Tide Tidbits – March 24, 2010

Smart filling new role this spring
While the changes that most often get noticed in spring football practice have to do with players, the University of Alabama’s coaching staff is trying something different this spring, as well. Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart, UA coach Nick Saban’s defensive backs coach for the past three seasons, is working instead with the inside linebackers in the spring. Inside linebacker Dont’a Hightower said Smart’s emphasis with inside linebackers has been to develop more of an understanding of the entire defense rather than simply a single position. “(Smart) works with us great,” Hightower said. “Last year was a little more about our alignments and blitzes, but this year it’s more about coverages and knowing what the whole defense does instead of just yourself. That makes the whole defense a lot better, just knowing what the safety does, and what the defensive end does. It just makes the whole defense click a little bit faster.” [More]

Recruiting: Collins commits to Crimson Tide
Another Gadsden City football standout apparently will be taking his talents to Tuscaloosa, although the latest pilgrimage is still more than a year away. Junior wide receiver Daryl Collins became the fourth Titan since 2008 to announce his intentions to play collegiately for the University of Alabama, joining linebacker Jerrell Harris, defensive back Dre Kirkpatrick and Kendall Kelly, who was recruited as a wide receiver but is working this spring at safety. “I committed last Friday, but I didn’t say anything until today,” Collins said Tuesday. “It’s a good decision for my family because it’s in-state and closer to home. … The facilities are great and the education is, too. I also like the coaching staff. I want to focus on my school work and spring practice and not have to wait until the end and try to figure out where I’m going,” Collins said. “I don’t have to wait until signing day. That’s a long process. I just wanted to go ahead and get it over with.” [More]

NCAA denies appeal on textbook issue
The University’s appeal to the NCAA regarding sanctions over “textbook-gate,” violations stemming from the widespread misuse of University textbook funds by 201 student-athletes across 16 varsity sports, was denied Tuesday. The punishment includes the vacation of 21 Crimson Tide football victories between 2005 and 2007, as well as vacating individual victories for intentional wrongdoers in both the track and men’s tennis programs, a $43,900 fine and three years of probation for the entire UA athletic program that will end on June 10, 2012. The University’s appeal centered around the vacation of wins penalty. UA officials argued that the punishment was excessive and an abuse of discretion by the Committee on Infractions for not considering the University’s cooperation in the ensuing investigation. In a statement, UA president Robert Witt expressed his disappointment. “The Appeals Committee acknowledged that their decision in our case is not consistent with the NCAA’s prior textbook and vacation-of-wins cases,” Witt said. [More]

Who Will Lead Alabama’s Defense In 2010?
With so many Crimson Tide defensive players now headed for the NFL who will fill their shoes? More importantly, who will lead Alabama’s defense in 2010? Lets face it, losing great players like Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody, Javier Arenas, Lorenzo Washington, Eryk Anders, Brandon Deadrick, Kareem Jackson, and Corey Reemer would put a lump in any Alabama fan’s throat. These players were the heart and soul of Alabama’s National Championship team. More than that, players like McClain, Cody, and Arenas were team leaders on and off the field for the Crimson Tide. Who can replace these young men, not only as great players, but also as great leaders? The first person that comes to my mind is Dont’a Hightower. Hightower was on his way to becoming just that, a great player and a great leader before his unfortunate knee injury he sustained at midseason of 2009. [More]

Freshman QB Phillip Sims has made a good first impression on Tide’s Greg McElroy
Freshman quarterback Phillips Sims is only two spring practices into his college football career, but starting quarterback Greg McElroy already likes what he sees in the Parade All-American. “We haven’t gotten to spend a lot of time together,” McElroy said after Monday’s practice. “He’s just trying to learn it as quick as he can. “He’s doing a good job. He’s a quick learner. He’s a dedicated individual. If I’m evaluating quarterbacks, hard work and toughness are right there 1 and 2, and he’s shown the ability to be a very hard worker.” A 6-foot-2, 209-pound star at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Va., Smith was rated the No. 2 quarterback in the nation by Scout.com and Rivals.com and the No. 67 player in the nation overall by Rivals.com. Sims is one one of eight members of the Tide’s signing Class of 2010 who enrolled in January and is participating in spring practice. [More]

Roll Tide!

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