Tag: Alabama Crimson Tide football

Who was the breakout player from Alabama football’s A-Day spring game?

See which player stood above the rest during Alabama football’s A-Day spring game.

During Saturday’s spring game, the Alabama offense defeated the Alabama defense by a final score of 34-28. One player stood out above the rest.

The Alabama Crimson Tide were led offensively by junior running back Jam Miller. The native of Tyler, Texas finished the game with eight carries for 83 yards and two touchdowns.

Miller has served as a backup the past two seasons. Now, it appears that he will have the opportunity to be Alabama’s feature back next season alongside sophomore Justice Haynes. The two seem to be the lead backs heading into the offseason.

The playmaking ability is what stands out the most with Miller. He can impact the game as a ball carrier as well as a pass catcher for the Crimson Tide. He will be vital to Alabama’s success at the running back position next season.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest regarding the Alabama football program as it enters the offseason.

Impressions from potential Texas playoff opponents’ spring games

What did spring football games look like from potential playoff opponents?

Spring games for a handful of teams are complete. Some of them had our attention on Saturday. Continue reading “Impressions from potential Texas playoff opponents’ spring games”

Alabama QB Ty Simpson will reportedly not enter transfer portal

Alabama QB Ty Simpson is not expected to enter the now-open spring transfer portal. He will stick with Kalen DeBoer and the Crimson Tide.

The 2024 spring transfer portal window is now open for the next two weeks, which means players from programs all across the country can leave their current team in hopes of finding another. The portal gives, and the portal takes. Alabama Crimson Tide football fans are both excited and nervous about how the spring portal window could impact the 2024 roster.

Kalen DeBoer heading into his first season as the Crimson Tide head coach looks to pick up where legendary coach Nick Saban left off. However, it’s a difficult task to do in the ever-changing landscape that is college football in 2024.

One player that Alabama seems to have secured is quarterback Ty Simpson, according to Ryan Fowler of Tide 100.9’s The Game. The redshirt sophomore out of Martin, Tennessee was QB2 behind Jalen Milroe in 2023 and is expected to serve in the same role for the upcoming season.

With DeBoer at the helm of the program and a new-look coaching staff, no job is guaranteed on this team. A healthy quarterback competition is usually beneficial for the program. Simpson sees value in staying in Tuscaloosa.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football and the transfer portal as updates become available.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Miami Dolphins expected to pick up Jaylen Waddle’s fifth-year option

Former Alabama wide receiver and Miami Dolphins star is expected to have his fifth-year option picked up.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football wide receiver Jaylen Waddle was the sixth overall selection in the 2021 NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins. Pairing him with his former college quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has proven to be a very smart move. Now, Waddle is expected to have his fifth-year option picked up by the Dolphins.

Waddle broke the NFL record for most receptions by a receiver in his rookie season. Since then, star receiver Tyreek Hill has joined the team, which led to Waddle’s role on the offense shrinking some. However, that has not prevented him from being a valuable member of the team’s receiving corps.

In 2023, Waddle reeled in 72 passes on 104 targets for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns. He and Hill are often considered to be one of the strongest receiving duos in the entire league.

Miami’s general manager, Chris Grier, shared with reporters that the franchise plans on picking up his fifth-year option before the upcoming deadline to do so.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to cover Waddle and other former Alabama players in the NFL as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles agree to contract extension

WR DeVonta Smith and the Philadelphia Eagles have agreed to terms on a three-year extension. The former Alabama receiver gets PAID.

Former Alabama Crimson Tide football wide receiver DeVonta Smith has received a hefty contract extension from the Philadelphia Eagles, according to NFL network insider Ian Rapoport. Smith’s new deal is worth $75 million over three seasons.

Smith was a star player for the Crimson Tide during his time in Tuscaloosa, and finished his collegiate career with a national championship and a Heisman Trophy, a rare instance where a wide receiver won the coveted award.

After being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft by the Eagles, Smith immediately became a valuable offensive weapon for the franchise. Through three seasons, he has a per-season average of 80 receptions for 1,060 yards and six touchdowns.

His time in the NFL is just getting started, and the front office in Philadelphia wanted to make sure he stays a member of the Eagles.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Smith and other former Alabama players in the NFL as the 2024 offseason progresses.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Alabama’s biggest spring transfer portal need revealed

With the Spring transfer portal window opening soon, see which position Kalen DeBoer and Alabama must address.

The Spring transfer portal window will soon open for all college football programs, and some teams are expected to be very active participants. The Alabama Crimson Tide roster has plenty of strengths, but head coach Kalen DeBoer should pay close attention to the defensive secondary. Alabama is a program to watch when the portal opens.

As players come and go via the transfer portal, roster management is more difficult than ever. The most skilled recruiters must have the ability to not only bring players in, but keep them on the roster.

Taking over for legendary head coach Nick Saban was never going to be an easy task, but DeBoer has taken the challenge on and has, so far, been meeting expectations.

With the Spring transfer portal window looming, the DeBoer and the Crimson Tide must hone in on positions that lack depth and start-worthy talent.

For Alabama, the program is expected to be seeking defensive backs, according to Adam Ritenberg of ESPN, who recently named the primary needs of a few major programs (subscription required) that can be addressed by the transfer portal.

“Kalen DeBoer’s roster management — like just about everything he does in taking over for Nick Saban — will be closely monitored. DeBoer’s first month on the job felt much longer, as he scrambled to finalize the coaching staff and limit a significant portal exodus. Alabama ultimately retained a key offensive lineman in Proctor but suffered some significant departures in the back of its defense, most notably safety Caleb Downs to Ohio State. The Tide are replacing other standouts in the defensive backfield with Terrion Arnold (five interceptions, 12 pass breakups in 2023) and Kool-Aid McKinstry (seven pass breakups) off to the NFL. Alabama already added two notable transfers in Domani Jackson (USC) and Keon Sabb (Michigan), and the program returns notable players such as safety Malachi Moore, a starter and captain in 2023.”

Spring practices have been ongoing, and the coaches have raved about what they’ve seen. However, there is always room for improvement. In a season where the program will be under a microscope, DeBoer needs to craft a special roster, especially if they look to return to the College Football Playoffs.

There’s no telling who will be available via the portal, and how hard Alabama will press to land the best possible players. The current state of college football allows players to seek playing time and name, image, likeness deals. DeBoer may still be navigating those waters, which could make it difficult to compete with other programs that are recruiting the same players.

When does the spring transfer portal open?

Players are allowed to enter the portal, be recruited by all programs around the country and commit to teams beginning April 16.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Alabama football as the team looks to make a splash in the transfer portal.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Alabama’s Tyler Booker speaks to relationship with Washington transfer Parker Brailsford

Tyler Booker’s leadership exemplified when asked about Washington transfer Parker Brailsford

Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football team completed their 13th spring practice on Tuesday afternoon from Tuscaloosa leading up to the annual A-Day Game which will take place this Saturday, April 13 from inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Following Tuesday’s events, Crimson Tide players were made available to the media, including veteran offensive lineman Tyler Booker.

Booker was asked about Washington transfer center, Parker Brailsford who followed Coach DeBoer from Seattle to Tuscaloosa. Despite just arriving in January, Brailsford has spent a large portion of the spring away from the team for what can be described as personal reasons.

When asked about his relationship with Brailsford, Booker responded like a true leader.

“I love that guy,” Booker said. “That’s my brother. Just being able to be there for him in a time like this is very crucial. I told him whatever he needs, I’m there for him. He’s a brother now. He’s part of this Alabama brotherhood. I’ll treat him as such.”

The exact reason for Brailsford’s absence has not been released to the public but Coach DeBoer did speak on the young man following this past weekend’s scrimmage.

“Parker’s just going through some non-football related things,” DeBoer said. “He’s gonna be with us. He’s working out with our strength staff and done a great job there. He’s never done anything wrong. It’s nothing like that. He’s working hard. He’s gonna be ready to go here sooner than later. Just taking it day by day.”

While a timetable has not been set for Brailsford to make his return, it appears he will have to battle James Brockermeyer as the anchor of the Alabama offensive line.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the progress of the Crimson Tide as spring football continues.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes, and opinion. You can also follow Stacey Blackwood on X (Twitter) @Blackwood89.

Is Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer a top-5 head coach in college football?

Kalen DeBoer is tasked with taking over the Alabama football program with high expectations left behind by Nick Saban. Is he a top-5 coach in college football?

For the first time in nearly two decades, there will be a new coach roaming the sidelines of Bryant-Denny Stadium. Nick Saban, the legendary head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide football program, announced his retirement at the beginning of the 2024 offseason. Moving swiftly, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne hired Kalen DeBoer, luring him away from the Washington Huskies fresh off of a national championship appearance.

The position DeBoer finds himself in is not one that many envy. Having to be the immediate successor of Saban means there are high expectations and nearly impossible shoes to fill. However, DeBoer is up for the task.

Heading into the 2024 season, which features a new-look SEC including the additions of the Texas Longhorns and Oklahoma Sooners and an expanded College Football Playoff field.

ESPN recently ranked the top 10 head coaches in all of college football for the upcoming season and DeBoer is up near the top, ranking No. 2 just behind Kirby Smart, the head coach of the Georgia Bulldogs.

“After starting his career as an assistant at tiny Sioux Falls, his alma mater, DeBoer guided the NAIA Cougars to a 67-3 record with three national titles over a five-year stretch,” writes Kyle Bonagura. “From there, DeBoer embarked on a climb up the assistant-coaching ranks, during which each school he arrived at experienced near-unprecedented success, before being named the head coach at Fresno State. His modest two-year run there (12-6) led to the gig at Washington, where he transformed a team that won four games in 2021 to one that went 25-3 over the next two seasons, earning an appearance in the national title game this past season.”

Alabama made the College Football Playoffs in 2023, which just makes DeBoer’s situation that much harder. Saban, even in his final season, was capable of having the team in contention to win a national championship. It would be a different story if the Crimson Tide regressed in recent seasons. However, DeBoer instead inherits a program that is still a powerhouse, with the ability to win it all.

DeBoer will have his first opportunity to prove himself in Tuscaloosa when Alabama kicks off the 2024 season at home against Western Kentucky on Aug. 31, 2024.

Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM. 

Does USC’s defensive recruiting momentum strengthen five-star Julian Lewis’ commitment to the Trojans?

Julian Lewis has noticed USC’s surge in defensive recruiting. He is paying attention.

You might have noticed that Buffaloes Wire covered a recent visit by Julian Lewis to Deion Sanders and Colorado. We took note of that. People are wondering how secure Lewis’s commitment to USC truly is.

Lewis, the five-star quarterback prospect, has recently had unofficial visits Colorado and Auburn. BamaOnLine.com reported he will be at Alabama on Thursday for a spring scrimmage.  

It’s not time to panic, Trojan fans. Lewis will be on an unofficial visit to USC this weekend according to multiple sources. He made no secret of how excited he was that USC was able to lock down five commitments over the past weekend, four of them for Lewis’s 2025 class and another for 2026.

“I was surprised,” Lewis told 247Sports. “I’m just getting to know the guys in 2025 that play defense because they played in a different classification than me as well. So even though they’re in Georgia, we didn’t know each other. We’ve said what’s up but that’s about it. Coach Riley made a crazy D-line coach hire and now all the guys want to play for him. So it’s exciting to see for sure, because that’s kind of what everyone talks about is SC can’t play defense. So if they can get national recruits on both sides of the ball, it can change that narrative.” 

USC’s defensive coordinator, D’Anton Lynn, and his staff did their job last weekend by bringing in four defensive blue-chip commits for the 2025 class. Now Lincoln Riley and Luke Huard, the newly-named quarterback coach who moved from inside receiver coach, need to continue to cultivate their relationship with the young quarterback from Carrolton, Georgia.

Visit our friends at Fighting Irish Wire, Buffaloes Wire, and Ducks Wire. Follow our newest sites, UW Huskies Wire and UCLA Wire.

Texas HC Steve Sarkisian’s adaptability could be vital to his success

Changes to college football have some leaving for greener pastures. Sarkisian’s ability to adapt sets him up for success.

College football isn’t what it used to be. In many ways, that’s a good thing. Even so, not all college coaches have been able to adapt to new norms in college football.

Name, image and likeness (NIL) has played a big role in establishing new norms for college football teams. Rightfully so, the players that bring sizable revenue to universities are no longer working for free.

One coach was no longer able to continue to adapt to the new landscape. Legendary Alabama head coach Nick Saban detailed the changes that led to his retirement in an article by ESPN’s Chris Low.

“Maybe 70 or 80 percent of the players you talk to, all they want to know is two things: What assurances do I have that I’m going to play because they’re thinking about transferring, and how much are you going to pay me?

So I’m saying to myself, ‘Maybe this doesn’t work anymore, that the goals and aspirations are just different and that it’s all about how much money can I make as a college player?'”

Saban made a career off his ability to adapt, but as early as 2022 he noted that he would not be able to continue to roll with whatever changes would come down the line.

NIL and the transfer portal, which in and of themselves are great without the other, are a nightmare to navigate in their combined form. Saban noted the frustration of players looking to leverage their current value into a bigger NIL deal. Nevertheless, that’s the set of circumstances every other college football team is dealing with right now. The best at managing the situation are those who will see the most success.

Enter Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian who in three years has resurrected the Longhorns from a decade of average to a 12-win team, conference champion and College Football Playoff participant. Many doubted he would ever win 10 games. He did so with style points, dominating the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tuscaloosa.

Unlike Saban, Sarkisian is adjusting to college football’s new rules. He’s thriving, handpicking players from the transfer portal and utilizing Texas’ brand power to win in recruiting. More than that, many of his players aren’t looking to level up to a better program. They don’t have to.

Key Texas players aren’t transferring. At least, the ones who are getting significant playing time and producing aren’t leaving for another college team. Sarkisian is retaining his best players. It wouldn’t make sense to leave.

Texas’ head coach is adapting to college football. And while his leadership, culture change, scheme and development are all valuable, his ability to succeed no matter what changes come to college football are why Texas is set up to win in the SEC.