:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50152291/usa-today-9052292.0.jpg)
Hope you guys are Montevallo fans!
ROLLTIDE.COM - University of Alabama Official Athletics Site
University of Alabama head baseball coach Greg Goff officially completed his inaugural coaching staff when he announced the additions of Derek Simmons and Michael Chadwick to the Crimson Tide on Monday morning. Simmons, formerly of Kennesaw State, will have a focus on hitters and infielders, while Chadwick comes from Montevallo to be the Tide's director of operations.
The two will join Goff along with fellow assistants Terry Rooney and Jake Wells on the 2016-17 staff. "I'm extremely excited to complete our staff with the additions of Derek and Michael," said Alabama head coach Greg Goff. "These two really help round out a great staff. Each guy in this group possess different skill sets and insights into the game, but the one thing they all have in common is the ability to recruit and develop players. I believe in this staff and am ready for all of us to get to work."
Greg Goff finalized his staff with a Montevallo administrator and a Kennesaw state assistant -- the latter, a hitting coach, seems to have put in decent work. Still, the lack of SEC-calbre coaches, experience and recruiters on this staff has to seem, charitably, a gamble. Who knows? The wager could pay off. Still, hopeful wariness seems to be a sound strategy for the nonce.
Who loves linebackers? We love linebackers.
Let's take a look at Alabama's five linebackers on the 2016 high school Butkus Award Watch List.
Markail Benton is an absolute monster.
Velocitas Eradico (google that)
SEC defensive backs explain what makes Calvin Ridley a star | AL.com
A few of the defensive backs who faced Ridley last season spoke about the experience at SEC Media Days. "You could tell, he's what everybody's talking about," LSU cornerback Tre'Davious White said . "He's all that when you watch him on film. He's a great receiver. He's very similar to one of the greats they had a couple of years ago so, I mean, I expect big things from him this year and look forward to competing against him."
With rumor that Ridley could be the nation's most lethal slot receiver this season, there is plenty to like with the wide receiver rotation. Gehrig Dieter, an all-conference veteran performer, is a strong possibility to earn a start on the outside and may be the least heralded of the bunch.
Miscellany
Former Alabama player hosts camp to give back to community - The Crimson White
McClain played high school football at Tuscaloosa County High School before suiting up for the University of Alabama under former coach Mike Shula. His opportunities in Tuscaloosa led him to the NFL, and these days, McClain does his best to give back to the community that helped him become a two-time All-Pro fullback. McClain is holding the ninth annual Le’Ron McClain Football Skills and Safety Camp at American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa on July 16. The camp is free and designed to help kids from 7 to 18 years old.
"It means the world to me [to have a camp in Tuscaloosa]," McClain said. "To show these kids that you can make it out of Tuscaloosa if you work your tail off. I got my chance, and now I have the chance to come back and show these kids how to make it."
I love Le'Ron so very much, and it's always great to see Alabama boys give back to their local communities -- AJ McCarron, for instance, is also affiliated with the camps.
"After spending 11 years with him, the things I'm able to take are countless," Smart said. "I've learned so much for him as a coach, as a person, as a man, as a leader. But the -- he will coach for a long time. I do believe that. Because he likes it. He's passionate about it. He's very healthy. He takes care of his body. He hadn't slowed down a bit. I promise you that."
Good news! Saban is immortal (or, failing that, is probably going to be coaching a very long time in Tuscaloosa.)
Crootin'
Mark Richt’s Miami Paradise Camp is smart branding, and it’s working - SBNation.com
While the players Miami landed are not rated all that highly as of this writing, perhaps more impressive was the list of visitors. Alabama offensive tackle commitment Alex Leatherwood attended, as did James Cook, FSU’s 2018 running back commitment and little brother of Dalvin Cook. Some top players attended the event and are excited about the Hurricanes.
While it wasn't the signing draw Mark Richt had hoped for, the inroads that he's made instantly in South Beach are impressive. Forget Harbaugh, the former Dawg villain/Cane alum's camp is far more likely to poach 5-star talent down the road. Coach Cristobal has his work cut out for him holding serve.
Who's the best? We'll let USC Coach Helton explain that to you
USC coach Clay Helton explains the most impressive thing about Alabama | FOX Sports
...what stood out to Helton as a coach was just that -- how well Alabama is coached. Helton was blown away when he first flipped on the film. "I think one [thing] that just leaps off the tape is coaching, the way they're coached," Helton said. "Just assignment-wise, the style of football they play, the discipline they play with. You're talking about one of the greatest head coaches in the history of the game in Coach Saban, maybe the best in our generation."
We are truly spoiled to be living in this era of unprecedented dominance, the likes of which our children and grandchildren may experience, but which will likely outlast all of us.
Can't take the Urban out of Florida
Two Florida receivers arrested on felony charges after shooting BB gun
True freshmen Tyrie Cleveland and Rick Anthony Wells, both 18, face a pair of felony charges after shooting BB guns inside their campus dorm and causing more than $1,000 in property damages.
I have no idea how you do over $1000 worth of damage with a bb gun. Leave it to Florida Man to figure out.
Team player
Eddie Jackson right at home at safety for University of Alabama | TuscaloosaNews.com
"It was real frustrating making that change, basically coming in as a freshman all over again; you have to learn different plays and everything," Jackson said. Heading into Year 2 playing on the back end of the defense, Jackson is right at home at safety. "I feel real comfortable," Jackson said. " The comfort from my coaches and teammates really helped me out a lot."
I could not be prouder of Eddie Jackson, all-but buried after an injury in early 2014, a disastrous campaign, and then being reborn in fire prior to last season. I know learning a new position that quickly was hard, and we all suspected he'd be a great free safety -- I just don't think we knew how good the second-team All-American could be. Sometimes taking one for the team turns out to not be as selfless as it looks: Eddie is writing million dollar checks every week with his play.
A grave or prison...
Johnny Manziel gives update on his health, says he won't quit drinking | FOX Sports
"I'm actually doing well. I have good friends around me supporting what I do and I try to support them in what they want to do. I'm not saying I'm never drinking again, but for now just mostly being healthy. I've got a killer gym in my house and I can spend time working out. I'm interested in doing a lot of different things in my life â including football â but, right now, I'm just exploring options and waiting to see what the future holds."
First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man. What an incredible waste.