So sorry I've been EXTREMELY Busy so much so couldn't make it on here Grrrrr sorry anyway 2013 class is pretty much done as you can tell and I will have a write up very soon on the team, new incoming guys, and the commits we got since I was gone and every player in the class, anyway big wigs (meaning Saban, Kirby, Coach Nuss, are trying to make the decision whether it will be a small class (22 - 3) or a full 25, one recruit next week will tell me what he has chosen lol, anyway I think it's 25 leaving 7 open spots and here is the breakdown of the rest of the spots and who we land, now understand this is an EXTREMELY FLEXIBLE list

1. Derrick Henry (done deal and he is a take no matter whether it is a full class or small class, staff REALLY LOVES his versatility)

2. Will be a DB whether it be Brendan Langley (likely a UGA Dawg)/Tony Conner (most likely, but he is a S and goes to South Panola in Miss which is EXTREMELY hard pull)/Marquez White (FSU Commit from Dothan, latest comments sound very positive for Bama, but he is a back-up plan)/MY personal choice 3 star CB Johnathan Cook from Spanish Fort, go watch film and he's PHENOMENAL, NO IDEA why he's only 3 star I hope we offer he'd commit right away)

3. Josh McNeil (Down to us and UGA, canceled visit to UGA so only school he's been to this Summer is Bama and he set an announcement date on Jul 5th, to me HE is the key to whether or not we are taking a smaller class or a full class, if he commits to UGA on the 5th means Bama chose to take D. Henry instead since we already have a phenomenal TE committed and Henry will be an Hback and Bama pulled his offer and will only take 4 more, if he commits to Bama it tells me it will likely be a FULL 25 in the class)

4. Demarcus Walker (Done deal and he is a take whether it is a small or full class)

5. Bama needs 1 more OT, #1 target is Laremy Tunsil (interest is high right now, but a serious battle going on, Bama's O and Henry being All Bama helps with him)/Kenneth Santa Marina (Tried to commit publicly several times and told to "wait" by staff back up plan at this point and some feel not a take some feel silent since Aday, he is a 4 star OL)

6. Greg Gilmore (recent developments with Nkemdiche and Conn made Bama staff go all in for Gilmore, he received a commitable offer and hearing yesterday jumped on it, Mom thinks his previous leader LSU is too far from NC home)

7. Robert Foster (He is a take obviously as the nations top WR and only WR Bama staff likes in this cycle, things are very quiet in his recruitment but we have a VERY heavy lead)

pretty good ESPN article:

Tide lands commitment from Ga. OL
By Greg Ostendorf

When Georgia offensive lineman Andy Dodd said he was close to a decision, he wasn’t lying. Dodd, who visited the University of Alabama over the weekend, committed to the Crimson Tide coaching staff late Sunday night and made it official on Monday.

“It’s been in my head for a couple of weeks, but I just really wanted to take my time and make sure,” Dodd said. “I told the staff last night. I talked to them about it before, but it wasn’t really a serious situation then. Last night was the first time I told them I wanted to commit.”

Ever since Alabama offered Dodd a scholarship in February, the Tide has been at or near the top of his list because of the winning tradition and continuity within the program. He ultimately chose UA over Georgia Tech and LSU among others.

“Alabama knows what they’re doing,” Dodd said. “It’s already a set program. They win. Not many programs can sit there and say that they’re going to consistently be in the running to win a national championship.”

At 6-foot-4, 325 pounds, Dodd figures to address Alabama’s need on the offensive line for 2013. He joins in-state linemen Bradley Bozeman and Grant Hill, who have both already committed to the Tide in this class.

Dodd actually played tight end the last two years for Pepperell High School, but his head coach Jeff Shiflett plans to move him inside to play left tackle this season. Shiflett believes he’s versatile enough to play any spot on the offensive line.

“He could probably play any of the five if needed,” Shiflett said. “He won’t play center for us. He’ll play tackle, but he’s worked some center in some drills with us, and I think our guys feel that he could be that at the next level if that’s what he needed. I would anticipate him starting at an inside position.”

After choosing Alabama, Dodd has now become the second player from his high school in the last two years to pick the Crimson Tide. He joins former teammate Dakota Ball, a defensive lineman who signed with UA in the 2012 recruiting class.

Not surprisingly, Ball played a major role in Dodd’s decision.

“Back when Alabama first offered me and when my recruiting first started, we talked about it,” Dodd said. “I asked him questions about why he loved it so much. I really began to understand him, and I saw what he meant when I visited.

“That will be awesome to play with a high school teammate.”

Although the two future Alabama players hail from the state of Georgia, there’s a large contingent of Tide fans in the area who are excited to see the duo one day play in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

“It’s two guys that, they’re going to be good players at the next level,” Shiflett said. “They’ve worked hard. We’re excited about seeing them mature and seeing what they can do at the next level at a great program like Alabama’s.”

Saban got a 2 yr extension through 2020

Passed unanimously with compensation committee.

He has a base of $245,000, his longevity bonus is rolled into his talent bonus which is $5.7 million
It will be escalated $50,000 the following year, which will go up to $100,000 every year after that. Basically BOT's added longevity bonus to ensure he stays, new clauses than ever been added at Bama, the bonus will continue as long as Saban KEEPS a position with the dept, whatever the position, like AD

All assistant coaches get an extension and a raise

New OC Nussmeier $590,000 through 2015
New DC assistant Lance Thompson will get $375,000, also through 2015 (He ain't leaving, gonna be Smart's DC when he takes over BOOK IT!!)

Assistant coaches raises
Name      old figure    new figure
Smart      $850,000     $950,000
Burns      $280,000     $290,000
Cochran  $310,000     $325,000
Groh       $250,000     $285,000
Pruitt,     $225,000     $260,000
Rumph   $288,750     $310,000
Williams $315,000    $350,000

Saban is now the highest-paid coach in college football once the new deal kicks in, just edging the deal Mack Brown signed.

Tide lands Peach State OL

It didn’t take long for Lindale (Ga.) Pepperell offensive lineman Andy Dodd to decide he wanted to end the process after visiting Tuscaloosa for Alabama’s practice on Saturday. The 6-foot-4, 320-pounder committed to the Crimson Tide on Monday morning during a phone conversation with head coach Nick Saban.

"I have been there multiple times and it just seemed like the perfect place, I mean I just had a feeling about it," said Dodd.

"Coach Saban was excited because they are losing some offensive lineman and they need people at that position. Getting a commit was great for them at OL."

Alabama has been strong with Dodd for quite some time, but the Peach State riser wanted to do his due diligence before coming to a decision.

"It has been on mind for a couple of weeks, I just wanted to take a last few visits to finish it out before I wanted to sit down and make this decision."

Dodd is the second Pepperell product in as many years to commit to Alabama in as many years, as fellow Dragon Dakota Ball signed with the Crimson Tide in February.

"Its great on being able to play with someone from high school and someone you already know and are close to. I don't think he knows yet to be honest,"noted Dodd.

The northwest Georgia product becomes Alabama’s ninth commitment and selected the Crimson Tide over offers from LSU, Florida State, Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami, and South Carolina among others.

Click here for link

VERY underrated, look at his offer list, from a 3 star that's impressive

Also a few notes no word yet on numbers fr extension, but the BOT is gonna make a significant contribution to Saban through 2020 in his coaching contract and some other perks, it will be the 1st contract of its kind and will set a precedence just like his original did

Also we are gonna KEEP GOING bringing in big uglies, likely take at least 5, next could possibly be Austin Golson OT in Prattville, a long time commitment to FSU, one of the best OT's in the Southeast

Next couple of weeks leading up to Aday should be VERY busy 

WOW guys this is tough to hear/swallow. I have been busy with the
Coaches Clinic & practice styarting back up. My hearts and prayers go out to both great guys families. You guys said it right, we are absolutely a FAMILY on here and I hope the families of both are comforted in this horrible time. I am heartbroken over the loss especially for you more frequen posters on here. I will be bringing a long update on the past week's practices, visitors etc & the Clinic to hopefully cheer yopu guys up later on.

A few more notes

 **Robert Lester, Jesse Williams, Damion Square, Dee Milliner, A.J. McCarron, Barrett Jones and Michael Williams all make up the team’s leadership committee.

**Found out this morning that Saban met with Duron Carter about reinstatement to the team yesterday, still hope that he rejoins the team, he's got a way to go though I'll update if I find anything else out

**I'm sorry it was so late before I got to get on here and as a result forgot a few more notes. Yesterday was Coach Nuss' 1st practice and LT's 1st back, and both guys had some new drills and termanology, particularly Nuss with groups of TEs, seems like he is gonna have a lot more involvement early on with the TEs and had them running full route trees, Vogler stood out recieving, and MWill is a freak as well got bigger also, also I talked earlier about Brandon Lewis switching permanently to TE, but what I didn't mention is he dropped about 35 lbs down to 265, trying to get a hold of that position at a much smaller weight.

**Another guy I forgot to mention that got absolutely ripped is Christion Jones, staff expect him to earn a starting spot as a WR and be a high impact guy, he is up to 215 all muscle

The 2 guys players are raving about so far since yesterday like I mentioned is Belue and Dillon Lee (MSed it yesterday). D players and coaches are raving especially about Lee saying he seems to have a better grasp of the D than we saw with DePreist or Moseley, I'll give you this quote from a pay site from Nico

 Johnson is already impressed with early enrollee Dillon Lee’s ability to pick up the defense. “When C.J. (Mosley) came in he caught on to it fast. When Trey (DePriest) came in he caught on to it faster that C.J. Dillon is catching on faster than any of them.”

Also I mentioned Belue, and Saban heaped praise onto him at the presser which wasn't surprising, like I told you lol Saban has his new favorite in the secondary, but in all honesty Belue is gonna be a great player.

Good morning

Also a little note on an underclassman at Bama's Pro Day. Scouts were al floored by this, but almost every school will have 1 or 2 underclassmen just do a preliminary WO, run and lift to get scouts interested for next year, one was Jesse Williams this year, his measurements were right over 6'3, taller than the avg DL in this years draft, weight was 328, again bigger and larger than what he played at (played at 310 15 range, bulking up for NG) then he mined up and ran his 40 twice, a scout I talked to clicked his 1st time at 4.81 and his 2nd at 4.74, shocked everyone in attendance, then he got to lift and in front of a huge crowd and Cochran pumping him up he benches the 225 (combine weight) 54 times no lie that's 10 reps better than the all time record, I got asked several times and I quote "Why the HELL isn't he coming out? If he ran and lifted like that at the combine, he would be Bama's 6th 1st rd pick" My reply? "Too much Bama in him still, gotta come back and help win another 'Ship" Mayock told me he could easily be a top 5 pick next year as a Haloti Ngata clone, and he is gonna go watch all the tape he can get because he knows he will be a MAJOR prospect teams will be fighting over next year, in fact the word got out so fast about him that Mike said some teams have changed draft plans to take a DL NEXT year hoping to get him. Also a few notes on some underrated guys coming out this year, Mayock told me he has been a HUGE fan of Menzie simply put because he was a starter among a group of superstars and he still stood out on film and is easily one of the better tacklers at his position this year, he knows the 40 time at Combine was slower than he thought, but he improved it, and he expects him to be drafted and push for a starting spot as a nickel/dime DB. Also raved about Brad Smelley who he compared favorably to Indy TE or former now I guess Dallas Clark as a smaller guy with great hands and athleticism, could def see him on a pass heavy offense as an option still as a blocker and said he thinks in the right offense could have a very productive NFL career.

Hi guys, what a busy day it has been, but Spring is FINALLY here and we finally have the return of football yipee!!

I know it has been a while, been working OT, you guys already know, so I'll get right into it

Saban feels like this layout is by far the best. Simply put, we have a larger number of impact enrollees, note the word IMPACT, so we did a WO today then they will go away for SB and come back and get into it, keeps players minds focused even with the week off and lays groundwork.

As far as EEs go, a number of them look to have significant roles on this years team. I will start with both JuCo guys Deion Belue and Travell Dixon. Belue is going to be a wonderful asset, he is almost an exact clone of NFL CB and one of my fav Bama players over the last 5 or so yrs Javy Arenas, just taller (Javy was 5'7 at combine, Belue is easily 6') he has been a film junkie ever since he stepped foot on campus studying Bama secondary the last 2 yrs and getting a feel, and all indications are he is a VERY quick learner, Saban raved about both JuCo guys today at practice all day, but I think he has a soft spot for Belue because he always sees him with a coach looking at film, something a few of the D greats under Saban have had like Rolando and Hightower. Dixon is a physical specimen, he honestly looks like a LB at most SEC schools and running drills today in coverage kept step for step with every WR, had great hip movement and hand motion in coverage, gonna be lockdown, can't wait to get him in pads and see how well he does, Bama got 2 really great CBs that I could likely see starting if not playing monumental roles next year (especially Belue as a returner)

Fair warning to all of you on TJ Yeldon, he is a monster already, dove into our strength and conditioning program with Scott and is up to about 215 and easily a foot taller than any other RB, just a site to see, and a totally different threat at RB than Saban has had, more in the mold of a fast and powerful downhill runner think Darren McFadden. He is already SEC size as mentioned, if he can get in there and block on passing downs he will see the field sooner rather than later.

The 2 WRs are progressing well, Chris Black honestly is a lot faster than I expected and anticipated and remember the staff had little opportunity to work Chris out extensively until he got on campus because of the injury he sustained in HS this year. I could see him having a role on screens etc just a speed demon with good hands. Amari Cooper is a different animal, we might not have seen a total package WR like him since Julio, although he is smaller (6'1, 205) he was turning heads left and right today with catches one handed and extending etc, like I said he needs some meat and muscle, but he is one to watch out for when Spring resumes.

On the 2 LB's, I really feel both are gonna be something special, Ryan Anderson showed his versatility and athleticism today and honestly his body type looks like that of a 2nd or 3rd year player, but he has great feet and change of direction and already has a good feel for the position at Jack OLB, look for him to seriously push Hubbard and Dickson for that open spot. I really liked what I saw out of Diploma Lee as well, he is only about 235, feels funny saying only referencing a LB, but I remember when Moseley 1st participated in practices and you could see his versatility and ability to cover in space and in different coverages as a sort of roamer, and Diploma has that same type of ability, he has a knack for the ball in coverage, but he just has the ability I saw Moseley have in coverage.

Big boy (Alphonse) Taylor, man oh man, he has slimmed down to about 345 and you can see big time what the staff sees in signing him and letting him play NG in our 3 man, he is athletic and quick, a LOT better technique and fundamentals than honestly I thought (expecting a very raw player, standing straight up no early push at attack point, none of that, and remember the reason we thought that is he hasn't played at DT since he was a Soph in HS, switched to OL). I think Saban might have found our next great NG ala Mt Cody

Now for the state of the team:

Most of these guys are really excited and eager to jot let next year be a repeat of 2010, On O there are a few very clear leaders, McCarron has really taken a leadership role and it is definitely his team, also it goes without saying that Barrett Jones is also a team leader and somewhat of a folk hero to the new underclassmen lol since word spread today about his annual SB trip this year to Guatemala I believe, could be wrong, anyway he is back inside and thrilled, had a huge grin, Saban told him today if he let's him stay he better win another lineman trophy, Barrett told him anything to stay here coach, how remarkable would that be also to have an OL to win an award as an OG, OT, and OC (which is what he was practicing at and what he will be playing this year) greatest lineman in the history of Bama football. That means it is full speed ahead for Cyrus or CyKo at LT, I am excited about that.

On D, a few guys really starting to step up but the most important thing this unit is looking to achieve is to have a group effort in leadership, the main guys though are Nico, Lester, and Square so far, also saw a good bit of Vinnie talking to players pumping guys up

Our absolute bellcow position this year is DL, there are some serious monsters in those trenches this year, Jesse Williams has put on weight up to 325 about 10 lbs and kept speed and agility, a few guys factoring in heavily are gonna be Square of course, Jeoffrey Pagan who looks like a Greek god, and LaMichael Fanning, Fanning has the versatility of being an inside guy on 4 down and an outside guy on 3, and he almost won a backup role last year and at the last second coaches decided to RS him to let him get plays etc under his belt, Pagan had a better grasp, which is why he wasn't RSed and played a good bit last year. The Jack OLB/rush is wide open great competition for all this Spring for that role, Hubbard looks like he has the best grasp of the termanology etc, but I would be lying if I said I would be shocked to even see a TF like Anderson win out if he knows D simply because he is so much more athletic.

A few WRs have added on some muscle, most notably Norwood, who will likely have expanded role this year, and Marvin Shinn, who was RSed because he was EXTREMELY talented but came in so skinny at about 175 now he is at 195, nice size for his frame

The staff feels so confident at the DL position they moved Brandon Lewis over to TE permanently and changed his # to 88, he is behind Michael Williams and Hback is Harrison Jones and then Brian Vogler

I'll update you guys with more later its late lol

100,000 bet that soon ESPN will announce they are gonna televise Ohio St spring game thanks to Urban Legend (copyright for that nickname goes to Danny Sheridan)

Any takers??

HUGE pick up...always great to get big uglies and he is a really good 'un. Home grown and a beast

He's got great speed runs track, could be a great sprinter, he's a more complete back than Yeldon, more like a Ingram clone, great vision and acceleration, takes 1 cut and explodes upfield more impressive than some playing in college now, VERY complete RB

Another commit is coming soon...

Tyren Jones (the one I posted vid of earlier)

was BLOWN AWAY with Jr Day visit, here are a few quotes..


As I said a late bloomer, but best film I've seen of a RB in HS since Trent

I think you will be heavily surprised and pleased with Travell Dixon, he is bigger (6'3 215 all muscle, looks like a LB almost) and faster CB than Saban has had since he was at Bama, gonna be a good one. We will have a group of players contribute next yr that the whole country will be like "Where did THAT guy come from" like During Carter, Travell Dixon, LaMichael Fanning on the DL, gonna be in MUCH better shape next yr than we were 2 yrs ago

Marshall he was by far the best player on Hoover HS team and the best I've seen since Josh Chapman seriously, barring any major injury he looks like the best CB to come out of the state since Dre & may be better, I know big words but he is that good, had like 15 INTs or something this yr set the state record, kid is impressive, also Bobby Humphrey (dad) and Cris Carter also hit it off this weekend.

Also a few more notes

 Guys heard about a target this morning close to getting an offer Cornelius Elder, from Tenn, one of the fastest guys in the country supposedly, Bama likes him at CB

Also a few notes on Reuben Foster, he will be visiting UGA for their Jr day this weekend and apparently his HC is about to be fired for improper recruiting violations by the state of Ga, not sure but word is he is close to someone on AU staff or something, this was posted on BOL, I'm gonna try and find out

Good morning...I apologize for not getting on in a while, been super busy, anyway got some GREAT stuff for you guys

 Despite no public commits, it was still a very successful Jr day, a lot of good offers, anchored quite a few top targets

- I had a feeling we would get a commit out of Ahmad Fulwood the last few days off basically a hunch from his HS coach that he was ready to commit, wanted to visit to Bama (His HS coach is a huge Bama fan) and he would be blown away, and Saban & staff made that possible. Every little thing they had planned was dedicated to absolutely flooring him & it worked, everything from meeting Cris Carterx who OS now pretty much a staple on campus since NFL season is over, to getting extensive time with Chris Black and Amari Cooper (Coop) since not only are both those guys from Fla like Fulwood, both are significantly shorter lol. Saban made it VERY clear that we signed a couple great guys but smaller guys, aside from Eddie, & we need a big physical WR. He's one that might actually wait or might pull the trigger soon, if he waits don't be surprised to see him on campus A LOT going forward. He was VERY close to commiting & I wish it would've happened, it would've been huge since he will likely be the top WR in this class, but as of now we have a VERY sizable lead.

- Christian Hackenburg is now our top QB target, Nuss has talked to him extensively a few times & REALLY likes him, & I was told we have the inside track thanks to Nuss & Groh. Seems like a very impressive young man, hope we get him now over Max Browne after what I heard. I'd say Browne is still interested, would like to see what he thinks after he gets on campus. Something very fishy with Johnathan McCrary, one of our targets commiting out of the blue to Vandy, all of a sudden he sprung all those quotes on a beat reporter about wanting to be the only QB in the class etc after telling staff differently, very reminiscent of Gunner situation with being scared of competition.

- I am now a FULL believer as is the staff on Tyren Jones, we NEED him to be a part of this class, and he apparently also had a PHENOMENAL visit with family, don't be surprised if his recruitment goes VERY quiet to keep in-state pressure off, I am told Bama is in VERY good position, the family respects Bama & our offense & realizes how important Bama's run game is to their success (Dad had a great time talking strategy with Coach Burns). Not sure how many of you know this, but he was in an area of Ga with a HS who ran primarily spread offense & the family actually moved so Tyren could play in a pro style one back offense, that is how much Dad is sold on that type of offense. Again we are in VERY good shape, not be surprised if he commits before the end of the Summer. If you HAVEN'T seen film, it is the best I've seen since Trent coming out of HS,
here -
 Click here for link

Impressive, he is perfect size as well at 5'9 210, he and Tenpenny together would make a great combo for the future going forward.

- Quick note on Reuben Foster, who showed up as a surprise with his family this weekend. He is VERY solid, talk lately in some UGA circles of a flip, not happening. He is planning on bringing Tray Matthews (his best friend, UGA commit) in for Aday & he is confident he will get him to flip to Bama, not sure if he can lol, but it is funny I thought

- Grant Hill was ready to commit, again some more fishy stuff by HC, seems to be butthurt about Philon. He has influenced Grant to take a few visits to other schools, and I don't mak that accusation lightly. I heard he was visibly upset about not being able (like HC thratened him or something, weird) to commit without doing so. I expect a commitment soon just a very weird situation.

- I'll know more on Montravious Adams later, he didn't make it in though. He will likely reschedule don't know why he didn't show up yesterday.

- After watching more Johnathan Allen, he is very impressive as an OLB prospect, wants to visit soon & will likely commit on spot, that is how high he is on Bama. He lives in Va, but is from a military family and was originally born in Anniston. He is a HUGE Bama fan and a top 25 rated recruit nationally, top player in the state of Va, reminds me a lot of Hightower with his versatility and size (6'4, 235). We have a HUGE lead

- Ricky Jefferson, WR prospect and brother of Jordan, had a great time, kinda hard to get a good read, what is understood is because of his big bro, he grew up around the LSU program, but he is conflicted because apparently he really likes Bama, but would be shocked to not see him at LSU

- DeSean Smith is also one I wouldn't be shocked to commit soon or on spot at next visit, word is heavy Bama lean, hates LSU TE's coach & the use of TE's, we will likely land the top 2 players from the state of Louisiana AGAIN with Diarse & D. Smith & a GREAT shot at Tim Williams.

- Vonn Bell had a phenomenal visit with him & his family. He's coming back for Aday (word is he silently committed, trying to confirm, if so will announce on Aday)

- Staff is on the verge of offering Marqui Hawkins from Ga, also another possible immediate commitment, HUGE Bama fan

- Staff is still working on breaking down CB film I'm told, no real standouts yet, a few offered, but we will likely take a smaller group in 2013, but 2014 has potential to be big already with Marlon Humphrey, who I am also told was close to commiting, will be back for Aday, anyone who has seen him play, as good if not better than Dre at this stage in HS IMHO

That is all I got...hope you enjoy