Morning Kickoff: Crimson Tide News 4/2

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Alabama rejected by Wichita State coach Gregg Marshall

"Alabama athletic director Bill Battle is moving on to other men’s basketball coaching candidates after courting Wichita State’s Gregg Marshall.Battle released a statement saying he learned Wednesday night that Marshall had opted to remain at Wichita State. The Crimson Tide is seeking a replacement for Anthony Grant, who was fired on March 15 after making just one NCAA tournament in six seasons.Marshall has led the Shockers to four straight NCAA tournaments, including the 2013 Final Four. Battle traveled to interview him on Monday."

That’s a real kick in the lower regions. I thought we had him and local media in Kansas thought it was trending that way on Wednesday as well.

Jonathan Taylor accuser recants story, charges to be reviewed

"The female accuser in the altercation that led to former Alabama defensive tackle Jonathan Taylor being arrested on domestic violence charges Saturday has recanted her accusations, according to a release from the Tuscaloosa Police Department.Taylor, who was dismissed from Alabama’s team Sunday following the incident, was charged with domestic violence third-degree assault and domestic violence third-degree criminal mischief.The 24-year old accuser told police that she had been in a verbal confrontation that turned physical with the 6-foot-4, 335-pound Taylor, according to the release."

Such a bizarre story. Sadly, women sometimes back out of their side of the story for one reason or another. On the other hand, there could still be something to the charges. Remember innocent until proven guilty.

Alabama football: Young receivers ready for their chance

"For the past two seasons, many talented wide receivers have been waiting their turns at Alabama as Amari Cooper, DeAndrew White, Christion Jones and others have gotten all the playing time and spotlight.Cooper, White and Jones accounted for 2,495 of the 3,890 receiving yards and 183 of the 290 receptions for the Tide last season.Now, the position is as wide open as it’s been at any point during Nick Saban’s tenure with the Crimson Tide. Only two of the Tide’s returning receivers caught more than 10 passes last season — Chris Black and ArDarius Stewart.“To me, it’s a special group. It’s a hungry group,” Black said. “A lot of guys in the receiving room now. We’ve all been kind of waiting on our chance, and now we have it.”"

I’m ready to see what these guys can do. Amari Cooper takes a whole lot of production with him but these guys are talented enough to take up the slack.

Position Thoughts: Running back

"The vets: 17 Kenyan Drake (Sr.); 2 Derrick Henry (Jr.).The next wave: 5 Ronnie Clark (rFr.); 9 Bo Scarbrough (Fr.); 28 Desherrius Flowers (Fr.).What we knowWhat was that again about UA signing too many running backs in 2013?With Tyren Jones’ arrest on marijuana possession charges capping a lost weekend for the Crimson Tide, the recruiting haul of Jones, Henry, Altee Tenpenny and Alvin Kamara is down to one: Henry.Like Tenpenny, Jones, who was serving an indefinite suspension at the time of his dismissal, was afforded multiple chances by head coach Nick Saban. And like Tenpenny, Jones never fully took advantage of the opportunities he was given.The good news: In Henry and Drake, a strong argument could be made for Alabama having the top one-two punch at the position in all of college football."

Great breakdown from Travis Reier on the running backs for next season.

Softball Continues Hot Hitting in 12-1 Win Over Southern Miss

"After scoring 17 runs on Tuesday, Alabama’s bats were hot again on Wednesday against Southern Miss as the Crimson Tide used an eight-run fourth inning to earn the convincing 12-1 win.All but one of the nine batters in the Alabama (27-8) starting lineup reached base safely in the game, including four multi-hit performances. Demi Turner had her fourth straight multi-hit game, going 2-4 out of the leadoff spot with a pair of RBI. Danae Hays went 2-3 with three RBI while Chaunsey Bell drove in three on one swing, launching her third homer of the year in the bottom of the fourth inning. Starter Sydney Littlejohn (11-1) allowed just one run, a second inning solo home run, on four hits, facing just 20 batters on 68 pitches over 5.0 innings."

Baseball to Host Third-Ranked LSU for Three-Game Series

"Alabama remains at home to welcome the third-ranked LSU Tigers to Hoover. The two teams are scheduled for a three-game series from Thursday until Saturday inside Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.The Tide and Tigers will begin the series on Thursday night with a 7:00 p.m. CT first pitch on SECN+. Friday’s second game is scheduled for a 7:00 p.m. CT start as well, with the series wrapping up at 2:00 p.m. CT on Saturday afternoon."

Golden Flake A-Day Activities Announced

"Golden Flake A-Day, scheduled for a 2 p.m. (CT) kick on April 18 at Bryant-Denny Stadium, will include a full day of activities including the opportunity for fans to take the field at the conclusion of the game. The A-Day game is the 15th and final practice of the spring. Gates open at 12 p.m. and admission will once again be free to the public.The Mercedes-Benz Fan Fest will take place pregame and is open to the public at 10 a.m. outside the North end zone (corner of University Boulevard and Wallace Wade Drive). Fans will find inflatables, giveaways and games, in addition to the 10′ x 40′ Tide TV big screen showing highlights of memorable Alabama games, 2015 Signing Day and 2015 Pro Day. BBVA Compass will sponsor a free autograph session with 2015 Super Bowl Champion and former Crimson Tide great Dont’a Hightower from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. At the Fan Photo tent outside of Gate 5, former football players will be also available for pictures from 10 a.m-1 p.m. Appearance times and player names will be released closer to the event."