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Touchdown Alabama Magazine P.O. Box 3251 Tuscaloosa, Al 35403
Summer 2010 | Volume 3, Issue 1
In This Issue 8
President/Publisher
A-Day Recap
10
SEC Projections
14
Greg McElroy
16
2010 Schedule
19
2010 Roster
20
Scott Cochran
22
Recruiting Profile
24
Clem Gryska Profile
28
Lionel Grant Interview
Staff
Editor-in-Chief
Bennie Bice Mike Lacy
Managing Editor
Jessica Temple
Photography
BDL Mark Lent Matt Gaston Tim Bailey Rivals.com
Creative Director
Jenifer McCormick
Graphic Design
Cassandra Johnson Tramayne Wright Antonio Rodgers
Chief Information Officer
Brian LaShomb
Website Designer
Carey Landon
Public Relations
Eric Hudson
Customer Relations National Sales Director
Herb Neu George W. Garmon
Account Executives Contributing Writers Reporters
Rebecca Ashley Kimberly Carter
Larry Burton Troy Farsoun Mike Parker Coe Robbins Donald Staffo T.J. Paysinger Jonathan McMath
M U L T I M E D I A Next Issue • Breakdown of Offense, Defense, and Special Teams • Siran Stacy
Web Content • Post-Game Interviews • Game Footage • Press Conferences from Nick Saban • More From Larry Burton
Weekly Radio Show
• Coming Soon!
All content is the property of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Touchdown Alabama Magazine reserves all rights to content in both the print and online (www.touchdownalabama.net) versions of the publication. No image or text may be reproduced without written consent from Touchdown Alabama Magazine.
Letter from the Editor: It does not seem that long ago--seven months--when they were flying back from Pasadena, CA with the BCS Trophy hoisted high above their heads delighted to show the college football world that they were back on top. However, there is one sure fact about life, and that is, “time waits for no one.” In this short interim, the landscape, roster, and the fans’ perspective have all changed in and around Alabama football. Naturally, as time moves forward, change is inevitable, and with change, comes new opportunities and challenges for the new starters. The fans expect the new starters to seize the opportunities and when faced with challenges, rise up and compete at a championship level. The Alabama fans are smart enough to synthesize what lies ahead for the Crimson Tide. With the right scenario and luck, this team may have the time of its life. The Crimson Tide, just like all the other 13 National
championship teams has an opportunity, but “time” will tell. Realistically though, the fans coming off the SEC Media Days, are just counting the days to filling the fifth largest newly expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium which will house over 102,000 loyal fans of the Crimson Tide. Ear plugs will be recommended during all home games. Hope to see some of you at Fan Day!
Roll Tide! Send Letters to: PO Box 3251 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-3251 205-701-1211 publish@tdalabama.com Advertising: ads@tdalabama.com
ON THE COVER Head Coach Nick Saban
In just four years at Alabama, Nick Saban has led the Crimson Tide to two undefeated seasons and brought home a National Championship. Before the trophy made it to Tuscaloosa, Saban was already looking ahead to the 2010 season. With nine returning starters, including Bama’s first Heisman winner, and some rising stars, the defending National Champs are looking for an instant replay of their remarkable season. The spring A-Day game gave fans a preview of what they can expect see in the bigger, louder Bryant-Denny this year. For all the details on A-Day, see page 8. For a look ahead at the 2010 season, check out page 10. Photography by BDL.
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. 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 who we generate this magazine for you, the fan. God bless.”
6
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
Exclusive
A Taste of What’s to Come
W Troy Farsoun
hen head coach Nick Saban wants his offense to show off a little, the Crimson Tide is only too happy to deliver. The reigning national champions put on a high-flying demonstration of Alabama’s new offensive scheme before a capacity crowd of 92,000 at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the spring A-Day game. Backup quarterback A.J. McClarron and his White Team beat the Crimson in sudden death overtime, 23-17. In a game that saw a plethora of passes from McClarron and first string quarterback Greg McElroy, Heisman-trophy winner Mark Ingram still managed to accumulate 121 all-purpose yards to win the A-Day MVP award. Ingram played opposite his partner Trent Richardson, who showcased his pass-catching ability for the White team in hauling in three passes for 63 yards and a touchdown. Star receiver Julio Jones has been praised by McElroy and Saban for stepping up in practice, but was used sparingly and had just 15 yards on the day. Brandon Gibson seems the most likely to play a second go-to receiver, impressing fans and coaches alike with 142 yards on eight catches and the game-winning touchdown. Alabama’s defense is said to have taken the biggest blow, losing such stars of the 2009 season
as Rolando McClain, Terrance Cody, Kareem Jackson, Javier Arenas, Mike Johnson, Brandon Deaderick, and several others. But it has been said that the Alabama defense does not rebuild; it only reloads. Returning for the 2010 year is defensive end Marcel Dareus, who became an overnight star as he shined in the national championship game and should be a major contributor to a depleted defense that ranked among the best in the nation last year. Dareus took home the most valuable lineman award after accumulating three tackles and a sack during the scrimmage. Dre Kirkpatrick looks to become the Tide’s new shutdown corner, generating the Crimson team’s only turnover after picking off a McElroy pass to Marquis Maze. The Crimson defense came up with five sacks and eight tackles for a loss, while the White squad delivered six sacks and another eight tackles for a loss of yardage.
With expectations at their highest, Alabama looks to take the national crown once again.
8
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
The largest area of concern for the top-ranked Crimson Tide could be the substantial losses to the special teams unit. With the departure of kicker Leigh Tiffin, record-setting return man Javier Arenas, and punter P.J. Fitzgerald, Nick Saban will have to find quality replacements to make up for a lack of experience. Continued on page 30
Photography by Tim Bailey
After two consecutive undefeated regular seasons, the school’s first Heisman trophy, an SEC title, and a national championship, Nick Saban has stated that this is just the beginning for the Tide. touchdownalabama.net |
9
Preseason Preview
Road to the SEC
Championship 2010 Alabama Crimson Tide SEC schedule Coe Robbins
Considering this is the toughest conference in college football, no game is easy. When you’re the previous year’s national champion, opponents will be geared up to knock you off.
This is our take on how the 2010 Alabama Crimson Tide SEC schedule will breakdown from easiest opponent to most difficult. The schedule dates are subject to change because the last six SEC opponents have bye weeks before playing Alabama. Athletics director Mal Moore appealed the schedule to the SEC offices and is awaiting a response as of May 2010. 10
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
#
8
#
6
at Tennessee 10/23
Returning starters: 11 (4 offense, 7 defense) Strengths: WR, K, P Weakness: QB, OL Overall: To say the Tennessee program is lacking depth is an understatement. No offensive lineman will be returning from last year, the future starting quarterback has transferred and a new coaching staff has taken over. Things do not bode well for Derek Dooley in his first year, but he does have a coaching pedigree. With SEC legend Vince Dooley as a father and a coaching philosophy learned under Nick Saban, Dooley knows what it takes to win. It just will take a little time for him to get his guys.
Mississippi State 11/13
Returning starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense) Strengths: OL, DB, LB, K, P Weakness: QB, RB Overall: If you go around asking people how you would describe Coach Dan Mullen, people would tell you charismatic. Mullen made a huge splash on the fanbase in Starkville because he was the offensive coordinator of the national champion Florida Gators. With the near win against Florida and being one-for-one in the Egg Bowl against in-state rival Ole Miss, life can’t get much better for the Bulldogs. Mullen did announce recently that a twoquarterback system will be used this year, but it remains to be seen whether that’s a good thing or a bad thing.
#
7
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5
Ole Miss 10/16
Returning starters: 10 (4 offense, 6 defense) Strengths: RB, DL, P Weakness: QB, WR, DB Overall: High expectations loomed over Ole Miss during the 2009 campaign with some voters picking Ole Miss to even win the Western Division under the command of Jevan Snead. The bright spot for the Rebels, however, was Dexter McCluster, who ran a masterful Wildcat option package. The grim news for Ole Miss is that both players are gone and third year coach Houston Nutt must do some rebuilding with his playmakers.
at South Carolina 10/9
Returning starters: 15 (8 offense, 7 defense) Strengths: QB, WR, K, P Weakness: OL, DL Overall: Fans of South Carolina are still holding on to Steve Spurrier to bring them an Eastern Division crown and a spot in the SEC title game after Spurrier made that his goal for the Gamecocks. He might have the best receiving corps in the conference next to Alabama, with highly under-rated Alshon Jeffrey leading the pack. The Carolina native is the biggest receiver in the conference, standing 6’4” and a whopping 247 pounds. Spurrier must find a way to get the ball into his hands as much as possible. Continued on next page
touchdownalabama.net |
11
Preseason Preview
#
4
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2
Auburn 11/26
Returning starters: 15 (7 offense, 8 defense) Strengths: LB, OL, DB, K Weakness: QB, DL Overall: What can you say about this game? It’s the Iron Bowl. Last year, Auburn was plagued with injuries, particularly in their backfield, but the Tigers held their own and a majority will be back. Auburn’s offensive line and linebackers also come back pretty well intact. Auburn got a commitment from Florida transfer Cam Newton, who was the heir apparent to Tim Tebow. He was able to enroll in January and participated in Auburn’s spring game, though it was sparingly. It was announced recently that Newton will be the starter for Auburn. Were coaches keeping the offensive playbook hidden with Cam Newton under center during the spring game?
at Arkansas 9/25
Returning starters: 16 (9 offense, 7 defense) Strengths: QB, DB, OL, K, P Weakness: DL, RB Overall: Arkansas’ offense rivals Alabama’s for having the most starters returning from last year. Signal-caller Ryan Mallett returns and will probably be considered the second best QB behind Greg McElroy. The downside for the Hogs is the loss of their running back Michael Smith. However, the offensive guru Bobby Petrino will have something worked out, and with Petrino’s second full recruiting class, he will be able to work more freely with his offense.
12
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
#
3
at LSU 11/06
Returning starters: 10 (6 offense, 4 defense) Strengths: QB, DB, K, P Weakness: LB, RB, WR Overall: Les Miles took over a well-stocked program in 2005 after Saban left LSU for the NFL. In the first three seasons Miles coached, including the 2007 national championship, his overall record was 34-6. Since then, Miles has gone 17-9 and has surprisingly lost to rivals Ole Miss and Arkansas. Jordan Jefferson had LSU fans thrilled after his performance in the demolishing of Gerogia Tech in the 2008 Chic-fil-a Bowl, but his season the following year was sub-par at best. He returns from last year as the starting QB with a veteran secondary, including NFL prospect Patrick Peterson. This should be an intriguing matchup with the veteran receiving corps Alabama will field in Baton Rouge.
1
#
Florida 10/2
Returning starters: 13 (6 offense, 7 defense) Strengths: RB, DB, K, P Weakness: QB, TE, LB Overall: What an off-season it has been for the Florida Gators. Early entries, graduations, the sudden retirement of Urban Meyer, then the “time off” after coming out of retirement has been a whirlwind of chaos down in Gainesville. A player like Tim Tebow comes around every quarter of a century. His leadership tangibles will be something very hard to replace and it remains to be seen who will be the one to be the vocal leader, both on offense and defense. But like Saban, Urban Meyer can recruit talent, and he is in a hotbed of talent in the state of Florida. New quarterback John Brantley is more of a drop-back passer than Tebow, so look for an offense similar to Urban’s first year when Chris Leak was there. Their last time in Tuscaloosa, the Gators got clobbered 31-3 in Meyer’s first year. It’s a whole new ballgame now. Pun intended.
V&W Supply Company l vwsupply.com 3320 2nd Ave. South Birmingham l 205-324-9521 221 Industrial Park Dr. Pelham l 205-663-1336 711 21st Ave. Tuscaloosa l 205-758-8621
Greg McElroy
| TOUCHDOWN 14 Photography by BDL ALABAMA
Summer 2010
Player Profile
UnbeateN UntieD
-&and
O
Larry Burton
nly two men in the history of college football have finished their high school and college careers as starting quarterbacks unbeaten and untied and Touchdown Alabama is the only print magazine to have their exclusive interviews and advice for Greg McElroy to join their ranks. The first of these men is James (Jim) Harris. He quarterbacked the Oklahoma Sooners for three years from 1954-1956, won back-to-back national championships and was a huge part of their 48-game winning streak. Only the second man to accomplish the feat is Chuck Ealey. He was undefeated in high school and college, going undefeated in three years for Toledo in the early 70’s. He is often sought-out to speak on being a winner. Ealey was one of the first black quarterbacks at a white college. He could not have come from much simpler background, growing up in a housing project in a rust-bucket Appalachia foothill steel town. Today, he is successful investment advisor and a fixture in his community. Both men were genuinely warm and humble, and both offered similar advice for Greg McElroy for his quest to become only the third undefeated high school and college quarterback in the history of Division I NCAA football. Ealey’s advice was simple and direct. “Take it one play at a time. Forget the bad ones and just focus on the next thing you’re supposed to do. Don’t look back, don’t look too far ahead, focus on the moment and the next play,” he advised. Ealey also said it’s about trust. He said you have to trust your teammates, and you have to trust your coaches; they wouldn’t have you out there if you weren’t the best choice. You also have to trust in yourself to put your training and practice to work. Jim Harris is aware of McElroy’s and his team’s achievements so far and saw many similarities with his own days at Oklahoma. “I played for the man I think was the best coach in football at the time, Bud Wilkinson. He was a proven winner just like Nick Saban is now,” Harris said. “I was also blessed to have two All-American running backs, Tommy McDonald and Clendon Thomas, who went on to great pro careers, “ he Continued on page 18
Top
10
Preseason
Poll
1. Alabama 2. Ohio State 3. Boise State 4. Florida 5. TCU
6. Miami 7. Texas 8. Oregon 9. Nebraska 10. Wisconsin touchdownalabama.net |
15
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT GASTON
Player Profile, con’t
Photography by BDL said. (Those two played much like Alabama’s Mark Ingram and Trent Richardon.) “I was surrounded by great players and there was very little difference between the first and second teams, and I knew I didn’t have to [do] it all myself,” said Harris. “You have to trust in your team. You do your job, but trust them to do theirs too. No championship is won by one man, so don’t think you’re the only solution or the only problem. Everyone can be replaced. Don’t ever panic, you are part of a team and the parts interchange. “You’re bound to make mistakes, even the very best do. Let people pick you up if you make them (mistakes) and you pick them up when they do. That’s a team,” he said. “And take it one game at a time and never overlook anyone,” Harris warned. “We had just beaten a great Notre Dame team something like 40-0 my senior year, and we thought we were invincible. Our next game was against little Colorado, who didn’t have much that year and we thought we would beat the tar out of them,” Harris recounted. “But about halfway through the game we’re behind and getting our butts handed to us. Coach Wilkinson talked us through that at halftime, and we came back and won 27-19, but after the game, felt like losers. “We had let a nobody beat up on us because we didn’t take them seriously. It was a good learning experience, and that didn’t happen again,” he stated. Like Ealey, Harris is enjoying success beyond football.
18
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
He owns Midroc Operating Company, an Oil and Gas company, where he puts his degree in geology to work, and lives in Shreveport, La. At 75, he still enjoys following football and athletics. He plays a mean game of tennis and is still active in his business and community affairs. Both Ealey and Harris advised McElroy to realize the importance and abilities of his teammates and trust in them. Don’t try to do it all yourself, and don’t look to the past, but at what’s right in front of you. Both of these men are members of a club much more rare than that of Heisman Trophy winners; membership into this club doesn’t come every year or even every decade. Whether or not McElroy will gain membership is up to the fate of another long and arduous season, but should he accomplish it, these two men will be grinning and will welcome McElroy into their ranks. There was one other piece of advice that both men gave: earn your degree. Your life after football is long and can be very rewarding. That’s good advice all the way around, and hopefully Greg McElroy can learn from the advice of these two great men.
NO NAME
82 Earl Alexander
POS
CL
WR SR
HT
6-4
WT
207
HOMETOWN
Phenix City, Ala.
NO NAME
95 Brandon Lewis
POS
DL
CL
JR
HT
6-3
WT
274
HOMETOWN
Pleasant Grove, Ala.
49 Jonathan Atchison LB
FR
6-2
228
Atlanta, Ga.
78 Chad Lindsay
OL
FR
6-2
277 The Woodlands, Texas
31 John Baites
LB
JR
6-4
235
Hendersonville, Tenn.
72 Tyler Love
OL
SO
6-6
304
Mountain Brook, Ala.
4 Mark Barron
DB
JR
6-2
210
Mobile, Ala.
29 Will Lowery
DB
JR
5-9
188
Hoover, Ala.
7 Kenny Bell
WR FR
6-1
172
Rayville, La.
17 Tyler Maddox
DB
JR
5-10 191
86 Undra Billingsley
TE
6-3
269
Birmingham, Ala.
33 Mike Marrow
RB
FR
6-2
SO
235
Houston, Texas Holland, Ohio
DL
JR
6-5
245
Charlotte, N.C.
4 Marquis Maze
WR
JR
5-10 182
DL
FR
6-4
263
Columbia, S.C.
10 A.J. McCarron
QB
FR
6-4
190
Mobile, Ala.
67 John Michael Boswell OL
JR
6-5
291
Northport, Ala.
52 Alfred McCullough OL
JR
6-2
309
Athens, Ala.
88 Michael Bowman WR SO
6-4
225
Rossville, Ga.
12 Greg McElroy
QB
SR
6-3
225
Southlake, Texas
37 Hardie Buck
WR SO
5-9
184
Birmingham, Ala.
28 DeMarcus Milliner DB
FR
6-1
182
Millbrook, Ala.
87 Drew Bullard
LB
JR
6-3
232
34 Hunter Bush
DB
SO 5-11 181
Florence, Ala. Wetempka, Ala.
Birmingham, Ala.
56 William Ming
DL
FR
6-3
263
Athens, Ala.
97 Brandon Moore
DL
FR
6-5
305
Montgomery, Ala. Autaugaville, Ala.
77 James Carpenter OL
JR
6-5
300
Augusta, Ga.
66 Brian Motley
OL
SR
6-3
289
99 Josh Chapman
DL
JR
6-1
310
Hoover, Ala.
64 Kerry Murphy
DL
SO
6-4
319
Hoover, Ala.
57 Marcell Dareus
DL
JR
6-3
306
Huffman, Ala.
46 Wesley Neighbors DB
SO
6-1
205
Huntsville, Ala.
96 Luther Davis
DL
SR
6-3
279
23 Craig Dee
SO 5-11 193
West Monroe, La.
83 Kevin Norwood
WR FR
6-2
187
D’Iberville, Miss.
Pembroke Pines, Fla.
18 Morgan Ogilvie
QB
6-0
198
Mountain Brook, Ala.
FR
51 Michael DeJohn
LB
SR
6-1
237
Hoover, Ala.
53 Anthony Orr
DL
FR
6-4
268
Madison, Ala.
85 Preston Dial
TE
SR
6-3
237
Mobile, Ala.
2 Tana Patrick
LB
FR
6-3
231
Bridgeport, Ala.
40 DeMarcus DuBose LB
JR
6-1
240
Montgomery, Ala.
39 Kyle Pennington
DB
JR
5-11 187
68 Taylor Pharr
OL
SR
6-6
285
Irondale, Ala.
54 Russell Raines
OL
FR
6-2
265
Satsuma, Ala.
13 Rob Ezell
WR SR 5-10 172
76 D.J. Fluker
OL
FR
6-6
340
Foley, Ala.
PK
FR
6-1
221
Southlake, Texas
RB/LB FR
6-1
236
Mobile, Ala.
6-0
179
Manning, S.C.
43 Cade Foster 45 Jalston Fowler 10 John Fulton
DB
FR
Athens, Ala.
95 Colin Gallagher
PK
SR 5-10 194
58 Nick Gentry
DL
JR
11 Brandon Gibson
WR
JR
6-2
196
Mobile, Ala.
6 Demetrius Goode RB
JR
5-9
220
LaGrange, Ga.
6-1
282
Atlanta, Ga. Prattville, Ala.
Chatom, Ala.
3 Trent Richardson RB
SO 5-11 220
Pensacola, Fla.
74 David Ross
OL
SR
Homewood, Ala.
1 B.J. Scott
DB
SO 5-11 193
6-3
302
94 Darrington Sentimore DL
FR
94 Jeremy Shelley
PK
SO 5-10 165
6-3
261
Prichard, Ala. Norco, La. Raleigh, N.C.
79 Austin Shepherd
OL
FR
6-5
307
Buford, Ga.
14 Phillip Sims
QB
FR
6-2
214
Chesapeake, Va.
23 Robby Green
DB
JR
6-0
181
New Orleans, La.
71 Allen Skelton
OL
SO
6-1
261
Coker, Ala.
34 Jeramie Griffin
RB
JR
6-2
232
Batesville, Miss.
17 Brad Smelley
TE
JR
6-3
227
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
15 Darius Hanks
WR SR
6-0
184
Norcross, Ga.
38 Petey Smith
LB
FR
6-1
250
Tampa, Fla.
54 Glenn Harbin
DL
SO
6-5
260
Mobile, Ala.
92 Damion Square
DL
SO
6-3
284
Houston, Tex.
48 Rowdy Harrell
LB
JR
6-0
213
Moundville, Ala.
61 Anthony Steen
OL
FR
6-3
292
Lambert, Miss.
10 Jerrell Harris
47 Ed Stinson
Homestead, Fla.
LB
JR
6-3
231
Gadsden, Ala.
30 Dont’a Hightower LB
JR
6-4
260
Lewisburg, Tenn.
45 Mark Holt
DB
SR
6-1
172
Muscle Shoals, Ala.
LB
FR
6-4
252
46 William Strickland WR
JR
6-0
188
Tuscaloosa, Ala.
90 Milton Talbert
DL
SR
6-4
271
Hattiesburg, Miss.
21 Ben Howell
RB
SO
5-9
193
Gordo, Ala.
98 Kolby Taylor
PK
SO
5-9
184
Bessemer, Ala.
22 Mark Ingram
RB
JR
5-10 215
Flint, Mich.
47 Logan Thomas
WR SR
6-3
206
Houston, Texas
51 Carson Tinker
ST
SO
6-1
220
Murfreesboro, Tenn.
87 Chris Underwood TE
SO
6-4
238
Vestavia Hills, Ala.
2 Star Jackson
QB
SO
6-3
209
Lake Worth, Fla.
35 Nico Johnson
LB
SO
6-3
238
Andalusia, Ala.
57 Aaron Joiner
OL
SO
6-2
258
Florence, Ala.
75 Barrett Jones
OL
SO
6-4
301
Memphis, Tenn.
8 Julio Jones
WR
JR
6-4
211
Foley, Ala.
9 Phelon Jones
DB
JR
5-11 199
36 Chris Jordan
LB
JR
6-3
232
Moblie, Ala. Brentwood, Tenn.
41 Courtney Upshaw LB
JR
6-2
263
Eufaula, Ala.
73 William Vlachos
OL
JR
6-1
289
Birmingham, Ala.
65 Chance Warmack OL
SO
6-3 /300
Atlanta, Ga.
91 Alex Watkins
LB
JR
6-3
232
Brownsville, Tenn.
55 Chavis Williams
LB
SR
6-4
223
Dora, Ala.
81 Kendall Kelly
WR FR
6-3
214
Gadsden, Ala.
60 David Williams
OL
SO
6-3
267
Duncanville, Ala.
10 J.B. Kern
LB
SR
6-1
232
Dove Canyon, Calif.
63 Kellen Williams
OL
FR
6-3
307
Lawrenceville, Ga.
21 Dre Kirkpatrick
DB
SO
6-3
190
Gadsden, Ala.
89 Michael Williams
TE
SO
6-6
270
Reform, Ala.
42 Eddie Lacy
RB
FR
6-0
212
Geismar, La.
9 Nick Williams
WR FR 5-10 179
37 Robert Lester
DB
SO
6-2
206
Foley, Ala.
18 Rod Woodson
DB
SO 5-11 199
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Olive Branch, Miss.
alabama 2010 Roster
32 David Blalock 93 Chris Bonds
Exclusive
Coach Scott Cochran is Alabama’s
Ace in the Hole Larry Burton
D
uring the few times that visitors are allowed to watch the University of Alabama football team practice, one person inevitably gets attention quickly, and many scratch their heads, not recognizing the man leading the opening drills, clearly in charge and clearly commanding the attention of everyone wearing a jersey. That man with the booming voice that can be heard over the vast expanse of the outdoor field is Scott Cochran. If you don’t recognize him, maybe it’s because he’s not a high-profile position coach, but instead the strength and conditioning coach. To the players though, there are few people, even on the coaching staff, who have a bigger and more profound impact on their lives. Cochran’s with them after the bowl games beginning the winter weight training, he’s with them in the spring running drills and practices, he makes sure they don’t take the summer off, and come fall he’s the one they’ll see first at each practice. He’s much more than a strength and conditioning coach—he’s also part cheerleader, part drill sergeant, part psychologist, part motivational guru, part dominatrix, part doctor (he has a degree in kinesiology), and definitely part comedian. Perhaps one of the reasons Coach Nick Saban
20
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
Photography by Matt Gaston
doesn’t allow interviews with assistants is because Cochran would quickly become the media darling. He certainly has the gift of one-liners and sound bites. Who can forget his outburst in preparing for the famous Georgia blackout game? The media used to be allowed to stay through the stretching and opening workout sessions, and everyone became familiar with his booming “Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!” and “You gotta pay that cost to be the boss!” His quotes also include, “You can do this ALL day long!” and “Get your body right, then get your mind right.” Perhaps our favorite, yelled in his weird accent, is, “It don’t get no bettah than this!” Before that Georgia game, with the press hanging on his booming voice, Cochran yelled out, “Yeah, they’re wearing black, they’re going to a (expletive) funeral!” Since that statement and the resulting media storm, the press and visitors have been sent away before Cochran takes the stage. We all miss it. Like Saban, Cochran has pulled the players over to his way of thinking, and he has his own process that he insists on players following. That process is almost all Saban’s: Work yourself until there’s no way your opponent has outworked you. Be in the physical condition to own his butt in the
“Coach Cochran is always 100 percent pumped, his spirit is infectious and he makes those workouts seem like the most important thing in the world...” - Cory Reamer forth quarter when you are tired, but he is more tired. Never give up, and work hard to make that player playing against you quit. His twist is that unlike Saban, he’ll almost go into a rage to make his point and he’ll yell your praises to the heavens when you do something right. The combination works out well. Saban presently has about 70 four- and five-star athletes on campus. That’s about the same as LSU and Florida have, yet Alabama clearly stands atop the SEC. The difference is in the coaching and, just as importantly, in the conditioning. There’s an old saying about a team that landed the
best high school linebacker in the state, and after four years he still played like the best high school linebacker in the state. In other words, it’s not always who you sign and the stars they have beside their name, but rather how well the coaches “coach ‘em up,” and condition them for a long season. You don’t have to look beyond such examples as Rashad Johnson or Javier Arenas, two players with résumés that didn’t impress many schools, but who still became superstars at Alabama under this coaching staff. Saban will tell you there are
Continued on page 30
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Recruiting
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ith the Tide probably on its hottest recruiting start ever, definitely in the Nick Saban era, one player is primed to develop, make more plays, and have a larger impact than any of the other commits: Hasean “Ha-Ha” Clinton-Dix. While most ratings have not yet come out, everyone has a pretty good idea that Hasean Clinton-Dix has a great looking physical appearance with all the tools to go to the top level; when the ratings do come out, Clinton-Dix should be very close to the top safety in the country on every website. Despite coming from the heart of Florida, Clinton-Dix was recruited by Nick Saban from the very beginning. That definitely had to put a dent in Urban Meyer’s ego, since Clinton-Dix will be one of the top-ranked recruits in Florida, if not number one. Clinton-Dix could pay extreme dividends PICTURE FROM RIVALS.COM for the Tide later down the road, since he is actively recruiting some of the best players in Florida to commit to Alabama along with him. NITRIC OXIDE — THE MISSING LINK TO CIRCULATION! Saban is recruiting Clinton-Dix to play ® the same role as Mark Barron. If Barron’s season goes as well as his first WITH L-ARGININE & L-CITRULINE year as a starter, he should be projected Dr. Louis J. Ignarro was awarded the 1998 Nobel Prize in Medicine for his to go in the first round of the NFL draft discovery that Nitric Oxide (NO), a signaling molecule produced organically, is next year, although this is a difficult a vasodilator that helps control blood flow to every part of our body. He focuses thing to predict. The two players’ sizes on how Nitric Oxide affects the entire vascular system: By relaxing and enlarging and skill levels are very similar, except blood vessel, NO regulates blood pressure, prevents blood Mention Ad Clinton-Dix looks much faster. He is a clots that trigger strokes and heart attacks, and protects For $10 Discount very instinctive player, has great ball 1 Mo. Supply against the accumulation of vascular plaque. skills, and is excellent at reading the quarterback’s eyes. TM Cardio-Flex is a revolutionary liquid supplement containing Let’s just get this mystery out of the a blend of L-Arginine and L-Citruline with other ingredients way: Clinton-Dix has “Ha-Ha” as a that trigger the production of Nitric Oxide. nickname because as a child, he fell down a flight of stairs, smashed his 2801 Lurleen Wallace Blvd. face, and got back up, bleeding profusely. His grandmother said ® Northport • 205.339.3993 despite the fall, he stood up with a www.naturalrx.net
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huge smile on his face and was laughing heartily. Ever since then, the name “Ha-Ha” has stuck. Currently measuring 6’2”, 190 lbs., by the time he arrives in Alabama Clinton-Dix should be closer to 6’3”, 210-215 lbs, all while retaining his speed. When you look at this player’s film, you just feel down-right sorry for the opposing quarterbacks, who he has a knack for totally smashing. Another quality that stands out in Clinton-Dix is “football speed.” For those of you who are unfamiliar with that term, football speed cannot be measured by a 40 time or shuttle, but by a player’s natural ability to see the football and increase his speed immensely. Clinton-Dix is a very true tackler, who wraps up with both arms, while still driving his legs - a very rare skill at the high school level. It is not well-known that Ha-Ha had been a running back until he transferred to Dr. Phillips High School, where he begged and pleaded with his coach to be put on defense. This story came from the horse’s mouth, Coach Wells , Ha-Ha’s head coach. He said they had planned to play Ha-Ha both ways, but he was such a natural at safety that they moved him to that position full time. Coach Wells also said that, off the field, Ha-Ha is a “very resolved and respectful” student who wants to major in criminal justice. Ha-Ha Clinton-Dix’s commitment status looks very strong for Alabama, but, as we know all too well, it is not over until the fat lady sings on Signing Day. Clinton-Dix is sure to be heavily pursued by other powerhouses in college football. Bet on it. If he keeps it together, Ha-Ha already has everything it takes to get to the NFL, except Nick Saban’s coaching him in the back field, which he will find when arrives at Alabama. When that coaching begins to take effect, a lot of players other than quarterbacks are going to be scared of this beast with the funny name.
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Hundreds Show Up for CLEM GRYSKA Retirement Social Donald F. Staffo
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n April 16 the Bryant Museum hosted a social to honor Clem Gryska, who at 82 years of age finally retired after a 50-plus year association with the University of Alabama, where he had faithfully served at various times as freshmen football coach, recruiting coordinator, an athletics administrator and finally as an administrative assistant at the museum. In an interview before the occasion Gryska recalled coming from Steubenville, Ohio as a 17-year old to play football for Alabama and being on the team that beat Southern California in the Rose Bowl, the last one the Crimson Tide played in. A wealth of information, he talked about his early days as a coach, the great teams that Alabama had, and his time with legendary coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. “There are a lot of pleasant memories,” he said, noting that 2009 was his 65th football season and that he had eight national championship rings. “We never said that we can’t because we worked at it until we could,” he stated, summing up one of the reasons why Bama enjoyed such sustained success during the Bryant years. Asked how he felt just prior to the people filing in to recognize him, Gryska, not knowing what to expect, said, “scared, really scared” but the room soon became filled with love and affection. The event was scheduled from 5-7 p.m., but it was 8:15 p.m. before the last of the well-wishers had departed. It was difficult to determine how many people were there, but based on
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| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
Photography by BDL responses to invitations, there were at least 600 and there could have easily been a couple of hundred more counting others who decided to attend the open-to-the-public occasion. Regardless, there were young and old, former players and friends through the years, and they came from all over in a tremendous outpouring of appreciation and respect for a man who had devoted over five decades of service to his alma mater. “First of all is the amazing number of years that he put in,” stated Kirk McNair, editor of Bama Magazine. “He played in the 1940s and was on the last Rose Bowl team, he headed up recruiting and he was such an important member of Coach Bryant’s staff. He probably has more friends in more places than anybody that you can think of.” Finus Gaston, senior associate athletic director and chief financial officer said, “Certain people are fixtures around the University, and Clem is certainly one of those people. He has made many, many contributions through the years. I’ve never met anybody who didn’t love Clem Gryska.” Jack Rutledge, a member of the 1961 national championship team, was among the first group of players recruited by Gryska. “Coach Gryska and I go back a long way,” stated Rutledge. “As a high school player I played against his teams when he coached at Huntsville. Then I was on the coaching staff with him from 1966 through 1982. We were kind of just like family.” Mike Hall was an All-American linebacker for Alabama in 1968 and as a freshman was coached by Continued on page 26
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“We never said that we can’t because we worked at it until we could . . .” - Clem Gryska Gryska. “He was the freshmen coach, and a damn good one,” stated Hall. “He always looked after his players. He was also a great recruiter. He was very well-liked, and that’s the reason for this big turnout. It is well-deserved.” Another player who played when college football had freshmen teams was Scott Hunter, a quarterback for the Crimson Tide in the late 1960s. He said, “Coach Gryska was the perfect lead-in to Coach Bryant because he was so detailed and organized. He got us ready to play. In 1966 both the freshmen and the varsity went undefeated.” Yet another player who expressed his appreciation for Gyrska was Jerry Duncan, who after his playing days was a sideline reporter for the Crimson Tide for 24 years. “I wasn’t highly sought after and he came to North Carolina and signed me, so I’ve got a lot of respect for Coach Gryska. I’m just glad that he showed up and brought me to Alabama.” Then there was Gryska on Duncan. “He thought he was a running back, but we put him in a four-point stance and made him a lineman.” Roger Shultz didn’t play for Gryska, but he said that Gryska was the first person he met on his recruiting visit in the mid1980s. “He was the nicest guy. He made me feel like I’d known him for a long time. This crowd here, it’s unbelievable. It obviously says a lot about Coach Gryska and what he’s meant to so many people over the generations.” Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said, “We go back to
Continued from previous page
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1961. It was a great time in our (football) history, with the success that we enjoyed under Coach Bryant. They were all good years. I’m happy for Clem and his family. It’s great to see all the players here supporting him. We’re all tied together.” Sitting in a chair in the far right hand corner of the museum, Gryska for three-and-a-half hours greeted and reminisced with each person. “There was an awful lot of handshaking and backslapping going on tonight,” stated Ken Gaddy, director of the museum. “This just shows how much Clem meant too so many people.” Gryska summed up all the players through the years by stating, “They were all winners.” Asked at the end of the evening what he thought, Gryska, who admitted to becoming emotional on a few occasions during the course of the evening, stated, “All of the sincere things people said, all the nice things. I was really humbled. All those years and I never was a college head coach. I was nothing.” Well, it turns out he was wrong on that. He certainly was something, as evidenced by the hundreds of people who came to show just how much they thought of him and what he meant to each of them. To each of them in his or her own way, Clem Gryska was and continues to be a gem- a Tuscaloosa treasure and an Alabama football legend. As for his retirement Gryska said, “I don’t have any commitments. I’ve always been used to being so regimented. Now I won’t be tied to a schedule.”
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Interview
Q ’s & Q’s A’s
L
ionel L. Grant II has been a resident of Tuscaloosa since his playing days as a defensive back. Having been brought up all over the world, he has expanded his mentorship to the youth of Tuscaloosa in a positive way. We had a chance to chat with Lionel about his days as a Crimson Tide player as well as his future goals.
1. TAM (Touchdown Alabama Magazine):Where were you raised? LG (Lionel Grant): I was raised in Oklahoma, Germany, California and Florida because my father was in the military.
2. TAM: Who was the most influential person outside your family growing up?
LG: Henry Manning, my high school football coach from Del City High school in Oklahoma City, OK. I played for him in the 10th grade.
3. TAM: While in college did you have a mentor on the football team? LG: Yes, former teammate Ricky Thomas, now the Tight End coach for the Indianapolis Colts. He was one of my first close friends to start preaching. Also, we were from the same area, Fort Walton Beach, FL.
4. TAM: What was your best and worst time at University of Alabama? LG: The best time was when I made it as a walk-on. The worst was twofold, first, becoming ineligible as a player for not doing the necessary work in the classroom and then losing my Grandfather in that season. It is like a part of me died that year.
5. TAM: Did you know of any sports agents controversies while attending UA? LG: Yes, it was discussed, and at the time, the big controversy was concerning the basketball players and the agents that came thru the campus and infiltrated to some of the players. It was around 1987-1989.
Lionel L. Grant II
Former Crimson Tide player making a Difference in the Community. 28
| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010
Interview
6. TAM: Reflecting back to your football days at the Capstone, what was your attitude after you left? LG: Definitely the hardest thing in my life. The dedication, sacrifice, and time spent on the football field were incredibly challenging. I worked harder than I have ever had up to that point in my life. I was a good athlete going up against great athletes like Cornelius Bennett, Kerry Goode, Derrick Thomas, David Casteal and the list goes on. That was a humbling experience, but exciting to be around great players and competing.
7. TAM: What are your thoughts on the current situation regarding the NCAA/UA investigating Marcell Dareus’ trip to South Beach-Miami this past Memorial Day weekend? LG: Well I’m not surprised by it, but at the same token, I’m kind of sad because of the fact that all the money that is generated by the college athletes and the NFL. It seems like student athletes do not have any protection. They do not know who they are talking to. So sometimes you see they are kind of standoffish. I hope it is resolved and things turn out for Dareus and the University. Moreover, it should shed some light on the families and collegient personnel that monitoring closely may be a 24 hour, 7 days a week mission to protect these student athletes.
8. TAM: Alabama has to play 6 games this season with teams coming off a bye week, your thoughts? LG: That is just an indication how strong the team is. The opponents want to take a week off before they play Alabama. In a way it is a complement. Also, the Crimson Tide know they have to work even harder than last year. Every team will be gunning to knock of the #1 team.
“...the Crimson Tide know they have to work harder than last year. Every team will be gunning to knock out the #1 team.” -LG
9. TAM: As a strong member of the community and a founding member of the Paul W. Bryant Youth Football League, what are the goals you wish to accomplish? LG: First, I would like to instill the fundamentals and discipline with each player in the football league. As a kid, I was coached by people who cared enough to take the time and to teach me the game of football, and I will always be grateful for that. It is my turn to give back the game that was given to me. I feel like I was coached by two of the best high school football coaches of All-Time, Henry Manning and Bob Lyle. It was drilled into us to have discipline and class when we stepped on the field. I want these young TAM: Why is the show important to you? mento take something from the football field and apply it to their other areas of life in a positive way. LG: Actually, I would not call it a TV show; it’s a project that I came up with as a result from a TAM: Outside the youth football league, what else are tragedy. I just attended a young man’s funeral you currently involved in? this year at a tender age of 18. I remember baptizing him three years ago. These stories are LG: I am a Youth Pastor at the Corner Stone Baptist the common place and I want it to become a Church. I’m heavily involved in a lot of community rarity. I would like to focus on the positive stories organizations. A TV show that was just approved for and combat the negative. We have too much the Fall Season which debuts this fall and is headlined negative stimuli and it is affecting our youth in as Lionel Grant II Talk Show. It will have four record numbers. I have a son Lionel Grant III segments, faith based, cancer survivors, Young Gifted & and a daughter Justice Grant who are in school Talented, and businesses that make a difference in the now. I just want to try to make a difference in our community. community, that’s all. -Mike Lacy
11.
10.
touchdownalabama.net |
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Articles, Continued
What’s to Come Continued from page 8
Though the kickers were not called on often in the scrimmage, both Jeremy Shelley and Cade Foster were 1 of 2 on the day. With an offense that returns nine starters including a Heisman-trophy winner and a more experienced quarterback, the Crimson Tide is expected to light up the scoreboard for the 2010 season. Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson are thought to be equal in terms of talent, and could be the best running back tandem in all of college football. Saban hopes that the two will not have to carry so much of a load this season, however, as the retooled offense demonstrated an aerial attack that will take advantage of Greg McElroy’s accuracy and arm strength. With a breakout season from Julio Jones, Alabama may not have to rely on its inexperienced defense to offset a lack of offensive production. However, the fact that the score was kept even before the final bonus play of the extended fourth quarter speaks to the depth and talent the Tide still has on the defensive side of the ball, and that squad could receive a significant boost when another top-5 recruiting class reports in the fall. After two consecutive undefeated regular seasons, the school’s first Heisman trophy, an SEC title, and a national championship, Nick Saban has stated that this is just the beginning for the Tide. With expectations at their highest, Alabama looks to take the national crown once again.
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Scott Cochran Continued from page 21
many parts to making a high school athlete a great college athlete. Of course you have to have the academics down to get the opportunity, you have to have the mental faculties to accept the rules and abide by them, and you have to have the ability to learn from both coaching and from your mistakes. You also have to commit to making your body a weapon to use on your opponents. Javier Arenas was a good example of how that is done through great conditioning. He gave up dozens of pounds in weight and muscle tackling players much larger than he is, yet he was never injured. Credit for much of that has to go to Coach Cochran, who teaches players how to position themselves for such impacts to minimize potential damage. Every school has a weight program, every school preaches forth-quarter conditioning, but not every program lives and breathes it like Alabama, or has a coach that gives the kinesiology touch to that conditioning. Cochran’s degree in kinesiology helps him teach players ways to build better muscles and then how to protect themselves during impact. Kinesiology is the science of human movement. It teaches how to develop muscles and movement so that tasks can be done with the greatest efficiency. Kinesiologists work with individuals with disabling conditions to assist in regaining their optimal physical function. For example, Cochran’s work with Dont’a Hightower’s doctors has the junior linebacker back much sooner and much stronger than most thought would be possible. How much importance does Saban place on all this? Instead of having on an office overlooking the magnificent oaks on campus or some other great view, from his desk Saban can look downstairs into the weight room. He can watch Cochran, running
the program and not just building muscle, but building the right muscles, teaching players how to use those muscles and encouraging them to keep going when they think they’ve already maxed out. Players love Cochran and trust him. He pushes himself almost as hard as he pushes them. How he keeps his vocal cords is still a mystery. They have to be callused. “Coach Cochran is always 100 percent pumped, his spirit is infectious and he makes those workouts seem like the most important thing in the world and you just buy into it,” recent graduate Cory Reamer said. “You stay bought into it when you see your opponent sucking air and physically failing and you’re still fit and ready and you know you own his ass. You know Coach Cochran was right all along and you don’t ever want to be that man,” Reamer concluded. Cochran is a native of New Orleans and went to LSU. He caught Saban’s eye with his work as an assistant strength coach on Saban’s 2003 national championship LSU team. From there he got other jobs, including assistant strength and conditioning coach for the NBA’s New Orleans Hornets. In 2007, when Saban felt the need to find a new strength and conditioning coach, he remembered this young, feisty coach and the rest is history. Cochran, who’s 31 and married with one son, is regarded as one of the nation’s best strength and conditioning coaches, but he doesn’t like being called that. He’s much happier just being called Coach Cochran. He’s much more than just the strength and conditioning guy—he coaches the players in life, love, football or money. He’ll coach them in just about anything, and he often does. That helps make him an ace in the hole for the Crimson Tide staff and team.
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