Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 1/29
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Alabama, Auburn still in the mix for 5-star DE CeCe Jefferson as Signing Day nears
"“If he has made his mind up, he will wait till Signing Day for sure,” McPherson told AL.com. “The more people say that somebody’s No. 1 or No. 2, the more he likes it.“I think everything’s still pretty status quo. He’s going to announce on Signing Day. This last week is going to be important for all these schools to make their last pitches to him to see how they can swing things in their favor.”All five head coaches have made their allotted one in-home visit to Jefferson during this recruiting period. Alabama assistants Kirby Smart, Bo Davis and Tosh Lupoi will visit Thursday. Auburn assistants Will Muschamp and Lance Thompson, and maybe others, will also visit later this week, likely Thursday."
I thought Jefferson was a long shot to be added in this class but it seems things may not appear as they seem. I’m not saying we land him but it definitely warrants a close eye.
College Basketball: Four Coaches on the Hot Seat
"Grant has made just one NCAA Tournament in his five years at Bama, and the two NIT appearances that trip to the Dance was sandwiched between were more disappointing than anything. To top it off, the Crimson Tide slumped to 13-19 last season, and Grant entered the season probably needing to at least flirt with an NCAA Tournament appearance to keep his job.Unfortunately for Grant, the Crimson Tide don’t look likely to make the dance. They are just 3-4 in the SEC, including being South Carolina’s only victim thus far. Their January 31st date at Kentucky is their only remaining game against a tournament lock, and they only get to bubble-dwellers Georgia and LSU once."
This is from the college basketball network on Fansided. Folks are starting to notice and the groans will probably only get louder.
OL Cotton ‘going to turn heads’
"Lester Cotton’s coach has high praise and expectations for him.That’s why it was no surprise to Central-Tuscaloosa High coach Dennis Conner that the Alabama football team offered Cotton a scholarship.Cotton, a senior at Central, plans to sign a letter intent with the Crimson Tide on Wednesday, the first day of the signing period.“He’s going to have a big impact,” Conner said."
This one gets it. He committed to the Tide and that was it. No trolling on social media or anything. He was always up front with media and did things the right way.
On an average Monday night in an Alabama cafeteria, a broadcasting legend says farewell
"Though Roberts wanted to avoid a tribute show, Stipe had a few surprises planned. Gold, the football voice of Alabama radio broadcasts, called in to toast his longtime partner.“I’m going to get off this,” Roberts said less than two minutes into the call, “because if I keep going, I’m going to keep crying.”He cut up with famous first caller Peewee from Grand Bay about getting old. Roberts got a thank you in return from the loyal voice on the phone.Gymnastics coach Dana Duckworth finished her segment with a hug. Anthony Grant flashed a big smile with a handshake as his interview wrapped.“He was there from Day 1,” the Tide basketball coach said during the commercial break. “I remember the first press conference and the first interview I did on the court with him. He’s been a tremendous ambassador for our university and athletics department.”"
Such a devoted an unbelievable career for an Alabama legend in broadcasting. It will seem weird to not hear him on the broadcasts. Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Roberts.
McCleney Named to USA Softball Top 50 Player of the Year Watch List
"Alabama junior Haylie McCleney was named to the Top 50 “Watch List” for the 2015 USA Softball Player of the Year, marking the second straight season in which she qualified for the prestigious list.McCleney was a Top 10 finalist for the award last season and is one of 18 juniors on this season’s list. She is also one of eight players on the list who will play for Team USA this summer. A total of eight SEC schools are represented with a combined total of 13 student-athletes on the list. Arizona leads all schools with four representatives, followed by Georgia, Michigan, Oklahoma and Oregon with three each."
Crimson Tide Heads to South Carolina for Second Meeting with Top-Ranked Gamecocks
"The women’s basketball team (12-10, 1-6 SEC) hits the road for a midweek matchup with No. 1/1 South Carolina (19-0, 7-0 SEC) on Thursday. The game will tip off at 6 p.m. CT in Colonial Life Arena and will air live on SEC Network +.BROADCASTThursday’s game will air on SEC Network + with Brad Muller (play-by-play) and Debbie Antonelli (analyst) on the call. The game can also be heard on the Crimson Tide Sports Network with Roger Hoover announcing the action."