Crimson Tide Players and their Standing in the 2010 Draft
SIAP, Mel Kiper updated his "rankings" yesterday and also did a little blog about the combine etc.
On his article about workouts and combines: He opens talking about there being a group of guys whose on the field performance speaks for themselves and they shouldn't worry about hurting their stock in the combine (and he states unless the pull an Andre Smith and leave early, haha). The four that he said are in solid standing includes Suh, Gerald McCoy, Derrick Morgan, and out very own Rolando McClain.
He goes on to state that Alabama Linebacker McClain is similar in size to Brian Urlacher and states that he thinks he has the potential to be drafted around the same position (Urlacher was the #9 overall pick when he came out). He states McClain has proven he can play sideline-to-sideline and he thinks he will run well during workouts.
On his “Big Board” and rankings I’ll just mention the Bama Players:
Top 25 overall, Rolando McClain, this years Butkus award winner is the only one that checks in, and is at #12 overall in the 2010 NFL draft.
Positional Rankings:
Alabama Seniors
Collin Peek is #4 among Senior TE's
Mike Johnson is #3 among Senior Guards
Terrence Cody #3 among Senior DT’s
Javier Arenas is #3 among Senior CB's
Leigh Tiffin #4 among Senior PK's
Rolando McClain #1 among Junior ILB’s
Kareem Jackson #3 among Junior CB's
Mel Kiper doesn’t rank Sophomores, but CBSsports.com does (although I find their draft projections to be borderline horrible), they rank Ingram & Julio the #1 player at their position in their class, Barron #2 at safety, Dareus #2 at DE. Those are the only players they have ranked in the top 5 at their respective positions among our sophomore (RS FR) class. If Dontae Hightower had not been injured he would be on this list also. With top recruiting year in and year out , the Crimson Tide will be stocking the NFL with great players for years to come.
Alabama News, Ingram on Cover of SI
Because this year’s Crimson Tide vs Tigers being played on Friday instead of Saturday, everything had to be moved up practice-wise, so the Crimson Tide started preparing for the Tigers on Sunday instead of taking a day off. TV Mada a bad decision.
Someone at CBS apparently forgot that Alabama-Auburn is the country’s best rivalry games.
Auburn is coming off a bye and has the advantage of playing at home.
“I think it helps probably more physically more than anything,” senior left guard Mike Johnson. “No matter whom the next opponent is you’re still going to be running the same plays & trying to defend the same for the most part. Just having that extra week to get your legs going to be huge for them (Auburn), & I know they’re excited. They’re a good football team. We are going to have to work that much harder.”
Sports Illustrated has confirmed rumors that Alabama tailback Mark Ingram does indeed appear on the cover of this week’s issue.
INJURY REPORT: Saban claims no injuries going into the Iron Bowl that were serious enough to keep players out of drills today.
Tailback Terry Grant (abdominal strain) has missed the past three games and missed practice Monday before returning to work Tuesday.
Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart was named today as one of 34 nominees for the Frank Broyles Award, which is given each year to the top assistant coach in college football.
Smart’s defense is currently ranked #. 1 nationally in total defense and second nationally in rushing defense.
Comparing the SEC’s Best:
Mark Barrons’ Stats : Comparison to the supposed top safety in the SEC.
Tackles
60
Interceptions
6
Eric Berry
Tackles
70
Interceptions:
2
Greg McElroy Stats: Comparison to the top QB in the SEC:
Yards Passing – 1913
Completion % 60.2
TD 13
INT 4
Tim Tebow Stats-
Passing Yards-1730
Completion % 64.6
TD 12
INT 4