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A little bit recruiting heavy today, as the Nike recruiting camp "The Opening" in Oregon is well underway. To stay up to date on all the happenings at The Opening, be sure to check out SBN's fantastic recruiting coverage.
Alabama commit Barnett says Kiffin 'dominant' at QB development - SBNation.com
New Alabama commit Blake Barnett talks about the Elite 11 camp and his recent commitment to Nick Saban and the Crimson Tide. He also discusses his decommitment from Notre Dame, and why he fits so well in Alabama's offense. He's particularly impressed by new Alabama offensive coordinator Lane Kiffin, who he says is "dominant at putting quarterbacks in the NFL."
That link includes a video of Barnett that I can't embed because of format issues. Check it out though, to see the guy that may be the quarterback of the future.
If not, at least enjoy this clip of Barnett doing some recruiting out in Oregon.
4-star RB Jacques Patrick talks Florida State, Alabama at The Opening - SBNation.com
Running back recruit Jacques Patrick discusses his leaders of Florida State and Alabama, playing the running back position, and his ideal offense. Patrick also talks about advice received from Tony Dungy, the best Nike swag and his recruiting timeline.
Another video here that I can't embed. Jacques is a four star running back, and is the number 3 back according to 247 sports (#2 composite). Check out the video where he talks about FSU and Bama, and his thoughts on being in a pro-style offense that rotates backs regularly.
Alabama recruit Calvin Ridley makes one-handed catch - SBNation.com
There is no clear-cut No. 1 receiver recruit in the country for the class of 2015, but there are plenty at Nike's The Opening trying to claim that title. One such player is Calvin Ridley, the Alabama commitment from Pompano Beach (Fla.) Monarch. On Tuesday, Ridley made a fantastic grab with one hand during the 1-on-1 portion of the event.
Calvin Ridley awesome one-handed stab. Best WR here so far through one session. #RTR https://t.co/qwFpvJ2eNa
— SB Nation Recruiting (@SBNRecruiting) July 8, 2014
More watch list watching:
Auburn, Alabama land representatives on Rimington Trophy watch list | AL.com
Not much has changed for Auburn's Reese Dismukes and Alabama's Ryan Kelly over the past two months. Already named to the initial Rimington Trophy watch list released in May, both centers remained on the updated list of 66 centers released Tuesday.
Eleven of the SEC's 14 centers made the list, but Dismukes and Kelly both seem to be among the elite contenders for the 15-year-old award that Alabama's Barrett Jones won in 2012.
Alabama's O.J. Howard, Auburn's C.J. Uzomah land on Mackey Award watch list | AL.com
The top tight ends at Alabama and Auburn were among the 40 selected to the 2014 Mackey Award watch list. Crimson Tide sophomore O.J. Howard and Auburn senior C.J. Uzomah are considered top contenders for the award, which goes to the nation's best tight end.
Big day approaching for Bengals quarterback AJ McCarron | AL.com
AJ McCarron has a big day in his life just ahead of him. And he thinks he is better prepared for it than most men in his situation. It's the first practice of his first NFL training camp, and it's coming up on July 23 with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Georgia Bulldogs Chris Conley's completed 'Star Wars' fan film - ESPN
The film is written and directed by Conley, who caught 45 passes for 651 yards and four touchdowns last season for Georgia. A self-proclaimed nerd, Conley began this journey in November by soliciting fellow Star Wars fans to volunteer for lightsaber battles on the Georgia campus, according to the Athens Banner-Herald. He got a strong initial response, enlisted the services of Georgia football videographer Frank Martin, held a production meeting and things took off from there. Above is the finished product, which is impressive.
Do yourself a favor and give this fun piece a look. Conley clearly has a talent for film making. And like any good storyteller, Conley offers a tease, via Twitter:
This is pretty cool. If you have the time, check it out: