Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 2/24

Get your day started with the Morning Kickoff. All your Crimson Tide news in one place.

Alabama, Auburn among schools contending for running back Carlin Fils-Aime

"The Crimson Tide offered the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder the day prior to Auburn, on Feb. 17.“Nick Saban told my coach he wanted to talk to me, and that’s when he offered,” Fils-Aime said. “I think he’s a really good guy. He had a lot to say about the school. They’re one of the top football teams and they have a really great school. They’ll help me in life during school and afterwards so I can get a job and do what I to do.”Fils-Aime plans on studying law, but has not explored many campuses yet. He’s been to Miami for a tour and Florida for a track meet. He plans on visiting Alabama and Auburn, along with other schools in the Southeast, this summer when he takes a trip to North Carolina.He also holds offers from Boston College, Duke, Georgia, Indiana, Michigan, North Carolina, N.C. State, Ohio State and Tennessee."

Recruiting for 2016 has already started to pick up a bit. Here is an update on one of the staff’s running back targets.

Alabama hoops hosts South Carolina in ‘Blue Out’

"The Crimson Tide is hoping to put together a winning streak in conference play it hasn’t had since the start of its SEC schedule when it downed Texas A&M and Tennessee in back-to-back contests. But that won’t be an easy task, as the last time Alabama and South Carolina faced off, the Gamecocks pulled out a 68-66 win in Columbia, S.C.In hopes of walking away with a win Tuesday night, Anthony Grant has his players focused on overcoming South Carolina’s stingy defense as the two programs get set for round two in Coleman Coliseum.“We’ve got South Carolina tomorrow, played them earlier in the year,” Grant said. “I think Frank (Martin)’s teams are always known for being one of the better defensive teams in the country with the way the press you and the way they disrupt you. We’ve got to be able to do a good job taking care of the basketball and handling their pressure.”"

There has been way too many close losses this season. It would be nice to have a different outcome if they get in that same position again.

Sabans stun die-hard Alabama fan with heartfelt response to wedding invitation

"So Casey went about the task of sending out invitations to her friends and family — along with A-list celebrities like Peyton Manning, Jimmy Fallon, Justin Timberlake, Maroon 5, Cinderella & Prince Charming, and Mickey & Minnie Mouse — and finally, to the Sabans.Here’s what happened next:I ended up sending the invitation to the Athletic Department in Tuscaloosa. I am sure I could have found his address, but I thought that might be a little creepy. I got his RSVP last week, and then I got an envelope in the mail from the Alabama Football Department. Freaking out, I opened it and was shocked!Inside the envelope was a signed picture of Mr. and Mrs. Saban, along with a special note to the happy couple.“Best wishes, Casey & Brandon! RTR,” the note from Mrs. Terry said. “Roll Tide,” added the famed coach himself."

Pretty awesome story but I bet Coach Saban will start getting tons of wedding invitations now.

Rashaan Evans’ younger brother Alex commits to Alabama track and field

"Alex Evans, the younger brother of Alabama freshman outside linebacker Rashaan Evans, has committed to run track at the University of Alabama.Evans’ father Alan confirmed the news to AL.com. Alex Evans posted the news on his Twitter handle recently."

It looks like the Evans family has turned into a Bama family. Welcome to the good side.

Baseball Hosts Tuesday Doubleheader with Savannah State

"The Crimson Tide will begin Tuesday action this afternoon with its first of three doubleheaders for the year, this one coming against Savannah State.First pitch of today’s game is set for 2 p.m. CT with the second game beginning 30 minutes after completion of the first. Both games will be nine-inning affairs.FOLLOW THE TIDEFans can watch/follow this weekend’s games via the below outlets:Gametracker: RollTide.comWatch: SECN+Listen: 99.1 FM/CTSN"

Men’s Golf Falls to Fifth After Two Rounds of Puerto Rico Classic

"Sophomores Robby Shelton and Dru Love are tied for fourth overall to lead the Alabama men’s golf team through two rounds of the 2015 Puerto Rico Classic. As a team, the Tide dropped three spots to fifth overall following Monday’s second round with a team score of 6-over par 582 (285-297) on the 6,945-yard, par-72 River Course at the Rio Mar Country Club.Georgia, which entered the even ranked No. 40 in the nation, is the clubhouse leader for a second consecutive day with a team score of 15-under par 561. The Bulldogs lead second place and No. 6 Georgia Tech (566) by five strokes following the Yellow Jackets’ tournament-low round of 274 on Monday. Clemson, ranked 31st in the nation, currently sits in third overall with a 2-over 578, while No. 21 Oklahoma (581) is a stroke ahead of the Tide and tournament-host Purdue (582)."