THURSDAY OCTOBER 10, 2013 VOLUME 120 ISSUE 39 Serving The University of Alabama since 1894 SPORTS | FOOTBALL
Landon Collins came to Alabama as a heralded recruit. Now, he’s taking on new roles for the Crimson Tide. He is
Mr. Versatility.
CW | Photos by Austin Bigoney, Photo Illustration by Anna Waters Collins repeatedly makes impact performances with roles in pass rushing, punt coverage and defensive back positions, putting to rest secondary concerns and adding stress to opposing teams.
TODAYON CAMPUS Local culture WHAT: Moundville Native American Festival WHEN: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. WHERE: Moundville Archaeological Park
Honors College WHAT: HCA’s Cultural Experiences Branch: Study Abroad Interest Night – Europe WHEN: 6:30-7:30 p.m. WHERE: Ridgecrest South Atrium
Country music WHAT: Rascal Flatts featuring The Band Perry, Sweet Water Rain WHEN: 7 p.m. WHERE: Tuscaloosa Amphitheater
Movie night
By Kevin Connell | Staff Reporter Prior to last week, Landon Collins would have told you he can play four positions on the Alabama defense. But after last Saturday’s game against Georgia State, the sophomore is up to five. The added workload is nothing new for Collins. In addition to free safety, where he played Saturday in place of Ha Ha ClintonDix, he has played cornerback, “Star,” “Money” and strong safety on the Alabama defense. Collins made his career start at a position he had never once played. “I was not expecting this at all,” Collins said. “I look forward to strong [safety] because that’s what I’m used to and getting that start at free safety – I’m just taking it and running with it.” With the announcement that ClintonDix would be indefinitely suspended for a violation of team rules and policy last week and backup senior Nick Perry out for the season with a shoulder injury, Collins was the next man in line to fill the void. Though he is listed as a strong safety, Collins made the most of his opportunity, helping limit the Georgia State offense to just 160 yards and 12 of 22 passing. With a return date for Clinton-Dix
uncertain, Collins now faces the task of starting at the unfamiliar position for the foreseeable future as the Crimson Tide enters into the meat of its SEC schedule. But those familiar with Collins’ play are not worried about his transition to learning yet another position. “Landon was not what you would call silly,” said Dutchtown High School football coach Benny Saia, who coached Collins in high school. “He was kind of a businesslike kid. Maybe a little more mature than
SEE COLLINS PAGE 11
Tuscaloosa hosts inaugural brewfest
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SEE BREWFEST PAGE 11
CW | Daniel Roth The thriving culture of craft brewing can be attributed to a recent change in state laws.
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WHAT: Modoc, Looksy WHEN: 10 p.m. WHERE: Green Bar
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WHAT: Cherub WHEN: 8 p.m. WHERE: Jupiter Bar
Alabama’s craft brewing industry is showing no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Much of its growth can be attributed to the recent changes made to brewing laws. In 2012 alone, beer production grew by 118 percent, the third year of tripledigit growth, according to the Alabama Brewers Guild. For the college town of Tuscaloosa, beer does not have to mean binge drinking and partying on the weekends. There has been growing interest in craft brewing that has extended to campus and the local community. “I am not drinking to get trashed,” Ben Patrick, a senior majoring in management information systems, said. “[Craft beers]
WEATHER
Music scene
By Alexandra Ellsworth | Staff Reporter
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WHAT: Baba Brinkman performance: ‘Rap Guide to Evolution’ WHEN: 7:30-9:30 p.m. WHERE: 127 Biology Building
are more expensive, but they are also more enjoyable. I don’t mind spending more for a good beer and just drinking less.” Well on its way to having a thriving local beer industry, Tuscaloosa has opened two breweries in the last three years and will host the inaugural Alabama Brewfest this weekend. Patrick said he is excited to see local craft brewers setting up in Tuscaloosa, after generally only seeing them in bigger cities. He said the brewfest is indicative of the growing trend for Alabama. Entry into this weekend’s festival will include a souvenir tasting glass that can be used to sample beers from 50 different breweries, more than 20 of which are from Alabama. Each brewery will have multiple beers to offer, many of them brewed especially for this festival. Bob Baker, media communications for
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— Benny Saia
CULTURE | CRAFT BREWING
WHAT: Moonlight Movie with NAACP WHEN: 7-9:30 p.m. WHERE: The Quad
Briefs Opinions Culture
He wanted to win, and he wanted to be the best, and he worked at it.
some of the other kids that we have. He wanted to win, and he wanted to be the best, and he worked at it.” A consensus five-star recruit from Geismar, La., Collins caught Saia’s attention quickly. “He looked like a junior when he walked up to me as a freshman,” Saia said. At Dutchtown, Collins quickly made his presence known. As a freshman, he saw an extensive amount of playing time from the beginning on a team that included a senior named Eric Reid, current starter for the San Francisco 49ers, manning one of the two safety positions. When Reid graduated, Collins’ workload increased even more. During his junior and senior seasons, Collins was a first-team All-State selection as a strong safety by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. In his senior year, Collins became the first player in Louisiana history to earn 5A AllState honors on both sides of the ball as both a strong safety and running back. So when Saia sees Collins displaying versatility at a number of different positions for Alabama, he said it comes as no surprise to him.
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