Tide Tidbits – March 4, 2010

Milliner glad to fill hole in Alabama’s secondary
What’s prom compared to the opportunity to start for the defending national champions? That’s how Millbrook cornerback DeMarcus Milliner saw it. The state’s top 2009 prospect enrolled a semester early at Alabama because the Crimson Tide lost six contributing cornerbacks from last season’s title team, including both starters. “Once I heard six or seven DBs were supposed to graduate or leave, I knew I should come in then, because it’s a great chance for me to play,” Milliner said. “I can come in and just do what I do. … Hopefully, I’m at the very top (of the depth chart). But if I’m not, I’m just going to work until I get there.” Along with 10 other new signees, Milliner is already in classes at Alabama and will participate when spring practice begins March 12. Milliner and another new arrival, quarterback Phillip Sims, were allowed the rarity of giving interviews to reporters on National Signing Day. It marked the first time coach Nick Saban allowed true freshmen into the media room at the Alabama football complex. Saban also stressed the early enrollees as a key to the 2010 signing class. [More]

2010 Alabama Replacements: The Offensive Line
For years, Alabama has had such a porous offensive line that each year, the press and fanbase are nervous about the new year at these positions. Last year, it was said that the departure of so many good linemen would leave Alabama an also-ran in the SEC. You know what happened. The 2009 line upped the rushing yardage, increased the scoring, and cut the sacks. Now, with All-American left guard Mike Johnson and right tackle Drew Davis leaving, many are worried again. The broken foot of center William Vlachos doesn’t help the worriers. Vlachos should be ready by fall—and if he’s not, seniors David Ross and Brian Motley can fill in, and the Tide shouldn’t miss a beat. Both have had playing time and experience. Carpenter returns as left tackle, and there’s some discussion going on to move Barrett Jones to Johnson’s position. Jones was a starter last year, but at right guard. Others who could be in the mix for left guard are junior John Boswell, who backed up Johnson last year, and Motley, who can also back up at center. [More]

Boys & Girls Club auctioning items signed by Saban and Ingram
Crimson Tide fans can win some great gifts signed by Alabama Coach Nick Saban and Heisman Trophy winner Mark Ingram, and help the Ardmore Boys & Girls Club in the bargain. “A friend of the movement is a huge supporter of Alabama and he got the auction items for us,” said Stevia Hunes, marketing coordinator for the Boys & Girls Clubs of North Alabama. “We are really blessed.” Ardmore Boys & Girls Club members will auction two items autographed by Saban and Ingram and one item autographed only by Saban during its annual fundraiser dinner at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 11, at First Baptist Church of Ardmore. The Alabama items will include: 2010 Alabama National Championship football signed by Saban and Ingram; A 16- by 24-inch framed 2010 National Championship banner signed by Saban and Ingram and A safari straw hat with its 2010 Alabama National Championship band signed by Saban. [More]

Redskins’ Chris Samuels to announce retirement Thursday
Washington Redskins six-time Pro Bowl left tackle Chris Samuels will announce his retirement Thursday. The announcement has been expected. Samuels hasn’t played since banging heads with a defensive player Oct. 11 in a game against the Carolina Panthers. The collision left him with a neck injury, and doctors advised him the risk was too great to try to play again. The No. 3 overall draft pick from Alabama in 2000, the 32-year-old Samuels was a Pro Bowl selection in 2001-02 and 2005-08. He was a starter from the first game of his rookie season and started all 141 games in which he played. [More]

Who’s got next for Alabama? A look at five players that need to shine this spring
Looking to the 2010 season, Alabama returns eight starters on the offensive side of the football, including its starting quarterback, Heisman Trophy winner and pretty much all other skill players in the two-deep. So it’s a safe assumption that most of the conversation through spring practice and into the preseason will be about position battles for the Crimson Tide’s defense and special teams. Alabama loses its place-kicker, punter, punt returner and nine defensive starters. That sounds bad … until you begin to look at the players set to take over. Going by recruiting rankings, there is plenty of talent there. But it’s young and inexperienced, which is why this spring is so important. For these five players in particular, there is no time like the present … [More]

Roll Tide!

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