Roll 'Bama Roll - Crimson Tide Spring FootballThe Champagne of 'Bama Blogshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49427/RBRlogo-fv.png2018-03-31T10:01:01-05:00http://www.rollbamaroll.com/rss/stream/38674912018-03-31T10:01:01-05:002018-03-31T10:01:01-05:00Alabama 2018 Spring Football Preview: The Coaching Staff Shuffle DEFENSE
<figure>
<img alt="Arkansas v Alabama" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1cE3U6nShDWURazti-ZLbbYnCf8=/0x0:3000x2000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59220803/861451776.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>DEEEEFENSE! | Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Six new coaches join the fray. Only one coach retains the same title. Today we examine the defense.</p> <p id="1W0zSG">Friday we covered the <a href="https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2018/3/30/17065156/alabama-2018-spring-football-preview-the-coaching-staff-shuffle-offense">offensive coaches</a>. Today it’s the three new faces on the defense plus a promoted assistant. </p>
<h3 id="PO1xIo">DEFENSE</h3>
<p id="kXSlXd">Oddly enough, only four of the ten assistants coach the defense. Of course defense is Nick Saban’s forte as well (<em>and he is equal to two or more men anyway, amirite?</em>). </p>
<p id="OqqJuj">It may have been a slight surprise to some observers that Tosh Lupoi was named defensive coordinator. Clearly, Nick Saban wanted to retain him at any cost, even shelling out $950,000 for the first time defensive coordinator (<em>FUN FACT: In 2009, Lupoi’s base salary was $81,000 as an assistant at Cal</em>). This is Lupoi’s first time as a DC but expect him to get a great deal of help from a rising star and a legendary defensive linemen developer.</p>
<p id="KK4zVL"><strong>Tosh Lupoi</strong> (age 36) Defensive Coordinator/Outside Linebackers <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachLup">@<strong>CoachLup</strong></a><br><strong>CROOTIN</strong>: With the departure of Jeremy Pruitt to Tennessee, Lupoi becomes the ace recruiter on staff (if he wasn’t already). He is another coach who caught Saban’s eye when he became a recruiting legend by ripping North Carolina native Keenan Allen away from Alabama’s clutches to play for Cal of all places! He is credited with signing the likes of Najee Harris (California), Dylan Moses (Louisiana), and Tua Tagovailoa (Hawaii) among others. His recruiting territory can be seen <a href="https://www.google.com/earth/">here</a>.<br><strong>COACHING</strong>: Oddly enough with three seasons at the Capstone under his belt, Lupoi is the longest tenured on-field assistant currently on staff. He has a good reputation at developing players. Some of his pupils at Alabama include Tim Williams, Ryan Anderson, Anfernee Jennings and Jamey Mosley. Not a bad resume. Saban believes Lupoi is ready to take the reins, but this may be a group effort.</p>
<p id="TbHIYk"><strong>Pete Golding</strong> (age 36ish) Co-Defensive Coordinator/Inside Linebackers <a href="https://twitter.com/CoachGolding">@<strong>CoachGolding</strong></a> <br><strong>CROOTIN</strong>: Originally from Hammond, LA outside Baton Rouge, Golding played for and was a grad assistant at Delta State (MS). He also coached Tusculum College (MS), Southeastern Louisiana and Southern Miss before ascending to the position of defensive coordinator at UTSA. His recruiting specialty will likely be the Gulf Coast region and Texas.<br><strong>COACHING</strong>: Two words: <a href="https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/draft/news/2018-nfl-draft-utsa-pass-rusher-marcus-davenport-has-enormous-nfl-potential/">Marcus Davenport</a>. At UTSA, Golding helped mold a former 2-star recruit into a surefire first round NFL Draft pick. In 2017, the Roadrunners had the fifth stingiest defense in FBS yielding 287.8 ypg. That number is better than Georgia, Penn State, Michigan, LSU, Auburn and 120 other teams. They were eighth in FBS in scoring allowed at 17.0 ppg. It is believed that Golding could be handling the defensive calls while Lupoi takes on the role of the defensive planning and implementing of Saban’s defensive scheme.</p>
<p id="W79MaG"><strong>Craig Kuligowski</strong> (age 49) Associate Head Coach/Defensive Line <a href="https://twitter.com/LetsMeetAtTheQB">@<strong>LetsMeetAtTheQB</strong></a><br><strong>CROOTIN</strong>: Before leaving Miami, he was able to secure Top 50 player Nesta Silvera for Mark Richt. His first Tide commit came from 4-star ILB <a href="https://twitter.com/Jackson_bratton/status/977597820923412480">Jackson Bratton</a> (Muscle Shoals, AL) for the Class of 2020 who committed last Saturday. He mainly recruits for the Front Seven positions with inroads into South Florida already in place.<br><strong>COACHING</strong>: Many consider “Coach Kool” one of the best defensive line coaches in college football. It bears repeating that during his 15 years at Mizzou, he repeatedly turned marginal recruits such as Kony Ealy, Charles Harris, Shane Ray, Aldon Smith, Ziggy Hood, Markus Golden et al into NFL 1st & 2nd rounders. Imagine what he can do with four and five star players.</p>
<p id="9ny73v"><strong>Karl Scott</strong> (age 35ish) Defensive Backs <a href="https://twitter.com/iamcoachscott">@<strong>iamcoachscott</strong></a><br><strong>CROOTIN</strong>: Scott has a foothold in his home state of Texas. He was the second recruiter on Class of 2018 DBs Patrick Surtain Jr. and Eddie Smith. <br><strong>COACHING</strong>: While most of the headlines have focused on the other coaches, it is Scott who may have the hardest job of all of the assistants. He will be charged with helping rebuild a secondary that is losing Minkah Fitzpatrick, Ronnie Harrison, Anthony Averett, Levi Wallace, Tony Brown, and Hootie Jones to the NFL. Scott spent the last two seasons as the secondary coach at Texas Tech. The Red Raiders jumped from 5 interceptions in his first season in Lubbock to 14 last season. Two defensive backs from his secondary were named <a href="http://www.lubbockonline.com/sports-red-raiders/sports/news/2017-11-30/four-texas-tech-players-named-second-team-all-big-12">All-Big 12 selections</a> in 2017. Scott was hired by Billy Napier as Louisiana-Lafayette’s defensive coordinator in December but could not pass up the chance to come to Tuscaloosa instead. He coached with Pete Golding at SE Louisiana (2012-13) and at Tusculum (2008-09).</p>
<div id="1XDEFA"><div data-anthem-component="poll:997386"></div></div>
<p id="eQg2Ry"></p>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2018/3/31/17177240/alabama-2018-spring-football-preview-the-coaching-staff-shuffle-defenseCB9692018-03-27T08:30:45-05:002018-03-27T08:30:45-05:00Alabama 2018 Spring Football Preview: Top ILBs are stars but depth could be an issue
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: CFP National Championship Game-Alabama vs Georgia" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/9MuZqodPzee0M4HBEieixxOlBWM=/0x0:4083x2722/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59163553/usa_today_10684857.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>ILB Mack Wilson has big shoes to fill in the heart of the defense. | Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>With two Tide great at linebacker departing, there will be room for former five-stars to bring a new wave of run-stuffing pain from the ILB position. Behind them, though, are questions marks...</p> <p id="cKIaPq"></p>
<p id="9C4W0j">Of all the positions on Nick Saban’s heralded, perennially-great defenses, there is one position that is the pivot point upon which the other two units generally rest: the linebacking position. While Saban’s defenses always need great players at key positions such as corner and safety, linebackers are the fuel that feeds the Tide’s defensive greatness.</p>
<p id="JfPJs6">The bad news is that following the 2018 National Championship Campaign, the Tide said goodbye to two senior stalwarts at the position of inside linebacker: the oft-injured but uber-talented <span>Shaun Dion Hamilton</span>, and first-team All-American Rashaan Evans. Of course, the Tide defense under first year coordinator Tosh Lupoi will have a tall task in filling the leadership void left by Bama’s now-departed elder statesmen in the heart of the defense. But when it comes to their play on the field, Alabama will be well-situated to see little drop-off thanks to the availability to two former five-stars who will likely emerge as starters at Mike and Will, and a few supporting role players who will be asked to contribute this season.</p>
<p id="cBk8qV"><strong>The Departed</strong></p>
<p id="RglJfm">There’s simply no replacing a player of Evans’ cailber, whether on the field or in the locker room. Evans was as versatile and explosive a ‘backer as the Tide has enjoyed since the time of <span>C.J. Mosley</span>, as he could play inside out against the run, could rush the passer with aplomb, and was even a demon in coverage. He was Saban’s defensive answer to the spread of the hurry-up no-huddle offense, as Evans was a tremendous athlete with speed and power who could run sideline to sideline without wearing down.</p>
<p id="zioZBp"><span>Hamilton</span> had all of the tools to be one of the best linebackers in Tide history, and had it not been for a lot of bad injury luck that spanned two seasons, he could possibly have been on of the top-3 ‘backers of the Saban era in Tuscaloosa. After returning from a season-ending injury in 2016, Hamilton was having his best season to date prior to another injury that ended his year.</p>
<p id="v79RVZ">Both men were veterans of Saban’s system, and their football IQ and understanding of the defense cannot easily be replicated. Both men were team leaders, which represents another intangible quality that Lupoi and the staff must find a way to replace. However, the current roster of Bama ILBs can match the physical aspects of the departing players’ games, and if those already experienced players can step up into starting roles and remain healthy in 2018, there won’t be much drop off at the Capstone in terms of linebacker play.</p>
<p id="m7mrAw"><strong>The Starters</strong></p>
<p id="YxsgEh">It doesn’t take a genius to surmise that the lead horses in the race for Alabama’s Will and Mike positions will be two players who saw playing time (and acquitted themselves quite well) last year after a historical rash of injuries ravaged a once-deep Tide linebacking pool. Expect to see a lot of junior <span>Mack Wilson</span> (6-2, 238 pounds) this spring alongside sophomore <span>Dylan Moses</span> (6-3, 232 pounds). Both men are former five-star recruits, and they have some experience to go along with those raw accolades. </p>
<p id="mHEz9F">Wilson has seen extensive playing time in the last year, especially after Hamilton went down with his injury. A prototypical inside linebacker, Wilson fits the run like a barricade, and his coverage skills are possibly the best among all Tide linebackers (he had four interceptions in 2017 to lead the team…not the linebackers, but the team). The rising junior had 40 tackles total in 2017 and performed at his best on the biggest stage of the season, recording 12 tackles against Georgia in the national championship game. Wilson is a definite shoe-in at Will (or Mike... there could be some juggling of those specific roles throughout the spring). </p>
<p id="MS9R3o">Moses saw time as a true freshman due to the injuries, and he immediately proved why he is forecast to win a starting role at Mike as a mere sophomore. The freakishly talented sophomore played in 11 games and started in two towards the end of 2017 because of the thin roster depth, and he took those opportunities to make an impression. Against Mercer in his first start, Moses recorded 11 tackles and four tackles for loss. Against Auburn the following week, he had 10 more tackles. He finished the season with 30 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. </p>
<p id="DZDLyV">There’s little doubt that barring injury, these will be Bama’s starters inside when the Tide lines up against Louisville in September. </p>
<p id="W5O1g8"><strong>The Reserves</strong></p>
<p id="WcywZs">Behind those two standouts, however, there is a little less certainty. One wouldn’t necessarily say that the depth is catastrophically thin behind the presumed starters, but given the Tide’s experiences with injuries last season, there is a little concern given the numbers (and experience level) behind Wilson and Moses.</p>
<p id="OkbT73">Redshirt senior <span>Keith Holcombe</span> (6-4, 236 pounds) represents the most seasoned reserve the Tide has on the roster at ILB, but his status is somewhat in question after a proclamation that Saban encouraged him to “focus on baseball” this spring. Given the current numbers at the position, it wouldn’t hurt to have a veteran like <span>Holcombe</span> waiting in the wings, as the steady senior had 38 tackles, three passes broken up, two tackles for loss, a sack, a fumble recovery, and a quarterback hurry last season after being forced into heavy action by injury. Holcombe also has three years under his belt in Saban’s system and could help fill a potential leadership void with the departure of Evans and Hamilton, so he is important piece of the puzzle at ILB to be sure.</p>
<p id="bXd9Nk">Another long-time reserve player who will be needed to round out the roster is redshirt junior Joshua McMillon (6-3, 243 pounds). The South Carolina native came in with high hopes but has been unable to crack the top of the linebacker rotation. That doesn’t mean he isn’t primed for a big season, however. He only has five tackles through eight games played, but he will be needed to provide a little quality depth in the middle.</p>
<p id="H7ISll"><strong>The Newcomers</strong></p>
<p id="Dg1pvY">The only newcomer that will see action at inside linebacker this spring is likely to be redshirt freshman Markhail Benton (6-3, 233 pounds). While certainly possessing the physical measurables desired by Saban in an inside linebacker, the former four-star recruit simply doesn’t have any stats by which to judge his potential. He was a high school star with a great first step and solid lateral speed, and time will tell if the young ‘backer is ready to contribute in a meaningful way in ’18. The Tide will need him, to be sure, especially if the injury waters once again shade rough.</p>
<p id="ZUXbg6">The Tide recruited five linebackers in the class of 2018 – none of which are on campus yet – but only one of those players projects as a sure ILB. Though he won’t be on campus until the summer and therefore won’t be a part of spring workouts, the Tide has high hopes for three-star LB signee Jaylen Moody (6-2, 2225 pounds). While Moody is a likely redshirt candidate in 2018, if Bama is once again bitten by the injury bug, he may be pressed into action.</p>
<p id="naRGhG"><strong>Depth Chart</strong></p>
<p id="UI3Fdy">Will - Mack Wilson, Joshua McMillon</p>
<p id="krd0rD">Mike - Dylan Moses, Keith Holcombe, Markhail Benton </p>
<p id="1RqlqJ"></p>
<p id="ksGyzt">Alabama’s top two inside linebackers could prove to be the most elite tandem in the nation by season’s end, as both were highly-touted recruits who have done nothing but improve their games in Tuscaloosa. Both have proven themselves capable of spectacular play and will give the Tide defense a solid footing at the all-important ILB position.</p>
<p id="6xY680">However, the lack of depth at the position must be at least a little harrowing given Alabama’s recent experiences with depth and reserve players. Because of this, expect some of the OLB prospects that will join Bama in the summer to see a little action inside, if for no other reason than to give Saban and Lupoi a little peace of mind given the previous experiences with injuries at the position. </p>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2018/3/27/17165052/alabama-2018-spring-football-preview-top-ilbs-inside-linebackers-crimson-tide-bama-defenseole whistlebritches2017-03-07T07:38:03-06:002017-03-07T07:38:03-06:00Random Thoughts From Around the Country: Spring College Football Tease
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Alabama Spring Game" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/qYsVXDW_orhGRWOgRvHWuK3zc7g=/0x161:2787x2019/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/53561641/usa_today_9254233.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jalen Hurts will return. | Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Alabama Spring Football is Coming!</p> <p id="3H3LrQ">It’s been almost two months since the final second ticked off the clock in Tampa. The page has turned and a new chapter begins.</p>
<h3 id="JoJD1b">SPRING FOOTBALL</h3>
<p id="W3cEza">For whatever reason, Duke is already done with spring practice. They held their Spring Game on Saturday. The <s>fans</s> <s>fan</s> <a href="https://pbs.twimg.com/media/C6Fn9DzUwAAq34z.jpg:large">groundskeeper</a> thoroughly enjoyed himself. </p>
<p id="xO9BOR">Lovie Smith is trying something different at Illinois. They had an open scrimmage on Saturday but will follow up with their final three spring practices from March 7-10 with no game. I don’t think it <a href="https://twitter.com/stephencohn14/status/838084902901907457">went over very well</a>.</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="carousel" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/spCiEou7TmNVKsO2RetzY_4iBWw=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/7631175/carousel.0.gif">
</figure>
<h3 id="WROpby">NEW GUYS</h3>
<p id="6Xqdhu">Ten schools open spring practice this week. Four of these teams are debuting new head coaches. Coincidentally, three of them played a little coaching tag back in December:</p>
<ul>
<li id="bYS6uT">Texas fired Charlie Strong and he went to South Florida.</li>
<li id="by9XGY">Houston coach Tom Herman replaced Strong at Texas.</li>
<li id="bl3zyl">Former Texas QB and OC Major Applewhite moved up from Houston OC to head coach.</li>
</ul>
<p id="Hiho88">These three and Cincinnati’s Luke Fickell hit the fields on Monday. Also starting were Alabama opening opponent Florida State, Boise State, Oklahoma State, Rice, UTEP and UTSA.</p>
<h3 id="Tqbtmx">START DATES</h3>
<p id="SoBnyT">Although Alabama has yet to announced their first spring practice date, you can probably expect it to be sometime between March 20-25. Alabama Spring Break starts this Friday, ruling out next week. Below are the start dates of practices and Spring Game dates of SEC teams, Bama opponents and a few others of interest:</p>
<p id="lQhG0V">Alabama - TBA - April 22 <br>Arkansas - March 28 - April 29 <br>Auburn - Feb. 28 - April 8 <br>Clemson - March 1 - April 8 <br>Colorado State - March 21 - April 22 <br>Florida - Feb. 28 - April 7 <br><strong>FAU!</strong> - March 21 - April 22 <br>Florida State - March 6 - April 8 <br>Fresno State - March 27 - April 29 <br>Georgia - TBA - April 22 <br>Kentucky - March 5 - April 14 <br>LSU - March 11 - April 22 <br>Michigan - March 24 - April 15 <br>Mississippi State - March 9 - April 8 <br>Missouri - March 7 - April 15 <br>Navy - March 20 - April 14 <br>Notre Dame - March 8 - April 22 <br>Ohio State - March 7 - April 15 <br>Oklahoma - March 21 - April 8 <br>Ole Miss - Feb. 28 - April 8 <br>Oregon - April 3 - April 29 <br>South Alabama - March 3 - April 8 <br>South Carolina - Feb. 25 - April 1 <br>Southern Cal - March 7 - April 15 <br>Tennessee - March 21 - April 22 <br>Texas - March 6 - April 15 <br>Texas A&M - March 1 - April 8 <br>UAB - Feb. 23 - April 1 <br>Vanderbilt - Feb. 27 - March 25</p>
<figure class="e-image">
<img alt="A'Shawn block PAT" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2mIot8iPLBsXQ7osgOdWtxxgE6A=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/4343881/AShawn.0.gif">
</figure>
<h3 id="4aW4IK">RULES</h3>
<p id="GtyTAy">The NCAA Football Rules Committee put their heads together in Indianapolis last week and came back with three major recommended changes to the game:</p>
<ol>
<li id="lEQlz5">Prohibit defensive players from jumping over offensive linemen on field goal and point-after-touchdown attempts. <em>Great job guys! This is SO needed because </em><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eTkxaf1qd4I/U9KNCMaa1GI/AAAAAAAACGs/9I2sQ8GM8d0/s1600/Zero+Logo.png"><em>SO many players</em></a><em> get hurt when this happens. How dare 300-lbs players be athletic!</em>
</li>
<li id="csoqfD">Require players to wear knee pads and pants that cover the knees. I cannot understand why this became cool/fashionable among the players. Seriously, dudes. You need to protect your knees. You can look cool after you retire from the NFL in 12-14 years.</li>
<li id="zlp8ZB">Including the nameplate area of the jersey in the current horse-collar tackle rule. I’m thinking they need to get REAL specific on what they are talking about here. We don’t need more grey-area officiating like what the controversial targeting call has created. Personally, I think the rule is fine as it is. </li>
</ol>
<p id="lG77P7">For some unexplained reason, the NCAA only changes rules every two years. This is a non-rule-change year for football, but changes directly related to health and safety are allowed. The above are only recommendations. The Playing Rules Oversight Panel will meet on April 19 to discuss.</p>
<p id="8ZRnP8">Also of note, the committee extended the experimental rule of allowing conferences to continue using a collaborative approach to instant replay for another season. </p>
<h3 id="s7faeX">ICYMI</h3>
<ul>
<li id="Z9NvFY">When it rains in Oxford, it pours. Ole Miss released 2017 signee Taekion Reed from his Letter of Intent after he was arrested on charges of burglary of about a dozen firearms from a dwelling. Three unnamed juveniles have also been arrested in the incident. The three-star DT made headlines of a different sort last month when the former Mississippi State commitment <a href="https://twitter.com/RobbyDonoho/status/826851543584559112">tossed aside a Bulldogs hat on NSD to put on an Ole Miss one</a>. Classy.</li>
<li id="AztVO4">Crimson Tide WR <span>Raheem Falkins</span> has apparently been granted permission to transfer to another program. He can join any team except another SEC school or any Alabama non-conference opponent over the next two seasons - <a href="https://youtu.be/ZCVR_ajL_Eo">except for Mercer</a>. He has two years to play one season after taking a medical redshirt in 2015.</li>
<li id="WTC1aE">You may have noticed on the <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronSuttles/status/837024357222350848">form that Falkins sent out</a> on social media that Southern Miss was listed instead of UL Lafayette. I wonder if anyone <a href="http://www.katc.com/story/33482024/ragin-cajuns-set-2018-game-at-alabama">told the Ragin’ Cajuns</a>?</li>
<li id="cZYKsI">Former Alabama running back <span>Derrick Gore</span> has joined the Louisiana-Monroe Warhawks.</li>
</ul>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2017/3/7/14828034/random-thoughts-from-around-country-alabama-pring-college-football-teaseCB9692016-05-31T14:27:11-05:002016-05-31T14:27:11-05:00Saban on satellites: It's called compliance, folks
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/oPj2kN_coKEcW_PrNtBuegRaoxA=/0x39:3918x2651/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49741645/usa-today-9045748.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Simply stated, there is nothing resembling compliance at satellite camps. </p> <p>Nick Saban became the elder dean of college football and of his peers for many reasons: He runs a tight ship, he build programs the right ways, he has been fairly consistent with discipline, he has clean programs (insinuations aside,) and of course the recruiting and on-field results matter.</p>
<p>But, aside from those, the main reason Saban leads the charge on so many issues relevant to the sport is that he has never hesitated to speak his mind.</p>
<p>Hugh Freeze, among others including the ACC, actually were the vocal leaders against the unregulated free for-alls known as "satellite camps," a misnomer on par with "military intelligence." Still, it was Saban who got tagged as the primary opponent of these feeding troughs for bagmen.</p>
<p>"So be it," is the thinking, one supposes. Saban has finally couched these camps in terms that opponents cannot deny, that the NCAA must heed, that the media must actually analyze before their next "Saban is the worst" glib takes.</p>
<p>Read up, folks. He's right on every count.</p>
<p>And this is why he represents the silent (and not-so-silent) majority of his peers: he's never ceased calling a spade a spade:</p>
<p><a href="http://coachingsearch.com/article?a=Nick-Saban-goes-off-We-are-the-one-sport-that-the-high-school-coach-still-matters">Nick Saban goes off: 'We are the one sport where the high school coach still matters'</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p>"We want people to come to our campus. It’s not just about recruiting. We have a camp for little kids, 1,200 of them, because we’re tying to promote the game and develop players, and we still coach the 600 who come to our camps, just like we coach our players. We have prospects at those camps and see how they do, but that’s not what the camp is for, not from our standpoint.</p>
<p>"Why should we be promoting somebody else’s camp anyway? It’s the same thing I said before: This is the only sport where the high school coach still mattered, what they did at the high school mattered, so all you’re doing is allowing all these people who we spend all our time at the NCAA saying ‘You can’t recruit through a third party. You can’t be involved with third-party people,’ [Saban smacks table] and that’s exactly what you’re doing.</p>
<p>"It’s creating all these third parties that are going to be involved with prospects and all that, and who gets exposed on that? I go to a camp, I talk to some guy I don’t know, and he’s representing some kid because he put the camp on, and I’m in trouble for talking to this guy? And who even knows if the guy paid to go to the camp? Is the NCAA going to do that?</p>
<p>We do that at our camp. We have people responsible for that. It’s called compliance folks. What kind of compliance people do we have at these camps?"</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Amen. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey would do well to mirror this same reasoning and these talking points.</p>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2016/5/31/11822624/nick-saban-its-called-compliance-folksErik Evans2016-03-29T07:43:22-05:002016-03-29T07:43:22-05:00Ansley should have a more aggressive secondary
<figure>
<img alt="Bodies flyin' around ery'where!" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/56k3la0R9rm3VLQqsragrKgsb9E=/0x0:2400x1600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/49184231/usa-today-8925950.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Bodies flyin' around ery'where! | Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The past week we've covered DBs in our 2016 Alabama Spring Football previews. Today we'll look at how the pieces will fit together. </p> <p>Last season, under secondary coordinator Melvin Tucker, Alabama was in a zone scheme more than we've seen in years past. That is not a coincidence either.</p>
<p>In 2014, Alabama faced an unreal 495 pass attempts, yielding over 3000 yards through the air and 24 passing touchdowns surrendered (24th S&P passing defense.) In 2013, Alabama faced nearly 30 passes per game, and gave up 13 passing touchdowns; still, opponents were very efficient, as the Tide was just 32nd in S&P passing defense.</p>
<p>With several young players cracking the 2015 rotation, and with Alabama's inability to get its man-defense up to the levels the Crimson Tide is accustomed to, Tucker simplified the schemes, put an emphasis on creating turnovers, and went to much more of a zone look to protect against the deep shot that had been Alabama's bane the previous three seasons. Alabama finished 3rd in S&P pass efficiency defense last season; really only being torched in one game against the Heisman runner-up. Alabama surrendered 13 touchdowns in 14 games, before allowing four to Deshaun Watson, half of which occurred in a wild fourth quarter.</p>
<p>With Tucker's departure, Nick Saban brought in former Troy DB Derrick Ansley to compliment Jeremy Pruitt's more aggressive scheme. And, yes, Pruitt is considered somewhat more aggressive than Kirby Smart, blitzing well over 60% of the time during FSU's title run. Last season, a Georgia secondary that had been somewhat maligned in years past finished the nation with the No. 1 pass efficiency defense in the country, and Georgia had the No. 1 defense against explosive plays allowed. Both bode well for an improved Tide team that nevertheless finished 7th and 9th in those categories</p>
<p>Into this general framework, enters Derrick Ansley, a secondary turnaround specialist from his time at Kentucky and Huntingdon (Mont., Al.) In the five seasons Ansley was with the Hawks, the team went from 12 ints and 23 PBUS to 15 INTs and 44 PBUS, then 23 INTs and 56 PBUs -- and Huntingdon had both its first winning season and its first playoff appearance in that time.</p>
<p>After a stellar job with Huntingdon's defense, Ansley journeyed around a bit first as a GA at Alabama, followed by a brief stint with UCF, then a season with Derek Dooley's woeful 2012 Tennessee squad. At Tennessee, the Vols improved from 86th to 54th in interceptions forced. He then found a home at Kentucky in 2013, as cornerbacks coach. The defense was markedly more aggressive. By 2014, when Ansley was promoted to assistant DC/secondary coach, Kentucky's defense had forced the second most turnovers in the SEC (24,) with the secondary picking off 14 passes and forcing three fumbles.</p>
<p>Additionally, by Ansley's third season at Huntingdon he had been promoted to recruiting coordinator, so the Tide is getting an able person in the living room as well.</p>
<p>Simply put, the philosophy seems to be to contest the ball, every pass, every time. Obviously, that does not fit into the defensive philosophy that the Tide fielded last season, where the front four were usually enough to create pressure and force bad reads and throws. But, it Ansley's approach yield results, particularly in batting down balls and creating turnovers. Moreover, his bona fides as an excellent recruiter and aggressive defensive philosophy, fit with both Pruitt's scheme and with Saban's demands of all his coaching staff.</p>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2016/3/29/11321134/new-secondary-coach-derrick-ansley-to-feature-a-more-aggressiveErik Evans2015-06-13T17:11:24-05:002015-06-13T17:11:24-05:00Ryan Anderson, Rashaan Evans Will Compete At OLB
<figure>
<img alt="Ryan Anderson looks to win the Jack linebacker spot over sophomore wunderkind, Rashaan Evans" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/FSe-iH1bmRaL6MGGtsEJCtDb3f4=/36x0:3561x2350/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46531260/usa-today-8096527.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Ryan Anderson looks to win the Jack linebacker spot over sophomore wunderkind, Rashaan Evans | Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Xzavier Dickson's departure opens the door for two explosive players with complimentary skills sets. </p> <p>
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
</p>
<p>
<style type="text/css">P { margin-bottom: 0.08in; }</style>
</p>
<p>Former Alabama outside linebacker Xzavier Dickson peaked at the right time to close out his tenure in Tuscaloosa. He had a phenomenal senior year, totaling 42 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2014. His career ended with 91 tackles, 21 stops for loss and 14 sacks.</p>
<p>Dickson finally putting it together for a marvelous Senior performance, along with very good efforts at the NFL combine and Alabama's Pro Day, were enough to see him drafted by the New England Patriots in the seventh round (253rd overall pick.)</p>
<p>All eyes will be on the unsettled quarterback position this fall, but with Dickson's edge rush having departed for Boston, who takes over at the Jack linebacker spot?</p>
<p>The Crimson Tide totaled 32 sacks in 2014, but Lupoi looks to increase its production. This year's team is tabbed to have the best front seven nationally on defense, but it must find a pass rush specialist at jack linebacker. The move could come down to Ryan Anderson or Rashaan Evans in 2015.</p>
<p>Anderson, a junior, was one of the unsung heroes on defense last season. He earned Defensive Player of the Week honors from Alabama's coaching staff for his performance against Arkansas. Anderson recorded three tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery in the team's 14-13 victory over the Razorbacks. For the season, Anderson finished with 25 tackles, eight tackles for loss, three sacks, nine quarterbacks hurries and a fumble recovery in 14 games.</p>
<p>The 6-foot-2, 258-pound redshirt junior has quick feet and strong hands. He is a capable pass rusher, but also is an instinctive player against the run.</p>
<p>The player most expect to compete for playing time one that was practically penciled in as a starter the moment he committed to Alabama: Rashaan Evans.</p>
<p>Tide fans anticipate having the true sophomore outside linebacker unleashed upon opponents this season. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Evans is an explosive athlete on the edge. He excelled on special teams last season, accounting for 12 tackles. Evans saw action in 13 games as a true freshman, and tallying 15 tackles, two tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and a sack.</p>
<p><a name="_GoBack"></a>Evans continues to learn the system under defensive coordinator Kirby Smart. His potential is such that senior inside linebacker / defensive leader Reggie Ragland didn't shy away from calling Evans a "stud." On paper, that was certainly true - Evans was a five-star prospect and one of the top outside linebackers in the class of 2014. And, like Reuben Foster before him, it was both a huge gain for the Tide (ESPN listed Evans as the No. 4 player in the state of Alabama,) while also diminishing a bitter conference opponent, as the Tide plucked Evans out of Auburn's backyard. As a senior at Auburn High School, Evans totaled 77 tackles, 43 tackles for loss, 17.5 sacks, five pass breakups, three forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and a blocked punt in 2013.</p>
<p>Both players have exceptional talent, and, while both bring complimentary skill sets to the field, the upperclassman Anderson may be the more polished player at this stage of his development. That said, Saban has a long history of platooning and rotating players along the front seven, and both players will see plenty of action. It would not be unsurprising at all to see Evans turned loose in those situations where he can pin his ears back and fly to the ball - that is if Ryan Anderson saved anything for him.</p>
<p>So, who is your starter and why?</p>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2015/6/13/8776569/ryan-anderson-or-rashaan-evans-who-takes-over-at-jack-linebackersmsmith182015-04-23T11:28:12-05:002015-04-23T11:28:12-05:00Alabama Football Q&A With Bucky's Fifth Quarter<blockquote>
<p><p>The Crimson Tide finished their spring session last Saturday with their "A-Day" in front of a nice crowd in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Despite Bama being an annual contender for the National Championship, they come into the 2015 season with questions of their own.</p>
<p>--
<br />Stop on over at Bucky's Fifth Quarter and see me actually praise Jacob Coker and, for a change, be very upbeat about Alabama's chances this season!</p></p>
</blockquote>
<div class="source"><p><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2015/4/23/8474087/wisconsin-alabama-spring-preview-jacob-coker-david-cornwell-chris-black">Wisconsin football: Alabama spring Q&A with Roll Bama Roll - Bucky's 5th Quarter</a></p></div>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2015/4/23/8483059/wisconsin-football-alabama-q-a-with-roll-bama-rollErik Evans2015-04-22T15:54:25-05:002015-04-22T15:54:25-05:00Braxton Miller to Alabama? No Thanks.
<figure>
<img alt="Braxton Miller is a former Heisman Candidate, an electrifying talent and a rising senior. But is he the answer to Alabama's quarterback question?" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/hfvER-peO93Wl1U6qLAnbkX6CBs=/0x0:2469x1646/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46183416/usa-today-7620549.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Braxton Miller is a former Heisman Candidate, an electrifying talent and a rising senior. But is he the answer to Alabama's quarterback question? | Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The lastest rumors link Braxton Miller to the Crimson Tide, but many questions surround a possible transfer.</p> <p>In April, the Paul Finebaum show is a barren wasteland of Football Only Gumps yelling the wildest conjecture into telephones and over radio waves. The show is dumber than it usually is during football season. To make up for the lack of actual news to talk about, Finebaum will stir the pot with provocative statements about spring practices, coaching rumors and takes so hot you need to turn the A/C up in your car when you hear them.</p>
<p>Pawwwwl's latest attempt to stir up the FOGs - and, thanks to his new-found national audience courtesy of ESPN, B1G fans - is a rumor about the electrifying Ohio State quarterback <span>Braxton Miller</span>. Finebaum cited the all-knowing, never proven wrong "anonymous sources" as saying there is a small chance Miller ends up playing for the Tide this fall.</p>
<p>That rumor should make Alabama fans giddy at first glance. Miller is a lethal dual-threat QB who could immediately make Alabama the odds on favorite for the national title. A potential transfer though is a long shot, and may not be the best long term solution for the Crimson Tide.</p>
<p>The biggest drawback in Alabama bringing in Miller is his health. Miller is recovering from a non-contact injury to his throwing shoulder that occurred in August 2014. Miller missed three games in 2013 with a minor knee injury. The shoulder injury is concerning. Any non-contact injuries to shoulders, knees or ankles are generally major injuries that are hard to come back from.</p>
<p>No one outside of the Ohio State program has seen Miller throw the ball past 10 yards this spring, <a target="_blank" href="http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2438945-the-case-against-braxton-miller-transferring-to-alabama">Bleacher Report's Alabama Lead Writer Marc Torrence said</a>. Miller is a QB, and his ability to throw is the most important aspect of his game. If Miller transferred, but still was limited throwing, his development in a new offense would be severely handicapped.</p>
<p>Learning an entirely new offense at Alabama could be an insurmountable challenge for Miller. Miller wants to go somewhere he could start. Miller has one year of NCAA eligibility left, and he probably does not want to use it holding a clipboard. He could potentially be Jacob Coker 2.0. Coker was supposed to be the heir to the throne that <span>A.J. McCarron</span> left vacant at Alabama. But Coker's inexperience in the Tide's program opened the door for <span>Blake Sims</span> and his magical season. Now Coker is the one with the experience advantage, and he looks like the favorite to win the starting job over Alabama's four other quarterbacks. Miller would have to beat out Coker, and a slew of highly touted young quarterbacks.</p>
<p>For Alabama, a transfer by Miller could hurt potential transfers and recruits in the future. When Nick Saban brought in Coker, nearly everyone in the country thought Coker would start. Sims won the job and Alabama made the playoff. Luckily for Coker, he has one more year of eligibility, and with Sims graduated, he has one more chance to start for Alabama.</p>
<p>If Miller transferred in and won the starting job, that would leave Coker and Alabama in an awkward position. Obviously, Saban and Kiffin want the best player to start at QB, and if Miller were that player he would win the job. But Coker would probably feel some amount of betrayal. Recruiting, especially recruiting transfers, is a delicate thing. There has to be at least a small amount of loyalty from the coaches to the players.</p>
<p>Blake Barnett and <span>David Cornwell</span> would not be irked by bringing in Miller. They have time to develop, and if things do not go their way, transfer themselves. For Coker and future recruits, Miller could present a problem. One or two years of eligibility coupled with sugar-coated, weak promises of a starting job can be a volatile mixture. If Coker lost that chance to start due to a transfer, he would be justifiably upset. What is just business as usual in college football could be seen as disloyalty from Saban to prospective recruits at Alabama.</p>
<p>All the rumors around Miller are simply speculation. Miller graduated from OSU in December. If he wanted to transfer he probably would have already. Even though Miller could be successful for the Crimson Tide, it might be in everyone's best interest if he stays in Columbus.</p>
https://www.rollbamaroll.com/2015/4/22/8468733/could-braxton-miller-be-alabamas-solution-at-quarterbackLBRhoden