News and tidbits from Alabama football and other Tide sports – May 14th
By Ronald Evans
The Alabama football offseason allows fans time to keep up with all kinds of Crimson Tide news and tidbits from football and other sports.
Even though it is the slowest part of the Alabama football offseason, there is still news. In addition, it is a good time to catch up on what is happening with some other Crimson Tide sports.
This week’s review will cover football, basketball, softball, golf and tennis.
Alabama Football News
Another transfer is happening on the Crimson Tide offensive line. Last week it was Dallas Warmack. The latest transfer news is the impending exit of Brandon Kennedy. Kennedy is a graduate transfer who it has been reported hopes to go to Tennessee or Auburn. Transfers to other SEC schools or future Tide opponents are normally blocked.
A bit of good news was reported by Alex Byington regarding another Alabama football offensive lineman, Deonte Brown. Brown may be the strongest player on the Tide roster. At least in terms of squats, Brown topped what Da’Ron Payne could do last season at 675 pounds.
Brown is listed at 350 pounds on the roster. Regarding Brown’s need to drop weight, Byington spoke with Deonte’s father who said he is now in the 340’s. That does not sound like any progress has been made the last couple of years. Based on the story we can report Brown has made significant progress. Apparently, he came to Tuscaloosa at around 390 pounds.
Former Tiders, NFL Free Agents
Robert Foster and Levi Wallace signed three-year contracts with the Buffalo Bills. They will have to make the team because the free-agent rookie deals have no guarantees. Bills’ pundits are bullish on Foster’s chances to make the September 53-man roster.
Tony Brown got some good reviews in his early work with the Los Angeles Chargers.
One other football note: Former UCF and current Nebraska head coach, Scott Frost drew the ire of UCF fans by stating Alabama football was the 2017 National Champion. What took him so long?
Tide women’s golf qualifies for NCAA National Finals
The Alabama women’s golf team won the Tallahassee NCAA Regional in outstanding fashion. The Tide women set a 54 hole, under par record, at 33-under par and a single round, under par team record of 15-under. Six teams qualified from the Tallahassee Regional. The second-place finisher was Florida State, eight strokes behind the Crimson Tide.
Talking about Alabama golf – former Tide player, Justin Thomas is now ranked No. 1 in the world.
Alabama men’s basketball
There has been a strong rumor Avery Johnson will add another top player for the 2018-19 roster. There had been a buzz the Tide would add three-point sharpshooter, Dmitry Rivny. Rivny was very high on joining the Crimson Tide. Insiders speculated Rivny would be redshirted to build-up his thin frame. The latest scoop is the Tide passed on Rivny because of a good chance to add another player. A player who could contribute in the coming season. Rivny announced he will sign with San Francisco
Men’s Tennis
The Tide’s men’s team advanced to the NCAA Round of 16 with an upset over Florida State. FSU was ranked No. 11 in the nation prior to the contest. Up next for the Crimson Tide men will be No. 5 Texas A&M.
Softball
Alabama softball will host a NCAA regional for the 14th consecutive season. The No. 12 ranked Tide will open against Middle Tennessee State on Friday. The other teams in the Tuscaloosa regional are Wisconsin and Oregon State.
Next: Five Biggest Moments from the 2017 Season
We will keep fans up to date with other news snippets and tidbits of information throughout the offseason. Check in with us often.