March 3, 2021
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Jay Valai Added to the Alabama Football Coaching Staff

By
Staff Writer
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8/17/20 MFB Practice Detail Photo by Kent Gidley

Valai will coach cornerbacks for the Crimson Tide

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced the addition of Jay Valai to the Crimson Tide staff on Thursday as the cornerbacks coach.

 

“We are pleased and happy to be able to add Jay Valai to our staff to coach cornerbacks,” Saban said. “Jay is an excellent young coach who possesses outstanding knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. He is a really good teacher and an outstanding recruiter who works tirelessly at his craft. We are excited to welcome Jay and his family to Tuscaloosa.”

 

Valai arrives in Tuscaloosa after one season coaching cornerbacks at the University of Texas for then-defensive coordinator Chris Ash. During his time in Austin, Valai helped the Longhorns’ Josh Thompson earn second team All-Big 12 honors after making 28 tackles, with three tackles for loss and an interception last season.

 

“Words can’t express how excited I am to have the opportunity to coach cornerbacks in the SEC at Alabama,” Valai said. “The decision to leave the Philadelphia Eagles was one of the hardest choices I’ve ever made, but the chance to work for Coach Saban who is one of the all-time great head coaches and defensive minds is truly a special opportunity. I’m looking forward to calling Tuscaloosa home and putting in work with some of the best defensive backs in the nation.”

 

Valai served as cornerbacks coach at Rutgers in 2019 after spending the 2018 season with the Kansas City Chiefs, serving as defensive quality control and assistant defensive backs coach. The Chiefs ranked fifth in the NFL with 16 interceptions and fifth in completion percentage (62.7) while ranking 10th in the league in pass efficiency defense.

 

He spent the 2016 and 2017 seasons at Georgia as defensive quality control coach, helping the Bulldogs’ win the Rose Bowl at the end of the 2017 season and earn a spot in the CFP National Championship Game.

 

Valai was a four-year letter winner at Wisconsin, where he captained the Badgers 2010 Rose Bowl team. He earned second team All-Big Ten (coaches) honors in 2008 and 2009. He totaled 153 tackles, four forced fumbles and a pair of interceptions in 48 career games. He appeared in four bowl games with the Badgers, including winning the 2010 Big Ten Championship and advancing to the Rose Bowl that same season.

 

Following his playing career, Valai opened a sports performance training facility and for six years (2011-16), he worked with professional athletes from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Football League (NFL), as well as high school student-athletes.

 

Valai lettered in football, basketball and track at Colleyville Heritage High School. As a senior in 2005, he was a PrepStar All-American, first team All-District 5-5A selection and district special teams player of the year. A team captain that year, he was also named the team’s co-defensive MVP and its special teams MVP. A native of Euless, Texas, Valai and his wife Courtney have two daughters, Jayla and Kenzli, and a son, Jaxon.

 

While appropriate members of The Board of Trustees have been notified of the proposed terms and conditions of this proposed appointment, the financial terms remain subject to approval by The Board of Trustees.”

 

SEC Announces 2019-20 Revenue Distribution

By
Staff Writer
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10/19/19 MFB vs Tennessee Bryant-Denny Lights Photo by Crimson Tide Photos 10/19/19 MFB vs Tennessee Bryant-Denny Lights Photo by Crimson Tide Photos

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (February 4, 2021) – Commissioner Greg Sankey announced Thursday that $657.7 million of total revenue was divided among the 14 universities of the Southeastern Conference for the 2019-20 fiscal year, which ended August 31, 2020.

 

The total includes $637.7 million distributed from the conference office, as well as $20.0 million retained by universities that participated in 2019-20 football bowl games to offset travel and other related bowl expenses.

 

The average amount distributed from the conference office, excluding bowl money retained by participants, was slightly over $45.5 million per school.

 

“We are proud of the support our 14 member universities are able to provide to our student-athletes as a direct result of the revenue distributed through the Southeastern Conference,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey.  “The SEC’s conference-wide commitment to the student-athlete experience is profound and translates into superior instruction, training, equipment, academic counseling, medical care, mental health and wellness support and life-skills development.”

 

Currently more than 5,400 female and male student-athletes across the SEC receive financial aid, and counting non-scholarship participants, more than 7,800 total student-athletes participate in sports sponsored by SEC universities.

 

The 2019-20 academic year was the fifth in which SEC athletics programs funded the costs associated with providing scholarships based on a student-athlete’s full cost of attendance.  In addition, each SEC university utilizes a portion of the revenues to fund a wide range of academic and campus improvement initiatives, including academic scholarships, endowed faculty positions, student wellness programs, research programs, and forward-looking building projects.

 

“Revenues generated through SEC athletics often contribute in significant and unique ways to the academic missions of our 14 universities,” Sankey said. “Past examples of how this revenue has had an impact outside athletics has included participation in the construction and renovation of academic facilities, support of academic scholarship opportunities, funding of academic programs and direct transfers of funds to support academic budgets.”

 

The total distribution amount is comprised of revenue generated from television agreements, post-season bowl games, the College Football Playoff, the SEC Football Championship, the SEC Men’s Basketball Tournament, NCAA Championships and a supplemental surplus distribution.

 

The distribution amount does not include an additional $6.1 million of NCAA and SEC grants divided among the 14 member universities.

 

The total revenue for 2019-20 is an increase above the $651.0 million distributed in 2018-19.  The average per school distribution increased from $44.6 million in 2018-19, not including bowl money retained by participants.

Alabama Football Adds Two Student-Athletes to Recruiting Class for a Total of 27 in 2021 Cycle

By
Staff Writer
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1/11/21 MFB Alabama vs Ohio State College Football Championship Locker Room Photo by Crimson Tide Photos

Crimson Tide added Terrion Arnold and Camar Wheaton on Wednesday

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama football announced the addition of Terrion Arnold and Camar Wheaton to its 2021 recruiting class during the February signing period on Wednesday. The two players join the Crimson Tide’s 25 student-athletes from the early signing period in December to bring Alabama’s total to 27 in the 2021 class.

Alabama’s 2021 signing class ranks No. 1 nationally by 247Sports, ESPN and Rivals.

The 27 high school players come from 11 states – Alabama (5), Florida (6), Texas (7), Maryland (2), Georgia (1) Louisiana (1), Michigan (1), Mississippi (1), Ohio (1), South Carolina (1) and Wisconsin (1).

Listed by position, the Crimson Tide added to its roster – five a piece at offensive lineman, defensive back and linebackers; four apiece at defensive lineman and wide receiver; and one player at quarterback, tight end and an athlete.

 

Among the 27 players are:

  • Nine five-star prospects (by at least one of the following: 247Sports, 247Composite, Rivals.com and/or ESPN.com): Terrion Arnold, Tommy Brockermeyer, Jacorey Brooks, JC Latham, Deontae Lawson, Kool-Aid McKinstry, Damon Payne, Dallas Turner, Camar Wheaton
  • Twenty-five student-athletes are listed as a four-star prospect by at least one of the following: 247Sports, Rivals.com and/or ESPN.com
  • Sixteen players were ranked in the Top 100 of the 247Composite: JC Latham (2), Tommy Brockermeyer (5), Dallas Turner (8), Kool-Aid McKinstry (17), Damon Payne (23), Terrion Arnold (25), Jacorey Brooks (26), Camar Wheaton (33), Agiye Hall (44), JoJo Earle (46), Deontae Lawson (51), TJ Ferguson (57), Keanu Koht (58), Christian Leary (74), Jalen Milroe (81), Monkell Goodwine (91)
  • Twenty-two players were ranked in the ESPN300: Terrion Arnold, Kendrick Blackshire, James Brockermeyer, Tommy Brockermeyer, Jacorey Brooks, Kadarius Calloway, JoJo Earle, Terrence ‘TJ’ Ferguson Jr., Monkell Goodwine, Agiye Hall, Ian Jackson, Keanu Koht, JC Latham, Deontae Lawson, Christian Leary, Ga’Quincy ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry, Jalen Milroe, Damon Payne, Jaeden Roberts, Dallas Turner, Camar Wheaton, Kaine Williams
  • Twenty-one players were listed on the Rivals250: Terrion Arnold, Kendrick Blackshire, Tommy Brockermeyer, Jacorey Brooks, Kadarius Calloway, JoJo Earle, Terrence ‘TJ’ Ferguson Jr., Monkell Goodwine, Agiye Hall, Ian Jackson, Keanu Koht, JC Latham, Deontae Lawson, Christian Leary, Ga’Quincy ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry, Jalen Milroe, Damon Payne, Devonta Smith, Dallas Turner, Camar Wheaton, Kaine Williams
  • Seventeen players were listed on the Rivals100: Terrion Arnold, Tommy Brockermeyer, Jacorey Brooks, Kadarius Calloway, JoJo Earle, Terrence ‘TJ’ Ferguson Jr., Monkell Goodwine, Agiye Hall, Keanu Koht, JC Latham, Deontae Lawson, Christian Leary, Ga’Quincy ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry, Jalen Milroe, Damon Payne, Dallas Turner, Camar Wheaton

 

2020-21 Alabama Football Recruiting Roster (Alphabetical)

ENROLLED (14)

Name                                             Pos.      Ht.       Wt. Hometown/Previous School

James Brockermeyer                       OL       6-3       270         Fort Worth, Texas/All Saints Episcopal

Tommy Brockermeyer                      OL       6-5       292         Fort Worth, Texas/All Saints Episcopal

Jacorey Brooks                               WR       6-2       190         Miami, Fla./IMG Academy

Terrence ‘TJ’ Ferguson Jr.               OL       6-4       290         Fort Valley, Ga./Peach County

Monkell Goodwine                          DL        6-4       278         Upper Marlboro, Md./Rock Creek Christian Academy

Agiye Hall                                       WR       6-3       195         Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale

Ian Jackson                                      LB        6-1       225         Prattville, Ala./Prattville

Keanu Koht                                      LB        6-4       215         Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach

JC Latham                                       OL       6-6       325         Oak Creek, Wis./IMG Academy

Deontae Lawson                              LB        6-2       217         Mobile, Ala./Mobile Christian

Christian Leary                                WR      5-10      185         Orlando, Fla./Edgewater

Ga’Quincy ‘Kool-Aid’ McKinstry       DB       6-1       180         Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley

Jalen Milroe                                    QB       6-2       201         Katy, Texas/Tompkins

Robbie Ouzts                                   TE        6-4       260         Rock Hill, S.C./Rock Hill

 

SUMMER ENROLLEES (13)

Terrion Arnold                                 DB       6-0       180         Tallahassee, Fla./John Paul II Catholic

Anquin Barnes                                 DL        6-5       299         Montgomery, Ala./Robert E. Lee

Kendrick Blackshire                          LB        6-2       245         Duncanville, Texas/Duncanville

Kadarius Calloway                           DB       6-0       200         Philadelphia, Miss./Philadelphia

JoJo Earle                                       WR      5-10      175 Aledo,Texas/Aledo

Khyree Jackson                               DB       6-3       197         Clinton, Md./Wise/East Mississippi C.C.

Tim Keenan III                                  DL        6-2       335         Birmingham, Ala./Ramsay

Damon Payne                                  DL        6-4       297         Belleville, Mich./Belleville

Jaeden Roberts                               OL       6-5       340         Houston, Texas/North Shore

Devonta Smith                                 DB       6-0       185         Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle

Dallas Turner                                   LB        6-4       245         Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas

Kaine Williams                                 DB       6-2       195         Marrero, La./John Ehret

Camar Wheaton                               RB       5-11      190         Garland, Texas/Lakeview Centennial

 

 

 

PLAYER BIOS

TERRION ARNOLD

S, 6-0, 180, Tallahassee, Fla./John Paul II Catholic

  • One of the top safety prospects in the country
  • A five-star prospect in the Top247 and a composite four star by the remaining recruiting outlets
  • Ranked No. 25 on 247Sports’ Top247 list
  • Also rated as the No. 2 safety and sixth-rated player from Florida by 247Sports
  • The No. 45 player nationally and fourth-ranked safety by Rivals
  • Florida’s 12th overall prospect and the nation’s No. 3 safety in the 247Composite
  • Selected to the All-American Bowl roster
  • No. 147 in the ESPN300 and the outlet’s No. 4 safety prospect
  • A two-sport athlete who is also a standout in basketball
  • Coached by Ed Hill at John Paul II Catholic High School in Tallahassee, Fla.
  • Signed with the Crimson Tide over in-state Florida, Georgia, Miami and Florida State

 

+++

 

CAMAR WHEATON

RB, 5-11, 190, Garland, Texas/Lakeview Centennial

  • One of the top running back prospects in the nation and an Early Signing Day surprise for the Crimson Tide
  • Consensus five-star prospect
  • No. 33 on the 247Composite, the No. 2 running back and No. 5 player in Texas
  • Ranked as the No. 1 running back nationally, the No. 7 player in Texas and the No. 28 overall player on the Rivals100
  • ESPN.com’s No. 3 running back in the country and the No. 43 player on the ESPN300
  • Also listed as the No. 6 player in the Midlands Region and No. 6 player in Texas by ESPN
  • Ranked 62nd in the Top247, the site’s No. 4 running back and the No. 10 player in the state of Texas
  • Selected to the All-American Bowl roster
  • Played for head coach Kendall Miller at Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland, Texas
  • The 2019 Texas District 10-6A MVP as a junior and the district’s sophomore of the year in 2017 and Newcomer of the Year in 2017
  • Had his senior season cut short due to COVID-19 after rushing for 603 yards (71 attempts) and eight touchdowns
  • Rushed for 1,142 yards and 15 scores as a junior, 1,106 yards and 14 touchdowns as a sophomore and finished his career with 3,731 yards and 48 touchdowns at LCHS
  • Signed with the Crimson Tide after considering Oklahoma, Florida, Georgia, Baylor and Colorado

 

ENROLLED (14)

JAMES BROCKERMEYER

OL, 6-3, 270, Fort Worth, Texas/All Saints Episcopal

  • Unanimous four-star recruit at center for the Crimson Tide
  • The nation’s top-rated center by ESPN.com, PrepStar and on the 247Composite
  • Sits at No. 99 on the ESPN300 and is the No. 20 player in the Midlands Region by ESPN.com
  • PrepStar’s No. 102 recruit on the Top 150 Dream Team
  • Listed as the No. 189 player nationally on the 247Composite
  • The No. 3 center by 247Sports and the fourth-rated player at his position according to Rivals
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game roster
  • Attended All Saints Episcopal High School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was coached by Aaron Beck
  • Twin brother of fellow 2021 recruit Tommy Brockermeyer
  • Father, Blake, was a former All-America offensive tackle at Texas and spent nine years in the NFL
  • Signed with Alabama over Big 12 powers Oklahoma and Texas along with Auburn, LSU and hometown SMU

 

+++

 

TOMMY BROCKERMEYER

OL, 6-5, 292, Fort Worth, Texas/All Saints Episcopal

  • Elite offensive tackle prospect from the talent-rich state of Texas
  • Unanimous five-star prospect and a top-three tackle by all major recruiting sites
  • The No. 1 offensive tackle by ESPN.com where he also ranks as the No. 2 prospect on the ESPN300
  • Texas’ top-rated player by ESPN.com, PrepStar, Rivals and the 247Composite
  • PrepStar’s No. 4 prospect on the Top 150 Dream Team
  • The nation’s No. 5 recruit and No. 2 offensive tackle on the 247Composite
  • No. 8 on the Rivals250 list and the third-rated tackle by the site
  • Also tabbed the eighth-rated five-star prospect as graded by Rivals
  • The 9th-ranked player nationally on the Top247 list and No. 2 tackle according to 247Sports
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game roster
  • Attended All Saints Episcopal High School in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was coached by Aaron Beck
  • Twin brother of fellow 2021 recruit James Brockermeyer
  • Father, Blake, was a former All-America offensive tackle at Texas and spent nine years in the NFL
  • Signed with the Crimson Tide over Auburn, Clemson, Michigan, Notre Dame and Texas

 

+++

 

JACOREY BROOKS

WR, 6-2, 190, Miami, Fla./IMG Academy

  • A natural pass-catcher who provides the Tide with size and speed at wideout
  • A five-star receiver according to the 247Composite and PrepStar
  • PrepStar’s No. 20 player on the Top 150 Dream Team and the second-rated wideout in the country according to the magazine
  • Rated as the 247 Composite’s No. 26 prospect nationally, the No. 2 wide receiver and the eighth-rated player from Florida
  • The No. 36 player on the Rivals250 as a four-star recruit and the No. 4 wideout nationally by the site
  • A five-star pass-catcher according to 247Sports who is listed as the No. 26 player on the Top247 list
  • 247Sports lists him as the No. 2 wide receiver recruit in the country and the sevent-rated player from Florida
  • The No. 52 player on the ESPN300 and No. 6 overall wide receiver nationally by ESPN.com
  • Selected to the All-American Bowl roster
  • Put together a huge 2019 season that saw him catch 99 passes for 1,281 yards and 18 touchdowns as he led Booker T. Washington to a state title
  • Began his high school career being coached by Gerald Cox at Booker T. Washington High School in Miami
  • Attended IMG Academy for his final prep season where he was coached by Bobby Acosta
  • Signed with Alabama over Miami and Florida along with Auburn, Georgia and Tennessee among others

 

+++

 

TERRENCE ‘TJ’ FERGUSON JR.

OL, 6-4, 290, Fort Valley, Ga./Peach County

  • One of the nation’s top offensive line prospects who adds to the Crimson Tide’s impressive crop in the latest recruiting cycle
  • Ranked as a five-star offensive guard by PrepStar and a four-star recruit by all other major sites
  • PrepStar lists him as the No. 43 player on the Top 150 Dream Team and the No. 7 guard in the country
  • Ranked as the No. 57 recruit nationally, the No. 2 guard and No. 6 player from Georgia on the 247Composite
  • The No. 58 player on the Rivals250 list and the No. 3 guard nationally according to Rivals
  • ESPN.com’s No. 80 player on the ESPN300 and the site’s eighth-ranked offensive tackle
  • Tabbed the No. 82 player on the Top247 list and 247Sports’ No. 5 offensive guard
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game roster
  • Coached by Chad Campbell at Peach County in Fort Valley, Ga.
  • Named a Super 11 selection by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution following his senior season
  • Helped PCHS to a Class AAA state runner-up finish in 2019
  • Named a 2018 MaxPreps High School Sophomore All-American at tight end
  • Chose Alabama over Arkansas, Florida State and Georgia

 

+++

 

MONKELL GOODWINE

DL, 6-4, 278, Upper Marlboro, Md./Rock Creek Christian Academy

  • Defensive line prospect that can play inside or outside for the Tide
  • Received a five-star ranking from PrepStar and a unanimous four-star prospect by all other major recruiting outlets
  • PrepStar’s top-rated recruit from Maryland and the No. 26 player on the magazine’s Top 150 Dream Team
  • The top-rated player from Maryland, No. 37 prospect nationally according to Rivals and the No. 6 strongside defensive end
  • Rated as the No. 6 strongside defensive end the No. 91 player overall on the 247Composite
  • No. 122 on the Top247 list and the eighth-rated strongside defensive end by 247Sports
  • Ranked No. 175 on the ESPN300 and the No. 22 recruit from the East Region by ESPN.com
  • Attended Rock Creek Christian Academy where he was coached by Andre Kates
  • Racked up 48 tackles and four sacks in five games of action as a senior
  • Totaled 68 tackles, including seven sacks, and added 16 quarterback hurries to go with three forced fumbles in 2019
  • Chose Alabama over in-state Maryland along with Arizona State, Clemson, Kentucky and Texas A&M

 

+++

 

AGIYE HALL

WR, 6-3, 195, Valrico, Fla./Bloomingdale

  • One of the most coveted wide receiver prospects in the country
  • A consensus four-star recruit by all major outlets
  • Ranks as the No. 44 overall player nationally on the 247Composite, the No. 5 wide receiver and the No. 11 player in Florida
  • The No. 61 player on the Top247 list in addition to being tabbed as the site’s No. 7 wideout and No. 12 player from Florida
  • Rivals.com ranks him 71st nationally, the No. 14 wide receiver and No. 17 player from the state
  • Listed at No. 34 on ESPN300, No. 3 at his position, No. 15 player in the Southeast Region and the No. 8 player from Florida
  • The No. 13 overall player on the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game
  • Played for head coach Jake Coulson at Bloomingdale High School
  • Chose Alabama over his 40-plus offers, including Georgia, LSU, Michigan, Miami and Oregon

+++

IAN JACKSON

LB, 6-1, 225, Prattville, Ala./Prattville

  • An in-state outside linebacker who travels down the road from Prattville to Tuscaloosa
  • Consensus four-star prospect and one of the top outside linebackers from Alabama
  • Listed at No. 215 on the Top247 and ranked as 247Sports’ No. 14 player at his position
  • Rated the No. 13 outside linebacker in the country, No. 236 nationally and No. 7 in the state on the 247Composite
  • The eighth-rated player from Alabama by 247Sports, Rivals.com and ESPN.com
  • Rivals.com ranks him 216th nationally and the No. 13 inside linebacker
  • Tabbed No. 268 on ESPN300, No. 28 by his position and the No. 111 player in the Southeast Region by ESPN
  • Named Alabama Sports Writers Association 7A All-State Second Team and Montgomery Advertiser All-Metro Team after the 2019 season
  • Attended Prattville where he was coached by Caleb Ross
  • Signed with Alabama over Auburn, Miami and Tennessee

 

+++

 

KEANU KOHT

DE, 6-4, 215, Vero Beach, Fla./Vero Beach

  • An elite defensive end who hails from Vero Beach, Fla.
  • Rated as a four-star recruit on the 247Composite and also by 247Sports, Rivals.com and ESPN.com
  • No. 60 nationally by 247Sports, No. 5 at weakside defensive end and the No. 11 player from Florida
  • The 247Composite has him at No. 58 nationally, the No. 3 weakside defensive end and the No. 13 player from Florida
  • Listed as the No. 2 weakside defensive end by Rivals and the No. 15 end in the country according to ESPN
  • ESPN.com ranks him at No. 135 on ESPN300, No. 59 in the Southeast Region and the No. 20 player from Florida
  • Brother Lars Koht was a defensive lineman who played at FIU and spent time with the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos
  • Coached by Lenny Jankowski at Vero Beach
  • Signed with the Crimson Tide over LSU

 

+++

 

JC LATHAM

OL, 6-6, 325, Oak Creek, Wis./IMG Academy

  • The nation’s top-ranked offensive lineman by all major outlets and the highest-ranked commit in the SEC
  • Unanimous five-star prospect by all major recruiting sites
  • The nation’s No. 2 prospect overall and the No. 1 offensive lineman on the 247Composite
  • The No. 4 player nationally, No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 2 player in Florida
  • Rivals rates him as the No. 2 player nationally, the No. 1 offensive tackle and the top player in Florida
  • ESPN listed him fifth in the publication’s ESPN300 list and the No. 1 player in the Southeast Region
  • Selected to PrepStar’s Top 150 Dream Team and was rated as the top offensive lineman and the nation’s second-best player by the magazine
  • Selected to play in the Under Armour All-America Game
  • Coached by Bobby Acosta at IMG Academy
  • Started at left tackle for an IMG Academy program that finished the 2020 season ranked No. 1 in the MaxPreps Xcellent Top 25 polls
  • Led IMG Academy to an 9-1 record as a junior after helping Catholic Memorial to a 13-1 record and the Wisconsin Division 3 state championship as a sophomore in 2018
  • Chose Alabama over nearly every major program including Ohio State, LSU, Notre Dame and Wisconsin

 

+++

 

DEONTAE LAWSON

LB, 6-2, 217, Mobile, Ala./Mobile Christian

  • A five-star prospect by 247Sports and a four-star linebacker by all other major recruiting outlets
  • The No. 28 player nationally by 247Sports while the 247Composite lists him as the No. 51 recruit in the nation and the second-ranked player in Alabama
  • Rated as the No. 1 inside linebacker prospect by 247Sports and No. 2 by Rivals.com
  • Ranked as the No. 2 player in the state of Alabama by Rivals and the site’s No. 65 player nationally
  • The No. 120 player on the ESPN300 and the No. 14 outside linebacker while ranking as the No. 51 player in the Southeast Region by ESPN.com
  • Selected to the All-American Bowl roster
  • Led Mobile Christian to the Class 3A title game as a junior
  • Earned Class 3A Lineman of the Year for 2019 by the Alabama Sports Writers Association
  • Finished his junior season with 101 solo tackles and 33 assists
  • First team all-state selection as a junior, one year after being tabbed as a second-teamer in 2018
  • Coached by Ronnie Cottrell at Mobile Christian
  • Chose Alabama over Georgia Tech and Texas A&M

 

+++

 

CHRISTIAN LEARY

WR, 5-10, 185, Orlando, Fla./Edgewater

  • A consensus four-star prospect at wide receiver
  • The nation’s No. 74 overall player on the 247Composite, the No. 10 wide receiver and No. 14 player from the talent-rich state of Florida
  • The No. 126 player nationally by 247Sports along with being tabbed as the site’s No. 16 wideout and No. 17 overall recruit from his state
  • Rivals.com ranks him 57th in the Rivals100, the No. 7 wide receiver and No. 15 player in Florida
  • A four-star recruit and the No. 77 player on the ESPN300 according to ESPN.com
  • The No. 7 athlete and No. 34 player in the Southeast Region by ESPN
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game
  • Coached by Cameron Duke at Edgewater
  • Accounted for 1,586 all-purpose yards in 2019
  • Ran the ball 56 times for 520 yards with eight touchdowns and completed 46 passes for 1,036 yards and eight more touchdowns in 2019
  • Elite track athlete who won districts as a junior in the 100-meter dash with a 10.80 before running a 10.50 as a senior
  • Signed with the Crimson Tide over Arizona State, Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ohio State and Oklahoma

 

+++

 

GA’QUINCY ‘KOOL-AID’ McKINSTRY

DB, 6-1, 180, Pinson, Ala./Pinson Valley

  • Widely considered the top cornerback in the 2021 signing class
  • A five-star on the 247Composite
  • Ranks as the nation’s No. 17 overall player on the 247Composite, the No. 1 corner and the top player in Alabama
  • The No. 12 player nationally in the Top247 by 247Sports and the site’s top-ranked cornerback
  • Rivals.com ranks him 27th nationally, as the No. 1 cornerback and as the No. 1 recruit in Alabama
  • A four-star recruit and No. 40 in the ESPN300 according to ESPN.com
  • The No. 4 athlete, No. 2 player in Alabama and No. 18 player in the Southeast Region by ESPN
  • No. 13 on the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team and the publication’s No. 1 cornerback and top player in his state
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game roster
  • Earned Alabama all-state honors from Max Preps
  • Played for head coach Sam Shade at Pinson Valley High School
  • A playmaker on both sides of the football, leading the Indians to the Alabama 6A State Championship in 2020 and three titles in the last four years
  • Chose Alabama over Auburn and LSU

 

+++

 

JALEN MILROE

QB, 6-3, 201, Katy, Texas/Tompkins

  • One of the top dual-threat quarterbacks in the nation and a consensus four-star prospect
  • Ranked 81st nationally on the 247Composite where he is the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback and the No. 13 player in the state of Texas
  • No. 76 in the Rivals100, the third-ranked dual-threat quarterback and 14th-ranked player from Texas
  • Rated 108th nationally in the Top247 with the site ranking him as the No. 17 player in Texas and No. 6 dual-threat quarterback
  • ESPN.com lists him at No. 112 on the ESPN300 and the No. 16 pocket passer
  • The No. 22 player in the Midlands Region by ESPN.com and the No. 20 player from Texas
  • Member of the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team (No. 85) and is tabbed the No. 4 dual-threat quarterback along the No. 12 player in the state of Texas by the magazine
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game roster
  • Played for head coach Todd McVey at Tompkins High School in Katy, Texas
  • Led his team to a 9-0 record in 2020 with 1,136 passing yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 259 yards and four scores
  • As a junior in 2019, he passed for 2,689 yards and 29 touchdowns while rushing for 300 yards and seven scores
  • Chose Alabama over in-state Texas and Texas A&M along with Arizona, Florida and Oregon

 

+++

 

ROBBIE OUZTS

TE, 6-4, 260, Rock Hill, S.C./Rock Hill

  • A coveted tight end prospect out of Rock Hill, S.C.
  • Consensus top-eight player in the state of South Carolina by all major sites
  • ESPN.com ranks him as the No. 11 tight end (Y) nationally and the 202nd prospect in the Southeast Region
  • Also tabbed the No. 5 player regardless of position in South Carolina by ESPN
  • Ranked as the No. 31 tight end nationally on the 247Composite and the No. 7 player in the state of South Carolina
  • The 35th-ranked tight end in the Top247 and the No. 7 player in the state
  • Rivals.com lists him as the No. 8 player in South Carolina
  • Ranked as the No. 19 tight end by PrepStar Magazine and the No. 4 player in South Carolina
  • Played for head coach David Pittman at Rock Hill High School
  • Had 11 catches for 154 yards in 2020 after recording 32 receptions for 465 yards as a junior in 2019
  • Chose Alabama over Arkansas, Ole Miss, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia Tech

 

+++

 

 

SUMMER ENROLLEES

ANQUIN BARNES

DL, 6-5, 299, Montgomery, Ala./Robert E. Lee

  • Lengthy and explosive defensive tackle who stayed in-state with his commitment to the Tide
  • A four-star recruit and the No. 25 defensive tackle nationally according to ESPN.com
  • Rated as the No. 24 prospect at his position and 16th-ranked player in Alabama by 247Sports
  • The No. 29 defensive tackle and No. 16 player in the state on the 247Composite
  • Ranked as the No. 36 defensive tackle and No. 25 player in Alabama by Rivals.com
  • Selected to the 2020 Alabama MaxPreps All-State team as a defensive lineman
  • Also earned PrepStar All-Southeast Region honors in his final season at Lee
  • Named to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic roster as a senior
  • Coached by Eric Hudson at Robert E. Lee High School in Montgomery
  • Finished with 82 tackles across his final two seasons at Lee, including 11 for loss and six sacks
  • A two-way player who also started along the offensive line where he recorded 14 pancake blocks as a senior in 2020
  • Helped the Generals to an 8-5 record and an Alabama 7A state semifinal appearance in 2018
  • Chose Alabama over Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss and Tennessee

 

+++

 

KENDRICK BLACKSHIRE

LB, 6-2, 245, Duncanville, Texas/Duncanville

  • Big-bodied inside linebacker with great mobility and instincts
  • A unanimous four-star recruit by all major sites
  • Rated as the No. 124 player on the Rivals250 list
  • Also tabbed as Rivals’ No. 7 inside backer and the No. 19 player from Texas
  • Listed as the No. 140 recruit on the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team
  • Also rated by PrepStar as the nation’s No. 8 inside linebacker
  • The No. 166 player overall on the 247Composite and the 11th-rated inside linebacker by the same site
  • Listed at No. 236 on the ESPN300 and the No. 7 inside linebacker, No. 49 player in the Midlands Region and the 41st overall player from Texas according to ESPN.com
  • No. 221 overall and the nation’s 11th-rated inside linebacker by 247Sports
  • Coached by Chris Hudler at Horn High School in Mesquite, Texas prior to his junior season
  • Totaled 111 tackles, including nine for loss and one sack as a sophomore
  • Selected as the Texas District 11-6A Co-Defensive Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2017
  • Finished his prep career at Duncanville High School where he was coached by Reginald Samples
  • Committed to the Crimson Tide over LSU and Texas A&M among his near 30 offers

 

+++

 

KADARIUS CALLOWAY

ATH, 6-0, 200, Philadelphia, Miss./Philadelphia

  • One of the top all-around athletes in the latest recruiting cycle who can play multiple positions
  • Unanimous four-star prospect by all major recruiting sites
  • The No. 51 player on the Rivals250 who is tabbed as the fifth-rated safety and No. 1 player from Mississippi by the site
  • ESPN.com also lists him at safety as the site’s No. 16 player at his position the No. 277 player on the ESPN300
  • Listed as an athlete by PrepStar, 247Sports and on the 247Composite
  • The No. 4 athlete and No. 135 player nationally on the Composite
  • PrepStar’s seventh-ranked athlete and the No. 149 player on the Top 150 Dream Team
  • Listed as the No. 174 player on the Top247 list who is also the eighth-rated athlete and No. 3 recruit from Mississippi according to 247Sports
  • Excelled on both sides of the ball in his final two prep seasons, recording 343 rushing yards and five touchdowns to go with 1,245 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns on 42 catches
  • Added 67 tackles and nine pass breakups while posting 13 combined turnovers (11 interceptions, two fumble recoveries) across his junior and senior campaigns
  • Named to the Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic roster as a senior
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game roster
  • Coached by David Frey at Philadelphia High School in Mississippi
  • Committed to the Crimson Tide over in-state Mississippi State and Ole Miss along with Louisville

 

+++

 

JOJO EARLE

WR, 5-10, 175, Aledo, Texas/Aledo

  • Athletic wide receiver who earned four-star rankings across the board
  • The No. 46 player nationally, No. 6 wideout and No. 10 player from Texas on the 247Composite
  • Listed at No. 78 on the Top247 and the No. 12 wide receiver by 247Sports
  • Tabbed as the No. 41 overall recruit and fifth-rated wideout by Rivals
  • The 9th-ranked player from the state of Texas according to Rivals, No. 11 by 247Sports and 12th by ESPN.com
  • No. 73 on the ESPN300 and the No. 10 wide receiver nationally while ranking 13th in the Midlands Region
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game roster
  • Coached by Tim Buchanan at Aledo
  • Caught 84 passes for 1,601 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior while rushing for 429 yards and 11 scores
  • Added 65 catches for 1,090 yards and 16 touchdowns as a sophomore while rushing for 266 yards and three touchdowns
  • Two-sport standout in football and track and field (100 meters, 200 meters, long jump, relays)
  • Helped Aledo to a 15-1 record and second consecutive Texas 5A D-II state championship in 2019
  • Named the 2018 District 5-5A-II Newcomer of the Year as a sophomore
  • Led Aledo to a 16-0 record and the Texas 5A D-II state championship in 2018
  • Flipped to Alabama after committing to LSU

 

+++

 

KHYREE JACKSON

DB, 6-3, 197, Clinton, Md./Wise/East Mississippi C.C.

  • One of the nation’s top junior college prospects on defense
  • The Maryland native is a four-star prospect by 247Sports and ESPN.com
  • Holds the No. 1 spot in the ESPN JC50 and deemed the No. 1 junior college corner
  • Rated as the No. 4 junior college prospect and No. 2 JUCO cornerback on the 247Composite JUCO list
  • The No. 3 player nationally by 247Sports, the No. 1 cornerback and the second-best prospect from Maryland
  • Played cornerback at Fort Scott (Kan.) Community College and finished the 2019 season with 25 tackles and three interceptions
  • Coached by Kale Pick at Fort Scott C.C.
  • Signed with Alabama over Auburn, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Ole Miss, Oregon and Tennessee

 

+++

 

TIM KEENAN III

DL, 6-2, 330, Birmingham, Ala./Ramsay

  • A talented defensive tackle in the latest recruiting cycle
  • Four-star prospect by Rivals.com and ESPN.com
  • 247Sports checks him in as the No. 37 tackle and the No. 22 player in Alabama while ranking as the nation’s No. 24 DT in the Composite and No. 12 player in the state
  • No. 19 defensive tackle nationally by Rivals and also ranked as the No. 10 player in the state
  • Listed as ESPN’s No. 24 defensive tackle, the No. 136 player in the Southeast Region and the 11th-ranked player in Alabama
  • Member of the PrepStar Top 150 Dream Team
  • Played for Rueben Nelson at Ramsay
  • Led Ramsay to a 10-3 record and an Alabama 5A state quarterfinal appearance as a junior
  • Chose Alabama over Georgia, Georgia Tech, Kentucky, LSU and Texas A&M

 

+++

 

DAMON PAYNE

DL, 6-4, 297, Belleville, Mich./Belleville

  • One of the top defensive tackles in the class of 2021
  • A composite five-star prospect by 247Sports
  • Ranked 23th nationally on the 247Composite, the No. 4 defensive tackle nationally and the No. 1 player in the state of Michigan
  • ESPN.com lists him 26th on the ESPN300, the third-ranked defensive tackle, No. 2 player in the Midwest and the top player from Michigan
  • No. 38 in the Top247 rankings along with being tabbed as the site’s No. 5 defensive tackle and No. 2 player in Michigan
  • Rivals.com ranks him 38th in the Rivals100, as the No. 2 defensive tackle nationally and as the top player in Michigan
  • Ranked 17th in PrepStar Magazine’s Top 150 Dream Team while listing him as the No. 1 defensive tackle and top player in the state
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game
  • Coached by Jermain Crowell at Belleville (Mich.) High School
  • Signed with Alabama over Michigan, Ohio State, Penn State and Southern Cal among many others

 

+++

 

JAEDEN ROBERTS

OL, 6-5, 340, Houston, Texas/North Shore

  • Offensive line prospect with impressive point-of-attack strength on the interior
  • Four-star recruit by the 247Composite along with ESPN.com
  • A top-15 offensive guard, including a No. 3 ranking from ESPN.com and No. 14 by 247Composite and Rivals
  • Rated No. 251 nationally and No. 39 player from the state of Texas by the 247Compositie
  • No. 27 offensive guard and No. 72 overall player from Texas according to 247Sports
  • The No. 45 player from Texas according to Rivals.com
  • Listed at No. 98 on ESPN300, No. 3 at his position, the No. 19 player in the Southeast Region and No. 17 player in his state by ESPN.com
  • Selected to the Under Armour All-America Game
  • Played at North Shore High School in Houston, Texas, where he was coached by Jon Kay
  • Led North Shore to a 15-1 record and second consecutive Texas 6A D-I state championship as a junior in 2019
  • Chose Crimson Tide over Auburn

 

+++

 

DEVONTA SMITH

DB, 6-0, 185, Cincinnati, Ohio/La Salle

  • A coveted cornerback out of Ohio that the Crimson Tide flipped from Ohio State
  • A four-star prospect on the 247Composite and the No. 255 overall player
  • Ranked 153rd in the Top247, the No. 12 cornerback nationally and the No. 6 player from the state of Ohio
  • Rivals.com ranks Smith as the No. 22 cornerback, the No. 9 player in Ohio and 228th overall
  • ESPN.com lists him as the No. 41 cornerback, No. 65 player in the Midwest and the No. 17 player in Ohio
  • Four-star prospect by PrepStar and a member of the magazine’s Top 350 All-America list at No. 290
  • PrepStar’s No. 18 cornerback and the No. 9 player in Ohio
  • Earned first team Division II All-Ohio football honors by the Ohio Prep Sportswriters Association as a defensive back
  • Played for head coach Pat McLaughlin at La Salle High School in Cincinnati, Ohio
  • Recorded 63 tackles with two interceptions, four pass breakups and a forced fumble in 2020 after notching 72 stops with five interceptions in 2019
  • Chose Alabama over Ohio State

 

+++

 

DALLAS TURNER

DL, 6-4, 245, Fort Lauderdale, Fla./St. Thomas Aquinas

  • A consensus five-star prospect that quickly rose up the industry’s recruiting rankings and is a prized outside linebacker for the Tide
  • No. 8 on the 247Composite, the No. 1 weakside defensive end and No. 2 player in Florida
  • Ranked 11th in the Top247 along with being named the site’s No. 1 weakside defensive end and the No. 3 player in the state of Florida
  • ESPN.com’s No. 3 outside linebacker in the country
  • Also listed as the No. 6 player in the Southeast Region and No. 4 player in Florida by ESPN
  • Tabbed as the top-rated outside linebacker in the nation, the No. 18 player on the Rivals100 list and the No. 4 player in the state
  • Selected to the All-American Bowl and the Under Armour All-America Game rosters
  • Played for head coach Roger Harriott at St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
  • Helped Aquinas to back-to-back Florida 7A State Championships and the High School National Championship in 2019
  • Finished with 36 total tackles as a senior, including 25 tackles for loss and 13 sacks (-73 yards) while breaking up two passes
  • Chose Alabama over nearly every major program including Georgia, Miami, Michigan, Ohio State and Oregon

 

+++

 

KAINE WILLIAMS

DB, 6-2, 195, Marrero, La./John Ehret

  • Talented safety prospect out of Louisiana
  • Consensus four-star prospect on the 247Composite
  • Ranked 175th nationally on the 247Composite along with being listed as the No. 11 safety and the seventh-ranked player in Louisiana
  • No. 170 in the Rivals250, the No. 7 player in Louisiana and the No. 11 safety nationally
  • No. 169 on the ESPN300 and the outlet’s No. 7 safety
  • Ranked as the No. 74 player in the Southeast Region by ESPN.com and the No. 6 player in the state of Louisiana
  • Listed as the No. 22 safety by 247Spots and the No. 10 player in Louisiana
  • Played for head coach Corey Lambert at John Ehret High School in Marrero, La.
  • Recorded 52 tackles with 10 tackles for loss, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, three interceptions and three fumble recoveries
  • Recorded 13 interceptions and forced seven fumbles in four years at John Ehret
  • Chose Alabama over Florida, Florida State, LSU, Miami, Tennessee and Texas A&M

 

+++

 

Todd Watson to Serve as Special Assistant to the Head Coach for Crimson Tide

By
Staff Writer
-

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced the addition of Todd Watson to the Alabama football staff on Tuesday as the special assistant to the head coach.

 

Watson joins the Alabama staff after three seasons at the University of Tennessee where he spent two of those years as the Director of Football Operations and his final season as the Director of Football Programming.

 

At Alabama, Watson will assist the head coach with a myriad of responsibilities, including high school relations, offensive and special teams game preparations and breakdowns while also assisting with camps and clinics.

 

“Todd has a long history as a successful high school coach in Alabama and more recently in the college game on the operations side,” Saban said. “We are excited to add his knowledge and experience to our staff. Todd has always been someone we have had the upmost respect for as a person and a coach.”

 

Prior to his time in Knoxville, Watson served as the Director of Operations and High School Relations at Troy from 2015-17. The Trojans combined to go 20-5 over his final two seasons and shared the Sun Belt Championship with Appalachian State in 2017.

 

Watson was one of the most successful high school coaches in Alabama before joining the staff at Troy. He posted a record of 80-36 in 10 seasons as the head coach at Foley High School, where he coached former Alabama standout and Atlanta Falcons’ All-Pro Julio Jones along with future NFL players such as Robert Lester and D.J. Fluker.

 

“It is an honor and a privilege to have the opportunity to work for the most-storied program in college football history,” Watson said. “My family and I are excited to be back in the great state of Alabama and look forward to being on Coach Saban’s staff.”

 

Watson is a 1993 graduate of the University of Mobile. He and his wife, Christie, have two daughters LeighAshton and Micah, and a son-in-law, Seth Nuss.

 

While appropriate members of The Board of Trustees have been notified of the proposed terms and conditions of this proposed appointment, the financial terms remain subject to approval by The Board of Trustees.

 

Jay Graham Added to the Alabama Coaching Staff

By
Staff Writer
-

Graham will coach tight ends and coordinate special teams for the Crimson Tide

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. –Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced the addition of Jay Graham to the Crimson Tide coaching staff on Tuesday as the special teams coordinator and coach tight ends coach.

 

“We are pleased to be able to add Jay Graham to our staff,” Saban said. “Jay is well respected across the country for his knowledge of the game and his ability to recruit. He has experience at numerous schools across the SEC footprint with a proven track record for his ability to teach the game and develop young men both on the field and in life.”

 

Graham owns 15 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level and arrives at Alabama after one season as the running backs coach at Tennessee. He helped Eric Gray flourish in the Volunteers’ offense, averaging 4.9 yards per carry while rushing for 772 yards and four scores while Ty Chandler added 456 yards on the ground a four TDs.

 

Prior to his time in Knoxville, Graham spent two seasons as the running backs coach at Texas A&M (2018-19) where he tutored Isaiah Spiller (946 yards and 10 touchdowns) in 2019 and Trayveon Williams in 2018. Williams set A&M’s single-season mark for all-purpose yards (2,038) and rushing yards (1,760).

Graham spent five years at Florida State from 2013-17 coaching running backs and coordinating special teams in four of those seasons. During his tenure in Tallahassee, the Seminoles turned out five NFL running backs, including Cam Akers, Dalvin Cook, Devonta Freeman, James Wilder Jr. and Karlos Williams. Graham also coached three-time All-American placekicker Roberto Aguayo, who was the most accurate kicker in college football history with a 96.73 conversion rate.

 

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join Coach Saban’s staff at The University of Alabama,” Graham said. “The program Coach Saban has built at Alabama is something special, and I look forward to the chance to help continue that success. I am excited to begin working with such a talented group of student-athletes as we build toward the 2021 season.”

 

In 2012, Graham returned to his alma mater to coach running backs after beginning his career as a graduate assistant in Knoxville in 2005. Graham helped the Vols more than doubled their rushing output. Prior to UT, Graham spent three seasons at South Carolina from 2009-11 where he coached Marcus Lattimore to consecutive 1,000-yard rushing seasons. USC went to three bowl games and won a program-record 11 games in 2011, a year where he also coached tight ends.

Graham also served one-year stints at Miami (Ohio), UT Martin, San Diego and Chattanooga. He coached running backs at each stop while also coordinating special teams at San Diego and UT Martin. Graham was a standout All-SEC running back for the Vols from 1993-96, before spending six seasons in the NFL with Baltimore (1997-99), Seattle (2001) and Green Bay (2002). Graham and his wife, Kelly, are the parents of three daughters, Nia, Denae and Kiera, and two sons, Jayson and Kellan.

 

While appropriate members of The Board of Trustees have been notified of the proposed terms and conditions of this proposed appointment, the financial terms remain subject to approval by The Board of Trustees.

Alabama Football Announces 2021 Schedule

By
Staff Writer
-
10/17/20 MFB Alabama vs Georgia Team Photo by University of Alabama

Crimson Tide will open 2021 slate against the University of Miami in Atlanta

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – The 2021 Alabama football schedule was finalized Wednesday and includes seven games at Bryant-Denny Stadium plus four Southeastern Conference road matchups and a neutral site pairing with the University of Miami.

 

The Crimson Tide opens the 2021 campaign against Miami on Sept. 4 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. It marks the seventh time in the Nick Saban era that Alabama has opened the season in Atlanta with UA holding a perfect 6-0 mark in those openers.

 

In league play, the Tide will host Ole Miss, Tennessee, Arkansas and LSU while traveling to Florida, Texas A&M, Mississippi State and Auburn this upcoming season.

 

The Crimson Tide also welcomes three non-conference opponents to Bryant-Denny Stadium, including Mercer (Sept. 11), Southern Miss (Sept. 25) and New Mexico State (Nov. 13).

 

Alabama opens its home schedule with Mercer on Sept. 11 before beginning SEC play at Florida on Sept. 18. The Tide returns home to face Southern Miss and Ole Miss on Sept. 25 and Oct. 2, respectively. UA will visit Texas A&M (Oct. 9) and Mississippi State (Oct. 16) and host Tennessee (Oct. 30) before the bye week. The Crimson Tide returns to action with a trio of home games against LSU (Nov. 6), New Mexico State (Nov. 13) and Arkansas (Nov. 20). Alabama will close out the regular season with a trip to Auburn (Nov. 27).

 

The 2021 SEC Championship Game is slated for Saturday, Dec. 4, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

 

Date Opponent
Sept. 4 vs. Miami (Atlanta)
Sept. 11 MERCER
Sept. 18 at Florida
Sept. 25 SOUTHERN MISS
Oct. 2 OLE MISS
Oct. 9 at Texas A&M
Oct. 16 at Mississippi State
Oct. 23 TENNESSEE
Oct. 30 BYE
Nov. 6 LSU
Nov. 13 NEW MEXICO STATE
Nov. 20 ARKANSAS
Nov. 27 at Auburn

SEC Adjusts Site of 2021 Football Media Days

By
Staff Writer
-

BIRMINGHAM, Alabama (January 26, 2021) – The Southeastern Conference announced Tuesday it is adjusting the site of its annual SEC Football Media Days in 2021 from Nashville to Hoover, Alabama, and will reschedule the Nashville event to the summer of 2023.

SEC Football Media Days, which was cancelled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is now scheduled to be held at the Hyatt Regency Birmingham – The Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover, July 19-22. The Wynfrey Hotel has been the site of the signature event 18 times in the last 19 occurrences.

“Nashville’s success with the NFL Draft in 2019 was a point of attraction when we originally selected it as site for SEC Football Media Days, but the current environment related to the virus will not allow us to explore some of the unique fan experiences we had hoped to pursue in Nashville for this event,” said SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. “With two years to prepare, we look forward to making SEC Media Days an even bigger event in Nashville in 2023.”

The SEC will announce the site of the 2022 SEC Football Media Days in the near future.

Doug Marrone Added to the Alabama Football Coaching Staff

By
Staff Writer
-

The former college and NFL head coach will coach the Crimson Tide’s offensive line

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama head football coach Nick Saban announced the addition of Doug Marrone to the Crimson Tide coaching staff on Monday as the offensive line coach.

 

“We are extremely fortunate to be able to add Doug Marrone to our staff,” Saban said. “He knows our new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien well and will do a fantastic job with our offensive line. He has extensive experience as not only an offensive line coach, but also as a head coach at Syracuse and in the NFL with Buffalo and Jacksonville. Doug has an excellent track record for recruiting and developing players. I’m excited about his ability to help our players reach their full potential.”

 

Marrone comes to Alabama after four-plus seasons as head coach of the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars. He guided the Jags to the AFC Championship Game at the end of the 2017 season after finishing with a 10-6 record. His 2017 team was tied for the NFL’s biggest win/loss improvement (+7) among first-year head coaches and earned him AFC Coach of the Year recognition from the NFL 101 Awards.

 

Marrone also spent two years as the Buffalo Bills head coach from 2013-14, winning 15 games over two seasons, including a 9-7 record and a second-place finish in the rugged AFC East in 2014. The 9-7 mark in 2014 was the Bills’ first winning record since the 2004 season.

 

“I have always admired the programs Coach Saban has built, and I am excited to have the opportunity to join his staff here at Alabama,” Marrone said. “Coach’s program is the model of consistency, and I am looking forward to helping continue that tradition of success with an exceptional group of players and coaches.”

 

Prior to joining the Bills, Marrone spent four seasons (2009-12) as the head coach of his alma mater, Syracuse, where he led the program to a 21-17 record in his final three seasons. He guided the Orange to an 8-5 mark in 2010 and 2012 with both seasons culminating with victories in the New Era Pinstripe Bowl. Marrone earned AFCA Region 1 Coach of the Year honors in 2011 and was a finalist for the Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award.

 

Marrone served as the New Orleans Saints offensive coordinator from 2006-08 and was the New York Jets offensive line coach from 2002-05. Prior to his time with the Jets, he spent one year as the tackles and tight ends coach at Tennessee (2001) and one year as the offensive line coach at Georgia (2000). Additionally, Marrone spent five years on the Georgia Tech staff with Bill O’Brien, serving as the offensive line coach from 1997-99 after coaching tight ends in 1996.

 

He began his coaching career in 1992 at Cortland (N.Y.) State as the school’s tight ends coach before stints as the offensive line coach at the U.S. Coast Guard Academy (1993) and Northeastern University (1994).

 

A native of the Bronx, New York, Marrone was a sixth-round draft pick of the Los Angeles Raiders in 1986 and played two years in the NFL. Marrone was a three-year letterman at Syracuse and graduated in 1991 with a degree in liberal arts. Doug and his wife, Helen, have two daughters, Madeline and Annie, and a son, Mack.

 

While appropriate members of The Board of Trustees have been notified of the proposed terms and conditions of these proposed hires, the financial terms remain subject to the approval by The Board of Trustees.

Mac Jones Finishes Alabama Football Career by Winning the Manning Award

By
Staff Writer
-
10/24/20 MFB Alabama vs Tennessee Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (10) Photo by Kent Gidley

Crimson Tide signal-caller wins the only quarterback honor that includes postseason performances

 

NEW ORLEANS – Alabama quarterback Mac Jones was selected as the 2020 winner of the Manning Award, presented by the Allstate Sugar Bowl to the top quarterback in the nation.

 

Jones becomes the first Crimson Tide signal-caller to earn the award after leading the Crimson Tide to a perfect 13-0 record and its 18th national championship in program history.

 

Mac Jones

Quarterback

  • Led the nation in passing yards (4,500), completion percentage (77.4), passer rating (203.06) and yards per attempt (11.2) and was also second in passing touchdowns (41) and third in passing yards per game (346.2)
  • First Alabama quarterback to throw for more than 4,000 yards in a single year
  • Finished the season with a 77.4 completion percentage, a new single-season record in college football
  • Named a consensus All-American and was a finalist for the Heisman Trophy
  • In addition to the Manning Award, Jones won the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award and Davey O’Brien Award

 

Other finalists for this year’s Manning Award were: Ian Book (Notre Dame), Matt Corral (Ole Miss), Justin Fields (Ohio State), Dillon Gabriel (UCF), Sam Howell (North Carolina), Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina), Brock Purdy (Iowa State), Desmond Ridder (Cincinnati), Kyle Trask (Florida) and Zach Wilson (BYU).

 

The Manning honor caps one of the most impressive seasons by a quarterback in college football history. The Manning Award, now in its 16th year, was created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl to honor the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton and Eli Manning. It is the only quarterback award that takes into consideration the candidates’ bowl performances in its balloting. The award is voted on by a panel of local and national media, as well as each of the Mannings.

Alabama Football’s Will Anderson Jr. Selected as Shaun Alexander-FWAA Freshman of the Year

By
Staff Writer
-
12/2/20 MFB Practice Alabama linebacker Will Anderson Jr. (31) Photo by Kent Gidley

Malachi Moore and Anderson Jr. earned FWAA First Team Freshman All-America honors

 

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Alabama true freshman Will Anderson Jr. was selected as the Shaun Alexander-FWAA National Freshman Player of the Year Award, the Football Writers Association of America announced Monday morning.

 

The association also named Anderson Jr. and Malachi Moore as FWAA First Team Freshman All-Americans. Moore was selected at defensive back while Anderson Jr. got the nod at linebacker.

 

Malachi Moore

Defensive Back

  • Earned the starting role at star for the Tide defense
  • Selected to the SEC All-Freshman Team and also picked up second team All-SEC honors at defensive back from the Associated Press and the league coaches
  • Led the UA defense with four forced turnovers, including a team-high three interceptions
  • Totaled nine passes defensed (three interceptions, six breakups) to rank third in the SEC among all freshman defenders
  • Racked up 44 tackles, including four for loss (-8 yards), while adding six pass breakups and two quarterback pressures to his totals

 

Will Anderson Jr.

Linebacker

  • Earned the starting job at jack linebacker during the fall
  • Named to the SEC All-Freshman Team and picked up second team All-SEC honors from the AP
  • Tied for second in the SEC in sacks with seven (-39 yards) while ranking third in tackles for loss at 10.5 (-52 yards)
  • Started every game this season and totaled 52 tackles to go with a forced fumble and a team-high eight quarterback pressures

 

Shaun Alexander is a former All-Pro running back with the Seattle Seahawks (2000-07) and Washington Football Team (2008) and a former All-SEC player at Alabama (1995-99). He finished a four-year career with the Crimson Tide holding 15 records including 3,565 career rushing yards and most touchdowns (five) in a game. He was drafted by Seattle as the 19th overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, and in his second season had a breakout year with 1,318 yards and 14 touchdowns, including a franchise-record 266 yards on 35 carries in a memorable ESPN Sunday Night Football game against Oakland. Today Alexander travels the country speaking and teaching people about the things he is passionate about – his Christian faith, marriage, fatherhood, football, winning, leading and love.

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