Tag: freddie roach

Two Alabama assistant football coaches receive promotions

On Wednesday, two Alabama assistant coaches received promotions. The two were the only position coaches that were retained from the previous coaching staff.

On Wednesday evening, two Alabama assistant coaches were rewarded with promotions.

Running backs coach Robert Gillespie was promoted to assistant head coach. Now, he will be in charge of coaching the running backs as well as serving as an assistant head coach.

Defensive line coach Freddie Roach will be in charge of coaching the defensive line while also serving as associate head coach.

Both were retained from the previous coaching staff. They were the only position coaches that made the transition from the Nick Saban era to the Kalen DeBoer era.

Gillespie and Roach are both elite recruiters and position coaches, so it was essential to have them return to Tuscaloosa for at least one more season.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow the latest news regarding the Alabama football program.

Coach Freddie Roach: MMA striking is ‘definitely getting a lot better’

Freddie Roach has seen a lot of progression with the state of striking in MMA.

[autotag]Freddie Roach[/autotag] has seen a lot of progression with the state of striking in MMA.

In the early years of MMA, there was plenty of criticism to be had about the level of fundamental and technique in the sport.

The level of training and athletes has come a long way in recent years, though, and noted boxing coach Roach – who has also worked with many MMA notables, from Georges St-Pierre to Rafael Dos Anjos to Aaron Pico – sees the overall growth.

“It’s definitely getting a lot better,” Roach told MMA Junkie Radio at UFC X Radio Row earlier this month. “The thing is, I’m with the MMA guys a lot in the gym – Georges St-Pierre and so forth, and working with him, learning this sport, also, so I can be a better coach. It works out well.”

Watch the video above for Roach’s complete interview with MMA Junkie Radio.

Projecting Alabama’s defensive line rotation with the departure of Jamil Burroughs

Projecting Alabama’s defensive line rotation with the departure of Jamil Burroughs

It was reported on Friday that senior defensive lineman, Jamil Burroughs had entered the NCAA transfer portal. Burroughs appeared in 20 games for the Crimson Tide over three seasons and accumulated 15 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.

Burroughs was expected to be a key piece along the Alabama defensive line in 2023. Now, Nick Saban and position coach Freddie Roach will have to look a little further down the depth chart to fill in the hole left by Burroughs.

While depth is certainly not an issue for Alabama, especially along the defensive line, it won’t be easy to replace the experience that Burroughs would have brought to the lineup.

With Burroughs out of the picture, let’s try and project what the rotation up front might look like for the Crimson Tide this fall.

Alabama lands commitment from 2023 four-star DL Edric Hill

Alabama land a commitment from talented 2023 four-star DL Edric Hill on Monday.

Many experts and fellow Alabama fans presumed that 2023 defensive lineman Edric Hill would commit to the Crimson Tide on Monday. That is exactly what happened. The native of Kansas City, Missouri announced his commitment to Alabama via Twitter. He chose Alabama over other programs like Missouri, Oklahoma, Oregon, LSU and USC.

Hill is regarded as a four-star by 247Sports’ Rankings. He is listed at 6-foot-3, 290 pounds. Along with Hill, there are two other defensive linemen that have committed to Alabama: Yhonzae Pierre and Hunter Osborne.

When speaking with On3’s Hayes Fawcett, here is what he had to say about committing to the Crimson Tide:

“What stood out about Alabama was the relationship I had with the coaches and some of the players,” Hill said. “Also, coach Roach is a good guy to be around, and I just felt comfortable in Tuscaloosa. I just want to win some games and get better as a player and person.”

Alabama will likely lose several of its defensive linemen to the 2023 NFL draft. If that is the case, he could work his way into the rotation along the defensive line. When asked by Fawcett about Alabama’s plans for Hill, here is what he had to say:

“They are going to move me around at a 3 tech, 4i, 5, and I will be playing defensive end mostly,” Hill said. “It is a dream come true to play for a high level school, and the standard is always very high.”

It will be interesting to see how Alabama closes out the 2023 recruiting class along the defensive line. The Crimson Tide are also pursuing several other defensive linemen like Keon Keeley, James Smith, and Jordan Renaud.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to track Hill and his high school career as well as other Alabama football recruiting news.

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Alabama listed in top six for elite 2023 DL prospect James Smith

Alabama landed in the top six for 2023 DL James Smith. He plays for Carver-Montgomery in Montgomery, Alabama — same high school that former Alabama LB Mack Wilson once played for.

Alabama has been recruiting 2023 defensive lineman James Smith for almost two years now. The Crimson Tide offered him after his sophomore season. Since then, he has been a priority target for the coaching staff. He isn’t the only product of Carver-Montgomery High School that is being pursued by the Crimson Tide. The other prospect is his teammate, Qua Russaw.

Smith and Russaw are the coaching staff’s top priorities as of right now. After losing out on in-state defensive linemen Kelby Collins and Peter Woods, the Crimson Tide will look to make up some ground with the products of Montgomery, Alabama.

Smith possesses the raw talent to play defensive tackle at the next level. He is listed at 6-foot-4, 310 pounds. Nonetheless, he moves well for his size. Here is what 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks had to say about Smith’s skillset:

“A physical young defensive lineman who could fit multiple fronts, but likely projects best to 3-tech in an even look. Possesses requisite size/frame. Consistently flashes vs. the run and as a pass rusher. Bull in a china shop who made plays as a freshman with size, strength, and tenacity. Impressive closing speed relative to size. Physicality really stands out for such a young prospect. Technical development and improved body control could make for atruly elite front-line defender. Early returns suggest impacting high-major potential with an early-round NFL Draft ceiling.”

At this time, On3’s RPM gives Alabama the edge at 51.7% likelihood of landing Smith. Defensive line coach [autotag]Freddie Roach[/autotag] has heavily pursued Smith, and I expect that to continue in the coming months. I would be surprised if Smith and Russaw don’t attend any games this fall in Tuscaloosa. Although the two have listed an identical top six, the presumed favorites to land the two highly-rated recruits are Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn.

Roll Tide Wire will now break down Smith’s recruiting profile.

Alabama listed as a finalist for 2023 4-star DL Edric Hill

Alabama was listed as a finalist for 2023 DL Edric Hill on Tuesday. He announced his top-six schools via his Twitter account.

Alabama has landed commitments from two defensive linemen in the 2023 recruiting class: Yhonzae Pierre and Hunter Osborne. Now, the Crimson Tide appears to be in the mix to land potentially four more defensive linemen to the class. One of those is four-star defensive lineman Edric Hill.

On Tuesday, Hill announced his top six schools via his Twitter account. According to On3’s RPM, Alabama is the favorite to land Hill at 89.6%. Defensive line coach Freddie Roach has been all in on recruits like Kelby Collins, Jordan Renaud, Keon Keeley and Edric Hill.

When Hill was asked by 247Sports’ Hank South about Coach Roach, here is what he had to say:

“He’s a great dude,” Hill said of Roach. “Great coach, great guy, fun to be around. And a good teacher, too, I can tell. Just from talking to players, he’s a fun dude. Really just a great guy.”

It appears that Alabama has a legitimate shot to land Hill. According to his Twitter, Hill will be “Committing soon”. If that is any indication to Alabama fans, it is that the Crimson Tide are likely the team to beat in his recruitment.

Roll Tide Wire takes a look at Edric Hill’s recruiting profile

Several commits prioritizing flipping Notre Dame EDGE commit Keon Keeley to Alabama

Several of Alabama’s recent commits are already working on flipping the commitment of 2023 five-star edge rusher Keon Keeley. Keeley is committed to Notre Dame, but Alabama is making a strong push.

Alabama has been on a streak of landing some of the nation’s top prospects. In July, the Crimson Tide landed eight commitments for the 2023 recruiting class and two commitments for the 2024 recruiting class. With that, it doesn’t look like Coach Saban is looking to retire anytime soon.

One of the top recruits in the entire is committed elsewhere. That is five-star edge rusher, Keon Keeley. He has been committed to Notre Dame since June 28, 2021. However, the Florida native was in Tuscaloosa this past weekend for Alabama’s July cookout. Many experts, fans, and Crimson Tide commits think that Keeley will ultimately land in Tuscaloosa.

As for Keeley, he is arguably the best defensive lineman that Alabama is pursuing. He is regarded as the No. 7 overall recruit in the 2023 class, according to 247Sports’ recruiting rankings. Keeley stands at 6-foot-6, 242 pounds.  247Sports recruiting analyst Andrew Ivins compared to Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter.

Several Alabama commits have recognized his potential and are pushing for him to flip his commitment to Alabama. Today, Roll Tide Wire will take a look at several of Alabama’s commits that have personally tweeted for Keeley to flip his commitment.

Alabama lands commitment from versatile 2023 DL Hunter Osborne

Alabama lands its first d-line commit for the 2023 class in Alabama native Hunter Osborne.

The good news on the recruiting trail continued on Monday as Alabama was able to land 2023 four-star defensive lineman [autotag]Hunter Osborne[/autotag]. He chose the Crimson Tide over Clemson, Tennessee and Texas. It wasn’t a shocking decision considering Osborne lives less than an hour away from Tuscaloosa. However, he was once leaning toward Clemson after he took an official visit on June 3.

When asked by On3’s Chad Simmons why he chose the Crimson Tide, here is what Osborne had to say regarding his decision:

“How the players carry, how the coaches carry themselves
 you have no choice but to believe that you’re around the best of the best and true champions, Everyone in the program is locked in and focused. I wanted to be around that because I want to be around guys that want to be great.”

Alabama has had no shortage along the defensive line in recent years. In the past five years, eight former Alabama defensive linemen have been drafted into the NFL. That number will likely increase after the 2022 season with Justin Eboigbe and Byron Young both being fourth-year seniors. If that is the case, Alabama could look to replace them with players like Hunter Osborne, Damon Payne, or Isaiah Hastings. Nonetheless, the Crimson Tide will once again reload at the position.

Alabama has pushed for several other in-state defensive linemen in James Smith and Kelby Collins. The expectation is that one of those two will end up in Tuscaloosa when all of their recruitment is said and done. Regardless of what they decide on their future, Osborne seems locked in with the Crimson Tide.

With Osborne being a native of Trussville, Alabama, he emphasized the importance of being able to stay in-state to play at Alabama. Here is what he told Simmons in an interview on Monday:

“I’m happy to put on and represent my state playing for the University of Alabama. Now, I’m just ready to work. I’m gonna do the best I can. I’m gonna put my all in and leave nothing out. To all the fans at the University of Alabama, you’ll get the most out of me.”

Alabama now has the No. 2 overall class, according to 247Sports’ rankings.  Crimson Tide fans should keep a close eye on Edric Hill and Jordan Renaud.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Osborne over his senior year as well as other Alabama football recruiting news.

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Alabama listed as a top school for 2023 in-state DL Hunter Osborne

Alabama made the top four for 2023 DL Hunter Osborne. He has been a priority target for the Tide since receiving an offer in January.

Alabama was listed as one of four finalists in 2023 defensive lineman Hunter Osborne’s recruitment. Osborne posted his top four schools to his Twitter account on Monday afternoon. The other programs that he listed were Clemson, Tennessee and Texas. While announcing his top schools, he also announced that he would be making his commitment on August 1.

Osborne is a four-star prospect, according to 247Sports recruiting rankings. He is listed at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds. With his size, he could likely play off the edge or along the interior of the defensive line. Here is what 247Sports’ national recruiting analyst Cooper Petagna had to say about Osborne’s playing style:

“Already 250-pounds with some length, position projection will depend on how he physically develops into his body over the next year and a half. Has the ability to play out on the edge but possesses a more natural skill set inside as a three-technique; anchoring the run and offering some pass rushing upside. Projects to a high-level multi-year starter at a Power Five program at the next level with some developmental upside.”

He is currently trending heavily toward Alabama. On3’s RPM favors Alabama at 90.2% likelihood. Not to mention, he also has one crystal ball in favor of the Tide from 247Sports’ director of football recruiting Steve Wiltfong. It will be a surprise if Osborne doesn’t choose Alabama.

Here is what Osborne said when speaking about the Tide with On3’s Hayes Fawcett:

“Bama’s development and culture makes them a finalist, Osborne said. “Coach Saban is the goat and the opportunity to play for him is something to think about. Coach Roach and I talk very often and our relationship is top-notch. It’s a business down at Bama and everyone knows what the end goal is.”

He has a great relationship with defensive line coach [autotag]Freddie Roach[/autotag]. Texas was once the leader in his recruitment, but it doesn’t appear to be that way now. Osborne would be the second defensive lineman to join the class along with edge rusher [autotag]Yhonzae Pierre[/autotag]. Alabama fans should be tuned in on August 1 for his commitment.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Osborne’s recruitment and other recruiting news involving the program.

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2024 DL Champ Thompson announces late July visit to Alabama

Alabama will be hosting 2024 DL Champ Thompson for a visit!

Alabama has begun its pursuit of promising recruits in the 2024 recruiting cycle. The Tide recently landed a commitment from 2024 tight end Martavious Collins. They also appear to be in good standing with several other recruits. One of whom is defensive lineman Champ Thompson. He is planning on taking a visit to Tuscaloosa on Monday, July 25.

Earlier this month, Thompson released his top-ten schools. The ten programs that were listed include Clemson, Texas, Virginia Tech, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Florida State, Georgia Tech, Alabama, Georgia and Miami. He also recently added Notre Dame and Penn State to his list of potential programs.

His lone visit so far was to Georgia Tech.

Thompson is being recruited primarily by Charles Kelly and Freddie Roach. The product of Meadowcreek High School is listed at 6-foot-3, 250 pounds. It is unclear how the Tide’s coaching staff would play Thompson along the interior or off the edge of the defensive line.

In the coming years, it will be essential for Alabama to out-recruit Kirby Smart and the Bulldogs for talented prospects out of Georgia. As of right now, Clemson has a slight lead at a 37.7% likelihood to land Thompson, according to On3’s RPM. Georgia has the second-best odds at 17.3% and Alabama comes in third at 14.8%. Still, Alabama is expected to be firmly in the mix.

Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow Thompson’s recruiting as well as other Alabama football recruiting news.

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