Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 11/21

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It’s the day before Homecoming. The campus is electric with activity as the preparations begin for a outstanding weekend. Let’s wrap up the week with a look at some stories from yesterday and information headed into the weekend:

2015 NFL draft: Top 10 draft-eligible SEC prospects (MSN/Fox Sports)

"The 2014 draft was safety rich, with four taken in the first round. The 2015 safety class isn’t that top heavy, but Alabama’s Landon Collins is the best of the bunch. Collins is a big hitter, and he’s a smart, high-football IQ kind of defensive player. He’s not as polished as a cover guy, which means he’ll likely be drafted to play strong safety instead of free. But Collins does have some range and terrific instincts, which means he has upside. That potential will push him high up on draft boards."

A quick look at the top NFL prospects in the SEC shows Alabama with two top players in their ranks: Amari Cooper and Landon Collins. Speaking of Collins…

Landon Collins Finalist for Nagurski Award; Alabama Wraps up Work for WCU (RollTide.com)

"Alabama safety Landon Collins was named a finalist for the Bronko Nagurski Trophy. Collins, from Geismar, La., is the leader of the Crimson Tide’s vaunted defense that ranks second nationally in scoring defense (14.5 ppg), third in rushing defense (94.5 ypg), sixth in total defense (290.5) and 14th in pass efficiency defense (107.29)."

Collins has been a key player in many Alabama W’s this season. Mississippi State was just another mark on the career.

Jon Voight will play Alabama’s Paul ‘Bear’ Bryant in ‘Woodlawn’ movie (AL.com)

"The movie focuses on former Alabama Crimson Tide and Miami Dolphins running back Tony Nathan, and it takes place during Nathan’s junior and senior seasons at Birmingham’s Woodlawn High School, when a spiritual awakening help unite the Woodlawn football team following the forced integration of the school."

You compare the two in pictures…it’s almost perfect.

SEC slant: Alabama’s problem letting off the gas (ESPN)

"Coaches will tell you there’s no bigger key to having a successful offense than winning on first down. And whether it’s running or passing, Alabama thrives in the first half of games, averaging 7.52 yards per play on first down. But in the second half, it isn’t ahead of the sticks as much because its yards per play on first down falls by nearly a full yard.That may not sound like a lot, but it’s a part of a larger problem facing the Tide.Will it come back and bite them eventually? Who knows."

Interesting angle taken on Alabama this season. Obviously, this probably gives a voice to the concern that Alabama blows big leads.

College Student Who Works For ESPNU Tweets Florida State Shooting Joke, Deletes Account (Business Insider)

"Before deleting her account, she defended her “opinions,” tweeting, “Since apparently I cant make a joke in all seriousness I hope everyone at FSU is safe & that the gunman is found. But I stand by my opinions.”"

Pretty bad mark for those who represent Crimson and White. Though, I think this is somewhat overblown, she shouldn’t have tweeted that in the first place.