Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 2/10
By Chris Hale
Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.
Alabama Football: 2015 Signee with the Best Chance to Start
"Less so than in years past, Alabama’s 2015 recruiting class doesn’t contain many names that immediately jump off the page.There are no Da’Shawn Hands or Rashaan Evans; no Derrick Henrys or Reuben Fosters; no Landon Collins or T.J. Yeldons.Quarterback Blake Barnett is easily the most recognizable name in the class for Alabama fans. But Barnett probably won’t see the field for another two or three years.That doesn’t mean this isn’t a good class. It is a phenomenal one—No. 1 in the nation, per ESPN and the 247Sports Composite.But this year was more about building depth. For all the holes Alabama has on offense and defense, it has players already on its roster fit to step up. 2015’s class will pay dividends down the road, instead of immediately like some other classes have."
Great look from Marc Torrence and this year’s recruiting class.
Anthony Grant explains why Alabama freshman Justin Coleman has ‘the grit’ to start at point guard
"Ricky Tarrant’s absence will hit four games Tuesday. His replacement, Retin Obasohan, is doubtful for a second straight game with an infection.So, as Alabama enters a crucial stretch in SEC play, the starting point guard responsibilities fall to freshman Justin Coleman. After earning his first start in the league schedule Saturday at LSU, Coleman will likely get the nod at 8 p.m. Thursday at Mississippi State.At 14-9 and 4-6 in the SEC, Alabama desperately needs a win against a streaky Bulldog team. Mississippi State (11-12, 4-6 SEC) beat LSU and Tennessee in consecutive games before taking a 61-41 loss at Arkansas on Saturday."
It will be tough going tonight with all of the injuries.
Report details Colts’ issues with Trent Richardson
"ESPN’s Mike Wells, citing multiple sources, reported Monday that prior to Richardson’s absence from the walkthrough that got him suspended, the team was already upset with the running back about weight issues and lack of accessibility.The weight issues, per Wells, began after a Week 6 hamstring injury. The 24-year-old back went from 225 pounds to start the season to around 240 pounds later, according to a source."
Whatever is going on with Trent, I hope he gets it figured out.
Sydney Littlejohn Named SEC Pitcher of the Week
"A perfect game in her first start highlighted a stellar opening weekend for Alabama sophomore Sydney Littlejohn, as she has been named the SEC Pitcher of the Week.The Rusk, Texas, native didn’t need any time to ease into her sophomore season, as she hurled a perfect game against Eastern Kentucky on Feb. 6 to open the Sand Dollar Classic in Gulf Shores, Ala. She struck out a career-high eight batters en route to throwing just the second perfect game in program history, joining current UA pitching coach Stephanie VanBrakle, who tossed the first perfect game on April 1, 2006 against Kentucky. It is the 23rd no-hitter in program history and the first since then-freshman Jaclyn Traina did so against Jackson State on May 20, 2011."
Alabama Gymnastics Ranked Sixth Overall, Second on the Floor Exercise
"The Alabama gymnastics team is ranked sixth in the nation again this week after beating the Auburn Tigers, 197.325-196.825 last Friday in Coleman Coliseum. The Tide remains at home this Friday, facing No. 12 Boise State.Oklahoma is No. 1 this week, followed by LSU in second, Utah in third, Florida in fourth and Michigan in fifth. With the Crimson Tide in sixth, Nebraska, Georgia, Auburn and Oregon State round out the top 10.Alabama is ranked second on the floor exercise, fifth on the vault, seventh on the balance beam and 12th on the uneven bars this week after tying or bettering its season-best scores on the uneven bars, balance beam and floor exercise against Auburn."