Crimson Tide fans got a surprise commitment Wednesday from Tampa, Florida QB Phillip Ely. Ely didn’t list Alabama as an option on any of the services.

Apparently, there was a camp meeting between Nick Saban and Phillip Ely and something clicked. 

The “Book of Ely” is one of contradictions.  

He does not have the freakish measurable that fans looks for these days.   Listed at 6’ 1” some are saying that is generous.  Max preps went ahead and downgraded him to 6’ 0”.   He tips the scales at only 186.  This is the size you might expect at division II than at the home of the defending national champions.

Though height is a valuable trait for a quarterback, it’s worth noting that Superbowl winning quarterback Drew Brees is six foot flat. 

At the national Elite 11 camp he was not given any of the big awards, instead winning the “best fit in any system”.  I suspect this is the football equivalent of Miss Congeniality. 

He’s listed as only a three star recruit by Scout and ESPN recruiting services.

Having noted the cover of the book, lets look at whats inside.

Rivals has him rated a four star recruit. Unlike other services Rivals separates pro-style quarterbacks from the spread-style.  They list him as the fourth best pro-style quarterback in the country.

Ely led Plant high school in Tampa to an undefeated state title season as a junior.   During that season, he threw for 1,860 yards and completed 58% of his passes.    Plant is a big time program playing big time competition, so his on the field resume speaks for itself.   

In addition to the above numbers, he threw for twenty touchdowns to only three interceptions.  This does not happen by accident or luck, and clearly, Ely is smart and accurate.

His performance at Elite 11 did not overwhelm, but he was there.  There are hundreds more college quarterback recruits that did not get that far.

Like Greg McElroy, Ely has not lost a game as a prep starter.  That includes five games his sophomore season when he went in for current Georgia Bulldog Aaron Murray after an injury.

Ely has 4.5 second 40 speed and it has been noted he can pull the seven step drop as fast as anyone.

At his commitment ceremony, he pulled a stunt that showed a unique wit and style, revealing his choice when he unbuttoned his blazer to reveal the Crimson A on his tie. 

Ely is a smart kid and a winner.  His commitment was unexpected by fans and won’t be met with much hoopla,  much like the commitment of Greg McElroy in 2006.  

McElroy went on to grow another inch, put on about ten pounds of muscle, and win a National Championship.    

In the end, Alabama fans have learned to trust the instincts of Nick Saban when it comes to recruits.  He’s not always right, but he’s right more often than not. 

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Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) ESPN says that Isaiah Crowell from Georgia is the best running back prospect in the nation; Rivals says that it is Malcolm Brown of Texas who is the best running back prospect. The only thing that all major services agree on is that both have the Crimson Tide high on their list of schools. In fact, they have them in the top two.

And that in itself creates a problem.

Could one be waiting out the other to see what school they pick? Would both pick Alabama and go head-to-head for playing time? If one picks Alabama first publicly, will that alter the decision of the other? Do both have the guts to fight it out at the same school?

Such things are at this stage of recruiting impossible to determine.

Most experts say that Brown is a 50-50 shot for Alabama over Texas at this point and that Crowell may be a slight lean to Alabama over Georgia, who led early.

Alabama signing either one of these backs would assure it a top position in the final drafting wars; landing both would clearly make them No. 1.

And if you look at Alabama’s commitment list, you’ll notice that they haven’t yet sewn up a big name running back yet, so landing one or both of these commitments would be important to them.

Though both are super backs, they are different in their style of playing.

Crowell is a smallish brute of a back capable of getting the same kind of yards after contact for which Alabama’s Ingram is so famous. At 5’11″ and around 212 pounds, he sort of resembles Ingram as well.

He can hit full steam by his forth step and can take any play to the house with a good second gear. He runs through gaps low and is hard to get a hit on. In high school he platooned and never had to carry the offense on his back, so his stamina at this point is questionable.

Brown is 6’0″ and about 210 lbs as well. Brown is a more physical type of runner who can carry the ball 25-30 times a game and get all those tough yards. He is a North-South running back, best suited to the type of offense that Alabama runs.

While not the breakaway threat that Crowell is, Brown is strong and not easy to bring down. He can drag tacklers that extra yard or two for critical first downs.

The fact that these two are arguably the best two backs in America for next year’s college teams, and that both are considering Alabama, says much about the program at Alabama and the success of Saban and company in outside-the-state recruiting.

Should Alabama land these two running backs, the debate in future years will not be which school has the best running backs, but which Alabama back will contend for a Heisman?

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Alabama running back Mark Ingram was one of the top players in college football last season, rushing for 1,658 yards on 271 carries and 17 touchdowns on his way to winning the Heisman Trophy.

The first Crimson Tide player to ever win the Heisman Trophy, Ingram was instrumental in delivering Alabama’s first national championship since 1992, winning MVP honors in the national title game after rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns.

However, while Ingram had a stellar season, he was not alone in making the Crimson Tide the third-best rushing offense in the SEC last season.

Sophomore Trent Richardson, the No. 2 running back recruit in the Class of 2009 according to Scout.com, earned nothing but the highest praise from head coach Nick Saban when he arrived in Tuscaloosa last year.

Saban called Richardson “the real key to the class” and said that he was “an outstanding player at a position that a young player can contribute next year.”

I don’t know if you can call Saban a prophet, but he was pretty spot-on in describing Alabama’s newest rushing phenom.

Richardson broke onto the scene as one of the nation’s top freshmen in 2009, carrying the ball 145 times for 751 yards and eight touchdowns for Alabama.

Even though he was overshadowed by Ingram’s performance, Richardson’s contributions did not go unnoticed as he was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.

Yet, while No. 3 put up great stats during his entire freshman campaign, he saved his best clutch performance for the BCS National Championship Game against the Texas Longhorns.

Ingram was named the game’s offensive MVP after rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns in the 37-21 victory, but Richardson could have just as easily taken home the MVP hardware.

Richardson picked up 109 rushing yards on 19 carries and scored two touchdowns, including an electric 49-yard score in the second quarter.

Although he has a national championship under his belt after just one season of college football, Richardson is not one to get comfortable with his accomplishments.

Named to the preseason All-SEC first team as a running back along with Ingram, the Crimson Tide are expecting big things from Richardson in his second season in Tuscaloosa–especially Ingram.

“I think he should be preseason All-SEC, All-American, All-Everything on every award, because he’s a great player,” Ingram told Don Kausler, Jr. of The Birmingham News. “He’s explosive. He’s dynamic. He’s getting smarter as a student of the game every day.”

However, Ingram believes his teammate has only barely scratched the surface and that should be downright frightening for opposing defenses.

“[Richardson]‘s getting better and he’s improving every single day,” Ingram continued. “It’ll be scary to see when he reaches his full potential what he’ll be capable of doing.”

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I am often asked how the replacements on defense are doing and how deep are we at varying positions. The quick answer would be we are fine with the replacements and we are two and three deep now with quality talent.

The better answer would be that Alabama’s second string, if a separate team, may be the second best team in the SEC and one of the top 10 teams in the country.

A.J. McCararron would soon be a household name throwing balls to Kevin Norwood and Darius Hanks, Brandon Gibson would also snag several. Trent Richardson might be in the running for a Heisman himself without sharing the load with Mark Ingram.

David Ross would be a good center and Tyler Love and Anthony Steen could hold down the left of the offensive line while John Boswell and Alfred McCullough and Brad Smelly has shown he can handle the tight end spot.

It would be a solid and high scoring offense to be sure and they would need to be to let the defensive backs learn without too much pressure on them.

On the defensive side, we would have some solid down linemen with Kerry Murphy at nose and Undra Billingsley and Damien Square at ends.

At linebacker, only Alabama’s first team defense could be much better. Having linebackers Chavis Williams, Alex Watkins, Chris Jordan and Tana Patrick, this defense line and linebacker corp would be among the league’s best.

In the defensive backfield, DeMarcus Milliner and Phelon Jones would be solid and John Fulton could maybe move to safety or either Kendall Kelley would be forced to start as a true freshman.

They would give the the first team about as good as run for the money as they did in the A Day game, where the second team offensive team actually won with the help of the first team defense.

The fact that all these players on just one team almost makes Alabama a sort of All Star team. They do lead the SEC in players on the All SEC team, and last year had more All Americans as well.

So next year, when people ask you how the replacements will affect Alabama’s chances, you’ll be safe in saying, “We’ll be fine.”

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While there are a few players, barring injury or physical ailments, that have secured a starting role for the Crimson Tide defense, there are very few or possibly no secured positions at this point in time.

Unlike what many have posted in this regard, much of this is attributable to the depth on defense, not the lack of experience.

Will Josh Chapman or Kerry Murphy get the nod at nose tackle? Will it be Damien Square or Luther Davis, Marcel Dareus or Darrington Sentimore at defensive end? Remember, Dareus made his impact as a substitute off the bench in nearly every game last year. His impact was most impressive on pass rushing downs.

At linebacker, there has never been more depth. For sure, Dont’a Hightower will start, but at which position, Middle or Jack?

It depends on the situation and the down. If Hightower is at Jack, who is at Mike? And the questions keep going.

Despite his key play last year, Nico Johnson is in a tough competition with Chris Jordan. Jerrell Harris and Tana Patrick are competing and Jalston Fowler is making great strides and impressing the coaches with his agility and abilities at linebacker. There have been no positions solidified.

In the secondary, Dre Kirkpatrick will clearly be a starter, but on the left or right side. Where will he play in nickel and dime packages? Who will be the first off the bench when extra defensive backs are called on.

And who is at the other corner position—DeQuan Menzie, Phelon Jones, John Fulton or DeMarcus Milliner? There is no answer at this point in time.

For sure, Mark Barron will be at the safety position, but the second safety position is not solidified. Robert Lester has strong consideration, but Jones can compete at safety as well as cornerback.

Solidifying a position is not what matters to these players; solidifying a role is the key. Defense or special teams, it doesn’t really matter. These players are unselfish and will encourage the player on the field from the sidelines until it is their number that is called.

I think what the coaches have done for themselves is that they have provided great options at every position. They have put every position in good standing because whoever starts, they will have earned the position by competing at a high level.

I think this is probably the first year since the ’70′s that every defensive position will be manned by some of the best players in the entire SEC, and in some cases the entire nation.

This is truly an All-Star cast, ‘Bama fans.

We as fans will not be disappointed by the product placed on the field. Nick Saban, Kirby Smart, Jeremy Pruitt, and Sal Sunseri will be able to develop defensive packages for any type of offense they will face in 2010. The will bring stunts from every angle, confuse every quarterback in the league, and bring tears to more that just one notable player in 2010.

The Tide is high. Others are counting on the Alabama offense to be explosive, but I can’t wait to see the defense get put together and get after it like no other defense has in years past. This defense will be extremely fast, incredibly athletic, strong, immovable up front, and unbelievably agile in pass coverage.

The Tide will strike fear in the mind of the opposition’s quarterback before the ball is snapped. The quarterback will have no more than three seconds to get rid of the ball because a blitz could come from any position in the second line of defense.

Opposition running backs will time and time again be strung out to the sideline, and the north-south runner will hit a wall on every down. Receivers crossing over the middle will pay for their intrusion. Deep passes will be met by defensive backs with leaping and catching abilities that rival any receiver in the land.

Opposing offenses will be pounded on every play. They will weaken and be defeated week after week. This is what Alabama football used to be like, and this is today’s Alabama football.

From the standpoint of a fan, have class and represent your university well. Thank the opposition fans for visiting. Greet them with a handshake and a smile.

There is no team in the country that Alabama fans should envy. We have the best in our own backyard and we can watch the best play every weekend. Let’s get ready to celebrate with class and dignity.

Roll Tide, Alabama, Roll Tide Roll.

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Today it’s time for the second part, where I reveal 15 more teams, and end with the revelation of my preseason No. 1 (I’m sure you’ll all be real shocked who I take at No. 1. Kidding.). Let’s get back to the list…

(Because of length, we’re going to start the list at No. 4. To read the REMAINDER of the list, please click here or visit Aaron at www.aarontorres-sports.com)

4. TCU

I’ve been seeing TCU ranked anywhere from No. 6 to No. 8 in the preseason and really, I don’t understand how that’s possible. Looking at the stats (and I really hate stats to describe the dominance of a team, but it’s the only way to fully appreciate this team), you could make a pretty strong case for them at No. 2 or No. 3. Let’s check them out.

Last year, TCU ranked in the top six in college football (Remember, this was out of 120 teams) in the following categories: Scoring offense, total offense, rushing offense, scoring defense, total defense, rushing defense, and passing defense. And oh, by the way, they return 16 starters off a 12-1 team. In other words, they’re going to score a whole lot of points, and not give up very many on the other side of the ball.

Now let me ask you, how is this the No. 6, 7, or 8 ranked team in the country?

3. Ohio State

In my preview last year (And please don’t look through the archives, the writing was terrible. Please, I don’t ask for much.), I compared the Ohio State Buckeyes to an episode of Everybody Loves Raymond. It starts with a few laughs (Ohio State beating up on Toledo.), then Ray does something a little controversial in the middle to piss Deborah off (Ohio State losing a game they maybe shouldn’t.), and the episode ends with more laughs (a Big 10 title). After awhile there’s no point in even watching, because you know exactly what’s going to happen.

Entering 2010, I don’t expect things to be much different. The defense is going to be really good, because, well, it always is. I don’t think I’m breaking new ground there. Quite honestly, I’m pretty sure this group hasn’t given up more than 17 points in a game since sometime in the mid 1990′s.

My one concern though, is if we’re making a little bit too big of a deal out of Terrelle Pryor’s Rose Bowl performance. Because if my memory serves me correctly, I’m pretty sure that like two months before Pryor sliced and diced Oregon in Pasadena, half the Ohio State fanbase wanted him moved to wide receiver. Maybe I just dreamt that. But I don’t think I did.

Now I know that Pryor was better over the second half of last year, I’m not arguing that. But other than the Rose Bowl, was he great? Not from what I remember. What I remember is a good quarterback, who was put in a position to not make mistakes, which is exactly what he did. The Rose Bowl performance was phenomenal, but then again, with a month between games, shouldn’t we take all bowl performances both good and bad with a grain of salt?

Here’s how I see Ohio State’s season playing out: Pryor will be much improved from beginning to end, more second half of 2009 than first half. Still, like every Jim Tressel coached team, the Buckeyes are still going to rely on the running game, defense, and Pryor not to do anything stupid. It will work for most of the year, but at some point (maybe at Iowa, maybe at Wisconsin), they’ll need Pryor to come through and he won’t. Part will be his fault, and part will be that I just don’t see any of his receivers as the A.J. Green/Julio Jones types that can just go out and make plays when needed. And Ohio State will lose one game.

Obviously, an 11-1 finish wouldn’t be bad by any measurement, and almost most any other program would kill to start the year as the No. 3 team in the country. But I just don’t think this Ohio State team will be playing for a National Championship in January. That’s all.

2. Boise State

Like last year, what this season comes down to for Boise is its first game. You all know that. Win it, and they’re going to be comfortable favorites in every game after. Lose, and for all intents and purposes, the season is over.

Since we all know pretty much everything there is to know about Boise (mainly that return 21 of 22 starters), here are three reasons why I like them to beat Virginia Tech on Labor Day.

A. Quarterback Kellen Moore just doesn’t make mistakes. Period. Just to verify, I decided to check out his touchdown to interception ratio in 2009. It was 39 to 3. Well then.

B. Like every other big game in program history (Fiesta Bowl against Oklahoma, Fiesta Bowl against TCU, opener against Oregon last year), this game is coming off an extended break, just about nine months after the Broncos last game to be exact. That’s nine months for Boise State to figure out how to stop you, and nine months for them to come up with a whole bunch of stuff you’re not ready for. If this game were played in Week Three or Week Five I might like Virginia Tech. Not in an opener.

C. Anyone who still thinks of Boise as a gimmicky, goofy team didn’t watch them play last year. That might have been who they were in 2006. Not anymore.

Yes they might break out a trick play here or there, but in their most recent big games, they’ve been a tough, physical football team and controlled the line of scrimmage.

Take last year’s opener with Oregon for example. It was supposed to be Chip Kelly’s spread offense that carved up Boise’s smallish front line. That dominated the trenches. That ran all over an overmatched defense. Well, Boise ended up outrushing them 164 yards to 31. And if it wasn’t for a couple bone-headed plays in the red zone, they would have won by a much wider margin than 19-8. Go ahead and watch that game again, it easily could have been 31-8. Boise also doubled TCU’s rushing total in their Fiesta Bowl matchup.

While they might not double Virginia Tech up on Labor Day, they are going to get the win. These ain’t your father’s Boise State Broncos.

1. Alabama

For anyone who has made it this far, first of all, thanks for reading. I’m sure by now you want to stick a ball point pen in your eye. I appreciate you not do that, and finishing out this article to the end.

Seriously though, there’s probably nothing I can tell you about Alabama that you don’t already know. They return a Heisman Trophy winning running back. Their quarterback is undefeated. Their defense is young, but talented. And their coach is a success driven maniac, who handles losing about as well as I handle my mornings without coffee.

With that, even the most optimistic Alabama fan will admit that going undefeated won’t be easy this year. Not with a schedule that has Arkansas, LSU, Tennessee, and South Carolina on the road, Florida and Auburn at home, and a potential SEC Championship Game. Just based on the odds, you’d think a loss would be mixed in there somewhere, and that doesn’t even factor in the mental stress that comes with entering the season No. 1. We saw it wear down Florida last year, and you’ve got to think it’ll weigh on the Crimson Tide all year.

Still though, this is the best team on paper in college football and the defending National Champion. They’re still on top of the mountain, and until someone knocks them off, they belong at No. 1.

We’ll find out if they’ll stay there, starting September 2.

(Remember, this is just PART of Aaron’s “Way Too Early,” Top 25 College Football preview. To read the remainder, please click here, or visit him at www.aarontorres-sports.com

Also, for his take on all things sports, please be sure to follow Aaron on Twitter @Aaron_Torres, Facebook.com/AaronTorresSports or by downloading his APP for your iPhone or Android)

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Unfortunately some of the people that are in and around the SEC have had those moments too and they are there forever on videotape for the world to see over and over.

Here is a recap of some of some of biggest blunders, blunderers, and uh-oh moments of the SEC season last season.

Enjoy!

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A game that is no doubt on every SEC fan’s mind, is when the Alabama Crimson Tide has to face Arkansas on the Razorbacks’ own turf. The word on the street is that the kids from Fayetteville are bringing some serious game with them this season, and they aren’t here to play around. Alabama’s coming off a tremendous 2009-2010 season, with its 13th National Championship title and a whole lot of reputation just waiting to be broken.

Leading the powerful offense of Arkansas is Ryan Mallett, who contended in the Heisman Trophy race last year. He shows up this year looking to do even better than last season, which included over 3,000 passing yards. He is no doubt the man that the Crimson Tide defense will be focusing on the entire time on September 25th.

This will be the second game that Alabama will have to pay very close attention to if they want to preserve their perfect season coming off of last year’s success story. One of the biggest worries the fans have is the new defensive line up, which was assembled after the Tide lost more than four key players to the NFL Draft, including linebacker Rolando McClain and defensive tackle Terrance Cody. Putting pressure on the seasoned Mallett will be one of the keys to winning this SEC showdown.

 If Alabama loses to Arkansas, it will be an up-hill battle to fight to the SEC Championship game against the winner of the SEC East. The Razorbacks were decent last season, going 8-5, but their talent has only grown since then. Head coach Bobby Petrino is also looking to utilize all of his assets on the offensive side in the hopes of improving Arkansas’ running abilities coming into 2010.

Arkansas’ day of testing the SEC waters is against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 18th. If they cruise through that game, they might be feeling even more confident against the recent king of the conference, Alabama. They also have 22 offensive players and 18 defensive players returning for the 2010 season, which should help having a seasoned and more mature team coming back for another year.

Alabama faces a lot pressure this year with Nick Saban looking to make it all the way to the BCS National Championship once again. This is Alabama’s most important game in making sure their in-conference record stays undefeated. If Alabama can keep its running game on track with Heisman Trophy winning back Mark Ingram, it should be fine if the Arkansas defensive line does not beat him down. Wide receiver Julio Jones has also improved significantly since last year, looking to turn some heads with a break-out year. His counterpart, Marquis Maze, will also be a huge asset when Jones is in double coverage against the Arkansas defensive back field.

The Crimson Tide are favored for the game, coming off of their National Championship win last year against the Texas Longhorns. It is very possible that they could contend in the SEC Championship this year. Some people say there is no doubt that they will. If they want to win this game they are going to have to focus all their efforts on Mallett. There is no question this will be an interesting game for both teams, which could possibly make or break one team’s chances for a shot at the SEC Championship.

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“They didn’t even play anybody!” 

“Their schedule was so soft!”

“They won’t play anyone outside the SEC!”

You might hear these quotes frequently said about Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators, but Nick Saban is making sure his Alabama teams are safe from that conversation. 

Since Nick Saban has been at Alabama, he has given his players the opportunity to prove themselves early in the season with huge premiere matchups. 

In 2008, an unproven Alabama team made themselves known as they demolished the No. 9 ranked Clemson Tigers, 34-10. In 2009, the Crimson Tide opened up with a tremendous victory over the No. 7 ranked Virginia Tech Hokies, 34-24.

In 2010, Nick Saban’s Crimson Tide will take on another tough opponent in Week Two against No. 14 Penn State. Unlike the past two seasons, Alabama will be the favorite. Once again, Nick Saban has given his players the opportunity to prove themselves and this time, their No. 1 ranking.  

As long as Nick Saban is the head coach at Alabama, his teams will be tested early and throughout each season.

Recently, rumors have been swirling about an opening season matchup with the Michigan Wolverines in 2012 in Dallas, Texas. There have been other rumors with Alabama playing against Texas Tech, UCLA, and Miami in 2012.

Whomever the Crimson Tide takes on out-of-conference in 2012, the opponent will be outstanding and will provide another great opportunity for Alabama to prove themselves. 

Nick Saban realizes the importance of a tough schedule. It is great for the players, the fans, the University, and for recruiting. Saban also realizes that with big wins against tough opponents comes respect from the media and opposing coaches leading to higher rankings in the BCS and in turn, greater chances to win the BCS National Championship.

Saban’s willingness to take on premiere out-of-conference competition has been an essential part of his team’s success at Alabama and will continue to be in future seasons. He has risked near-term success and, with favorable results, has created future prosperity for his program.

Urban Meyer and other SEC coaches are not as willing to take on the level of risk that Nick Saban is.

Beating up on mid-level opponents in the MAC or Sun Belt won’t create long-term prosperity but only short-term success. Nick Saban’s teams have had huge out-of-conference victories during his time at Alabama that have in part launched them into the No. 1 ranking this season.  

While Urban Meyer and the Florida Gators take on mid-tier teams like Troy and South Florida in their non-conference schedules, Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide will be fighting teams like Virginia Tech and Penn State. 

Wouldn’t it be great for the SEC and Florida to take on a top team like Ohio State or Oklahoma? 

It would, but don’t count of Urban Meyer taking that big of a risk!

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It is early in fall practice, but the Crimson Tide secondary is beginning to take shape.

No position entering the fall is as unsettled as defensive back. Nick Saban has his work cut out to mold these young men into a cohesive unit in time. 

Here are some impressions from the practice field.

Who’s Up?

Mark Barron

Barron, a junior is one of the more solid physical specimens to play for the crimson tide.  At 6’2” and 210 pounds he has the ball skills to hang deep and the physical size to hammer running backs.  From his free safety position he is the quarterback of the secondary.

Robert Lester:

The strong safety job belongs to the sophomore from Foley. Lester took a red shirt year and has slowly climbed the depth chart to earn his starting spot. He held off the since departed Rod Woodson this spring and this season faces stiff competition from of several newcomers. 

Nick Perry:

True freshman Nick Perry from Prattville surprised some arriving a little bigger, a little more vocal, and a little more aware of the coverages than most anticipated.  So far he looks to be a strong contender for early playing time. 

Westley Neighbors:

The sophomore arrived at the capstone on the Bryant Scholarship, which is not part of the 85 scholarships allotted. The Bryan Scholarship is awarded annually to the children of former players, coaches, or staffers.  There is a catch however. 

Most Bryant Scholarship recipients never play. If they do, they must then be considered part of the 85. Meaning if Alabama plays Neighbors, someone else will have to go off of scholarship. 

Neighbors may not be an elite talent at safety, but he apparently knows the system and can and will lay the wood as witnessed this spring.

Who’s Falling Back?

Jarrick Williams:

Williams was rated higher in high school than Nick Perry but so far he looks to be slightly behind him. With young players, this can change in a single practice so don’t think this is any sort of long term observation.  

Williams is buried right now, but his athletic prowess should take him past Westley Neighbors if he can grasp the system quickly enough. Nick Saban will sometimes bury a talented player on purpose just to see if they will come out fighting.   

Will Lowery:

Lowery is a scrappy walk-on from Hoover High School. Lowery is still defying the odds to remain in the three deep on one of the most talented teams in America, but the arrival of more high level talent will likely reduce his opportunities.  

Kendell Kelly:

The converted wide receiver suffered heat related health problems the first day, and his return is questionable.

At corner Alabama has less returning experience, but more talented players available.

Who’s Up?

Dre Kirkpatrick:

The supremely talented Kirkpatrick must avoid re-injuring his shoulder to maintain his grip on the starting corner spot.

Burton Scott:

Scott survived a tough battle with Phelon Jones for the other starting corner job this spring. He is maintaining that lead thus far this fall.

Dequan Menzie:

Most everyone expected Menzie to redshirt after his serious leg injury this spring, so it’s pretty amazing that he is out there and competing.  So far Menzie has impressed enough to be considered a strong candidate for the two deep and could even challenge for a starting assignment. His health may determine his fate.

DeMarcus Milliner:

Milliner struggled at times this spring but after a summer learning the system he  appears to be surging forward. Though Milliner is buried thus far; he has been getting reps at the starting fifth defensive back position.

Who’s Falling Back?

Phelon Jones:

LSU transfer Phelon Jones has thus far not been able to close the gap on Burton Scott for the starting corner spot and is facing tough challenges from other players.   He may still get the starting nod when playing five defensive backs.

John Fulton:

John Fulton seemed to be ahead of fellow freshman DeMarcus Milliner this spring but Milliner surging forward may be forcing Fulton back.  This battle like the one between Perry and Williams at safety is far from over and could change tomorrow.

Alabama’s secondary is big, fast, and talented.  They can and will run with any group of receivers they face and match up physically to SEC competition.  Their success or failure rests on their ability to play together and not make mistakes.    

Nick Saban is a documented hater of allowing the big play. Nothing gets under his skin more. If the men of Alabama’s secondary want to get and keep a starting job, they had better get on the same page with their teammates. Nick has little patience for those who allow receivers to run free.

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Junior running back Mark Ingram, a 2009 Walter Camp First Team All-American, headlines the 2010 Walter Camp Player of the Year Award watch list.

Also on the list are 2009 Second Team All-Americans Case Keenum (QB, Houston), Jacquizz Rodgers (RB, Oregon State), Greg Jones (LB, Michigan State), and Rahim Moore (LB, UCLA).

Thirty players are named to the list at the beginning of each year. For the full list, go to this link:

http://waltercamp.org/index.php/news/2010_player_of_the_year_watch_list_announced

Colt McCoy received the individual Award in 2009 and 2008. McCoy was the first to receive the award in consecutive years since Archie Griffin achieved that distinguished honor in 1974 and 1975. O.J. Simpson is the only other player to receive the award in consecutive years (1967, 1968). No Alabama player has received the award since its inception.

Darren McFadden received the award in 2007. Other SEC players honored by the New Haven, CT based foundation include Danny Wuerffel (1996), Bo Jackson (1985), Herschel Walker (1982) and Pat Sullivan (1971).

Penn State running back Evan Royster, Arkansas quarterback Ryan Mallett, and LSU cornerback Patrick Patterson are named to the 2010 watch list as well. Each of these players will compete against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the 2010 season.

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Larry Burton (Syndicated Writer) When you research Cyrus Kouandjio, three things become apparent immediately. One, he’s not just Arie’s little brother, (who signed with Alabama last year), it’s easy to see why he may be the best offensive lineman recruit in the nation and lastly, that he’s taking his time and studying hard his choices of what college to attend.

If you think just because Nick Saban plucked his brother from Maryland and little brother is sure to follow, you don’t know Cyrus.

As he’s often said, just because his brother is at Alabama, that doesn’t mean that’s who he will pick and he has his choice of almost any school in the nation.

While he maintains he learned a lot watching his brother go through this process, this is very much his own decision and everyone in the family goes along with that decision.

Cyrus says he respects his brother letting him sort this all out for himself without pressuring him to come to Alabama, although he does say that Alabama is most definitely on his short list.

He recently told ESPN, “Alabama definitely has my early attention. How could they not? I love coach Sal [Sunseri, assistant head coach/linebackers]. I really feel like I can trust him. I know he’ll take care of me. And Coach Saban is really down-to-earth. They have been staying in contact pretty consistently. My brother believes that Coach [Joe] Pendry is the best offensive line coach in the country. That’s a pretty big compliment right there.”

And what does his brother have to say on the subject of recruiting?

“Me and Cyrus don’t really talk about football in the house. I’m real proud of him; he’s got a lot of attention and it’s really great to see that happen for my younger brother. He’s very athletic, which is why coaches really like him. I can still take him on one-v.-ones, though. My advice for him would be to look around and listen, keep an open mind. But definitely, Roll Tide.” Said Arie.

He’s driven down from his Maryland home to Tuscaloosa before with his brother and says that 12 hour trip is long, but he also recently paid his own money for an “unofficial” visit to New Mexico. Therefore you may assume that distance is not a factor in his decision.

Cyrus is six foot seven inches tall and a chiseled 300 pounds and very strong, he benches 310 & squats 510 lbs, and he’s still hasn’t played his senior season in high school. His hobbies include pancaking defensive players.

With the current bevy of talent already committed, the addition of Kouandijio could mean yet another top class for Saban and Alabama. It would also ensure that offensive line would keep having whatever running backs they use to gain national attention.

Could a commitment like Cyrus also influence a young man like Malcolm Brown from Texas to run behind such a line? Time will tell.

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