REPORT: Alabama WR Chadarius Townsend to transfer

A day after losing wide receiver Tyrell Shavers to Mississippi State, Alabama is set to lose WR/RB Chadarius Townsend.

Just one day after it was reported that former Alabama wide receiver Tyrell Shavers was leaving the program and transferring to SEC West rival Mississippi State, it has been reported that Chadarius Townsend will also be departing.

Townsend has spent time at Alabama practicing as a wide receiver, a running back and a defensive back.

Matt Zenitz of AL.com was the first to report on his intent to transfer.

Townsend, an in-state recruit who joined Alabama in 2016 as a four-star athlete, will be immediately eligible to play as a graduate transfer.

Photo credit: Mickey Welsh

He appeared in two games in 2019 as a running back where he had 22 yards on eight carries.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated as to where Townsend will decide to continue his collegiate football career.

Former Alabama WR Tyrell Shavers is transferring to Mississippi State

Former Alabama wide receiver Tyrell Shavers announced via Twitter on Monday that he’s transferring to Mississippi State. 

Less than a week after entering the transfer portal, former Alabama wide receiver Tyrell Shavers announced via Twitter on Monday that he’s transferring to Mississippi State.

Shavers came to Alabama as 4 star recruit and was also a top 100 recruit in the nation, and the 12th overall wide receiver in the nation.

In his career at Alabama, he only recorded 1 reception for 20 yards, which was in 2019 against Western Carolina. It is important to note that Shavers did play in all 28 games the past two seasons.

Shavers heads to Starkville as a graduate transfer with two remaining years of eligibility.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you up to date on the very latest!
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WATCH: Bo Scarbrough shares why he Alabama is cheat code to the NFL

Former Alabama RB Bo Scarbrough shared on the Alabama football twitter page why he chose to play for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide

Former Alabama running back Bo Scarbrough shared on the Alabama football twitter page why he chose to play for Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide.

As Scarbrough shares,

“The reason I chose Alabama was because I knew that Coach Saban would be here for the amount of the time I was here, I knew I was going to grow as a person, as a man, and as a player. Someone who can teach me how to be a man and a better person in life, and not just football.”

Scarbrough also shares how Alabama and the NFL are similar:

“I look at Alabama as a cheat code for the NFL. For example, Coach Matt Patricia up in Detroit, he runs the practices the same way Saban does, and as far as meetings, it was the same thing I was used to here (Alabama). They get you ready in so many ways and when you get there (NFL) you already know how to take care of your body, you already know how to workout, you know how to by physical, you know how to be a man, you know how to take care of responsibilities on your own, and it was like I was playing for Alabama all over again, just in a different system, different team, and different state. 

In his career at Alabama, Scarbrough recorded 1,512 yards rushing for 20 TDs. He also helped lead Alabama to two national titles while playing for the Crimson Tide in both 2015, and again in 2017.

Bo went on to be drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the 7th round of the 2018 NFL Draft. After being traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars, and then the Seattle Seahawks, Scarbrough finally landed in Detroit where he joined the Lions in November of 2019. Last season, Scarbrough appeared in six games, and started five, while recording 377 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown.

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REPORT: Jerry Jeudy already practicing with Broncos QB Drew Lock

Former Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the first round and has already been seen working with his new QB.

It has been just over a month since former Alabama standout wide receiver Jerry Jeudy was drafted by the Denver Broncos with the No. 15 overall selection and he has already been putting in work.

Despite the NFL limiting who can access team facilities, the 2018 Biletnikoff recipient decided that there was no time to waste when looking to build chemistry with his new quarterback, Drew Lock.

Lock, a fellow SEC product from Missouri, was drafted by the Broncos in the 2019 draft and appears to be the signal caller of the future for a Denver team that has lacked stability at the position since Peyton Manning.

After only appearing in five games throughout the 2019 season, Lock completed 100 passes for 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns and only three interceptions.

Mike Klis of 9News reported that Jeudy is among other players that has been working with Lock at a local field in the Denver area.

The former Alabama receiver is expected to be a key piece to the Broncos offense in 2020 as he’ll be complementing 2019 Pro Bowl receiver Courtland Sutton.

Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on Jerry Jeudy’s journey throughout his rookie season in the NFL

Alabama running back after 1st voluntary practice: “Bama is back”

According to Alabama senior running back Brian Robinson Jr. “Bama is back.”

June 8th was a day that NCAA athletes all over the country had circled on their calendars, especially football players. After the NCAA cancelled all winter sports’ championships as well as spring seasons due to the coronavirus, hope remained for a fall football season. So when the NCAA voted to allow voluntary workouts to resume on June 8th, it was game on.

Although there are reports that 5 Alabama football players tested positive for the coronavirus, the Alabama Crimson Tide still held the first “voluntary” practice on Monday. And according to Alabama senior running back Brian Robinson Jr. “Bama is back.”

 

Robinson, who is a senior from Tuscaloosa, Alabama, has continued to become a bigger part of Alabama’s offense each season. In 2017, he had 24 carries for 165 yards and 2 TD. In 2018, he recorded 63 carries for 272 yards and 2 TDs. And in 2019, Robinson made a much bigger impact offensively for the Tide as he had 96 carries for 441 yards and 5 TDs.

With both Robinson and Harris returning as running backs for Alabama, there’s no doubt that this could be a comeback season for the Tide.

I don’t know about you, but hearing Robinson say “Bama is back” has me so excited (and hopeful) for this season!

Roll Tide!

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Alabama football: Projected 2020 defensive depth chart

Roll Tide Wire decided to project what Alabama’s defensive depth chart might look like as fall camp approaches prior to the USC game.

Nick Saban is entering his 14th season in Tuscaloosa, and the Alabama Crimson Tide are looking to get back into the College Football Playoff after missing it in 2019.

The Citrus Bowl against the Michigan Wolverines seemed to put the team back on track after a crushing loss to Auburn in the Iron Bowl, but can the Tide carry that momentum into this season?

The road to No. 18 is scheduled to start with the USC Trojans on Sept. 5 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington (Tex.), which will be a game featuring two projected top 20 teams.

Ahead of that exciting opening week matchup, Roll Tide Wire is bringing you a projecting for how Alabama’s defensive depth chart will look come Week 1.

NEXT: IDL depth chart

Latest NBA Mock Draft has Kira Lewis Jr. as 11th overall draft pick

NBADraft.net released its latest mock draft and has Kira Lewis as the 11th pick in the first round.

NBADraft.net released its latest mock draft and has Kira Lewis as the 11th pick in the first round.

Many analysts have raved about Lewis’ speed and his ability to make big plays, and according to this mock draft, Lewis would be drafted by the San Antonio Spurs as the 11th overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft.

According to the site, here are the many strength the see Lewis having:

“Long, quick, athletic point guard with good scoring ability … Speed kills. Lewis is extremely quick and makes it difficult for opposing guards to keep him in front of them … Has a smoothness to his game … Pushes the ball well, utilizing good ball handling and great speed and fluidity … Has a lightning quick first step and shows very good ability to drive the ball … Great body control allows him to finish plays at the rim, as well as weave through traffic … Shows good ability to shoot the ball from deep, particularly in spot up situations … Developing a nice mid-range game … Shows an adept ability to incorporate floaters when he can’t get all the way to the rim … Has great experience for his age and is very young having turned 19 in April, with two college seasons under his belt … A good outside shooter with a solid, efficient from … Has a quick release and really does a good job of catching, squaring up and releasing quickly, and has shown that he can get shots off effectively even without much space to work with … Has great quickness, length and anticipation allowing him to jump passing lanes and produce a lot of breakaways … A fairly explosive athlete … Shows a great deal of potential as a defender due to his length and quickness … Great length. Measured with a 6’5 wingspan two years ago (at the 2018 USA Select minicamp) and there’s a chance he’s gotten an inch or two longer since … A very good athlete who routinely finishes breakaways with dunks … While he increased his scoring from his freshman year, his big jump in productivity came as a playmaker as he upped his assists from 2.9 to 5.2 … Efficient shooter/scorer from all three levels. Hit 36% from three in both of his seasons, shoots 80% from the line and connects at a solid rate from inside the arch … Very solid rebounder considering his lack of strength at 4.8 per game, showing his tenacity and hustle, surely giving his analytics projections a lift … Does an excellent job of driving and dishing … Has the ability to force the defense to react and collapse and finds open teammates well on the move … Shows the ability to extend drives with the Eurostep … A steady performer. Scored in double digits in all but 2 games.”

Wherever Lewis ends up, there’s no doubt that he will make his mark.

In his two years with the Crimson Tide, Lewis averaged 34.5 minutes, a field goal percentage of 44.7 percent, 1,031 total points, 260 assists and 183 turnovers.

He also averaged 18.5 ppg., 5.2 assists per game, and made 37% percent of his 3-pointers.

Lewis announced his entry into the NBA draft at the end of March by a heartfelt twitter post.

The NBA draft is scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 25, but Roll Tide Wire will keep you updated on if that changed due to the coronavirus.

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Alabama player snapshot: No. 78 Amari Kight

Redshirt freshman OL Amari Kight is the next man up on Alabama football’s player snapshot, which highlights each scholarship player.

As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster.

Each day, we’ll release two player profiles giving fans a glimpse into the players who will be available this upcoming season. Whether that’s size, classification, hometowns or recruiting rankings coming out of high school, we’ve got you covered.

Also included in each article is a quick recap letting you know what to expect from that player for the upcoming 2020 season and beyond.

Next up on the list is redshirt freshman offensive lineman Amari Kight out of Alabaster (Ala.).

Amari Kight, Offensive Line

Amari Kight
Thompson’s Amari Kight (78) during the AHSAA Class 7A State Championship Football Game at Jordan Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Wednesday evening December 5, 2018. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Height: 6-7 / Weight: 302

Class: Redshirt Freshman

Hometown: Alabaster (Ala.)

High School: Thompson High School

HS ranking (247Sports): 4-star / No. 76 overall / No. 10 OT / No. 5 ALA

HS ranking (Rivals): 4-star / No. 140 overall / No. 19 OT / No. 6 ALA

Analysis: Amari Kight has the look of a future starting left tackle. He’s long at 6-foot-7, but he’s also lean and really athletic while not possessing overly powerful traits. For that reason, don’t be surprised if he ends up being a candidate to eventually take over for Alex Leatherwood starting in 2021.

For now, Kight will need to continue developing more strength in his lower and upper body while also mastering the mental aspects of the game. If he can do that and learn to play with more natural bend and lower pad overall level, the sky is the ceiling for the former Thompson High School standout.

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Julio Jones stat predictions for 2020 season

Here are some stat predictions for Julio Jones as head heads into season No. 10 with the Atlanta Falcons.

Former Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones is set to enter season No. 10 in the league, all with Atlanta. the 31-year old shows no signs of slowing down.

In 2019 he led the Falcons in yardage and receptions with 1,394 yards off of 99 receptions for six touchdowns.

While there is plenty of debate among NFL fans who the best wide receiver is – some claiming Saints’ Michael Thomas, others believing it’s Arizona’s DeAndre Hopkins – PFF believes that Jones is the top receiver in the league.

The Alabama product not only ranks as the No. 1 wide receiver, but also as the No. 3 best player in the NFL.

So this leads us to ask the question: What will Jones be able to accomplish in 2020?

Here are some stat predictions for Julio Jones as we get closer to the start of the 2020 NFL season:

Targets & Receptions – 145 tgts / 90 yds

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Jones was one reception away in 2019 from hitting triple digits for the season. With Calvin Ridley expected to assume a greater role, while still being WR2, we could see a slight production drop due to lower targets and a greater volume going towards Ridley.

A lower work load may also be the case given Atlanta’s recent acquisition of running back Todd Gurley. A strong, established run game could mean a greater presence in the backfield and more snaps going to Gurley.

Overall, a season total that results in only nine fewer catches should not be concerning to fans of the seven-time Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Alabama player snapshot: No. 75 Tommy Brown

Redshirt sophomore OL Tommy Brown is the next man up on Alabama football’s player snapshot, which highlights each scholarship player.

As we continue through the offseason, Roll Tide Wire has decided to bring fans a quick snapshot of each scholarship player listed on Alabama’s 2020 football roster.

Each day, we’ll release two player profiles giving fans a glimpse into the players who will be available this upcoming season. Whether that’s size, classification, hometowns or recruiting rankings coming out of high school, we’ve got you covered.

Also included in each article is a quick recap letting you know what to expect from that player for the upcoming 2020 season and beyond.

Next up on the list is redshirt sophomore offensive lineman Tommy Brown out of Santa Ana (Calif.).

Tommy Brown, Offensive Line

Pierce Quick
Alabama defensive lineman Stephon Wynn, Jr., (90) goes against offensive lineman Tommy Brown (75) and offensive lineman Pierce Quick during second half action in the Alabama A-Day spring football scrimmage game at Bryant Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Saturday April 13, 2019. Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Height: 6-7 / Weight: 317

Class: Redshirt Sophomore

Hometown: Santa Ana (Calif.)

High School: Mater Dei High School

HS ranking (247Sports): 4-star / No. 132 overall / No. 4 OG / No. 17 CA

HS ranking (Rivals): 4-star / No. 196 overall / No. 13 OT / No. 29 CA

Analysis: Tommy Brown is an interesting prospect to monitor heading into fall camp. If Alabama could’ve practiced in the spring, we could’ve gotten a better idea who was leading to be the fifth starter along the offensive line, but now, a lot will need to be determined in the coming months.

Brown will be in competition with several players, but things could come down to only two other linemen: Emil Ekiyor Jr. and Darrin Dalcourt. Granted, it’s all going to depend where other linemen — such as Landon Dickerson and Deonte Brown — end up starting, but Tommy Brown should be in the mix.

At 6-foot-7, 317 pounds, Brown brings length and overall size to the line, but where is his best position? It’s possible that it could be at right tackle, but if Evan Neal ends up sliding into that spot, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Brown get a crack at either right or left guard.

Considering he was a consensus top 200 prospect coming out of Bryce Young’s alma mater in Mater Dei High School, it’s expected that Brown should eventually be a starter — whether that’s in 2020 or beyond.

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