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2011 Issue Release Dates

In This Issue

Tide Talk

August 24th Kent State

September 8tH Penn State / North Texas

Hog Heaven

September 22ND Arkansas / Florida October 6th Vanderbilt

Catching Up With 12

October 13th Ole Miss / Tennessee

Pro Connections 14 RAZORBACK ROSTER

October 27th LSU November 10th Miss St. / Georgia Southern November 17th Iron Bowl

Performace Series 20

As a sophomore, he is a young quarterback, but does have experience on his side. He played in all 13 games as a freshman, but only eight were at the quarterback spot. In the quarterback The Lowdown 22 position, he totaled 389 yards, 30-of-48 passes and three touchdowns. His other position was accounted for as the primary holder on field goals and extra point attempts. So far this season McCarron has proven himself while aiding the Tide to victories. He won the Ozzie Newsome Most ON THE COVER: A.J. McCarron #10 Improved Freshman Award after spring practice in 2010 and This sophomore quarterback, A.J. McCarron, has became a house- won the Bart Starr Most Improved Player this year. hold name for Tide fans. He has shared play time with Phillip Sims, As the season progresses, look to see more of McCarron. but broke out of his shell as the main quarterback for the Tide against Photography By: BDL Penn State.

M U L T I M E D I A Next Issue • Homecoming exclusives • Recruiting coverage • Senior spotlights

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October 1, 2011

Fall 2011 | Volume 4, Issue 3

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Staff

President/Publisher Bennie Bice

Editor-in-Chief Mike Lacy

Managing Editor Jennifer Gorham

COPY Editor Micah Phillips

Photography

AJC.com, Alex Restrepo/Saints, Arkansas Athletics Media Relations, Arkansasrazorbacks.com, BDL, Gatorzone.com, Matt Gaston, Mark Lent, Michael C. Hebert/Saints, Rivals.com, The Bryant Museum,

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Customer Relations Herb Neu

Writers

Larry Burton, DJ K Dub, Jennifer Gorham, Kassidy Hill, Johnnie Jackson, Mike Lacy, Mike Parker, Coe Robbins, Victoria Sheehan, Stephen E. Smith, Stephen M. Smith, Donald Staffo, Thomas Watts

Reporters

Nancy Bates, Victoria Sheehan

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MISSION STATEMENT “Touchdown Alabama Magazine was created to bring Alabama football fans the coverage of their team that they crave and expect, as well as to bring them closer to the action on the field. The University of Alabama has a long college football history, rich with tradition and triumph. Each season has added more dynamic players and colorful stories to the Alabama family. It is only fitting that a program with 13 National Championships should have a weekly magazine dedicated to conveying the excitement of the game to its devoted fans. Touchdown Alabama Magazine strives to be the most up-to-date, relevant and exciting magazine covering University of Alabama football. Furthermore, we guarantee in-depth articles, exclusive interviews and quality content surrounding the Crimson Tide. We will never forget for whom we generate this magazine: You the fan. God Bless.”

Letter from the Editor: Dear Readers: The Crimson Tide is on a roll! This week the Crimson Tide will open its SEC Season and battle against the Arkansas Razorbacks. Last season the Tide barely came away with the win against this SEC competitor. This season, the Tide looks to put up a tougher fight and defeat the Razorbacks in Bryant-Denny Stadium. This is Touchdown Alabama Magazine’s second double issue of the season! Not only does this issue cover the Tide’s SEC Opener against the Razorbacks, but it covers the Tide’s competition in the SEC East, Florida. You will find all the information you need to know about the Gators and the Tide’s matchup in this issue also. Alabama will venture down to The Swamp next week and this double issue lets you experience exclusive news earlier and keep the issue longer! As always, we need your feedback! If you haven’t noticed by now, there are new additions to this season’s issues that allow you to submit feedback and see your work in the magazine. We have added two sections called Marr’s Pond Poets and Ask DJ. These new sections allow you to write in and become a part of the magazine! Send your football-themed poems and football questions to: managingeditor@tdalabama.com to see your feedback in an issue! We enjoy your feedback and look forward to your additions in the magazine. Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the magazine at locations such as Barnes & Noble, convenience stores, the Supe Store and The Bryant Museum. Tell your family, friends and fellow fans to look for Alabama’s premier college football magazine to get the inside scoop on the Tide. Don’t forget that TDAL is more interactive and user friendly. We would love to have each of you as a friend and follower. Check out our Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest information on your favorite team and continue to make the Tide the best in the nation. I hope each of you keep tuning in to Touchdown Alabama Magazine and TouchdownAlabama.net for Crimson Tide news, photos, updates and more. Enjoy the second double issue of the season and Roll Tide!

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ASK DJ DJ K Dub is a member of the Sons of Saban. He is an avid Alabama football fan and is co-host of “In the Trenches” with Legend, his Sons of Saban brother. The show airs each Friday at noon on TouchdownAlabama.net. Be sure to stay updated with DJ as he answers questions from readers and fans like you. If you would like a question answered by DJ send it to: managingeditor@tdalabama.com.

This week the Tide is going against the Arkansas Razorbacks and this is also the SEC Opener for the Tide. Do you think that the Razorbacks will pose a bigger threat for the SEC West as opposed to LSU or Mississippi State? Either way, why do you think so? With the Razorbacks’ Knile Davis out with an injury, how do you think this will affect the team and their competition against the Tide? I think Arkansas is a really dangerous team. They can pitch and catch the ball with the best of them. After seeing Mississippi State against Auburn, I have come to the realization that Mississippi State isn’t as good as I assumed and Arkansas is miles ahead of the Bulldogs. If I was asked that question at the beginning of the season, you would have received a much different answer. If you look at the LSU team, I think they have a solid team that might be

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ahead of Arkansas but not by much. LSU has a better defense, but Arkansas could have a better offense. Either way both of these teams pose a threat for the Crimson Tide. Although these teams pose a threat, the team that poses the most threat to Alabama is Alabama. I believe the West is ours to lose and I don’t see this team losing or beating themselves. With Knile Davis out that will be a slight problem for Arkansas; he is a solid back that gave defensive fits last year. The Razorbacks will miss him slightly. Only because they are a pass-happy team and they have other guys who can step up into his role. Bottom line: Alabama should handle business against Arkansas to start the SEC season off. It should be a good game for a little while into Alabama pulls away and wins this game 31-17. Roll Tide Roll!

D.J K-Dub

Tide Talk

“TIDE TALK” Marquis Maze “I tried to step in and tell them to calm down. You know you can do this. Just being a leader, so you try to help those guys out when you see it [nervousness] happening.”

Nick Saban “We really are trying to get our team prepared to play on the road and psychologically have what it takes to stay focused when you play on the road against good teams,”

Marquis Maze #4 Wide Receiver Trent Richardson

Photography by Matt Gaston

DeQuan Menzie “We know what to do this year. We are more prepared. We are more experienced. We are just taking it one game at a time.”

"I love the way they (the other running backs)play. They keep me on my toes every day we have practice, every day we’re out there just grinding.”

Robert Lester

William Vlachos

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“We all look forward to improving and we are lucky that a lot of guys got to play so we will look at the film and try to clean it all up. “ 1992

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Hog Heaven: Returning Razorbacks SEC SEASON OPENER

By: Thomas Watts

labama’s matchup against Arkansas has traditionally been billed as an early season test for both teams. That trend will continue this year when the Razorbacks come to Tuscaloosa on September 24 to renew their rivalry with the Crimson Tide. Since Bobby Petrino took over the program, Arkansas has been defined by very strong offense with a mediocre defensive performance. That script continues this year, even though Arkansas

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

only returns four starters on offense, while seven come back on defense. The Arkansas offense was decimated by graduation and injuries. Ryan Mallett, Arkansas’s starting quarterback last year, left a year early and was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the NFL draft. He passed for over 7,000 yards in his two years with the Razorbacks. He is replaced by Tyler Wilson, who torched Auburn’s secondary for over 300 yards when Mallett was

injured in their game in 2010. He started the 2011 campaign strong by passing for 264 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout against Missouri State. Two other spots took a major hit since the end of the 2011 season and those are the tailback and offensive line. Only two starters return on the offensive line and neither of those were tackles. In Petrino’s pass-heavy offense, the tackles are relied on to protect the edges of the pocket. Arkansas will be breaking in two new

Photography Courtesy of Arkansas Athletics Media Relations

Section Title

tackles at the start of the season, and may still be when they come to Bryant-Denny. In one of the more tragic off-season stories, the Razorbacks lost Knile Davis to a major ankle injury. Davis was the leading rusher in the SEC last season, tallying 1,322 yards. He provided much needed balance and kept defenses honest against the potent Razorback passing attack. A tailback by committee approach is being undertaken to replace Davis’s production. The injury has forced juniors Dennis Johnson and Ronnie Wingo into the spotlight. One part of the Arkansas offense didn’t suffer major attrition: the skill positions, particularly wide receiver. Three receivers who started at least five games will return, as well as Joe Adams, who was lost to injury last year. The only loss was tight end D.J. Williams, who led the Razorbacks in receptions last year. While the offense will be replacing many departed juniors and seniors, the defense will be hoping to improve with many familiar faces. It will have to improve its run defense, which gave up 162 yards a game last year. Good run defense starts up front, and Arkansas has two very strong defensive ends-Jake Bequette and Tenarius Wright, who combined for 13 sacks last season. They should be able to hold the edge against any

sort of outside running attack. The best returning player on the defense plays middle linebacker for the Razorbacks: Jerry Franklin. Franklin is expected to contend for numerous postseason awards after notching 100 tackles last year. The linebackers only return one other starter, though, so look for defensive coordinator Willy Robinson to lean heavily on Franklin’s leadership and seniority to lead the unit. Arkansas’s secondary returns everybody this season and should be the strength of the defense. Tramain Thomas, the starting free safety, was third on the team with 83 tackles. He also had four interceptions. The Razorbacks actually have three returning starting corners with Isaac Madison, Darius Winston and Jerry Mitchell. They have to improve, though, after providing just one interception among them last season. The contest between Alabama and Arkansas on the shores of the Black Warrior River on September 24 will feature some fresh offensive faces and some veteran defensive ones. The returning wide receivers, as well as numerous returning defensive starters, will make spoiling the Razorbacks’ hog heaven a difficult task, but one that the Crimson Tide is absolutely capable of achieving.

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Arkansas Razorbacks:

The Razorbacks will be visiting the Tide this week to open the Crimson Tide’s SEC season. This is always a big matchup between the two teams of the West. Knile Davis is still out with an injury and quarterback Tyler Wilson looks to show his strengths against the Tide this week in BryantDenny Stadium.

Auburn Tigers:

The Tigers are still rebuilding after the loss of some key players to the NFL Draft, but have given their fans a show so far this season. The Tigers pack a punch when push comes to shove. Auburn has been known to start off slow, but then pull the win off late in the game. While the Tigers have had some close calls, they still have wins under their belt and play until the play clock runs out. 1941

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Catching Up With

Quarterback Club Kickoff Mal Moore recognized as first speaker By: Donald F. Staffo

Alabama athletic director

Mal Moore was the first speaker of the year for the Tuscaloosa Quarterback Club, which met Sept. 7 at The Zone in BryantDenny Stadium. Moore opened by recognizing the University of Alabama

students and student-athletes, as well as others from Tuscaloosa and other places for their volunteer work during the tornado recovery. He then praised the leadership of UA president Robert Witt for improving all facets of the University, pointing out that for the seventh straight year the University has broken its enrollment record. He then acknowledged the accomplishments of some of the Crimson Tide’s athletic teams, specifically mentioning the national championship won by the gymnastics team and the SEC championship won by the softball team.

Moore noted the improvement of the men’s basketball team, pointing out that the Tide won all of its home games last season and that the team sold out the last five or six games of the season

“I told [head coach] Anthony Grant that in years past we would sell out because people would come to see Kentucky play, but now people are coming to see Alabama play,” Moore commented. While touching on the successes and improvements of some of the other teams, he mentioned that the women’s soccer team defeated nationally-ranked San Diego State on Sept. 4 in California.

Moore said he was pleased that former football coach Gene

Stallings was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame last December and that former Crimson Tide star Marty Lyons will be inducted into the hall of fame this December. He said the 1961 national championship team, Bear Bryant’s first, recently celebrated its 50th Anniversary. Moore was a member of that Crimson 12

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography Courtesy of Bryant Museum

in Coleman Coliseum.

Tide team, which finished 11-0, 7-0 in the SEC, scored 297 points, gave up only 25 points and registered six shut-outs.

“What a great team that was,” he said. “Coach Bryant turned the program around and changed the way everybody thought about Alabama football. Some of the guys hadn’t seen each other in years. It was quite a thrill seeing everybody together again. It was a very enjoyable time.” Moore said that Alabama’s 1971 national championship team would also be having a reunion later this year. “That was the first year of the wishbone,” he reminded the audience. “We were coming off a couple of back-to-back 6-5 seasons and Coach Bryant spent a lot of time with [Texas coach] Darrell Royal, and Royal talked Coach Bryant into switching to the wishbone.”

“Royal brought [assistant coach] Emory Ballard [credited with developing the wishbone] and we stayed in the motel three days and they taught us the wishbone,” Moore related. “All of the practices were closed. We had the element of surprise when we [opened the season] on a Friday night in the LA Coliseum against Southern Cal. They had no clue [what to do against that offense]. We scored the first three times we had the ball to take a 17-0 lead. Coach Bryant won his 200th game on his birthday. We went on to have an undefeated season.”

Moore also said that, for financial reasons, more and more schools are opting to play a big-name opponent at a neutral site, rather than scheduling a home and home match-up. For example, he said that for this weekend’s game at Penn State, Alabama was given 5,000 tickets, the same as Penn State received last year when the Nittany Lions came to Tuscaloosa. The visiting team would get $200,000 whereas when Alabama played Florida State For the next 10 years, Alabama and its revamped in Jacksonville a few years back, each school was given offense dominated college football, winning 108 40,000 tickets and made about $2.5 million. “That’s a big games, three more national championships and difference, and it also solves a lot of problems for me.” enabling Bryant to conclude his storied career as the As for scheduling, Moore said that Alabama would like all-time leader in coaching wins. to play seven home games a year, “and with the neutral Moore said that the 1981 SEC Championship Team site revenue it’s almost like playing eight home games.” would also be honored. “That was the team that He said that when Alabama plays in Atlanta it exposes the enabled Coach Bryant to break Amos Alonzo Stagg’s Crimson Tide to people in Georgia, which also helps with win record,” Moore said. recruiting.

Stating that he is frequently asked about the varying Moore concluded his talk by praising the job Nick Saban starting times of Alabama home football games, has done. Moore explained that the times, due to a 15-year, $3 “He’s an unbelievably sound football coach,” Moore billion contract, are dictated by television. commented. “He enjoys recruiting and he enjoys evalu“CBS gets the first pick of the teams that it wants to ating high school players. He recruits good studenttelevise, with ESPN having the second pick, ESPN2 athletes and that gives him a chance to win consistently. I the third pick and [the other networks] falling in enjoy watching him and the coaches do their jobs.” behind,” he said.

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Pro Connections

Photography by Mark Lent

Heisman Trophy

By: Stephen M. Smith

riginally a native of Hackensack, N.J., who would have thought that Mark Ingram would have the impact on Alabama that he had when he entered the Crimson Tide roster as a freshman in 2008? Ingram attended school in Flint, Mich., first at Grand Blanc Community High School but after his junior year he attended Flint Southwestern Academy. He was a four year starter on his schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; football teams, running for 2,546 yards and 36 touchdowns in his final two seasons.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

As a senior, Ingram was Saginaw Valley MVP, Area Player of the Year, and an All-State selection. He was also a talented cornerback in high school, totaling 84 tackles and eight interceptions his senior season. In addition, he ran track and was a two-time All-State track star. In 2008, Mark Ingram was a true freshman playing running back for the Alabama Crimson Tide. He played behind Glenn Coffee and brought uniqueness to the running back position that not many people have seen since the days of Shaun Alexander. He was selected to the 2008

SEC All-Freshman Team; his 12 rushing touchdowns also set an Alabama school record. At the end of his freshman season, Ingram rushed for 743 yards, averaging over five yards per carry. In 2009, he began his Heisman run in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff opener against the Virginia Tech Hokies. He was the player of the game, rushing for 150 yards, a rushing touchdown and a receiving touchdown. The touchdown reception was the decisive score of the game; it allowed the Tide to pull away with a 34-24 win against Virginia Tech. Against South

Title

Winner, BCS Champion

Carolina, Ingram ran for a career-high 246 yards and was named SEC Offensive Player of the Week. In the 2009 SEC championship game against the undefeated and top-ranked Florida Gators Ingram, shined. He rushed for 113 yards and three touchdowns. He had two passes for 76 receiving yards to combine for 189 all-purpose yards. In the game, Ingram surpassed Bobby Humphrey’s singleseason rushing record for the Crimson Tide, reaching 1,542 rushing yards for the season. In December of 2009, Ingram won the sport’s most coveted individual award: the Heisman Trophy. He won in the closest vote in the award’s 75-year history. Ingram is Alabama’s first Heisman winner and the first running back to win the award since Reggie Bush. He was selected to the 2009 All-American Team by the Associated Press and AFCA. On January 7, 2010, Alabama defeated Texas 37-21 to win the BCS National Championship. Ingram received honors such as Offensive MVP after rushing for 116 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. He became the first player since 1925

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Matt Leinart, in 2004, to win the Heisman Trophy and a National Championship in the same season. For the 2009 season, Ingram rushed for 1,658 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also had 334 receiving yards with three touchdowns. In his junior season, he had knee surgery which caused him to miss the first two games of the season. The sophomore running back, Trent Richardson, filled in for him until the third game of the season. The Tide family saw Ingram’s return against Duke. He came back from the injury looking like his old self. He rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The Tide destroyed the Blue Devils 62-13. In the game against Arkansas, Ingram helped the Tide overcome a 20-7 third quarter deficit by rushing for 150 and a touchdown and helped the Tide win 24-20. Unfortunately, Ingram did not have a 100-yard game for the rest of the season. He ended the season with 875 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. In January Ingram announced that he would forgo his senior season and enter the 2011 NFL Draft. At the time of the announcement, he was 1941

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projected as a first round pick. The New Orleans Saints selected Ingram with the 28th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft-the same pick number used to draft his father Mark Ingram, Sr. Ingram was the first running back drafted in 2011 since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger. This is the lowest pick used on the first running back chosen. The Saints acquired the pick from the New England Patriots, trading their second-round selection [No.56 overall] and their first-round selection in 2012 to do so. As Alabama head coach Nick Saban is part of Patriots head coach Bill Belichick’s coaching tree, the Patriots were widely assumed to be interested in drafting Ingram themselves. On July 28, 2011, Ingram decided on the jersy number 28 in honor of his and his father's draft pick number. On July 29, 2011, Ingram agreed with the Saints on a four year contract, with three years guaranteed and a fifth year option. The contract is worth $7.41 million, with a $3.89 million signing bonus. On August 12, 2011, Ingram scored his first touchdown as a Saint on a 14-yard run in a preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. He did wonderfully at Alabama, winning the Heisman Trophy, winning a National Title and many other awards in between. Expectations are high for the new member of The New Orleans Saints. 1992

2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

Photography by Alex Restrepo

Photography by Michael C. Herbert

Mark Ingram Joins the Saints

UA Player Spotlight

Chapman’s journey with the Tide One of the Tide’s key players on the defensive line is Josh Chapman. He joined the Crimson

Tide in 2007 but received a medical redshirt, then became Terrence Cody’s backup during the 2008 season, and now he has ended up as a token nose guard within the past two seasons. Head Coach Nick Saban sees Chapman as an asset to the team also. “[Josh] Chapman is a very good nose guard,” he said. While he has several seasons behind him, it all started in 2007. Chapman started the first three games until his season ended early due to an injury, but that didn’t hinder his ability to attend spring practices in 2008. After spring practices, he was awarded the Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman Award. This was the beginning of Chapman’s journey at The Capstone. After coming back from an injury, Chapman started the 2008 season as a backup for Terrence Cody while he was out with an injury. As a backup, he ended up seeing playing time in 13 games of the season and totaled 16 tackles, with four of those for loss. His first career start came against the Tennessee Vols, a game in which he totaled a career-high four tackles with three of those being solo. Chapman started the 2009 season and recorded half a sack against Virginia Tech in the season opener. He also had his season-high number of three tackles with one for loss against the North Texas Mean Green. In the BCS Championship Game against the Texas Longhorns, Chapman made three solo tackles to help the Tide down the Longhorns and bring the championship back to Alabama. Last season, Chapman saw one of his best campaigns at The

Capstone. He started 12 games and saw action in all 13. He was the Tide’s nose guard, was at the forefront of the 10th nationallyranked defense, tallied 31 tackles with 3.5 for loss and had one sack. With these accomplishments under his belt, he won the Billy Neighbors Defensive Lineman Award that season. Chapman’s last season with the Tide is underway and looks to be his best yet. He won the Lee Roy Jordan Headhunter Award this spring and will be a big factor in the Tide’s rush defense. He comments on what it takes to prepare for an unpredictable offense and to be a good defensive powerhouse. “It is all about going out and doing what we do best, including stopping the run, stopping the pass and being a great third-down team,” he said. While Chapman has gone from an injury-ridden season to a backup for an All-American player and now to the coreplayer ranks within the defensive line, he has seen players come and go and now he comments on the strengths this set of players has. “It [the talent level of the team] has changed,” Chapman commented. “We have a lot of guys that are bigger, faster and stronger. He [Coach Saban] is a great recruiter. We have a lot of talent.” Chapman has seen five season openers while with the Tide family and saw his last this September. “It feels like it [his last season opener] took forever for it to get here and now it is here,” Chapman confessed. While he has played in over 40 career games and notched over 65 tackles in his record book, he looks to improve those numbers this season, his last with the Tide.

“I just want to get up there and play.” - Tyler Hayes 16

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography by Mark Lent

By: Jennifer Gorham

Title

11 Facts About Magazines 1

Magazine readership has grown over the past five years. (Source: MRI)

Average paid subscriptions reached nearly 300 million in 2009. (Source: MPA estimates based on ABC first and second half 2009 data)

4 out of 5 adults read magazines. (Source: MRI)

Magazines deliver more ad impressions than TV or Web in half-hour period. (Source: McPheters & Company)

Magazine readership in the 18 to 34 segment is growing. (Source: MRI)

Since Facebook was founded, magazines gained more than one million young adult readers. (Source: MRI)

The average reader spends 43 minutes reading each issue. (Source: MRI)

Magazines are the No. 1 medium of engagement — across all dimensions measured. Simmons’ Multi-Media Engagement Study find magazines continue to score significantly higher than TV or the Internet in ad receptivity and all of the other engagement dimensions, including “trustworthy” and “inspirational.” (Source: Simmons Multi-Media Engagement Study)

Magazines and magazine ads garner the most attention: BIGresearch studies show that when consumers read magazines they are much less likely to engage with other media or to take part in non-media activities compared to the users of TV, radio or the Internet. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

Magazines outperform other media in driving positive shifts in purchase consideration/intent. (Source: Dynamic Logic)

Magazines rank No. 1 at influencing consumers to start a search online – higher than newer media options. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

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2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

Section Title

Razorbacks

Arkansas Football Roster NO NAME 1 Wade, Marquel 2 Horton, Julian 3 Adams, Joe 4 Wright, Jarius 5 Funderburk, Quinta 5 Thomas, Tramain 6 Madison, Isaac 6 Miles-Nash, Colton 7 Davis, Knile 8 Mitchel, Tevin 8 Wilson, Tyler 9 Ford, Elton 9 Walker, Jacoby 10 Jarvis, Hunter 10 Mitchell, Braylon 11 Hamilton, Cobi 13 Allen, Brandon 13 Armbrust, Seth 14 Bennett, Eric 14 Breeding, Dylan 15 Minor, Keante 16 Buehner, Brian 16 Farr, Ryan 17 Mitchell, Brandon 18 Hocker, Zach 19 Herndon, Javontee 20 Wingo Jr., Ronnie 21 Shearin, Brad 21 Winston, Darius 22 Fisher Jr., Kelvin 22 Smith, Darrell 23 Curtis, De’Anthony 24 Carr, Daunte 25 Williams, Terrell 26 Gaines, Rohan 27 Turner, Alan 28 Gatson, Greg 29 Green, Broderick 30 Pruitt, Houston 30 Watkins, Ronald 31 Nelson, Jerico 32 Harris, Bret 33 Johnson, Dennis 34 Franklin, Jerry 35 Linton, Morgan 35 Rasner, Ross 36 Small, Kiero 37 Pyle, Brandon 38 Mitchell, Jerry 39 Lake, Jarrett 40 Walker, Kody 41 McKinney, Davyon 42 Smith, Chris 43 Henson, John 43 Wright, Tenarius 44 Atiga, Robert 45 Highsmith, Alonzo 46 Gilbert, Tyler

P HT WT WR 5-11 185 WR 6-1 194 WR 5-11 190 WR 5-10 180 WR 6-4 200 S 6-0 204 CB 5-11 185 TE 6-6 261 RB 6-0 226 CB 6-0 185 QB 6-3 220 S 6-0 220 QB 6-2 220 WR 5-8 171 LB 6-3 232 WR 6-3 209 QB 6-3 212 S 5-9 190 S 6-0 200 P 6-1 211 WR 6-0 194 QB 5-11 195 S 6-1 195 QB 6-4 230 K 6-0 180 WR 6-1 200 RB 6-3 231 FB 6-0 240 CB 6-0 191 CB/RB 5-11 180 S 6-3 203 RB 5-9 211 S 6-3 220 LB 6-3 232 S 5-11 190 S 6-0 212 CB 5-11 180 RB/FB 6-2 244 S 5-11 183 RB 5-9 190 S/LB 5-10 216 LB 6-0 224 RB 5-9 213 LB 6-1 245 FB 5-11 240 LB 6-0 209 FB 5-10 255 FB 6-2 240 CB 6-1 214 LB 6-3 223 RB 6-2 235 WR 6-3 190 DE 6-3 251 K 5-11 138 DE 6-2 252 LB 6-3 240 LB 6-1 229 LB 6-3 244

CLS Fr. So. Sr. Sr. Fr. Sr. Sr. Jr. Jr. Fr. RJr. Sr. RFr. So. RFr. Jr. Fr. Sr. So. Jr. Fr. RFr. Jr. So. So. So. Jr. Fr. Jr. Fr. So. Sr. RFr. Jr. Fr. RFr. Sr. Sr. So. RJr. Sr. RSr. Jr. RSr. RFr. Jr. Jr. So. So. So. Fr. Fr. So. RFr. RJr. So. Jr. Fr.

HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL Jacksonville, Fla. Andrew Jackson Norcross, Ga. Greater Atl Christian Little Rock, Ark. Cen Arkansas Christian Warren, Ark. Warren HS Chesapeake, Va. Oscar Frommel Smith Winnie, Tex. East Chambers HS Dallas, Tex. Carter High School Sulpher Springs, Tex. Sulpher Springs HS Missouri City, Tex. Ft Bend Marshall HS Mansfield, Tex. Legacy High School Greenwood, Ark. Greenwood HS Alpharetta, Ga. Chattahoochee HS Houston, Tex. Westfield HS Fairview, Tex. Lovejoy HS Heber Springs, Ark. Heber Springs HS Texarkana, Tex. Texas High School Fayetteville, Ark. Fayetteville High Little Rock, Ark. Catholic High School Tulsa, Okl. Booker T. Washington Hoover, Ala. Hoover High School East St. Louis, Ill. East St. Louis HS Louisville, Ky. Saint Xavier HS Little Rock, Ark. Cen Arkansas Christian Amite, La. Amite High School Russellville, Ark. Russellville HS Jacksonville, Fla. The Bolles School St. Louis, Mo. St. Louis University Jonesboro, Ark. Jonesboro HS West Helena, Ark. Central High School Queen Creek, Arz. Higley High School Port St. Joe, Fla. Port St. Joe HS Camden, Ark. Fairview High School Gainesville, Ga. Gainesville HS Tulsa, Okl. Union High School Bainbridge, Ga. Brainbridge HS Junction City, Ark. Junction City HS Memphis, Tenn. Germantown HS Little Rock, Ark. Pulaski Academy Springdale, Ark. Har-Ber High School Stafford, Va. Colonial Forge HS Destrehan, La. Destrehan HS Irving, Tex. MacArthur HS Texarkana, Ark. Arkansas High School Marion, Ark. Marion High School Lonoke, Ark. Lonoke High School Waco, Tex. Reicher High School Baltimore, Md. Valley Forge/Hartnell CC Hallsville, Tex. Hallsville High School Mandeville, La. Mandeville HS Jenks, Okla. Jenks High School Jefferson City, Mo. Jefferson City HS Forrest City, Ark. Forrest City HS Mount Ulla, N.C. West Rowan HS Southlake, Tex. Carroll High School Memphis, Tenn. Whitehaven HS West Valley City, Ut. Snow College Missouri City, Tex. Phoenix College Sorrento, La. John Curtis Christian

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

NO NAME 47 Bryan, Cameron 47 Marshall, Matt 48 Gosha, Lonnie 48 Jones, Austin 49 Weir, Brett 50 Ollison, Grady 51 Davis, Alfred 52 Loewen, Mitchell 53 D’Appollonio, Alan 54 Jones, Byran 55 Haman, Brock 56 Gunderson, Blake 57 Green, Jared 58 Gervasi, Ray 59 Danenhauer, Marcus 61 Stadther, Zach 62 Brewer, Nick 63 Bowers, Devin 64 Swanson, Travis 65 Smothers, Mitch 66 Deacon, Adam 67 Bailey, Alvin 68 Beck, Austin 69 Hurd, David 70 Stringer, Chris 71 Peacock, Jason 72 Cook, Grant 74 Cook, Brey 75 Charpentier, Luke 76 Deacon, Tyler 79 Freeman, Grant 80 Gragg, Chris 81 Whitehurst, Kane 82 Taylor, Brad 83 Humphrey, Maudrecus 84 Holmes, Price 85 Childs, Greg 86 Flowers, Trey 86 Wolford, Brandon 87 Tate, Austin 88 Uekman, Garrett 89 Peterson, Andrew 91 Bequette, Jake 92 Jones, DeQuinta 93 Hodge, DeMarcus 94 Coleman, Will 95 Arkadie, Horace 96 Jackson, Jeremiah 97 Kelly-Thomas, Darrell 98 Thomas, Robert 99 Askew, Lavunce ## Cacciarelli, Alex ## Harris, Forbes ## Kelleybrew, Kaelon ## McCray, A.J. ## Redmon, Eric ## Whitlow, Allen

P K LB DE LB S DE DT LB SNP DT LB OG DT C OL DT SNP DL C OT OL OG OT OT OL OL OG OT OL OL OT TE WR TE WR WR WR DE WR TE TE TE DE DT DT DE DE DT LB DT DT WR K CB DT CB FB

HT WT 5-10 176 6-1 230 6-2 270 6-2 230 6-5 217 6-5 286 6-1 326 6-4 265 6-0 201 6-2 312 6-3 230 6-3 298 6-0 315 6-2 307 6-5 300 6-1 295 6-1 221 6-1 224 6-5 305 6-4 296 6-1 338 6-5 319 6-7 307 6-6 300 6-7 304 6-4 334 6-4 318 6-7 317 6-4 305 6-4 300 6-7 305 6-3 236 6-0 175 6-4 224 6-3 185 6-3 206 6-3 217 6-4 243 5-11 165 6-6 253 6-4 254 6-6 262 6-5 271 6-5 307 6-1 301 6-3 253 6-4 235 6-3 281 6-4 225 6-3 308 6-3 290 6-0 180 6-1 185 5-10 174 6-2 320 5-9 183 6-1 249

CLS RJr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. RJr. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. Jr. Sr. RFr. Fr. Sr. RJr. Fr. So. Fr. Fr. So. Fr. So. So. Jr. RSr. Fr. RFr. RJr. RSr. Jr. Fr. Jr. So. Jr. Sr. Fr. So. So. RFr. Fr. RSr. Jr. Fr. So. Fr. So. Fr. So. Sr. RFr. RFr. Sr. RFr. RFr. So.

HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL Oklahoma City, Okl. Bishop McGuinniss HS Camden, N.J. Camden HS Lake Butler, Fla. Union County HS Dallas, Tex. Air Force Academy Ontario, Canada Saint Thomas Aquinas Malvern, Ark. Malvern HS College Park, Ga. Benneker HS Lahaina, Haw. Lahainaluna HS Phoenix, Ari. Shadow Mountain HS Junction City, Ark. Junction City HS Scottsdale, Ari. Saguaro HS Rockwall, Tex. Abilene Christian Little Rock, Ark. Miss. Valley State Orinda, Cal. Miramonte HS Bentonville, Ark. Bentonville HS N. Little Rock, Ark. N. Little Rock HS Austin, Tex. James Bowie HS Fayetteville, Ark. Fayetteville HS Kingwood, Tex. Kingwood HS Springdale, Ark. Springdale HS Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock Christian Aca Broken Arrow, Okl. Broken Arrow HS Nowata, Okl. Nowata High School West Monroe, La. West Monroe HS RanchoCucamonga,Cal. Citrus College Milledgeville, Ga. Citrus College Jonesboro, Ark. Jonesboro HS Springdale, Ark. Har-Ber High School River Ridge, La. John Curtis Christian Little Rock, Ark. Little Rock Christian Aca Paris, Ark. Paris High School Warren, Ark. Warren High School Alpharetta, Ga. Chattahoochee HS Springdale, Ark. Har-Ber High School Hoover, Ala. Hoover High School Batesville, Ark. Batesville HS Warren, Ark. Warren High School Huntsville, Ala. Columbia HS Lakewood, Cali. El Camino CC Harrison, Ark. Harrison HS Little Rock, Ark. Catholic High School Seagoville, Tex. Seagoville HS Little Rock, Ark. Catholic High School Bastrop, La. Bastrop High School Monroe, La. Neville High School Helena, Ark. De Soto High School Irving, Tex. Irving High School Hoover, Ala. Spain Park HS Lufkin, Tex. Lufkin High School Muskogee, Okl. Coffeyville CC Camden, Ark. Fairview High School Brentwood, Mo. Westminster Chr. Aca Cordova, Tenn. St. George’s Indep. Little Rock, Ark. Miss. Valley State Little Rock, Ark. Episcopal Collegiate Little Rock, Ark. Catholic High School Rogers, Ark. Rogers Heritage HS

Arkansas Opposing Team

Razorbacks Return to Tide Territory Photography Courtesy of Wesley Hitt/Arkansas

By: Kassidy Hill

n a conference whose bread and butter is the run and a great defense, a quarterback is mostly there to help move the ball around. They do not have to be great, just good. So Hog fans were not expecting much from their new quarterback Tyler Wilson, but the junior is doing everything he can to prove that he can hold his own against all of those SEC defensive lines. Wilson has to follow up the incredible success brought by Ryan Mallet during his time at Arkansas. Mallet was taken in the third round of the draft to the New England Patriots after completing 62 touchdowns and close to 7,500 yards during his time at Arkansas. But so far Wilson seems to be

Tyler Wilson# 8

Tramain Thomas # 5

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t is an age-old football cliche. Offense sells seats; defense wins games. That is what Arkansas is hoping for and they will look to senior safety Tramain Thomas for help. Thomas is a 6-foot, 198-pound beast who is a nightmare for any offensive player on whom he sets his sights. Thomas will likely test his skills against all of Alabama’s playmakers. He is adept at breaking up the pass, which could be a problem for Marquis Maze, who has been a surprise weapon for the Tide so far this season. Thomas can then switch gears and protect against the run, where head coach Bobby Petrino will be sure to place him against standout Trent Richardson. And then, just to make sure that the ball doesn’t even

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doing just fine. In his 2011 season opener, Wilson handled the game like a good leader should and proved that he can throw a football. In that game against Missouri State, Wilson completed 18-of-24 passes for 260 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. He needs to work a little on his rushing, but with his arm, the run is probably not going to be something coach Petrino focuses on. Let us not forgot about his performance last year against Auburn, who would go on to win the national championship. He completed 25-of-34 passes for 332 yards. This will definitely be a quarterback to watch out for, as he is getting more and more comfortable in his position.

get that far, Thomas is known for gunning for the quarterback and forcing losses or fumbles. This could be a threat for Alabama, who is still toying with the idea of a twoquarterback system that admittedly needs tweaking. Add in a safety that loves to stay in his opponent’s backfield, and it is a sack waiting to happen. In 2010 Thomas finished his season with four interceptions, 83 tackles, five tackles for loss and four forced fumbles. These all help to make him first among current Razorbacks in forced fumbles and interceptions. If last year was any indicator, it will not be long before he becomes ranked with the entire Razorback program.

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2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

Practice for Performance

Strength & Conditioning:

By: Johnny Jackson

emales playing sports are on the rise. Often you hear the question of how to train the female athlete differently from the male athlete. The answer is that you don’t train a female any differently than you train a male; you have to prepare their bodies for the demand of any sport they choose to play as you would with all athletes. This is why strength training should be on the top of the list when training a female athlete. The reason being, it will improve performance. The most important byproduct of strength training is that it will reduce the risk of injury in females. There are no excuses and you have to train hard. Females are at a higher risk of injury because of their wider hips and narrow knees. Females are built different than males and there is nothing you can do about it other than build a sound program to lower the risk of ACL injuries. To build a sound program, coaches need to focus on lower body strength with additional focus on single leg strength. The focus should be on single-leg bodyweight progressions before any external load is added. The athlete should also stay away from training on machines. Program in knee dominant [back or front squats] and hip dominant exercises [single leg deadlifts]. Just make sure the focus of the training is on the posterior chain which is glutes, hamstring and lower back. The athlete will now have a sound strength program. When female athletes step off a box, more than likely their knees buckle. This is why coaches should teach proper landing techniques. Jumps are good to do but are not always appropriate to do when injury reduction is the goal. Hopping should be a staple in any good training or ACL injury reduction program. Hopping must be done forward,

laterally and medially. To hop correctly, the athlete should hop on one leg [just like bounding and skipping]. The coach can then progress to more plyometrics once the athletes gets the basics downpath and gets the lower body strength to progress. The program should also include a change of direction. The coach must teach the athlete to move and change direction properly. Most coaches tell their athletes to run from one cone to the the other, but this could potentially put their athletes at risk. The focus should be to teach the athlete how to crossover or how to push off the foot to create force through the ground. As coaches, we teach our athletes to start and stop correctly when doing any kind of agility drills or change of directions. Doing so will have a carryover to the field or court and play a role in ACL injury reduction. Last but not least is the warm up. This is the first thing the athlete will do in any good program. The warm up should be active. This means the athlete needs to activate one muscle and lengthen the other. To see examples of correct warm ups, visit this website: http://smsmf.org/pep-program/warm-up. The point is that if the athlete has a good training program; then the athlete has a good ACL-injury prevention program. All these things must be included in the athlete’s program. As coaches, we should always understand functional anatomy and the biomechanics of movement. Always remember to train movement and not muscles.

The most important byproduct of strength training is that it will reduce the risk of injury in females.

Johnny Jackson graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelors degree in exercise science and he is no stranger to the Tide. He interned with The University of Alabama football team that won the SEC and BCS National Championship title. Jackson also interned with the baseball and track and field teams while at the Capstone from 2007 until 2010. As far as strength and conditioning goes, Jackson knows his strengths. He bench presses over 550 pounds and currently caters to serious high school, college and professional athletes that are driven to reach their full athletic potential. “I’m dedicated to getting athletes brutally strong, lightning fast and mentally tough,” he said. Jackson has a Strength and Conditioning article featured in each issue of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. To contact Jackson send your questions and concerns to: trainwithjjsc@yahoo.com.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography credit to sugarfreestyle.com

ACL Prevention & the Female Athlete

News around the

WEST Mississippi State Bulldogs:

While Mississippi State has been the underdogs of the SEC at times, these Bulldogs are looking to give their SEC counterparts a run for their money. Quarterback Chris Relf has gained experience and is making the field his own.

Ole Miss Rebels:

The Ole Miss Rebels started the season off with a defeat, but climbed back to the top for their second game of the season against Southern Illinois. The Rebels look to take on the Georgia Bulldogs this week and gain another win of the season.

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2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

Larry’s Lowdown

THE WILD WEST

Why Arkansas is such an I m p o r t a n t G a m e To A l a b a m a

ost SEC teams start the season with cupcakes, and it’s usually not until a few of those have been played that teams start their SEC schedules and find out quickly how they can expect to measure up in the league. Such is certainly the case for the Alabama - Arkansas contest this weekend. Both schools are well coached and attract good recruits and both are typically in the upper tier of the SEC West. It is the earliest clash of top teams for either school and saying that, I hope, takes nothing away from Penn State who is in rebuilding mode. This game is indeed not only a test, but a launching point for the winner, not just for the SEC race alone, but in national standings as well. A loss here all but relegates the loser to little chance of a conference title. Since 2002, Bama has a six games to three advantage, including the last four in a row. The series has been a good

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

one, with three games that were decided by less than a touchdown. There have been some thrilling games in the series, including the 2003 game that went into two overtimes before Arkansas finally pulled it out 34-31. Last season’s 24-20 Alabama win was certainly a close game and shows that Bobby Petrino is closing the gap between the talent he got when he took over the Razorbacks in 2008 and what Nick Saban routinely puts on the field. If that game was a measuring stick, it showed one of two things, that either Arkansas is quickly becoming a better team or Alabama was suffering a downturn last year. The year before, the Tide trampled the Razorbacks 35-7 and went on to win a national championship. Bobby Petrino is said to have a better overall team this year than last year, so this year’s game will show whether

Photography Courtesy of BDL

By: Larry Burton

Alabama is better or worse than last year’s team. A decisive victory by the Tide could mean they do, in fact, have a team that could go all the way. A close game would show that they may struggle to finish the season undefeated and a loss would show that this team was full of promise but fell short on heart to get it all together. A close game by the Hogs could show that they are indeed one of the true top 20 teams in America and, of course, a win by Arkansas could launch them into national title talk. But a loss by blowout proportions, could seriously ruin morale on the team and drop them out of any consideration for a top bowl later in the year. Not only is this a good game to measure athletic ability and personnel in helmets, it’s also a game that puts against each other what many consider to be the two sharpest minds on the sidelines of the SEC, Coach Saban and Coach Petrino themselves. There’s an old saying that goes, “You never what you’ve got ‘till you start your SEC schedule.” and it has never been more true.

“This game is indeed not only a test, but a launching point for the winner...”

Some wounds you can’t see.

JAMES MYLOTT

Wounded in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq Traumatic brain injury, severe muscle damage

News around the Traumatic brain injuries have left thousands with drastically changed

LSU Tigers:

WEST

The Tigers are on the Tide’s radar this season, as they are most seasons. Preseason hype surrounded the Tigers to be a key competitor for Alabama in the SEC West, but the Tigers have started the season on a good note. With the loss of a quarterback before the season started, the Tigers look to prove themselves.

lives. Wounded Warrior Project offers services that ease the burdens of these returning heroes, along with their fellow troops who have suffered other severe physical and mental injuries. For more information, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Alabama Crimson Tide:

The Crimson Tide looks to keep the national championship game within reach. Starting the season off with non-SEC competitors, the Tide opens SEC play this week against the Razorbacks of Arkansas. Head Coach Nick Saban is trying out a new two-quarterback system with A.J. McCarron and Phillip Sims. While the Tide looks to win the West, the Razorbacks will provide a tough fight this weekend.

The greatest casualty is being forgotten.TM

CFC #11425 Wounded Warrior Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

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Crimson Extras

Marr’s Pond Poets

Gridiron Grub

Sweet & Spicy BBQ Ribs

By: Hallie Boydston

Tornadoes never thought about but the wind came and twisted about Houses and lives turned upside down T-town never down As a town began to rebuild Faith, hope and strength began to yield lumber, nails and hammers Rammer Jammer Yellow Hammer Yea, Alabama If you would like to see your football-themed poem in Touchdown Alabama Magazine feel free to send in your submission. Chosen submissions will receive a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. Send submissions to the following addresses:managingeditor@tdalabama.com or Touchdown Alabama Magazine, P.O. Box 3251, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-3251.

In a small bowl mix together:

3 tablespoon paprika 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried thyme ¾ teaspoon onion powder 1 cup minced onion ½ teaspoon celery seed ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper Evenly sprinkle spice rub on both sides of ribs. Pat into meat to adhere well. Follow with BBQ sauce.

For BBQ sauce mix together:

¼ cup water 15 ounces tomato sauce 1 cup minced onion ½ teaspoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon + 2 teaspoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ¼ Worcestershire sauce pinch salt pinch pepper Grill thoroughly until done and enjoy!

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography Courtesy of rusticcrockchophouse.com

Construction of Hope

Tide Trivia

TIDE TRIVIA

Before accepting the Alabama head coaching job on January 4, 2007, Nick Saban famously said _________________? A. “I’m not going to be the Alabama coach” B. “I heard Mama calling” C. “The NFL is no fun” D. “I sorely miss the SEC”

#2 Bill Curry, who struggled coaching

alongside Bear Bryant’s legacy, said the man was____________________.

A. “bigger than the state of Alabama itself” B. “bigger than Robert E. Lee, bigger than Jesus” C. “too big for any mortal head coach to replace” D. “like your coach, your president, and your preacher combined”

#3 Nick Saban co-wrote a book in 2005

about methods for achieving success at work and at home titled ______________. A. How Good Do You Want To Be B. Success On the Field and Off C. Out of Yourself and Into the Team D. Winning One Day at a Time

#4 John Hannah, after seeing the slogan

on the Sports Illustrated cover, said what? A. “Oh, Lord, help me. This is going to be a long year.” B. “Couldn’t they find a better picture?” C. “Can I have a thousand copies?” D. “My mama’s proud.”

#5 After the game, what did Lewis say by way of explanation??

A. “I was too full of Bama.” B. “I showed him the Rammer Jammer Yellowhammer.” C. “It was an accident” D. “That’s how the Tide rolls.” Answers: 1. A | 2. B | 3. A | 4. A | 5. A

A Star in the Making

Kenyan Drake looks to keep the running back tradition alive at

Alabama

By: Coe Robbins

has slowly but surely made a name for himself in the Powder Springs, Ga., area. The high school he attends, Hillgrove, was built in 2006 and is just getting around to establishing itself as a competitive program. Drake committed to Alabama on Feb. 14 and wanted to get the recruiting out of the way. He attended a junior camp on campus a month before and was offered a scholarship after the camp. Drake says it’s ridiculous when these prospects go on TV and pump themselves up, because when they get to their school, they’re just another freshman.

athlete at this school.”

The 6-foot-1, 195-pound athlete boasts a 3.5 GPA and knows what it takes to be a student-athlete. In his first game this season, Drake helped lead Hillgrove to a 41-21 victory over Sprayberry carrying the ball seven times for 166 yards and two touchdowns. In his second game, he showed up again, wowing the home crowd and scoring five touchdowns including a 93-yard kickoff return. He carried the ball five times for 33 yards and caught four passes for 155 yards and three touchdowns as Hillgrove dominated Marietta 48-8. As far as what position Drake ends up playing at Alabama, Drake says it is possible for him to play running back, but it all depends on how he develops at the next level. Drake also said the coaching staff told him that really good players can play at any position. He says, however, he wants to be a great player.

“I thought this was the place I could see myself being at for the next four or five years.” - Kenyan Drake “When he left it kind of left a void,” Drake told The

Birmingham News. “I had only talked to them once through this whole experience, and that was on signing day. I went to Alabama and everything there was overwhelming for me. I thought this was the place I could see myself being at for the next four or five years. That’s the ultimate decision you have to make, being a student18

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

this early. I totally understand where he was coming from. He talked about how some other schools might still recruit me. But once I commit somewhere I stand behind it. That’s just how I was raised and what I believe in. I feel like my commit is a solid one.”

Photography Credit To Rivals.com

Rivals lists Drake as the 18th best athlete in the state of Georgia and 18th best prospect in the state. Drake doesn’t like the huge spotlight and national atten- As far as his commitment to Alabama, Drake says he tion. Once he felt comfortable with the school he had chosen, is as solid as ever. that’s who he was going to commit to. When Georgia assis“I stand by the word ‘commitment,’” Drake told tant Stacey Searels left the program to join Texas, it was the Atlanta Journal Constitution. “I actually talked hard for him to connect to Georgia and saw himself as a to Coach Saban about that tonight and he gave me better fit at Alabama. the P’s and Q’s of the word commitment, especially

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Interview

Photography Credit To The Bryant Museum

Q ’s & Q’s A’s David Casteal

By: Mike Lacy

avid Casteal has done a little bit of everything. Now a teacher in Spokane, Wash., he traveled the world growing up in a military family, did some acting on Broadway, studied in West Africa and holds a PhD in ethnomusicology. He also played a little football. After high school in Niceville, Fla., Casteal was recruited as a running back for Alabama and played four seasons under Ray Perkins and Bill Curry. After graduating from the University of Alabama, Casteal was not about to rest upon the laurels of his sports notoriety. TDA (Touchdown Alabama Magazine): Does your record, 15 carries for 227 yards in one quarter of football, still stand today at Niceville High School? DC (David Casteal): As far as I know. However I know there have been some extremely talented running backs at my high school since I attended. Actually, there is a long line of players from my high school, Niceville High, that have played for the Tide. TDA: What were Ray Perkins’ and Bill Curry’s strengths as head coach? DC: Coach Perkins was a tough and a focused leader. Coach Curry’s strength was his ability to relate well with players and to keep young men motivated. He spoke vividly about life beyond football. TDA: What are some of Bill Curry’s attributes in building a successful program at Georgia State? DC: I think Georgia State football will find quick success on the shoulders of Coach Curry. He has a deep desire to win. I still remember his five characteristics of a champion: 1. Singleness of purpose. 2. Unselfish. 3. Tough. 4. Smart. 5. Never quit. I have used them in many aspects of my life.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Crimson Tide Football 1985-1988 TDA: Can you remember the hardest hit you ever took as a running back? DC: Once in practice I was smacked by Woody Wilson. It was on a counter play. Woody was an undersized linebacker, but a vicious hitter. I also got my bell rung in the Sun Bowl. I didn’t know where I was for three plays. I remember in the huddle asking Wayne Shaw where I was and he replied, “Oh don’t worry about it, just run left, because you’re getting the ball.” TDA: Who was the funniest guy on your Alabama football team, and why? DC: Maybe Phillip Brown. He could ease the tension with his witty remarks and impressions of some of our coaches. TDA: What was the “Kick-Off Classic” like when you all went to New York City and played Ohio State? DC: It was a thrill. I only played on special teams, but the environment was electric. To prepare for the game we had three-a-day practices. We practiced something like 21 times in one week! We ate at the Windows of the World restaurant at the top of the World Trade Center. TDA: Were there any unwritten rules for freshmen on the football team when you played? DC: The upperclassman ate first, period. I remember as a freshman, we had to put on a talent show for the team. I did magic. Doug Allen sang. I got booed and Ricky Moore asked if I could make myself disappear.

TDA: You’re a teacher now. When you were a student, did a teacher ever reprimand you? In hindsight, did it give you a lifelong lesson down the road? DC: Bill Wilson taught me a lesson that I have never forgotten: luck is when preparation meets opportunity. So work to be lucky. TDA: Education is a big part of your life. Was that instilled in you at a young age? DC: When I was young I lived in Spain. When my family returned to the U.S. I was fluent in Spanish and struggled in English and reading. I was teased relentlessly. That motivated me to forever respect education and lead me to a love of literature. I read like a wolf eats! TDA: Who has had the most influence in your life, outside your family? DC: Easy, my junior high football coach Bill Wilson. He taught me so much about being a man of honor and dignity. It’s funny because I love him now for the things I hated him for then. TDA: What was it like to perform on Broadway? DC: Sublime. It was a one-man show called “York.” It was based on the life of York, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. I had to memorize 46 pages of text. NYC was a tough crowd. But hey, I had to block Derrick Thomas in practice every day. Broadway…piece of cake. TDA: Childhood obesity in America is at an epidemic level. How do you think the parents should be addressing that issue right now with their children? DC: Parents need to engage their children in exercise every day for 45-60 minutes. Think about it. There are 1440 minutes in a day. Find some time to run and play. Also, families must make healthy choices regarding nutrition. I always thought it would be interesting to replace the term “fast food” with “fast fat.” TDA: When did you realize you wanted to attain a doctorate degree, and why? DC: As soon as I learned what a doctorate degree

Look the Best...

was, I knew it was something I wanted to do. While traveling around the world I found myself in Ghana. The drumming there was surreal and mythic. After two months there I realized I wanted to study ethnomusicology from a West African rhythmic perspective. Consequently, I have traveled to Africa thirteen times to do field work. Drumming in Africa is such an organic experience. The continent is truly the birthplace of rhythm. I was excited to add to its body of research. TDA: What obstacles did you run into on the way and how did you overcome them? DC: Obstacles. Well, I contracted malaria. [It’s like the flu on steroids]. I was jailed in Uganda for taking photos. [I paid a bribe of $7 and my Leatherman knife to get out]. At Mali the mosquitoes in the village were so bad that I trapped two bats and put them in my mud hut so I could sleep. My statistics class, enough said. Bathing in the River Niger is dangerous. Never argue with the tall customs officer in Guinea, it can prove to be expensive. TDA: What’s on your bucket list? DC: Reunion with my Alabama freshman class. Ride a motorcycle across India. Become fluent in Italian. Learn to draw [really well]. Live on the beach. Become an excellent swing dancer. Compete in a triathlon. Visit Antarctica. Be the first black James Bond. Have my own photography show. TDA: Do you think Alabama will have a harder time this year than last going towards the SEC Championship game? DC: It’s Alabama - the best football program on the planet! Every season is a challenge. The mantra in college football has yet to change: Want to make a name for yourself? Beat Alabama.

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by the history of his football teams, Head Coach Nick Saban’s recruiting efforts are more easily sold on defense than offense.

would rather put weight on and play linebacker or stay where he is and play safety. Hayes replied with this.

“Whatever they need me to play, I’m not going to ask any questions,” he said. “I just want to get up there and play. I mean I would like to play safety because it would Alabama’s football team is be something new. I think I would be a good coverage not like that of Oklahoma, guy. Whichever one comes first, I guess I’ll be playing.” which averages 500 yards Hayes compares his playing style to C.J. Mosley. a game while throwing the Ryan Anderson is the most underrated linebacker in football all over the field. the Class of 2012. At 6-foot-3-inches and 250 pounds, The Crimson Tide, renowned Anderson, who plays for Daphne, has the ability to play for its defense, is more of jack linebacker in the future. In fact, the Tide’s staff is a power football team. An extremely high on Anderson because of the intangibles examination of the Alabama he brings: great awareness, strength, size and speed. linebacking corps reveals a Anderson committed to the Tide in April and has not string of star names, such as wavered since then, in spite of the fact that other teams Trey DePriest, Jerrell Harris, are still going after him. Out of all the line backers in Dont’a Hightower, Nico this class, Anderson seems to fit the jack mold better Johnson, C.J. Mosley and Courtney Upshaw. Therefore than any of the others. This is the position that Courtney it is much easier to understand how Coach Saban keeps

“I just want to get up there and play.” - Tyler Hayes recruiting at the highest level of any team in the BCS at the linebacker position. The following is an assessment of the Crimson Tide’s outstanding 2012 linebacker class. Tyler Hayes recently shot up the recruiting rankings to the No.13 outside linebacker in the country. At 6-foot3-inches and 215 pounds, Hayes is a great in-state pull from Thomasville, Ala. Hayes is extremely fast and, depending on how much his weight fluctuates with his speed, he could actually end up at the strong safety position. For now, however, he is a linebacker. Hayes is a hard hitter who uses his speed to get into the backfield to create mayhem for the quarterbacks and the running backs. Recently awarded four stars for his exceptional performances on field so far, Hayes looks to get even better as the season progresses. In a question and answer segment with Tidesports.com, Hayes was asked if he 12

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography Courtesy of rivals.com

By: Mike Parker

The Future of Linebacker U

Upshaw currently holds. Jack linebacker, one of the key positions to Coach Saban’s defense, relies on the players being tough, physical, fast and most importantly being able to get into the backfield to disrupt plays. Anderson fits that mold perfectly.

Alabama reached once again into the heart of the Peach State to pull out Buford, Ga., linebacker Dillon Lee, who committed to the Tide over Georgia and Florida State. Lee, a four star, is ranked the 5th outside linebacker in the country. He was offered by all of the top teams, including Auburn, Florida, Florida State, Ohio State and USC. Yet he chose to roll with the Tide. He is one of the quickest linebackers in the class of 2012 and even though he is currently about 220 pounds, he has the perfect frame to add more weight. Kirby Smart, who started as safety for the Georgia Bull Dogs in his own playing career, is the Bama recruiter who landed Lee for the Tide, in spite of the fact that Lee’s brother attended Georgia. Because Lee is one of the best in the Class of 2012, other teams will continue to pursue him until signing day. For now, Lee says he is 100 percent Alabama. He is a huge recruiting addition to Bama’s Class of 2012.

Will Muschamp is still avidly recruiting him. However, Ragland remains solid with Alabama. Much like his predecessors, he does play a lot like McClain and Hightower. He has good speed and technique but most importantly he controls the defense. This is exactly what Coach Saban wants Reggie Ragland, an inside linebacker from Madison, Ala., him to do in the future for the Crimson Tide. is a four star recruit and is ranked the No.2 inside linebacker This is the best linebacking corps in the country in the country. Alabama is always searching for their future and probably Coach Saban’s most talented yet. inside linebacker, that is, the one who can lead the defense Look for the Tide to continue to recruit linebackers, and call the plays like Rolando McClain did and this year, his even though it already has secured an exceptional succesor, Dont’a Hightower. class for 2012. “The one thing I like about getting to play linebacker is getting to hit people and you News around the are the leader of the defense,” Ragland EAST said. “You set the tone Vanderbilt Commodores: for everybody else to The Commodores are off to a great start show out and do what under new Head Coach James Franklin and they have to do on the with the help of Casey Hayward, the 1st Team field. That’s why I love All-SEC defensive back. The Commodores playing linebacker.” look to be a big competitor for the SEC this Ragland relishes pressure and leadership roles. His commitment to the University of Alabama has not stopped other schools from recruiting him. Florida Head Coach

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season. The Commodores look to take on the Gamecocks this week.

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Florida Opposing Team

The Gators Look To Chomp The Tide By: Kassidy Hill

Photography Credit to gatorzone.com

e may have had to live in the shadow of the one of the greatest college players of all time for a few years, but Florida’s quarterback, John Brantley, is starting to make the Florida offense his own down in the swamp. After a somewhat dismal season last year, Brantley is coming into his senior year with more experience and a new offensive coordinator in Charlie Weis. He finished the 2010 season completing 200 of 329 passes for 2,061 yards and more interceptions than touchdowns. His numbers for 2011 are looking better, as he has a 70 percent completion rate thus far. This 6-foot-3, 219-pound senior from Ocala, Fla., played his season opener seemingly well despite reports that he has been experiencing back soreness. In that season opener he was able to lead his team to an

ne of the scariest things for a defense to face is a versatile player. And that is exactly what the Crimson Tide defensive line will be up against in Florida’s Jeff Demps. This 5-foot-7, 191-pound senior from Winter Garden, Fla., is able to help out Florida’s offense in both rushing and receiving. As an athlete who has been key to Florida since his first year, Demps is one to watch for in every game. This explosive and fast athlete can do pretty much anything for which an offensive coordinator could ask of a player. Part of this is due to the fact that he is also a sprinter for track and field. With this being Charlie Weis’s first year at the Swamp, having a player like Demps is a blessing.

News around the

John Bradley # 12 Quarter Back

Jeff Demps # 28 Running Back

EAST

South Carolina Gamecocks:

The Gamecocks opened their SEC season play against the Georgia Bulldogs and defeated them in a close call. Late in the fourth quarter the Gamecocks came away with the victory. The Gamecocks’ Melvin Ingram snagged top defensive honors during this game also. The Gamecocks’ next competitor will be the Vanderbilt Commodores.

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impressive 41-3 win over Florida Atlantic. The last time Brantley faced the Tide, he threw two interceptions and no touchdowns. Although his yardage surpassed Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy’s that night, it did not matter, as the rushing yards more than doubled Florida’s and helped Alabama win 31-6, with Florida’s only points coming from two field goals. Some of the most epic games in college football, the past few years, have come from the Gators and the Tide matchups. Most of that is thanks to back-to-back Heisman winners Tim Tebow and Mark Ingram. Now that they are both gone, Brantley is looking to make his mark as a leader and quarterback on this classic SEC rivalry. When speaking of Demps and Chris Rainey, head coach Will Muschamp said, “They are very special with the ball in their hands.” In 2010, Demps rushed for 551 yards, three touchdowns and a long rush of 72 yards. But do not forget he is a receiver also and in that position, he made 18 receptions for 116 yards last season. In his first game of 2011, Demps had two touchdown runs of 20 and 35 yards. With Florida using a limited playbook, Demps was crucial to making it all work. Demps will not disappoint as the season continues. The Tide secondary will be put to a serious test as they defend against him, helping to continue the great tradition of Alabama versus Florida.

Tennessee Volunteers:

The Volunteers’ quarterback Tyler Bray has been successful at the beginning of the season. He tallied a career-best day during the Cincinnati matchup. He finished the game with 34-of-41 passes and connected for four touchdowns for over 405 yards. The Vols’ next competitor will be Buffalo after a week off.

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GATORS

Florida N O NAME 1 Chris Rainey 2 Dominique Easley 3 Jelani Jenkins 4 Andre Debose 5 Marcus Roberson 6 Jaye Howard 6 Deonte Thompson 7 Robert Clark 7 Ronald Powell 8 Jeremy Brown 8 Trey Burton 9 Joshua Shaw 10 Tyler Murphy 11 Jordan Reed 12 John Brantley 13 Dee Finley 13 Christian Provancha 14 Chandler Carr 14 Jaylen Watkins 15 Loucheiz Purifoy 16 Jeff Driskel 17 Jacoby Brissett 18 Ryan Parrish 19 Ryan McGriff 19 Caleb Sturgis 20 Valdez Showers 21 Jabari Gorman 22 Matt Elam 23 Mike Gillislee 24 Josh Evans 25 Gideon Ajagbe 26 De’Ante Saunders 27 Deandre Goins 27 Ben Peacock 28 Jeff Demps 29 Solomon Schoonover 30 Tim Clark 30 Michael McNeely 31 Brian Biada 31 Cody Riggs 32 Gerald Christian 33 Mack Brown 33 Chris Johnson 33 Minch Minchin 34 Lerentee McCray 34 Jason Traylor 35 Jesse Schmitt 36 Moses Jenkins 37 Ben Sams 38 Phillip Bellino 39 Todd Fennell 40 David Lerner

P RB DT LB WR CB DT WR WR DE CB RB S QB TE QB LB QB QB S CB QB QB QB QB K S S S RB S LB S RB S RB WR S WR CB CB TE RB LB LB DE FB FB CB RB RB P P

HT WT 5-9 174 6-2 282 6-0 230 5-11 191 6-0 184 6-3 303 6-0 200 5-9 173 6-4 248 5-10 187 6-3 229 6-3 197 6-2 209 6-3 239 6-3 219 6-2 203 6-6 223 5-11 200 6-0 187 6-1 183 6-4 235 6-3 239 6-2 218 6-0 205 5-11 183 5-11 198 5-9 183 5-10 206 5-11 198 6-1 199 6-3 227 5-8 192 5-11 180 5-8 180 5-7 191 6-3 224 5-10 198 5-8 177 5-10 179 5-9 179 6-3 245 5-11 205 5-9 205 6-2 198 6-2 246 5-10 233 5-7 177 6-3 186 5-11 210 6-0 195 6-1 171 6-0 194

CLS SR SO SO SO FR SR SR SO SO JR SO FR FR SO SR SO SO SO SO FR FR FR SO FR JR FR FR SO JR JR FR FR SO FR SR SR SO FR SR SO SO FR FR SR JR SR SO SR SO SO FR SR

HOMETOWN LAKELAND, FL STATEN ISLAND, NY OLNEY, MD SANFORD, FL FORT LAUDERDALE, FL APOPKA, FL BELLE GLADE, FL PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL MORENO VALLEY, CA ORLANDO, FL VENICE, FL PALMDALE, CA WETHERSFIELD, CT NEW LONDON, CT OCALA, FL AUBURN, AL COCOA, FL PONTE VEDRA BEACH, FL CAPE CORAL, FL PENSACOLA, FL OVIEDO, FL WEST PALM BEACH, FL LAKELAND, FL GAINESVILLE, FL SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL MADISON HEIGHTS, MI MIAMI, FL PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL DELAND, FL IRVINGTON, NJ COCONUT GROVE, FL DELAND, FL DUNEDIN, FL BRADENTON, FL WINTER GARDEN, FL AVENTURA, FL WELLBORN, FL CLEARWATER, FL NAPLES, FL FORT LAUDERDALE, FL PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL LITHONIA, GA OCALA, FL GAINESVILLE, FL OCALA, FL -PALM BEACH GARDENS, FL FORT LAUDERDALE, FL SAINT PETERSBURG, FL BOCA RATON, FL VERO BEACH, FL GAINESVILLE, FL

N O NAME 41 Hunter Joyer 42 Blake Castillo 43 Kyle Crofoot 44 Kyle Christy 44 Leon Orr 46 Drew Ferris 47 John Crofoot 49 Darrin Kitchens 50 Cody Hampton 50 Sam Robey 51 Michael Taylor 52 Jonathan Bostic 53 Scott Peek 54 Christopher Guido 55 Graham Stewart 56 Dan Wenger 58 Nick Alajajian 62 Cole Gilliam 63 Trip Thurman 64 Kyle Koehne 65 Tommy Jordan 66 James Wilson 67 Jon Halapio 71 Matt Patchan 72 Jonotthan Harrison 73 Sharrif Floyd 73 Xavier Nixon 75 Chaz Green 77 Ian Silberman 78 David Young 80 Ja’Juan Story 81 A.C. Leonard 82 Omarius Hines 83 Solomon Patton 84 Quinton Dunbar 85 Frankie Hammond 86 Josh Postell 87 William Steinmann 88 Clay Burton 89 Stephen Alli 90 Evan Holmes 91 Earl Okine 92 Lynden Trail 93 Kedric Johnson 94 Gerry Marseille 95 Hygens Succes 95 Francisco Velez 96 William Green 97 Brad Phillips 97 Tevin Westbrook 98 Zack Brust 99 Omar Hunter

P FB RB LS P DT LS K LB LS C LB LB LB LS LB C C G G OT G G G OT C DT OT OT G G WR TE WR WR WR WR TE TE TE WR DE DE DE DE DE LB K DE K DE K DT

HT WT 5-10 242 5-3 147 6-3 245 6-3 184 6-5 310 6-1 217 5-11 150 6-2 229 5-11 217 6-3 297 6-0 227 6-1 243 6-2 225 6-1 216 6-1 245 6-3 294 6-4 275 6-4 314 6-5 310 6-5 302 6-4 291 6-4 334 6-3 324 6-6 292 6-3 295 6-3 295 6-6 292 6-5 306 6-5 299 6-4 304 6-3 206 6-4 244 6-2 220 5-9 169 6-1 184 6-1 184 6-4 237 6-5 268 6-4 258 6-6 222 6-2 227 6-7 272 6-6 251 6-4 226 6-2 218 5-10 219 5-9 180 6-4 256 5-10 191 6-5 279 6-1 191 6-1 305

CLS FR FR FR FR FR SO SO SO SR JR FR JR JR SO FR SR SO SO FR SO FR SR SO JR SO SO JR FR FR JR FR FR JR SO FR JR JR SR FR SO FR JR FR SO SO JR SO SR SO FR SR JR

Football Roster

HOMETOWN WESLEY CHAPEL, FL ORLANDO, FL WINDEMERE, FL BROWNSBURG, IN NEW PORT RICHEY, FL CARLSBAD, CA WINDEMERE, FL HOMESTEAD, FL SAINT PETERSBURG, FL LOUISVILLE, KY ATLANTA, GA WELLINGTON, FL TAMPA, FL ALTAMONTE SPRINGS, FL MIDDLETOWN, CT CORAL SPRINGS, FL NAPLES, FL VALRICO, FL DOVER, DE INDIANAPOLIS, IN RIDGEFIELD, CT SAINT AUGUSTINE, FL SAINT PETERSBURG, FL TAMPA, FL GROVELAND, FL PHILADELPHIA, PA FAYETTEVILLE, NC TAMPA, FL ORANGE PARK, FL EDWARDSVILLE, IL BROOKSVILLE, FL JACKSONVILLE, FL CORSICANA, TX MOBILE, AL MIAMI, FL HOLLYWOOD, FL ATLANTA, GA DAYTONA BEACH, FL VENICE, FL ANDOVER, NH SAINT PETERSBURG, FL GAINESVILLE, FL MIAMI, FL PALMETTO, FL MIAMI, FL PALM BEACH, FL OCALA, FL HOOVER, AL GAINESVILLE, FL COCONUT CREEK, FL JACKSONVILLE, FL BUFORD, GA

At A Glance

Out With the Old,

IN WITH THE NEW

Florida’s Coaches & Playbooks

By: Stephen E. Smith

new era in Gator country has begun. The faces of Urban Myer and Tim Tebow are in the rear-view mirror, and the Gators are looking to rebuild and fast. After a disappointing 8-5 record in 2010, the first true test for the Gators’ new regime will be the Crimson Tide. Throughout the preseason, Florida was the most difficult team to predict in the SEC. The mystery starts with first time Head Coach Will Muschamp, but it certainly does not end there. While this is his first year as a head coach, Muschamp brings 16 years of coaching experience and was named the coach-in-waiting at Texas before he took the Florida job. He was also Coach Saban’s defensive coordinator at LSU from 2002 to 2004, and has eight years of SEC coaching experience. Muschamp is a defensive-minded coach, which is essential to long-term success in the SEC.

Offensive Coordinator: Charlie Weis

Most football fans know Weis from his New England Patriot success as the play caller for Bill Belichick and Tom Brady. Weis is a 32 year veteran of coaching, including four Super Bowl championships. In 2010, Weis was the offensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, who won the AFC West title reaching 10 wins for the first time in five years. Weis is not only known for his play calling success, but his development of quarterbacks.

Defensive Coordinator: Dan Quinn

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography Credit To Mark Lent

Head Coach: Will Muschamp

For the first time since 2000 at Hofstra, Quinn is running the defensive show. He has spent 10 years in the NFL as a defensive line coach. In 2010, Quinn helped the Seahawks reach the playoffs and defeat the defending Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints. With all of these new coaches comes a huge philosophical change in offensive and defensive strategy. Only time will tell what type of offense and defense these Florida coaches will call their own, but there are a few obvious changes. First, Muschamp and Quinn bring a 3-4 base defense to the Swamp. This is the same base defense as the Crimson Tide, and is a change from the traditional 4-3 to which Gator fans have become accustomed. For those who do not know, “3-4” means three down linemen and four linebackers. This style of defense allows for a hybrid lineman/linebacker the Gators call the Buck. Many Gator fans believe this position will allow Ronald Powell [So.] to reach his full potential. The weakness of the Florida defense will not be the new scheme, but rather the lack of experience. For the first time in Gator history, a true freshman will be starting at safety. De’Ante Saunders was an Army All-American in 2010, but fans will see how he matches up against the offenses of the SEC. To accompany Saunders, six of the remaining starters are sophomores.

The most noticeable change for the Gators will be on the offensive side of the ball. The spread-option left with Urban Myer. Charlie Weiss brings a pro-style offense to the Swamp, which will benefit the current playmakers more than the spread of 2010. “Pro-style” is a broad term. In general, a pro-style offense uses the short passing game to open a running game. Coming off a nine touchdown, 10-interception season in 2010, many may be surprised at Jeff Brantley’s success in the Weis offense. The most important factor in a pro-style offense is quick decision making from the quarterback. Most of the passing game is a three-to five-step drop, with only a few reads. The Gators will need to get Chris Rainey [Sr.] and Jeff Demps [Sr.] a lot of touches if they want to compete with Alabama. The Florida-Alabama game has always been an exciting one, especially with recent national title implications. This year’s meeting in the Swamp has a completely different meaning for both teams. The Crimson Tide are looking for a huge road win en route to an SEC and hopefully National Championship. For the Gators, the Alabama game is a way to measure the program. Look for the Swamp to be electric when the Tide visits.

“Throughout the preseason, Florida was the most difficult team to predict in the SEC. The mystery starts with...”

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News AROUND THE Florida Gators:

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The Gators are well underway with new Head Coach Will Muschamp. They have won their first two games and invite the Tide to The Swamp next week. Look for quarterback John Brantley to connect with Chris Rainey throughout the game. Florida has started the season off on a good note, but can they keep it up against the Tide next week?

Georgia Bulldogs:

The Georgia Bulldogs have started the season off slow. With losses in their first two games; this looks to be a long and wild road the Bulldogs are taking. They opened SEC play against the Gamecocks and lost with a close score of 45-42. Although Head Coach Mark Richt is undergoing some criticism for his team’s performance, he looks to brighten the season up against the Ole Miss Rebels this week.

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Game Day Photos

Photography Courtesy of Jamie Martin

Showing Pride...

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography Courtesy of BDL

... in the Tide Tide

1925

1926

1930

1934

1941

1961

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1965

1973

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1992

2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

In This Issue ON THE COVER:

Pride in the Tide 4

Florida Exclusive 8

Robert Lester #37 DeQuan Menzie #24

This defensive duo gives opponents a run for their money. Lester, a senior defensive back for the Tide has made appearances in over 23 games. He started every game last season at the safety position. He was selected as second-team All-SEC choice and a Walter Camp second-team All-American. He has 60-career tackles, 29 being solo, and is ranked sixth on the team. He has the SEC-best eight interceptions. Junior defensive back, Menzie, came onto the scene last season where he made appearances in 12 games with seven of those as a starter in the defensive backfield. He was an asset of the secondary last season and has 31 tackles, three for loss, and four pass breakups. He snagged the Bobby Johns Defensive Back Award earlier this spring. Menzie joined the Tide last season as a JUCO recruit and looks to continue making a name for himself this season alongside Lester and the rest of the defensive side of the Tide. Photography By: BDL

GATOR

ROSTER

The Process

Q&A - D. Casteal 14

Tide Trivia

2009 National Champions

Posters Available At TouchdownAlabama.net