ALCrimsonTide » A-Day http://www.alcrimsontide.com Fan page of the ALCrimsonTide! Fri, 10 Feb 2012 20:57:46 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Bama Notes http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/4939-bama-notes.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/4939-bama-notes.htm#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:13:39 +0000 Stacey Mickles, Guest Author http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=4939 A-Day has been set for April 14th no time has been set, but more then likely it will be an early afternoon time and will be televised somewhere on ESPN. Normally, ESPN shows the top teams in the country spring scrimmage.

The Alabama softball team has been picked to win the West this season. No surprise since the ladies have dominated the West and the SEC over the past few years.

The Alabama gymnast have a 3-0 record and are ranked 6th in the country, but they are No. 1 in the vault. Leading the way is junior Ashley Sledge who is the No. 1 gymnast in the country on the vault. Senior Geralen Stack-Eaton is second in the country behind Sledge.

Homecoming on the Capstone is October 27th against Mississippi State.

Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/4939-bama-notes.htm/feed 0 Do A-Day Crowds Influence Recruiting? Y-E-S! http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1657-do-a-day-crowds-influence-recruiting-y-e-s.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1657-do-a-day-crowds-influence-recruiting-y-e-s.htm#comments Thu, 17 Feb 2011 22:56:52 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=1657 a-day game tuscaloosa alabama Alabama is second-to-none in spring game attendance among all of college football and it is definitely playing a role in influencing recruiting results.

Last year, even though it was televised, Alabama's A-Day game drew 91,312 fans to what is essentially a glorified football practice. This seems like a lot of fans, but it was the second biggest crowd in A-Day history. The first was the 92,138+ who witnessed A-Day festivities in 2007. Many wanted to "see the man" named Saban, who was soon to bring home a national championship.

At A-Day, the air is electric with anticipation to see the latest in incarnation of the Crimson Tide hitting each other. However, for one important segment of the crowd, the recruits, it provided an important selling point when they witness the adulation of the crowded stadium.

One perfect example is Alabama first 2012 star recruit, Eddie Williams. One of the reasons he picked Alabama was the impression of the crowd at the A-Day game. In fact in the article, it said that the A-Day crowd "blew his uncle away" and that he fell in love with the campus.

If you have a chance this spring, you need to take in an A-Day game. The game will be held on April 16 and will feature the unveiling of Coach Nick Saban's statue as the 5th coach in Alabama history to bring home the bacon in the form of a national championship.

The atmosphere will be electric if you, I, we all head down to the Capstone on April 16th to influence the atmosphere of Bryant Denny... you never know how it might influence a young and talented recruit.

Roll Tide!

PS: Watch the Alabama crowd last year doing the wave at A-Day! Amazing! Also will have some Eddie Williams highlights!

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Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1657-do-a-day-crowds-influence-recruiting-y-e-s.htm/feed 0 Alabama Thumps Michigan State 49-7 in Capital One Bowl http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1600-alabama-thumps-michigan-state-49-7-in-capital-one-bowl.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1600-alabama-thumps-michigan-state-49-7-in-capital-one-bowl.htm#comments Sun, 02 Jan 2011 00:04:45 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=1600 Alabama completely dominated Michigan State today in the Capital One Bowl. The score was 49-7, however it wasn't even that close.

In fact, it was one of the most dominating bowl game performances in bowl history. In the history of bowl games, there have been only 8 bowl games that were decided by more than 42 points. To say that Alabama put a whipping on Michigan State is to put it lightly.

The thing was that Alabama really didn't mean to run the score up, it's just that the backups were still churning up huge blocks of yardage.

Michigan State’s porous defense allowed Alabama to run and pass up and down the field all day long. Alabama's first punt wasn't until midway through the third quarter.

This game punctuated the end to a frustrating season, but also laid the groundwork for the upcoming season. A season or Alabama could be in the title hunt once again.

Greg McElroy a very efficient game at quarterback. As a senior, he goes out out Bama's winningest quarterback ever and on top of his game. He completed 13 of 17 passes for 220 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions.

Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson also looked good running the ball. Heck… even the third and fourth string running backs looked like All-Americans taking on the swiss cheese defense of Michigan State.

The defense played one of the best games of the year. The most telling stat of the game was this... the Spartans only had a -48 rushing yards!  That's right. Yes that is a minus in front of the 48!

Courtney Upshaw played an All-American type of game at linebacker with several crushing hits on the quarterback, finishing with 2 sacks out of the team’s 5.  However, I seen him crush the QB numerous time.   I'm really looking forward to seeing him come back for his senior year at Alabama, because I think he can be a real dominant player next year on defense if he stays healthy.

All in all… I am pleased with the Alabama year considering all the injuries and youth on the team. Six more points this year and Alabama could've been playing in the national championship. It didn't happen, but you have got to see the future as being very bright for this Alabama squad next year. I hope we keep a lot of our juniors, but Alabama looked deep. 

I am looking forward to recruiting in February in the A-Day game later this spring. 

Roll Tide Baby!

Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1600-alabama-thumps-michigan-state-49-7-in-capital-one-bowl.htm/feed 0 Alabama’s 2010 Depth Chart http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1209-alabamas-2010-depth-chart.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1209-alabamas-2010-depth-chart.htm#comments Tue, 31 Aug 2010 04:42:18 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=1209 2010 depth chart at Alabama
Alabama has announced its depth chart for starting the 2010 season. Notably, there were a few surprises in that the Sam LB is Chavis Williams. I would have thought that Nico Johnson would have broken into the starting lineup, but I am not at practice everyday... what do I know. Nevertheless, the LB crew must be very strong if a player like Nico is second team.

A new player making the first team was DeQuan Menzie. Menzie is a first year junior transfer from Copiah-Lincoln C.C. He had torn his Achilles tendon in early April and it was looking like he may not be back for the season, but with rehab over the summer he regained his form.

Jerrell Harris is now beginning to show the 4 star potential as he steps into a starting role in the linebacking crew. Another new face in the starting line-up from Gadsden is Dre Kirkpatrick. Dre was a 5 star prospect out of high school and has Antonio Langham type skills at the cornerback position. Look for him to take some interceptions to "the house" this year.

Another new starter to the defense is Robert Lester. Last year Robert Lester primarily contributed on special teams, however seen some time in the secondary.

The defense is retooled, but I believe it is a solid group. On offense, the biggest change is literally the BIGGEST change. 5 Star DJ Fluker takes over the right tackle position. Standing tall at 6 foot 6 inches and over 340 lbs, with size 23 shoes, he is a huge specimen of a player. He has some trouble with foot work in the A-Day game when he tripped once, but he has worked hard to straighten those issues out.

Coach Saban has his warriors ready to go for the 2010 season. Here is the depth chart.

QB -- Greg McElroy, AJ McCarron, Phillip Sims
RB -- Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy, Demetrius Goode OR Corey Grant
WR -- Julio Jones, Earl Alexander OR Brandon Gibson
WR -- Marquis Maze OR Darius Hanks, Kenny Bell OR Kevin Norwood
TE -- Michael Williams, Chris Underwood
HB -- Preston Dial, Brad Smelley
LT -- James Carpenter, Alfred McCullough OR Tyler Love
LG -- Chance Warmack, John Michael Boswell OR Brian Motley
C -- William Vlachos, David Ross OR Brian Motley
RG -- Barrett Jones, Anthony Steen
RT -- D.J. Fluker, Arie Kouandjio OR John Michael Boswell

NG -- Josh Chapman, Kerry Murphy OR Nick Gentry
DE -- Marcell Dareus, Undra Billingsley OR Darrington Sentimore
DE -- Luther Davis, Damion Square, Brandon Moore
SAM -- Chavis Williams, Alex Watkins, Jonathan Atchison
MIKE -- Dont'a Hightower, Chris Jordan OR Nico Johnson
WILL -- Jerrell Harris, Nico Johnson OR C.J. Mosley
JACK -- Courtney Upshaw, Ed Stinson, Adrian Hubbard
CB -- Dre Kirkpatrick, Phelon Jones OR John Fulton
CB -- DeQuan Menzie, B.J. Scott OR Demarcus Milliner
SS -- Mark Barron, Nick Perry OR Will Lowery
FS -- Robert Lester, Jarrick Williams OR Will Lowery

PK -- Cade Foster OR Jeremy Shelley
P -- Jay Williams OR Cody Mandell
PR -- Julio Jones, Darius Hanks OR Marquis Maze
KR -- Trent Richardson, Julio Jones, Mark Ingram
KO -- Cade Foster
HOLD -- AJ McCarron, Greg McElroy
SNAP -- Carson Tinker, David Ross



Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1209-alabamas-2010-depth-chart.htm/feed 0 Trent Richardson, The Next Emmitt Smith? http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1012-trent-richardson-the-next-emmitt-smith.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1012-trent-richardson-the-next-emmitt-smith.htm#comments Fri, 28 May 2010 16:59:44 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=1012 Trent Richardson 2009 Video
Trent Richardson's electric performance against Texas in the 2010 national championship game definitely turned some heads in the national media. The young horse of the punishing Alabama backfield is even getting talk as possible Heisman candidate for 2011. So therefore, it is not surprising that he is drawing comparisons to one of the most famous alumni at his former high school, Pensacola Escambia of Pensacola Florida, none other than Emmitt Smith.

Emmitt Smith Emmitt Smith

Just like Richardson, Emmitt Smith career had somewhat of a slow start in his freshman year, but picked up steam as the year went on. It was actually that freshman year that he earned his first collegiate start in the 1987 SEC opener against Alabama in Birmingham. Unfortunately, Smith burned the Crimson Tide for 224 yards and 2 TDs in a win over Alabama. He later went on to bigger and better things and eventually became perennial All-Pro and Hall of Fame member of the NFL.

While there is much to be seen from Richardson before he can be honestly compared to Smith, the tools are there that make him a threat on any part of the field. At any other college in America, TR would be the starting running back and would have gotten a lot more carries. However, he did the smart thing by going to Alabama and saving his body by being a 1-2 punch that keeps his legs fresh way into the 4th quarter.

The running style is very similar, very elusive with strong upper body strength. It was on display with the stiff arms and upper body knockdowns of defenders such as the Arkansas sideline TD run that broke that game wide open. Not only that, he has speed to kill a defense. Texas got a big taste of that hole splitting speed when TR ripped the #1 ranked defense in the nation (according to stats) for a 49 yard run that was pretty much untouched.

He has the work ethic, the grit, the speed, the toughness, and he is even developing his pass catching skills as evidenced in the over-the-shoulder circus catch on the sideline of the 2010 Spring A-day game. While Mark Ingram truly showed why he is the #1 running back on the team, there isn't much of a drop off at all when TR touches the ball.

I am looking forward to seeing Trent as a sophomore phenom make defenses pay once again as Alabama marches toward trying to nail down its 14th national championship.

All I can say is that Trent Richardson is no ordinary running back, and it won't be too long until the comparisons to one of the top running backs in history will be inevitable if he continues to improve.   In fact, Sports illustrated just named TR as one of the breakout players of the year.  Check it out

Here are some videos highlights of his awesome freshman year:

Here are some Emmitt Smith highlights:

Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/1012-trent-richardson-the-next-emmitt-smith.htm/feed 1 2010 Alabama A-Day Video http://www.alcrimsontide.com/videos/994-2010-alabama-a-day-video.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/videos/994-2010-alabama-a-day-video.htm#comments Tue, 11 May 2010 02:48:58 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=994 Alabama A Day Game 2010
Alabama looked really good in the A-Day game. I was especially impressed with Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson at running back and Eddie Lacy looked good as well. There is always room for improvement, overall, but Alabama is on the right track. Check out the video below of 2010 Alabama A-Day.

Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/videos/994-2010-alabama-a-day-video.htm/feed 0 Alabama Lost To Kentucky 73-67 in SEC Tournament http://www.alcrimsontide.com/other/901-albama-lost-to-kentucky-73-67-in-sec-tournament.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/other/901-albama-lost-to-kentucky-73-67-in-sec-tournament.htm#comments Sat, 13 Mar 2010 02:42:30 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=901 basketballbamanews-small

The Alabama men's basketball team fought valently only to fall short 73-67 against Kentucky today. The Tide at one point had a 11 point advantage over the #2 team in the country and apparently had their backs against the wall, when the size and speed of Kentucky wore Alabama down late.

I believe however, that this game is a good sign of the direction that Alabama is taking with its young prodigy head basketball coach, Anthony Grant. Grant has essentially had to play with the card that were dealt to him when he came to Alabama. Look for Grant to begin to get the players that fit his system to build something great for the future.

We seen glimmers of hope late this season with a late season 3 game winning streak and a close battle over Kentucky where we even beat them in rebounding 45-33 and had them down by 11 points. The truth is, we just did not have the talent level that Calipari brought to KY in his first year to add to the superb play of a senior in Patrick Patterson. Today, Patterson scored 20 and Eric Bledsoe 10 for Kentucky. DeMarcus Cousins chipped in 7 points & 8 boards.

Oh well...at least it ain't long until the A-day game!! :-)

ROLL TIDE!

Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/other/901-albama-lost-to-kentucky-73-67-in-sec-tournament.htm/feed 0 Alabama Starts Spring Practice Today! http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/897-alabama-starts-spring-practice-today.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/897-alabama-starts-spring-practice-today.htm#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:21:55 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=897 springpractice2010-03-12_1305

Are you ready to get this thing started again? That's right! Spring practice starts today! It is a one day introductory practice and then the team will be off a week for spring break and then return for full speed practice before April 17th for the A-Day game that will be televised by ESPN.

If you thought last year was fun, I have a feeling that we are going to have a lot of fun learning about the 2010 edition of the Crimson Tide. The foundation of the 2010 team will be laid in the spring practice, especially with several freshmen reporting early to dissipate in the spring.

New star blue chip players like defensive back DeMarcus Milliner and John Fulton have a chance to step right into starting roles by undergoing early enrollment. The chance to learn the complex defensive playbook early should be very valuable to the team. Kareem Jackson did the very same thing as a young defensive back and started his freshman year. Coming out early this year for the draft in his junior year, his development early is the blueprint for success for young defensive backs trying to make a break into the Alabama defensive backfield. I look forward to see what those five-star players can do, but it has to be earned on the field... and spring practice is the perfect place to find out what they're "made of."

Other players are coming to the forefront that have been waiting in the wings. One of the redshirt players that has been highly anticipated in the Crimson Tide fan base is DJ Fluker. As if the offensive side of the ball wasn't already loaded enough, here comes the big man coming into play offensive tackle where All-American Mike Johnson left off. Granted, he will have to win it, but look at the tools that he has. Standing 6'7" and weighing at 350 pounds, he is a freak of nature physically. He was one of the crowning jewels of the national championship recruiting class of 2009. He sit out one year to redshirt and to prepare for this year. Look for him to make a big impact on offense. Can you imagine Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson (and possibly Eddie Lacy) running behind the offensive line that we have coming up this year?

The biggest question mark on this team is the defense. The defense loses 9 out of 11 starters. The impact will be tremendous; I do believe that the depth is like it has never been at Alabama since the Bear years. This year's recruiting class was heavy on defensive backs, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Also the players that we've already been playing in games will have valuable game experience. Alabama is stacked with fast physical linebackers in the defensive line rotation looks very strong with a powerful Marcell Dareus & Josh Chapman coming on. Be on the lookout for Kerry Murphy, a back flipping nosetackle. One place to look forward to is the return of Dont'a Hightower, the freshman sensation who hurt his knee this year. He will be back in the ball but will work out but not scrimmage with the team in the spring.

There will be invariably surprises this year in the spring just like every year. Last year it was Robbie Green coming out of obscurity to get regular playing time in the defensive backfield rotation. It will be this year's player to make a name for himself in the same fashion? Who knows? We should all know by the A-Day game.

Many people are picking Alabama to defend their national title this year. I say it all depends on the defense gels and the return of Dont'a Hightower. The offense will be fine as long as everybody stays healthy.

I hope you're looking forward to the 2010 edition of the Crimson Tide... I know I am!

Get a taste fof what it is like for the linebackers in Spring practice with Sal Sunseri:

Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/897-alabama-starts-spring-practice-today.htm/feed 0 Alabama A-Day Will Be Televised on ESPN! http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/798-alabama-a-day-will-be-televised-on-espn.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/798-alabama-a-day-will-be-televised-on-espn.htm#comments Sat, 06 Mar 2010 16:35:02 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=798 footballal
For those of you that didn't know already, Alabama is going to be televised on ESPN on it's A-day spring practice game, April 17. Kick off is set to that Bryant Denny Stadium begin at 2 PM. Don't let the fact that the game is on television keep you from coming out to Tuscaloosa for a chance to get a sneak peak at the 2010 Crimson Tide!

I'd love to see Alabama get another record crowd like the 92,138 fancy she showed up for Nick Saban's first spring game in 2007. Let's pack The house everybody... and not just sit at home and watch it on TV! We need to show the recruits from around the nation who is back on top!

We have a fan base that can rock the house in Tuscaloosa and it is possible that what you will be able to see the unveiling of the Nick Saban statue! That is it is done on schedule. Spring practice begins next Friday, March 12. Following this first initial orientation day, the team will take a week off during spring break before returning to the field on March 22.

Saban at the national championship celebration, in January, expressed his profound appreciation for the fans who come to the annual A-Day game every year.

“It starts with our fans, the supporters and all the alumni who make the University of Alabama tradition what it is. I can't thank you as fans enough for the great support that you've given this team all year long... I knew, when I walked out that tunnel right over there, three springs ago, and there were 92,000 people in this stadium for a spring game, that your positive energy was going to allow us to exceed the highest expectations and goals that we all need to have.”

I agree Coach Saban! I'm ready to Rock -N- Roll Tide again!

Again... don't forget... April 17, be there or be square!

Share ]]> http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/798-alabama-a-day-will-be-televised-on-espn.htm/feed 0 A-Day Game Scheduled for Saturday, April 17 http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/711-a-day-game-scheduled-for-saturday-april-17.htm http://www.alcrimsontide.com/alabama-football/711-a-day-game-scheduled-for-saturday-april-17.htm#comments Wed, 27 Jan 2010 03:49:29 +0000 Alabama Crimson Tide http://www.alcrimsontide.com/?p=711 a day

OK Bama fans...  the A-Day game has been announced.   It is going to be A-Day Game will be at 2 p.m. on April 17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.   Practice is set to start on March 12 just before spring break. 

Hopefully, Alabama fans will turn out in droves like the biggest A-Day ever when attendance exceeded 92K+ fans with others waiting outside.  The place was electric that day for a spring that began the process which lead to this year's first championship of this century. 

Are you going to come to the game pumped up?  Comment on Facebook!

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