Friday, July 29, 2016

Jerry Jeudy Joining Crimson Tide; 2017 Alabama Football Commitments; Chuck Wade Named New Alabama Diving Coach; 4-Star DE Jarez Parks Includes Bama In Top 8; Christian Bell Transfers To Wisconsin




Celebration In T-Town
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Jerry Jeudy Joining Crimson Tide


Jerry Jeudy Chooses The Tide
Photo Credit: 247Sports

This sure isn't Mudville. And mighty Casey didn't strike out.

The University of Alabama Crimson Tide scored the figurative touchdown last night when four-star 
wide receiver Jerry Jeudy announced his commitment to the Tide.  Jeudy made his announcement "The Tony Sands Show", a local radio show. He becomes Alabama's 18th commitment for the class of 2017.

Most were expecting this outcome from the 6' 1", 177-pounder out of Pompano Beach, Florida (Deerfield Beach). Jeudy has been friends with Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley and it is believed he has been a great influence on Jeudy. The young prospect decided on the Crimson Tide over the likes of Florida, Tennessee, Miami and Florida State.

Jeudy said, "It's the best fit for me. I felt like Alabama was home for me, and they have had good receivers from South Florida go there."

The 247Sports Composite Rankings has Jeudy rated as the No. 6 six wide receiver in this class, and is the No. 9 player in the state of Florida. He is No. 35 overall in the nation.

As a junior Jeudy had 41 receptions for 496 yards and 10 touchdowns. He plans to enroll at Alabama in January.




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2017 Football Commitments For Alabama Football


The University of Alabama Crimson Tide football team currently has 18 student-athletes who have committed to furthering their football careers at the Capstone. As new commits are announced the list will be updated and released. 

Here is the complete list of 2017 commitments to UA as of 7/29/16:

  • Najee Harris, RB (6-1, 210), Antioch, California 
  • Alex Leatherwood, OL (6-4, 300), Pensacola, Florida
  • Chadarius Townsend, ATH, (6-0, 180), Tanner, Alabama*
  • Brian Robinson, RB (6-2, 210), Tuscaloosa, Alabama*
  • Aaron Sterling, DL (6-1, 270), Stone Mountain, Georgia
  • Gary Johnson, LB (6-2, 225), Dodge City (Kan.) Community College
  • VanDarius Cowan, LB (6-4, 217), Palm Beach Gardens, Florida
  • Tua Tagovailoa, QB (6-1, 210), Honolulu, Hawaii
  • Elliot Baker, OL (6-7, 295), City College of San Francisco (Calif.)
  • Mac Jones, QB (6-2, 185), Jacksonville, Fla.
  • Markail Benton, LB (6-2, 245), Phenix City, Alabama*
  • Brandon Ruiz, K (5-10, 165), Gilbert, Arizona
  • Tyrell Davis, LB ( 6-6, 202), Lewisville, Texas
  • Thomas Fletcher, C (6-2, 220), Bradenton, Florida
  • Akial Byers, DL, (6-4,  275), Fayetteville, Arkansas
  • Jhavonte Dean, (6-2, 189), Homestead, Florida
  • Brannon Hunter, (6-4, 290), Cullman, Alabama*
  • Jerry Jeudy, ( 6-1, 177), Deerfield Beach, Florida


*State of Alabama Recruits/Commitments



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Chuck Wade Named New Alabama Diving Coach


Chuck Wade
RollTide.com Photo


University of Alabama swimming and diving head coach Dennis Pursley  has announced that Chuck Wade  has been hired at the Crimson Tide's diving coach. Wade joins the Tide after coaching at Pine Crest Preparatory School and serving as a volunteer coach at Florida State. He will start his tenure at the Capstone on August 1st, replacing the recently retired Pat Greenwell.

Pursley said, "During his athletic career, Chuck Wade was a multiple time All American, national champion and USA national team member who was coached by two of the most iconic coaches in the history of the sport. He certainly knows what the pursuit of excellence is all about."

Concerning his hiring and new home, Wade said, "I have always been amazed at the quality of excellence that Alabama demands. My goals are to be the best coach and person that I can possibly be. I have very high standards and expectations so it is a no brainer that I chose to coach at a place that has the same mindset. I am honored to have been chosen to be a part of the Alabama swimming and diving family."

Wade spent 11 years as a member of the United States National Team. He was an All-American, four-time ACC champion and a two-time ACC Diver of Year at Clemson. He graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor's of Science. Wade also won multiple U.S. national titles during his diving career. He also performed on the international level as part of Team USA.

During his coaching career, Wade was an assistant coach at the University of Michigan as well as spending eight years as League City Diving Institute's head coach in League City, Texas. He then moved to Florida in 2014.

Pursley said, "As a professional coach, Chuck has earned the highest degree of respect from many of the top coaches and athletes in the sport of diving.

He is recognized for his technical knowledge and his unconditional commitment to his divers. He will play an integral role in our ongoing mission of establishing a culture of excellence that will enable our athletes to achieve their full potential in the pool, in the classroom and in life."


Photo Credit: RollTide.com


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4-Star DE Jarez Parks Includes Bama In Top 8


Jarez Parks
Twitter photo


Four-star 2017 defensive end Jarez Parks out of Sebastian (Florida) River High School has released a list of his top eight schools for whom he is considering playing. 

Parks stands 6' 5" and weighs in at 255 pounds. He is rated as the No. 4 weak-side defensive end and the No. 50 overall player.

Parks’ top eight schools consist of The Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn, Florida, LSU,  Clemson, Florida State, Oklahoma and USC.

Parks tweeted, "Let's do it! Very Grateful and Thankful for this opportunity. Thank you God!"




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Bell Leaving Alabama For Wisconsin


Christian Bell
Twitter Photo


University of Alabama freshman outside linebacker Christian Bell is transferring to Wisconsin, according to his tweet yesterday. He originally announced his intention to transfer from Alabama on Sunday.

Bell was originally a three-star recruit and enrolled at the Capstone in January. He had grayshirted in 2015. Bell is the fourth Bama player to leave the program since spring practice.