Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 12/18
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Alabama WR Amari Cooper makes unanimous All-American
"In three seasons, Cooper rewrote Alabama’s record book and became the nation’s top receiver. He’s currently second in the country with 127.4 yards per game.On the live SiriusXM broadcast announcement of the FWAA team, Cooper said his preseason goals were to get 100 catches and 1,500 yards. He passed both totals with an SEC record 115 yards and school-record 1,656 yards."
Alabama safety Landon Collins makes unanimous All-American status
"Safety Landon Collins made it 5-for-5 with the Football Writers Association of America first team Wednesday evening. Amari Cooper joined him on the unanimous list when the FWAA receivers were announced later in the SiriusXM broadcast announcement.The five official All-American teams include the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, Football Writers Association of America, The Sporting News and Walter Camp Football Foundation."
Congratulations to Amari Cooper and Landon Collins on their unanimous All-American status. They join a long line of great Alabama Crimson Tide players.
Alabama returns from ‘much-needed’ break
"Coming off a win in the SEC championship game, Alabama was given the week off before it began preparation for the Allstate Sugar Bowl. It was the first time the players had that much time off since July. How did they spend it?“I did a little Christmas shopping for my little girl,” quarterback Blake Sims said. “I got a few things that she asked Santa for and just tried to give this year instead of receiving.”Sims was also in attendance for Saturday’s graduation where he watched 14 members of the Alabama football team walk across the stage and receive their diplomas.But aside from that, most of the players went home to spend time with their families. Others, such as Amari Cooper and Landon Collins, traveled across the country to take part in various award presentations. Ryan Kelly stayed in Tuscaloosa where he attended an engagement party for teammate and fellow offensive lineman Austin Shepherd."
If you have been following along, you knew that the Tide had returned from break to begin practice for the playoff. Here is a write up from ESPN.
Five reasons Alabama will win its third national title in four years
"Alabama enters the College Football Playoff as the No. 1 overall seed and the odds-on favorite to win the 2014-15 national championship.The Crimson Tide have won two out of the last three titles and enter the playoff with an eight-game winning streak, including a 42-13 win over Missouri in the SEC championship and a 55-44 victory over Auburn in the Iron Bowl.The Crimson Tide’s formula for success hasn’t changed.Nick Saban’s team leans on a strong defense to win games, but the offense also proved capable of carrying this team, as the rushing attack is solid with backs T.J. Yeldon and Derrick Henry, while receiver Amari Cooper, who finished third in the Heisman voting, is the best in college football. Blake Sims has developed into a solid starter and potential All-SEC quarterback under coordinator Lane Kiffin."
I just liked this title for some reason. Fox Sports gives the five reasons they believe the Tide will win it all this year.
Krystal Rivers Makes Alabama History as AVCA Third Team All-American
"Redshirt sophomore Krystal Rivers has made program history, becoming Alabama’s first ever player to be named to the American Volleyball Coaches Association Third Team All-America list, announced Wednesday.Alabama’s seven All-America honors prior to this season have all been as honorable mentions, including Rivers last season. This year, freshman Kat Hutson and junior Sierra Wilson were both named Honorable Mention All-Americans. All three were named to the AVCA All-South Region team earlier this season as well."
Men’s Basketball Toy Drive Set For Friday vs. Stillman
"The Alabama men’s basketball team will have a Christmas Toy Drive for Friday’s contest against Stillman. Friday’s contest is set to tipoff at 6 p.m. CT at Coleman Coliseum.Any fan who brings a new or unwrapped toy to donate will receive free admission to the game. Fans can drop the donation off at the Coleman Coliseum box office any time between 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. on Dec. 18 and will receive a ticket for the game in return. Fans can also bring a donation to Friday’s game and enter through the North entrance where they will be given a redeemable ticket."
Women’s Basketball Hosts PARA Youth Clinic on Wednesday
"Members of the women’s basketball team hosted a clinic for the Tuscaloosa County Park & Recreation Authority youth league on Wednesday night at the Belk Center. Nearly 100 children attended the two-hour session that featured several stations focused on fundamental. In addition, attendees were given the opportunity to hear from head coach Kristy Curry."