that he would wait to make an announcement until he felt he could make the right decision, and that he "might have to wait it out a little bit more."
 
     Though the 6'2", 250-pounder still lists Alabama, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Michigan, and Louisville as his top 5. 247Sports predicts Mississippi State will win the young man's services.

Bama-FSU Making Big Bucks For 2017 Chick-Fil-A-Kickoff; Bama Basketball Adds Oregon To Schedule; 4-Star Running Back Jordan Stevenson Looking At Bama

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Bama-FSU Making Big Bucks For 2017 Chick-Fil-A-Kickoff

     The contracts have been signed by the University of Alabama and Florida State University to play the 2017 Chick-Fil-A-Kickoff at New Atlanta Stadium in Georgia. The details of the deal were made public over the weekend and, according to the Tallahassee Democrat, it's a doozy. Their records request shows not only will both the Alabama Crimson Tide and Florida State Seminoles be paid a whopping $5 million each, but other perks are included in the agreement.

     Florida State also receives 100 complimentary hotel rooms the night before the game, free tickets to the College Football Hall of Fame, and a $50,000 scholarship as part of their deal.

     Though a kickoff time has not yet been set, the game will be played Septemeber 2, 2017. Alabama has been designated the home team and will wear their traditional crimson home uniform. The network to televise the game has not yet been determined.

     It should be noted that Alabama will receive $6.5 million to play in the 2016 Cowboys Classic in Dallas, Texas. The contract is also set in such a way as to bring the Tide back in either 2019 or 2020.


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Bama Basketball Adds Oregon To Schedule

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama men's basketball team has added another quality opponent for the 2015 season. Bama head coach Avery Johnson announced Friday that the Crimson Tide round-ballers will face the Oregon Ducks in Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The scheduled tip-off is Monday, December 21st with the time still to be determined.

     Coach Johnson said, "We are looking forward to playing a quality team such as Oregon, but we are even more thrilled for the opportunity to play in front of our fans in Birmingham at Legacy Arena. This is something that will be exciting for the University of Alabama fan base, our players, and our staff. It's been five years since an Alabama men's basketball team has played in Birmingham, so this is something we hope to continue on a yearly basis."

     Bama's last game in Birmingham was in 2011 when Oklahoma State came to town. The upcoming event is being sponsored by the Knight-Eady Sports Group.

     The contest between Alabama and Oregon will be the first game of a home-and-home series between the two teams. Alabama will travel to Eugene, Oregon during the 2016-17 campaign.                                      
     Alabama and Oregon have met only twice before, both of which took place in a neutral location. The Tide and Ducks split those two games. Oregon went 26-10 last season and was a number eight seed in the NCAA tourney, eventually falling to national runner-up Wisconsin in the Round of 32.

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4-Star Running Back Jordan Stevenson Looking At Bama

     Four-Star recruit Jordan Stevenson did not meet enrollment requirements to play for the Wisconsin Badgers and is on the market again. It should be noted that Dallas, Texas native does meet the requirements set by the NCAA enrollment standards, but the Badger signee did not meet the school's requirements.

     Numerous schools are now vying for Stevenson's services, including the University of Alabama. According to 247Sports, Stevenson has spoken with head coach Nick Saban as well as three Bama assistants. Oregon State and Nebraska are reported to be high on his list as well.

     247Sports reports that they have spoken with Stevenson and that he has been released from Wisconsin and is planning to make his decision within the week.
       
     Stevenson is 5'8", 180-pounds and is the No. 204 overall recruit in the class of 2015 according to the 247Sports composite rankings. As a senior at South Oak Cliff High School he racked up 2,511 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns.
                   

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Joe Namath; Bama Basketball Adds Oregon To Schedule; Some Interesting Sports Lists And Information

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Joe Namath

     Today we take a look at Joseph William Namath as our next former Bama great. He was known as Joe Willie to many, and Broadway Joe to others, but will forever be known by the Alabama faithful as one of the most revered and controversial players ever to don the Crimson and White.

     Namath was born on May 31, 1943 in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania. He played as a quarterback for the University of Alabama in college, and then the New York Jets and the Los Angeles Rams professionally.

     Namath played his college ball at the University of Alabama under legendary coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1962 to 1964. He led Bama to a National Championship in 1964, and was 29-4 as Alabama's quarterback. Bryant called Namath "the greatest athlete I ever coached." Namath returned Bryant's praise, often referring to him as "not only the smartest coach I ever knew, but the man who taught me the meaning of integrity." Namath was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985, and broke down during his induction speech when mentioning Bryant who had died of a heart attack in 1983.

     Though suffering a serious knee injury during his senior season at Alabama, Namath was drafted by both the National Football League and the new American Football League. The two competing leagues held their respective drafts on the same day, November 28, 1964.

     Namath was selected 12th overall in the NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals. The New York Jets of the AFL selected him with the first overall pick. He elected to sign with the Jets, who were under the direction of Hall of Fame owner Sonny Werblin, for a salary of more than $400,000 (a pro football record at the time).

     Namath was the American Football League Rookie of the year in 1965 and became the first professional quarterback to pass for 4,000 yards in a single season (1967), a feat which remained a record for the 14-game seasons that were played back at that time.  He was a four-time American Football League All-Star, although he was plagued with knee injuries through much of his career. Later in life, long after he left football, he had to have knee replacement surgery on both legs.
   
     In his 13-year career as a professional, Namath had a record of 77 wins, 108 losses, and 3 ties. In the AFL and NFL he played on three division champions, the 1968 and 1969 AFL East Champion New York Jets, and the 1977 NFC West Champion Rams. He and his team earned one league championship in 1968 winning the AFL Championship with the New York Jets, then on to win one Superbowl, Super Bowl III, withe the same team.

     Namath threw three touchdown passes to lead New York to a 27-23 win over the defending American Football League Champion Oakland Raiders in the 1968 title game. His performance in the 1968 season earned him the Hickok Belt as top professional athlete of the year. Namath was an AFL All-Star four times, in 1965, 1967, 1968, and 1969. He was a AFC-NFC Pro Bowler in 1972. Besides having the Hall of Fame distinction, he is a member of the Jets' all-time team and the American Football League All-Time Team.

      The game for which Namath will always be remembered was his performance in the Jets' January 1969 win over the Baltimore Colts in the AFL-NFL World Championship Game, now referred to as the Super Bowl. The Colts were being billed as "the greatest football team in history". There was a lot of animosity between the upstart AFL and the established NFL. Former NFL star and coach Norm Van Brocklin ridiculed the AFL before the game, saying "This will be Namath's first professional football game." Writers from NFL cities insisted it would take the AFL several more years to be truly competitive with the NFL. Much of the hype surrounding the game was related to how it would either prove or disprove the proposition that the AFL teams were truly worthy of being allowed to merge with the NFL; the first two such games had resulted in blowout victories for the NFL champion in the two previous years, the Green Bay Packers, and the Colts were even more favored by media figures and handicappers than the Packers had been.

     Then came the famous prediction, or promise, as it may be. Three days before the game, Namath responded to a heckler with the now-famous line: "We'll win the game. I guarantee you." His words eventually made headlines across the country, but were dismissed as mere bravado by most observers.

    But Broadway Joe backed up his boast inn the game. He proved that his success against tough American Football League competition had more than prepared him to take on the NFL. The Colts' vaunted defense was unable to contain the Jets' running or passing game, while their ineffective offense gave up four interceptions to the Jets. Namath was named  the game's Most Valuable Player, completing eight passes to George Sauer alone, for 133 yards. Namath acquired legendary status for American Football League fans as the symbol of their league's legitimacy.

     It wasn't long after this that Namath grew his famous  Fu Manchu moustache, which contrasted him even more with his clean-shaven peers. In probably the most touted act in the history of shaving, Namath shaved his mustache off in a television commercial for Remington electric razors for a fee of $10,000.

     Then a little controversy for Namath, which really wasn't knew for the famous quarterback. After the season, Namath opened a popular Upper East Side bar called "Bachelors III", which quickly became frequented by social undesirables, with plans to open branches in Florida and Boston. To protect the league's reputation, the NFL Commissioner, Pete Rozelle, ordered Namath to divest himself of his interest in the bar. Namath reacted defiantly, retiring from football during a teary news conference. His presence on Sunday afternoons meant millions of dollars in television ad revenue for the NFL, and panic ensued at the NFL offices. Working through intermediaries, a meeting between Namath and Rozelle was arranged and lasted well into the night. A compromise was reached, and it was decided that  Namath would sell his share of the New York Bachelors III only. He would retain his shares of the Boston and Miami locations, as well as any that might open in the future. After missing most of training camp, Namath came out of retirement and reported to the Jets.

     Namath enjoyed an acting career, appearing in several movies and starring in a brief 1978 television series, The Waverly Wonders. He guest-starred on The Brady Bunch, The Flip Wilson Show, Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In, The Dean Martin Show, The Simpsons, The A-Team and The John Larroquette Show. He was guest host on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson several times, as well as hosting his own show, the 1969 cult classic The Joe Namath Show (co-hosted by Dick Schaap) with its eclectic guest pairings and open-bar attitude.

     For a time Namath was also used as a color commentator on broadcasts of NFL games, including the 1985 season of Monday Night Football, but never seemed to be particularly comfortable in this role and slightly over-critical of then current players.

     Namath graduated from the University of Alabama on Decmeber 15, 2007.

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Bama Basketball Adds Oregon To Schedule

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama men's basketball team has added another quality opponent for the 2015 season. Bama head coach Avery Johnson announced Friday that the Crimson Tide round-ballers will face the Oregon Ducks in Legacy Arena in Birmingham, Alabama. The scheduled tip-off is Monday, December 21st with the time still to be determined.

     Coach Johnson said, "We are looking forward to playing a quality team such as Oregon, but we are even more thrilled for the opportunity to play in front of our fans in Birmingham at Legacy Arena. This is something that will be exciting for the University of Alabama fan base, our players, and our staff. It's been five years since an Alabama men's basketball team has played in Birmingham, so this is something we hope to continue on a yearly basis."

     Bama's last game in Birmingham was in 2011 when Oklahoma State came to town. The upcoming event is being sponsored by the Knight-Eady Sports Group.

     The contest between Alabama and Oregon will be the first game of a home-and-home series between the two teams. Alabama will travel to Eugene, Oregon during the 2016-17 campaign.                                        
     Alabama and Oregon have met only twice before, both of which took place in a neutral location. The Tide and Ducks split those two games. Oregon went 26-10 last season and was a number eight seed in the NCAA tourney, eventually falling to national runner-up Wisconsin in the Round of 32.                                            

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Some Interesting Sports Lists And Information

     Sports movies have become a part of Americana. Men and women alike enjoy sports movies, but usually for different reasons. We have below listed movies in various categories according to sport as well inspiration. So, enjoy the lists.
   
     Here is a list of the top 10 football movies according to Audience Choice:
 10. The Replacements
  9. Varsity Blues
  8. We are Marshall
  7. Friday Night Lights
  6. The Longest Yard (original Burt Reynolds)
  5. Rudy
  4. The Waterboy
  3. The Blind Side
  2. Jerry MaGuire
  1. Remember The Titans


     Here is a list of the top 10 baseball movies according to Baseball America:
10. Major League
  9. The Sandlot
  8. A League Of Their Own
  7. The Natural
  6. The Bad News Bears
  5. The Pride Of The Yankees
  4. Eight Men Out
  3. Bang The Drum Slowly
  2. Field Of Dreams
  1. Bull Durham


     Here is a list of the top 10 basketball movies according to BleacherReport.com
10. Celtic Pride
  9. Blue Chips
  8. Love And Basketball
  7. White Men Can't Jump
  6. Coach Carter
  5. Space Jam
  4. Above The Rim
  3. Hoop Dreams
  2. Hoosiers
  1. He Got Game


     Here is a list of the top 10 soccer movies according to SportsInMovies.com:
10. Shaolin Soccer
  9. Bend It Like Beckham
  8. When Saturday Comes
  7. Those Glory, Glory Days
  6. Victory
  5. Merry Christmas
  4. Will
  3. Goal! The Dream Begins
  2. The Damned United
  1. United


     How many sports movies have won an Oscar for Best Picture?
Only three have won the award. They are: Rocky (1976), Chariots of Fire (1981), and Million Dollar Baby (2004).

     How many sports are there in the world?
According to the World Sports Encyclopedia (2003) there are 8,000 indigenous sports and sporting games.


     What are the top 10 sports in the world?
10. Golf
  9. American Football / Rugby
  8. Baseball
  7. Table Tennis
  6. Volleyball
  5. Tennis
  4. Hockey
  3. Basketball
  2. Cricket
  1. Soccer (3.3 to 3.5 billion fans worldwide)

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Billy Neighbors; 3-Star Shawn Jennings Narrows List To 3 Schools; Tide Receives All-Academic Honors

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Billy Neighbors

     The University of Alabama has many great names associated with its storied history. Many have gone on to professional football careers in the National Football League or American Football League, others to successful careers in business, and still others in the entertainment industry.

     Today we take a look at another great name in Alabama football. His name is William Wesley "Billy" Neighbors.

     Neighbors was born on February 4, 1940. As a member of the Alabama Crimson Tide he attained All-American status. After his college career he was selected in the sixth round of the 1962 AFL Draft, and was also drafted in the fourth round of the 1962 NFL Draft Day by the Washington Redskins. He chose to play in the American Football League for the Boston Patriots, and played from 1962 until 1969 in the guard position.

     Of note, Billy's son Wes also played football for the University of Alabama. He was an All-SEC center from 1984 to 1986.

     Billy Neighbors died of a heart attack on April 30, 2012.

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3-Star Shawn Jennings Narrows List to 3

     Dadeville, Alabama three-star athlete Shawn Jennings has narrowed his list of schools to Alabama, Auburn, and Memphis. Jennings still plans a July 28th announcement date, just four days from now.

     Jennings is listed as the 25th best player in the state of Alabama, according to Scout.com. He has been a highly sought-after commodity, and Bama has been going after him hard.

     The best recruiting minds believe Jennings will choose the Crimson Tide this coming Tuesday. Jennings is currently enrolled at the University of Alabama, so it is thought he'd like to spend some of his college future with big brother.

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Bama Gymnast Kim Jacob Named SEC Nominee For NCAA Woman Of The Year

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     University of Alabama student-athletes regularly are in the limelight because of their talent. Many have worked for years, sacrificing things that other children, and eventually as young adults, take for granted in order to excel at their chosen sport. And the best of the best receive the recognition deserved for such an accomplishment.

     One of those deserving student-athletes is University of Alabama gymnast Kim Jacob. Yesterday she was named the Southeastern Conference nominee for the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year. This prestigious award in now in its 25th year honoring graduating female college athletes who have exhausted their eligibility  and distinguished themselves throughout their collegiate careers in academics, athletics, service, and leadership.

     Thirty nominees, ten from each of the three NCAA divisions, will be selected and then narrowed to three in each of the divisions. Finally, the members of the NCAA Committee on Women's Athletics will select the 2015 NCAA Woman of the Year from those top nine finalists. The winner will be announced on Sunday, October 18th.

     Alabama's representative, Jacob, was an 11-time All-American and 2014 NCAA all-around champion. She played on the 2011 and 2012 national championship teams as well as SEC championship teams in 2011 and 2014.

     Jacob has a 4.0 grade point average, and is the first student-athlete in league history to earn SEC Gymnastics Scholar-Athlete of the Year honors three years in a row. She is an NCAA Postgraduate Scholarship winner, and was on the SEC Community Service Team as a junior and senior.

     After earning the 2014 NCAA all-around championship, she won the Honda Award for Gymnastics honoring the nation's top gymnast. She then became the first Alabama student-athlete to win the Honda Cup. To top it off she was honored as the nations top scholar being named the Capital One Academic All-America of the Year, recognizing her as the top student in all of NCAA Division I, regardless of sport or gender.

     "I am so proud to be a part of the University of Alabama's tradition of excellence and to be recognized in this amazing way by the Southeastern Conference," Jacob said. "I am truly awestruck by the championship legacy that I have had the privilege to be a part of both at Alabama and as part of SEC. I have to thank my family, my teachers, my coaches and especially my teammates for everything that I've accomplished. Their support, love and constant encouragement provided the platform for all the success that I enjoyed."

     Former Alabama head gymnastics coach Sarah Patterson said, "I am incredibly excited that Kim has been honored by the Southeastern Conference as its NCAA Woman of the Year candidate. To me, she represents what this award is all about -- balancing everything it takes to be a champion in the classroom, community and as a competitor. Kim was one of the finest leaders I had the opportunity to work with because she was the epitome of excellence in all areas of her life. Now she is being recognized as the best of the best by the nation's finest conference - an honor of which she is most deserving."

     Current Alabama head gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth said, "The word that describes all the amazing honors Kim has earned is excellence. It is an awesome accomplishment that she made history as the first student to ever be named both the National Woman Athlete of the Year and NCAA Division I's top scholar. She is once again being recognized for her amazing career as the SEC's nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year. Kim Jacob is a shining example of the fact that at Alabama, you can truly have it all. We applaud Kim for all she's done and I am beyond proud to have her as a part of my first staff. She is a shining example to us all."

     Alabama student-athletes have been the Southeastern Conference's nominee four times in the past four years with Jacob joining gymnast Ashley Priess (2013), golfer Brooke Pancake (2012) and softball player Brittany Rogers (2010).

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Tide Receives All-Academic Honors

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama track and field women have been honored by the USTFCCCA as a 2015 All-Academic Team, and 17 members of the men's and women's team have earned the association's All-Academic honors.

    UA head coach Dan Waters commented, "The balance between academic and athletic excellence is extremely important to us and I feel like these latest honors really drive that point home."

     RollTide.com reports that Alabama's women were the only team in 2015 to finish in the top-20 nationally both indoors and outdoors, as well as post better than a 3.4 team grade point average. The Crimson Tide women came in with a 3.48 GPA, and finished 17th at the NCAA Indoor Championships and 20th at the NCAA Outdoor Championships.

     Leading the honors for the Crimson Tide is Quanesha Burks, winning the 2015 NCAA outdoor long jump championship while carrying a 3.6 cumulative GPA. She was one of twelve members of the Alabama women's team to earn the coaches' association All-Academic honor. The others are Nia Barnes, Filippa Fotopoulou, Alex Gholston, Katelyn Greenleaf, Danielle McConnell, Sarah Thomas, Lacey Dent, Meropi Panagiotou, Anna Rawles, Haley Teel, and Merilyn Uudmae.

     For the men, it was 2014 NCAA discus champion Hayden Reed, again earning both All-America and All-Academic honors in 2015. Also on the All-Academic list was All-American Jacopo Lahbi, as well as Matt Airola, Joe Williams and Jacob Zalesky.
     

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Lee Roy Jordan; Shortstop Sydney Booker Transferring To UA To Play Softball; Bama Standout Quanesha Burks Represents U.S. In Pan Am Games

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Lee Roy Jordan

     As we continue to look at the names that stand out in the storied history of University of Alabama football, we move now to one that probably is known by most every Bama fan, Lee Roy Jordan.

     Jordan was born on April 27, 1941 in Excel in Monroe County, Alabama. He played linebacker for UA from 1960 to 1962, then went on to a career in the National Football League as a linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys from 1963 to 1976.

     In his sophomore season in 1960 with the Tide, Jordan helped Bama to an 8-2-1 record. They finished the year with a 3-3 tie with the University of Texas at Austin in the Bluebonnet Bowl. Jordan was named Most Valuable Player of the game.

     Jordan's junior season saw the Crimson Tide going 11-0 during the regular season, as well as winning the national championship.

     His final season with the Tide saw Jordan as a first team All-American and helped his team to a 10-1 record. Bama defeated Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl that year, and Jordan was named outstanding player of the game with 31 tackles in the 17-0 win.

     His head football coach, Paul "Bear" Bryant once said of Jordan,"He was one of the finest football players the world has ever seen. If runners stayed between the sidelines, he tackled them. He never had a bad day, he was 100 percent every day in practice and in the games."

     Today Bama football awards the Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award to the top lineman every year.

     Jordan was inducted in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1983. He became a member of the College Football Hall of Fame in 1983, then in 1989 he became the seventh member of the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor at Texas Stadium.

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Shortstop Sydney Booker Transferring To UA

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     The University of Alabama football team isn't the only squad picking up quality commitments. Alabama head softball coach Patrick Murphy announces the addition of former Southeastern Louisiana shortstop Sydney Booker, who is transferring to the Capstone as a sophomore.

     The Madison, Alabama native was a Top 25 finalist for the NFCA Freshman of the Year award last season with the Lady Lions. She will have three years of eligibility remaining.

     Coach Murphy said, "We are really excited about the addition of Sydney to the Alabama softball family. She comes from a very athletic family, including her father (David) who played football at Alabama for Coach Bryant. She will make our team better the next three years.”

     Booker was the primary shortstop for Southeastern Louisiana, starting all 52 games last season.  She set single-season school records in RBIs with 49 and triples with eight. Booker finished second on the team with a .362 batting average, including nine doubles and eight home runs. She was named Second Team All-Louisiana by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association and Third Team All-Southland Conference.

     Booker played her high school softball at Bob Jones High School in Madison. She was an All-South Region and All-State honoree. During her career Booker .403. During her senior season she went .489 with 23 doubles and 51 runs.

     As mentioned earlier, Booker’s father, David, played football at the University of Alabama. He is a former offensive lineman, and  played on Bama's 1979 national championship team.

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Bama Standout Quanesha Burks Represents U.S. In Pan Am Games

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     It looks like another University of Alabama athlete is again making the national spotlight. According to RollTide.com, University of Alabama track and field standout Quanesha Burks will be representing the U.S. at the 2015 Pan American Games beginning today. She will, of course, be competing in the long jump. 

     This is the second straight year that Burks will be participating in international competition. She finished in second place in the long jump last year at the 2014 World Junior Championships.

     Bama head coach Dan Waters said, "This is a tremendous honor for Quanesha to be able to jump against some of the world's best. It is a continuation of her amazing season and the experience will be invaluable to her."

     To see more on this story go to www.rolltide.com .

Running Back Xavian Marks Signs With Crimson Tide Football; Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Pat Trammell

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RB Xavian Marks Signs With Crimson Tide Football

     You read that headline right. Bama has 3-star running back Xavian Marks signed, sealed, and soon to be delivered. BamaOnline reports that Marks has signed his letter of intent and will attend the University of Alabama not only to play football but to also run track.

     Marks has speed of which Olympic dreams are made. He runs a 10.39 in the 100 meters. He would be a great addition to the Crimson Tide backfield. Oh, and he will be in school this fall.

     It should also be noted that Xavian's brother, Torin, will be coming to Bama football also as a preferred walk on. Torin is listed as a defensive back.


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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Pat Trammell

 
     Next on our list of the greatest players to ever wear the Crimson and white is Pat Trammell, who was born in Scottsboro, Alabama on July 11, 1940. He is the son of  Dr. and Mrs. E.L. Trammell.

     Trammell attended Scottsboro High School, where he earned All-County, All-State, All-Southern, and All-American honors as quarterback for the Wildcats. Some of the highlights of his high school sports career include tossing five touchdown passes in a single game as well as being named during his senior year the state's most valuable high school basketball player.

     He had initially planned to go to Georgia Tech to continue his football career, but enter Alabama football head coach Paul "Bear" Bryant. Just prior to the public announcement that Bryant was coming to Alabama, he visited the Trammell home and was able to convince Pat not to go to Georgia Tech. Of course, as they say, the rest is history. Trammell committed to the University of Alabama. Or more correctly, to the Bear.

     Trammell's first season at Bama was 1959, with a season record of 7-2-2. Bama went to the Liberty Bowl, which was played in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania back then, and was beaten 7-0 by Penn State University.

     Bama won the SEC during Trammell's second season in 1960, posting a record of 8-1-2. They then played in the Bluebonnet Bowl in Houston, Texas where UA and the University of Texas played to a 3-3 tie.

     His college career concluded in 1961 with a perfect 11-0 record, a 10-3 win over Arkansas in the Sugar Bowl, and a National Championship. Trammell was named All-American, SEC Player of the Year, and 1961 Collegiate Player of the Year by the Atlanta Touchdown Club.

     While Trammell had an opportunity of playing professional football, Bear convinced him to go to medical school instead. He went on to a successful career in dermatology, until cancer struck. Trammell passed away on December 10, 1968 at the young age of 28, leaving a wife and two small children.

     Trammell was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1975.

Pat Trammell (1940-1968) was the quarterback for the University of Alabama (UA) Crimson Tide football team from 1958 to 1961. A member of Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's first freshman class, Trammell earned All-American honors and led Alabama to a National Championship in 1961. UA had a 26-3-4 record in his three years as a starting quarterback. Trammell lost a battle with cancer only two years after earning his M.D. degree from the Medical College of Alabama (now the University of Alabama School of Medicine). - See more at: http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-2029#sthash.DdGtJPVE.dpuf

Pat Trammell (1940-1968) was the quarterback for the University of Alabama (UA) Crimson Tide football team from 1958 to 1961. A member of Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's first freshman class, Trammell earned All-American honors and led Alabama to a National Championship in 1961. UA had a 26-3-4 record in his three years as a starting quarterback. Trammell lost a battle with cancer only two years after earning his M.D. degree from the Medical College of Alabama (now the University of Alabama School of Medicine). - See more at: http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-2029#sthash.DdGtJPVE.dpuf

Pat Trammell (1940-1968) was the quarterback for the University of Alabama (UA) Crimson Tide football team from 1958 to 1961. A member of Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant's first freshman class, Trammell earned All-American honors and led Alabama to a National Championship in 1961. UA had a 26-3-4 record in his three years as a starting quarterback. Trammell lost a battle with cancer only two years after earning his M.D. degree from the Medical College of Alabama (now the University of Alabama School of Medicine). - See more at: http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-2029#sthash.DdGtJPVE.dpuf

Saban Talks Quarterback Battle At Bama; Greatest Names In Bama Football History; Saban Addresses Criticism; Tide Picks Up 4-Star Running Back Emmons; Bama Football Now Has 18 Committed For 2016

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Saban Talks Quarterback Battle At Bama

Photo Credit: RollTide.com

     Last week during SEC Media Days Alabama Crimson Tide head football coach Nick Saban talked about the pride he had in this year's squad because of their hard work, determination, and commitment to doing the right things.

     Monday, Saban answered some criticisms tossed his way by a former Michigan State player, as well as others in the media and coaching ranks. Saban was also asked about Alabama's current quarterback battle for the starting position.

     The former four-star recruit from Oklahoma, David Cornwell, has been looking really good this summer, as has been working with a well-respected quarterback coach to improve his timing, speed, footwork, and decision-making.

     Saban said, "David Cornwell is a young player who is very smart, understands the offense extremely well, does a good job of executing, has arm talent. But with all these guys, the speed of the game changes how they perform. If they don't make quick decisions, process information quickly and be able to get the ball out of their hand so that they don't create negative plays by holding onto the ball and waiting to see (receivers) open. This is going to be the thing for the young quarterbacks...and all our quarterbacks."

     The starting job for 2015 appears to be a duel between young Cornwell and Florida State transfer Jacob Coker. Many expected Coker to waltz into Tuscaloosa last year and take the job. Of course, Blake Sims had other ideas and took the job himself. And Coker, while appearing to having a slight edge this season, is in yet another battle with Cornwell this time.

     Saban defended Coker on ESPN on Monday. He said there were "unfair expectations for Jake Coker a year ago. He spoke of Coker not getting any spring practice in, no experience in the Tide offense, no first-hand game-time knowledge of the playbook, etc. So he says that it's "a much more level playing field for him this year, and he's made progress in the spring and done a good job this summer."

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History

     Perhaps in this day and age our next player for the University of Alabama is not as well known, yet he will remain one of the greatest names in Alabama football history.

     Frederick William Pickhard, Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama on July 20, 1906 to Frederick William Pickhard and Estella Guise.

     Pickhard was a tackle for the Crimson Tide, was selected All-Southern and second-team All-American in 1926 and 1927, and was instrumental in several Alabama victories. He blocked the punt against Sewanee in 1926 that led to the safety that secured the win and Bama's undefeated season. He also blocked two punts by LSU in the following game which led to two scores. There were only 16 blocked punts that resulted in scores that year in all of college football, and Pickhard had three of them.

     Pickhard was captain of Bama's 1927 team, and was selected Most Valuable Player in the 1927 Rose Bowl in which the Crimson Tide tied Sanford.

     When his football career ended, Pickhard moved to Oregon in 1938 and married Lucile Hoober. The two had three children and nine grandchildren. He died of heart failure at home on April 11, 1993 and is buried at the Portland Memorial Mausoleum.


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Saban Addresses Criticism

     Alabama head football coach Nick Saban appeared on two ESPN programs yesterday, addressing some issues/fallout from some of last week's comments during SEC Media Days.

     Saban dealt kindly concerning Plaxio Burress, one of Michigan State's stars when Saban was head coach there. He disagreed with Saban's comments concerning "players chasing the NFL", and said point-blank that his former coach lied about his departure from East Lansing when he left to take the head coaching job at LSU in 1999.

     Saban said, "Plaxico Burress was a great player for us. He was a fantastic player. He had a great career. He made the right decision to go out for the draft. He was a first-round draft pick. He had a great career as a pro player. I'm proud of what Plaxico Burress has been able to accomplish.

     "I've never knowingly told a player an information that I get from someone else. And I can't even remember the conversation. I actually left Michigan State right after the Penn State game. I didn't stay for the bowl game when I went to LSU and that was Plax's senior year. We're proud of what he's been able to do and we're happy to see him have as much success as he's had," Saban said on ESPN's First Take.

     Later Saban spoke on "The Herd" and and said that he had not ever "knowing or willingly not told the truth to any player." Burress claimed that Saban told him to stay at Michigan State, but as everyone knows he did not and was the No. 8 pick in the 2000 draft.

     Saban addressed the wide range of criticism he's faced, saying it's the time in which we live. He said, "I think our focus is on doing the best we can to help our players personally, athletically, and academically...and help them launch their careers when they leave so they get the best opportunities in life. I want our players to focus on the vision they have, not on the circumstances they're in.

     "So sometimes, this criticism needs to be deflected on me and I'm fine with that. But I also think there are some things that need to be said, whether people want to hear them or not. I still think they need to be said and I'm going to say them. If there's going to be some criticism...I don't think every body's going to agree with everything I say, but with social media and the way things are right now, I think when you make statements sometimes, some body's going to  take issue with it."

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Crimson Tide Picks Up 4-Star RB B.J. Emmons

     It would appear Alabama football has picked up another commitment for 2016.. This one from four-star running back B.J. Emmons out of Freedom High School in Morganton, North Carolina. According to BamaOnline, the decision to commit to the University of Alabama came after an unofficial visit to the school last week.

     From all indications he really enjoyed the coaches at Alabama during his visit and that played heavily into his decision to go ahead and make the commitment now. It is understood that not only did B.J. make the trip to Bama, but was accompanied by his family.

     Emmons had formerly committed to Georgia and backed off. Tennessee and Alabama were both going after him pretty hard. Bama came up the winner.

     The 5' 10", 232-pounder is rated by 247Sports Composite rankings as the number four running back in the nation, as well as the number eight overall player.

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Bama Football Now Has18 Committed For 2016

This is the complete list of the 18 University of Alabama football commitments for 2016 class as of July 20, 2015.

• T.J. Simmons, WR (6' 2", 185 lbs), Clay-Chalkville High School, Pinson, Ala.*
• Deonte Brown, OL (6' 3", 330 lbs), Austin High, Decatur, Ala.*
• Riley Cole, LB (6' 3", 210lbs), Oneonta High Schol, Oneonta, Ala.*
• Quinnen Williams, DL (6' 4", 265 lbs), Wenonah High School, Birmingham, Ala.*
• Chris Owens, OL (6' 3", 312 lbs), Lamar High, Arlington, Texas
• Shyheim Carter, CB (6' 0", 185 lbs), Kentwood High, Kentwood, La.
• Raekwon Davis, DT (6' 7", 315 lbs), Meridian High, Meridian, Miss.
• Jonah Williams, OL (6' 5", 283 lbs), Folsom High, Folsom, Calif.
• Brendan Scales, TE (6' 4", 230 lbs), Lafayette, Ballwin, Mo.
• Joshua Perry, DB (6' 3", 190 lbs), Amite High, Amite, La.
• Kendell Jones, DT (6' 4", 360 lbs), Shoemaker High, Killeen, Texas
• Charles Baldwin, OL (6' 5", 305 lbs), ASA College, Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Jalen Hurts, QB (6' 2", 208lbs), Channelview High, Channelview, Texas
• Jaquan Yulee, LB (6' 0", 252 lbs), Indian River High, Chesapeake, Va.
• Eddy Pineiro, K (6' 1", 180 lbs), ASA College, Miami, Fla.
• Miller Forristall, TE (6' 5", 220lbs), Cartersville High School, Cartersville, Ga.
• Khalid Kareem, DE (6' 4", 260 lbs), Harrison High, Farmington, Mich.
• B.J. Emmons, RB (5' 10", 232 lbs), Freedom High, Morganton, N.C.

*In-state commitments

Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Fred Pickhard; Saban Addresses Criticism; Crimson Tide Picks Up 4-Star Running Back B.J. Emmons; Bama Football Now Has 18 Commited For 2016

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History

     Perhaps in this day and age our next player for the University of Alabama is not as well known, yet he will remain one of the greatest names in Alabama football history.

     Frederick William Pickhard, Jr. was born in Mobile, Alabama on July 20, 1906 to Frederick William Pickhard and Estella Guise.

     Pickhard was a tackle for the Crimson Tide, was selected All-Southern and second-team All-American in 1926 and 1927, and was instrumental in several Alabama victories. He blocked the punt against Sewanee in 1926 that led to the safety that secured the win and Bama's undefeated season. He also blocked two punts by LSU in the following game which led to two scores. There were only 16 blocked punts that resulted in scores that year in all of college football, and Pickhard had three of them.

     Pickhard was captain of Bama's 1927 team, and was selected Most Valuable Player in the 1927 Rose Bowl in which the Crimson Tide tied Sanford.

     When his football career ended, Pickhard moved to Oregon in 1938 and married Lucile Hoober. The two had three children and nine grandchildren. He died of heart failure at home on April 11, 1993 and is buried at the Portland Memorial Mausoleum.


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Saban Addresses Criticism

     Alabama head football coach Nick Saban appeared on two ESPN programs yesterday, addressing some issues/fallout from some of last week's comments during SEC Media Days.

     Saban dealt kindly concerning Plaxio Burress, one of Michigan State's stars when Saban was head coach there. He disagreed with Saban's comments concerning "players chasing the NFL", and said point-blank that his former coach lied about his departure from East Lansing when he left to take the head coaching job at LSU in 1999.

     Saban said, "Plaxico Burress was a great player for us. He was a fantastic player. He had a great career. He made the right decision to go out for the draft. He was a first-round draft pick. He had a great career as a pro player. I'm proud of what Plaxico Burress has been able to accomplish.

     "I've never knowingly told a player an information that I get from someone else. And I can't even remember the conversation. I actually left Michigan State right after the Penn State game. I didn't stay for the bowl game when I went to LSU and that was Plax's senior year. We're proud of what he's been able to do and we're happy to see him have as much success as he's had," Saban said on ESPN's First Take.

     Later Saban spoke on "The Herd" and and said that he had not ever "knowing or willingly not told the truth to any player." Burress claimed that Saban told him to stay at Michigan State, but as everyone knows he did not and was the No. 8 pick in the 2000 draft.

     Saban addressed the wide range of criticism he's faced, saying it's the time in which we live. He said, "I think our focus is on doing the best we can to help our players personally, athletically, and academically...and help them launch their careers when they leave so they get the best opportunities in life. I want our players to focus on the vision they have, not on the circumstances they're in.

     "So sometimes, this criticism needs to be deflected on me and I'm fine with that. But I also think there are some things that need to be said, whether people want to hear them or not. I still think they need to be said and I'm going to say them. If there's going to be some criticism...I don't think every body's going to agree with everything I say, but with social media and the way things are right now, I think when you make statements sometimes, some body's going to  take issue with it."

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Crimson Tide Picks Up 4-Star RB B.J. Emmons

     It would appear Alabama football has picked up another commitment for 2016.. This one from four-star running back B.J. Emmons out of Freedom High School in Morganton, North Carolina. According to BamaOnline, the decision to commit to the University of Alabama came after an unofficial visit to the school last week.

     From all indications he really enjoyed the coaches at Alabama during his visit and that played heavily into his decision to go ahead and make the commitment now. It is understood that not only did B.J. make the trip to Bama, but was accompanied by his family.

     Emmons had formerly committed to Georgia and backed off. Tennessee and Alabama were both going after him pretty hard. Bama came up the winner.

     The 5' 10", 232-pounder is rated by 247Sports Composite rankings as the number four running back in the nation, as well as the number eight overall player.

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Bama Football Now Has18 Commited  For 2016

This is the complete list of the 18 University of Alabama football commitments for 2016 class as of July 20, 2015.

• T.J. Simmons, WR (6' 2", 185 lbs), Clay-Chalkville High School, Pinson, Ala.*
• Deonte Brown, OL (6' 3", 330 lbs), Austin High, Decatur, Ala.*
• Riley Cole, LB (6' 3", 210lbs), Oneonta High Schol, Oneonta, Ala.*
• Quinnen Williams, DL (6' 4", 265 lbs), Wenonah High School, Birmingham, Ala.*
• Chris Owens, OL (6' 3", 312 lbs), Lamar High, Arlington, Texas
• Shyheim Carter, CB (6' 0", 185 lbs), Kentwood High, Kentwood, La.
• Raekwon Davis, DT (6' 7", 315 lbs), Meridian High, Meridian, Miss.
• Jonah Williams, OL (6' 5", 283 lbs), Folsom High, Folsom, Calif.
• Brendan Scales, TE (6' 4", 230 lbs), Lafayette, Ballwin, Mo.
• Joshua Perry, DB (6' 3", 190 lbs), Amite High, Amite, La.
• Kendell Jones, DT (6' 4", 360 lbs), Shoemaker High, Killeen, Texas
• Charles Baldwin, OL (6' 5", 305 lbs), ASA College, Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Jalen Hurts, QB (6' 2", 208lbs), Channelview High, Channelview, Texas
• Jaquan Yulee, LB (6' 0", 252 lbs), Indian River High, Chesapeake, Va.
• Eddy Pineiro, K (6' 1", 180 lbs), ASA College, Miami, Fla.
• Miller Forristall, TE (6' 5", 220lbs), Cartersville High School, Cartersville, Ga.
• Khalid Kareem, DE (6' 4", 260 lbs), Harrison High, Farmington, Mich.
• B.J. Emmons, RB (5' 10", 232 lbs), Freedom High, Morganton, N.C.

*In-state commitments

4-Star Running Back B.J. Emmons Commits To Tide; Greatest Names In Bama Football History; 18 Now Commited To Tide For 2016; Which Freshmen Will Step Up For 2015 Football?

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4-Star RB B.J. Emmons Commits To Alabama

     It would appear Alabama football has picked up another commitment for 2016.. This one from four-star running back B.J. Emmons out of Freedom High School in Morganton, North Carolina. According to BamaOnline, the decision to commit to the University of Alabama came after an unofficial visit to the school last week.

     From all indications he really enjoyed the coaches at Alabama during his visit and that played heavily into his decision to go ahead and make the commitment now. It is understood that not only did B.J. make the trip to Bama, but was accompanied by his family.

     Emmons had formerly committed to Georgia and backed off. Tennessee and Alabama were both going after him pretty hard. Bama came up the winner.

     The 5' 10", 232-pounder is rated by 247Sports Composite rankings as the number four running back in the nation, as well as the number eight overall player.

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Greatest Names In Bama Football History-Johnny Mack Brown

     Today we begin a series on some of the "greatest" to play the game of football at the University of Alabama. Some were never heard from again, but others went on to great careers in professional football, other sports, and even television and movies.

     We go back to the beginning. Let's take a look at Johnny Mack Brown.

     Johnny Mack Brown was born September 1, 1904 in Dothan, Alabama, and died November 14, 1974 in Woodland Hills, California. He was an All-American at the University of Alabama and later became a very successful film actor. He played at Bama under head football coach Wallace Wade.

     Brown was a standout on his high school football team, which earned him a scholarship to UA. He played running back, or as it was called back then, half back, for the Crimson Tide. Brown was the MVP in Bama's win for the national championship back in 1926. He scored two of the team's three touchdowns in Alabama's upset win over the Washington Huskies.

     Brown's good looks landed him Wheaties cereal boxes, and in turn that brought him an offer for motion picture screen tests resulting in a long and successful career in Hollywood. It was only minor roles for Brown until 1930 when he was cast as the star in the western movie, Billy The Kid. Later that same year Brown portrayed Joan Crawford's love interest in Montana Moon.

     Brown made several more movies, including The Secret Six (1931), The Last Flight (1931), and others through the years. He turned to mainly westerns, making 127 during his career. Brown retired in 1953. He came out of retirement for awhile to appear in secondary roles for a few more Western films. He appeared in over 160 movies between 1927 and 1966, as well as a few television shows. His career spanned almost 40 years.

     Brown was given a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame at 6101 Hollywood Boulevard if you wish to see it when out there. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1969.

     Brown passed away at the age of 70, and was interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park Cemetery in Glendale, California.

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18 Now Commited To Tide For 2016

This is the complete list of the 18 University of Alabama football commitments for 2016 class as of July 20, 2015.

• T.J. Simmons, WR (6' 2", 185 lbs), Clay-Chalkville High School, Pinson, Ala.*
• Deonte Brown, OL (6' 3", 330 lbs), Austin High, Decatur, Ala.*
• Riley Cole, LB (6' 3", 210lbs), Oneonta High Schol, Oneonta, Ala.*
• Quinnen Williams, DL (6' 4", 265 lbs), Wenonah High School, Birmingham, Ala.*
• Chris Owens, OL (6' 3", 312 lbs), Lamar High, Arlington, Texas
• Shyheim Carter, CB (6' 0", 185 lbs), Kentwood High, Kentwood, La.
• Raekwon Davis, DT (6' 7", 315 lbs), Meridian High, Meridian, Miss.
• Jonah Williams, OL (6' 5", 283 lbs), Folsom High, Folsom, Calif.
• Brendan Scales, TE (6' 4", 230 lbs), Lafayette, Ballwin, Mo.
• Joshua Perry, DB (6' 3", 190 lbs), Amite High, Amite, La.
• Kendell Jones, DT (6' 4", 360 lbs), Shoemaker High, Killeen, Texas
• Charles Baldwin, OL (6' 5", 305 lbs), ASA College, Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Jalen Hurts, QB (6' 2", 208lbs), Channelview High, Channelview, Texas
• Jaquan Yulee, LB (6' 0", 252 lbs), Indian River High, Chesapeake, Va.
• Eddy Pineiro, K (6' 1", 180 lbs), ASA College, Miami, Fla.
• Miller Forristall, TE (6' 5", 220lbs), Cartersville High School, Cartersville, Ga.
• Khalid Kareem, DE (6' 4", 260 lbs), Harrison High, Farmington, Mich.
• B.J. Emmons, RB (5' 10", 232 lbs), Freedom High, Morganton, N.C.

*In-state commitments

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Which Freshman Will Step Up For 2015?

    Off-season conditioning and 7-on-7 drills are taking place in preparation for fall camp at the University of Alabama. The practice field, weight room, and in-door practice facility all are seeing action as each of Bama's players try to get themselves ready for the start of fall practice and, in turn, the 2015 season.

     Everyone wonders about the new kids on the block, Bama's freshman class. According to running back Kenyan Drake, the entire class has impressed him. He says they "came in with the hunger." He was also complimentary in the fact that there are those who have stepped up and even taken on leadership roles.

     Reggie Ragland threw out a few names, such as safety Ronnie Harrison and cornerbacks Kendall Sheffielf and Minkah Fitzpatrick. He also had praise for receiver Calvin Ridley and running back Damien Harris.

     Alabama once again brought in the number one recruiting class in the nation with group. Several are expected to contribute when the season gets underway.