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2008 Recruiting Class
ATH - Mark Barron (St.
Paul's HS/Mobile, AL) 6-2/212/4.5 - Mark Barron is an athlete who has
the ability to star on either side of the ball in college, but the Tide staff
likes his potential at safety or possibly outside linebacker. Barron has very
good speed and agility. He is also explosive and plays smart on defense. As a
junior, the St. Paul's athlete averaged just over 10 yards per carry while
amassing 785 yards on the ground (10 touchdowns) and 370 yards receiving (4
touchdowns). As a senior, he split time between running back and safety, and
helped lead his St. Paul's team to the 5A state championship. Off the field,
he is a great student and will qualify easily. Barron chose the Tide over
offers from LSU, Florida, Auburn, Tennessee, Florida State, and Georgia Tech
among others.
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DE - Undra Billingsley (Woodlawn
HS/Birmingham, AL) 6-3/263/4.85 - Undra Billingsley is one of the
state's top defensive prospects, and was one of the Tide's earliest
commitments in 2007. Billingsley starred on both sides of the ball at
Woodlawn, where he displayed both aggressiveness and quickness. As a junior,
he totaled 113 tackles and 8 sacks from his defensive end position and added
25 receptions for 425 yards and 2 touchdowns on offense at tight end. As a
senior, Billingsley played a number of positions on both sides of the ball as
coaches tried to take advantage of his athletic abilities. Even though he
rarely got to rest because of playing both ways, he still managed to rack up
90 tackles and 14 sacks on defense. BAMA coaches recruited Billingsley to play
defensive end. The Woodlawn star chose the Tide over early offers from
Tennessee, Auburn, and Clemson. In the classroom, he is an excellent student
who is a lock to qualify.
Watch Video
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WR/H-Back - DeVonta Bolton (Norcross
HS/Norcross, GA) 6-4/215/4.6 - DeVonta Bolton is a talented athlete
from Norcross, GA. Bolton has good size, speed, and strength which make him a
good fit on either of the ball, but the Tide staff likes his potential on
offense. While he could line up at tight end, or even on defense for Alabama,
his likely destination is at H-back or wide receiver. Bolton has a big frame,
great hands and is hard to bring down in the open field. He also shows very
good speed and agility for his size. As a junior, he caught 35 passes for 680
yards and 9 touchdowns. As a senior, he hauled in 25 passes for 451 yards and
5 touchdowns while turning in 4 interceptions from his safety position on
defense. Bolton chose the Tide over offers from Florida, Georgia, Auburn,
South Carolina, Michigan, Miami, Clemson, and Boston College among others.
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OT/OG - John Michael Boswell (Tuscaloosa
County HS/Tuscaloosa, AL) 6-6/303/5.2 - John Michael Boswell is one of
the top linemen prospects in Alabama. Boswell possess great size and strength
and plays with good agility and balance. The Tuscaloosa County standout could
play guard or tackle in college, but he is expected to start out at tackle.
Boswell completed his high school career as a four year starter, and he is a
very good student who will qualify easily. He chose the Tide over offers from
Ole Miss, Georgia Tech, Clemson, and Vanderbilt.
Watch Video
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DT - Terrence Cody (Gulf Coast C.C./Perkinston,
MS) 6-5/400/5.7 - Terrence Cody is the only JUCO player to sign with
Alabama in this 2008 class. Cody will man the nose tackle spot on BAMA's
defensive line and serve as a run stopper specialist. He is a clog in the
middle who requires double teams because of his enormous size and strength.
Even when he isn't making the play himself, he is often helping by enabling a
linebacker to remain free. This past season he compiled 31 tackles and 3.5
sacks. He is set to graduate from Gulf Coast Community College this May and
will then have 3 years to play 2 at Alabama. Cody chose the Tide over offers
from Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, and South Florida. He is
set to graduate from Gulf Coast Community College in May.
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DT - Marcel Dareus (Huffman HS/Birmingham, AL)
6-4/283/4.8 - Marcel Dareus a defensive tackle prospect from Huffman
High School in Birmingham. Dareus flew under the recruiting radar for the last
year because of concerns over his classroom progress, but after scoring an 18
on the ACT late in the fall, interest started to pick up. He displays good
quickness and strength, gets off blocks quickly, and is relentless on the ball
carrier. While playing both tackle and end at Huffman, he recorded 60 tackles
and 9 sacks in his junior season. This past season as a senior, he turned in
117 tackles and 20 sacks. Darues has the ability to play end at the next
level, but will almost certainly slide inside to the nose for Alabama where he
would add immediate depth. He signed with the Tide over offers from Auburn,
Tennessee, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Southern Miss, North Carolina, South Florida,
UAB, California, and Oregon.
Watch Video
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CB - Robby Green (John Curtis HS/River Ridge,
LA) 6-0/171/4.55 - Robby Green is a top defensive back who played for
John Curtis High School, a modern day football factory in Louisiana. The star
cornerback has great size and speed, good instincts, and is accustomed to
making big plays. He was targeted early on by Saban as one of the top 2
cornerbacks on BAMA's board. As a junior, Green recorded 24 tackles to go
along with 4 interceptions and 15 pass break-ups. This past season, he racked
up 45 tackles, 4 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. Green signed with the
Tide over offers from over a dozen big name schools including LSU, Florida,
Ole Miss, Southern Cal, Arizona State, Penn State, Michigan, West Virginia,
and Clemson. He is on track to qualify academically.
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LB/DE - Glenn Harbin (McGill-Toolen HS/Mobile,
AL) 6-5/241/4.85 - Glenn Harbin is a top defensive prospect out of
Mobile who is versatile enough to play a couple of different positions. Harbin
possesses a great combination of size, speed, and strength. He could play
defensive end, outside linebacker, or the hybrid Jack linebacker position for
the Tide. As a junior, Harbin collected 72 tackles and 11 sacks. This past
season, the Mobile standout totaled 52 tackles and 5 sacks. Harbin signed with
the Tide over offers from Florida, Auburn, South Carolina, Kentucky, Oklahoma,
Florida State, Purdue, and Duke among others. He is a good student who should
have no issues qualifying.
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LB/DE - Don'ta Hightower (Marshall County
HS/Lewisburg, TN) 6-4/248/4.7 - Don'ta Hightower is not only one of the
top players from the state of Tennessee, he is one of the nation's top
linebacker prospects. Hightower was recruited as a middle linebacker by the
Tide staff, but he could also play some defensive end in Saban's 3-4 system as
well. He reads plays well, gets off blocks quickly, and is relentless on the
ball carrier. Hightower will compete for playing time right away, and from a
physical standpoint, he's ready to play college football. For his senior
season, he collected over 120 tackles, 14 sacks, forced 4 fumbles, and had 5
interceptions. Hightower was recently named the winner of the Class 3A 2007
Tennessee Titans Mr. Football Lineman award. The Lewisburg standout signed
with Alabama over offers from Tennessee, Auburn, South Carolina, Ole Miss,
Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech. Off the field, he is a good student who will have
no issues getting qualified.
Watch Video
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WR - Destin Hood (St. Paul's HS/Mobile, AL)
6-2/194/4.55 - Destin Hood is an athletic receiver who possesses good
size, speed, and quickness. While he is athletic enough to play defensive
back, and performed well there in high school, he was recruited as a receiver
by the BAMA staff. He is a good route runner and fights for the football. As a
junior, Hood reeled in 22 passes for 636 yards and 12 touchdowns. This past
season, he caught 51 passes for 963 yards and 15 touchdowns. The St. Paul's
athlete is also a star on the baseball field, and plans on playing both sports
at Alabama. Hood is expected to be selected as a high draft choice during the
Major League Baseball draft this spring, and the possibility exists that he
could go pro. Hood signed with Alabama over offers from LSU, Florida, Auburn,
Vanderbilt, and Mississippi State.
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RB - Mark Ingram (Southwestern Academy/Flint,
MI) 5-10/210/4.45 - Mark Ingram is one of the top all-around running
back prospects in the nation. The Michigan native has all the tools to excel
in the SEC. He runs with great power and vision, and has exceptional speed. As
a junior, Ingram rushed for 846 yards and 14 touchdowns. This past season, he
racked up 1,699 yards on the ground along with 24 touchdowns. He also
displayed his athleticism by playing defensive back where he turned in 38
tackles and 3 INT's. Off the football field, Ingram is also a standout track
athlete and has posted a 10.6 in the 100 meters and a 21.8 in the 200 meters.
Ingram signed with Alabama over offers from Michigan State, Tennessee,
Wisconsin, Iowa, and Arizona State. His father played for Michigan State while
Saban was on their staff. Ingram is a good student who should have no issues
qualifying.
Watch Video
Part 2
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QB - Star Jackson (Lake Worth HS/Lake Worth,
FL) 6-3/195/4.55 - Star Jackson is a very athletic quarterback with
good arm strength and great mobility. He shows poise in the pocket, has a
quick release and puts a nice touch on his passes. Jackson has the ability to
run most any type of offense, but he prefers a run a variation of the spread.
He plays like a quarterback who happens to be an athlete, not an athlete who
happens to be a quarterback. As a junior, he threw for over 1,300 yards and 12
touchdowns while adding over 200 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground. He
wrapped up his senior campaign with 1,906 yards passing and 14 touchdowns,
while adding 6 more on the ground. Jackson signed with the Tide over offers
from Georgia, Auburn, West Virginia, Pittsburgh, and Virginia among others.
Watch Video
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OL - Barrett Jones (Evangelical
Christian/Memphis, TN) 6-5/281/5.0 - Barrett Jones is the top offensive
line prospect out of Tennessee for the 2008 class. Jones will immediately add
depth to Alabama's offensive line, and has the ability to play any of the
positions. Jones is a superb run blocker who gets great leverage and a strong
push. He also shows good footwork and quickness with his pass protection.
Jones has a strong upper body, good coordination, and enough athletic ability
to dunk a basketball. Off the field, he is an excellent student and will
easily qualify. Jones' father, Rex, is a former Crimson Tide basketball
player. Barrett signed with the Tide over offers from Florida, Tennessee,
Auburn, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt, Miami, Louisville, Clemson, and UCLA
among others.
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WR - Julio Jones (Foley HS/Foley, AL)
6-3/215/4.5 - Julio Jones is viewed by many as the crown jewel of
Alabama's 2008 class. The blue chip receiver is a rare talent who has
superstar written all over him. His raw athleticism is impressive, and he will
be an impact player as a true freshman. The Foley standout possesses great
size, strength, hands, and speed. His raw athleticism and physical abilities
are far superior to most other players at his level. As a junior, Jones
torched opposing defenses with 75 receptions for 1,301 yards and 15
touchdowns. As a senior, he reeled in 68 passes for 1,181 yards and 16
touchdowns, all despite opposing defenses keying on him. He was recently named
to Parade Magazine's All-American Team as well as being voted Alabama's Mr.
Football for the 2007 season. Jones had offers from all over the nation, but
in the end, he signed with the Crimson Tide over programs like Florida, LSU,
Georgia, Auburn, Florida State, Southern California, Oklahoma, Miami,
Louisville and Texas Tech. He is on track to qualify academically.
Watch Video
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RB - Chris Jordan (Brentwood
Academy/Brentwood, TN) 6-2/213/4.6 - Chris Jordan is a versatile
athlete and one of the top overall prospects out of the state of Tennessee.
Jordan could play on either side of the ball for the Tide, but it appears that
he will begin his career at running back. He is a powerful runner who displays
good speed and agility for his size to go along with great strength and
balance. As a junior, Jordan missed five games due to an injured knee, but
still rushed for 487 yards and 5 touchdowns. As a senior, he again battled an
injury (ankle) for most of the season, but was able to rack up 1,266 yards
rushing and 18 touchdowns. Jordan is also a standout track athlete where he
specializes in the 100 meters. After the season concluded, he had surgery on
his ankle, but he is expected to be 100% healthy by August. In the classroom,
he is a good student who should have no issues qualifying. He signed with the
Tide over offers from Tennessee, Georgia, Auburn, Ole Miss, Kentucky, South
Carolina, Clemson, Indiana, and Georgia Tech.
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CB - Alonzo Lawrence (George County
HS/Lucedale, MS) 6-0/194/4.45 - Alonzo Lawrence is one of the top cover
corners in the nation. The Tide staff recruited Lawrence hard all season, even
when he was a getting very little attention from any other schools. However,
after his grades improved and he turned in a great performance at the Alabama
vs Mississippi All-Star Classic, the scholarship offers starting piling up. On
the field, Lawrence is a lock down corner who shows great footwork and blazing
speed. While he has played both receiver and defensive back in high school,
the Tide coaches like him at cornerback. This past season Lawrence had 91
tackles, 3 sacks, 2 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries
on defense. On offense, he showed his athleticism by hauling in 30 passes for
772 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also added 6 kick returns for touchdowns on
special teams. Lawrence was recently named Mississippi's Defensive Player of
the Year for 2006 and to Parade Magazine's All-American Team. Besides the
Tide, he also had offers from LSU, Florida, Tennessee, Auburn, Ole Miss,
Mississippi State, Florida State, Miami, and Southern Miss among others.
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CB/S - Robert Lester (Foley HS/Foley, AL)
6-2/202/4.55 - Robert Lester is a defensive back from Foley, AL. Early
in the recruiting process, Lester could have been categorized as a bit of a
sleeper prospect, but his stock began to rise as his senior season unfolded.
While Lester will likely project as a safety in college, he has the speed and
athletic ability to play corner as well. He is a smart player who isn't afraid
to get physical and displays good instincts. While playing defensive back as a
junior, he totaled 73 tackles and 4 interceptions. As a senior, he played
mostly safety, and posted 74 tackles, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, and
6 interceptions. Lester signed with Alabama over offers from South Carolina,
Kentucky, Mississippi State, Oklahoma, Clemson, Florida St, Texas Tech,
Marshall, and South Florida among others. In the classroom, he is a good
student and should have no problems qualifying.
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DE - Brandon Lewis (Pleasant Grove HS/Pleasant
Grove, AL) 6-3/266/4.8 - Brandon Lewis is a defensive end prospect out
of Pleasant Grove, AL. Lewis pretty much circumvented the recruiting process
by committing to Alabama last March. He is an athletic end who shows good
upper body strength, good quickness for his size, and gets off blocks well. As
a junior, Lewis compiled 88 tackles (18 of them for a loss), 12 sacks, and 2
interceptions. He faced more double teams as a senior, but still posted 66
tackles (12 of them for a loss), 7 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, and 2 fumble
recoveries. Lewis' first offer was from the Tide, and he accepted almost
immediately. Lewis is a lifelong Alabama fan and his uncle is former Tide
All-American, and current Cleveland Brown, Michael Myers. His academic
standing is good and he should have no issues qualifying.
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OT - Tyler Love (Mountain Brook HS/Mountain
Brook, AL) 6-8/280/5.1 - Tyler Love is one of the top tackle prospects
in the nation for the 2008 class. He excels at both run blocking and pass
protection, and uses good technique and footwork. He has the frame to add more
weight and muscle without losing his quickness. It is likely that Love will be
redshirted as a freshmen, then groomed to take over the left tackle position
from Andre Smith. The Mountain Brook senior was recently named to Parade
Magazine's All-American Team. Off the field, Love performs very well in the
classroom and will qualify easily. Love signed with Alabama over offers from
Georgia, Florida, Tennessee, Florida State, and Oklahoma among others.
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RB - Ivan Matchett (St. Paul's HS/Mobile, AL)
5-10/208/4.6 - Ivan Matchett is a very physical running back who has
good speed for his size, but also great power and strength. He is a hard nosed
runner who picks up yards after contact, has good hands out of the backfield,
and blocks well when he doesn't have the ball. As a junior, Matchett rushed
for 1,416 yards and 22 touchdowns. This past season, Matchett ran for 2,059
yards and 25 touchdowns and helped lead his St. Paul's team to a 5A state
championship. He is one of the top running backs in the state, and his style
of play has compared to former LSU back Joseph Addai. Matchett signed with
Alabama over early offers from Auburn, Kentucky, Georgia Tech, Miami, and
Kansas. Matchett is a good student who will have no trouble qualifying.
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OT/DT - Kerry Murphy (Hargrave Military
Academy/Chatham, VA) 6-5/323/5.2 - Kerry Murphy is resigned with
Alabama after failing to academically qualify last season. Coming out of
Hoover in 2006, Murphy was looked upon as one of the best defensive tackle
prospects in the nation. He exploded on the scene after his junior season when
he accounted for 77 tackles, 13 of those for a loss, and an impressive 8 sacks
from his tackle position. As a senior, Kerry compiled 65 tackles even though
he was often double and triple teamed. This past season at Hargrave, in
addition to his duties as a defensive tackle, he played on the offensive line
some at both tackle and guard. A Parade All-American in 2006, Kerry is a good
candidate for early playing time for the Tide on either side of the ball due
to his athleticism, strength, and explosiveness off the ball. Kerry originally
signed with Alabama over offers from Auburn, Ole Miss, Kentucky, Clemson,
Miami, and Louisville.
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DB
- Wesley Neighbors (Huntsville HS/Huntsville, AL) 6-1/198/4.6 - Wesley Neighbors is a safety prospect
from Huntsville High School who originally committed to Alabama last spring.
The Neighbors name is familiar to Tide fans because his father, Wes, and
grandfather, Billy, both had extraordinary football careers of their own at
the Capstone. The youngest Wesley is a safety prospect who could end up
growing into a weakside linebacker down the road. He is a smart player, a hard
hitter, and a leader on the football field. As a junior, Neighbors collected
95 tackles, 4 sacks, and 4 interceptions. This past season, he racked up 73
tackles and 3 interceptions. He signed with the Crimson Tide over offers from
Vanderbilt and Georgia Tech. Wesley is an excellent student who will qualify
easily.
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RB - Jermaine Preyear (Davidson HS/Mobile, AL)
5-11/212/4.5 - Jermaine Preyear was one of the first commitments of
Alabama's 2008 class. The Mobile area running back was offered and quickly
accepted a scholarship from Coach Saban last March. Preyear is a complete back
who can do it all. He has the strength and power to run between the tackles,
but also the speed and quickness to turn the corner. He displays good vision
and instincts, and is also a good receiver out of the backfield. The speedy
back ran for 1,200 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. This past season, he
rushed for 1,026 yards and 8 touchdowns. BAMA was the first major school to
offer him, but he was also receiving strong interest from Auburn, Tennessee,
Ole Miss, and Florida State.
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WR - Melvin Ray (North Florida
Christian/Tallahassee, FL) 6-3/205/4.6 - Melvin Ray is one of the top
wide receiver prospects in the south. He is a very physical wide receiver who
will be a big target for Tide quarterbacks. While Ray can do plenty of damage
with the ball in his hands, he is also a devastating blocker, not afraid to
take on safeties and linebackers down the field. He has the athletic ability
to make plays anywhere on the field, and he will likely be a terror in the
redzone, especially against undersized defensive backs. As a junior, Ray
hauled in 25 passes for 523 yards and 5 touchdowns. He followed that up with
53 receptions for 1,058 yards and 16 touchdowns as a senior. Ray signed with
Alabama over offers from Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, Ole Miss, South
Carolina, Florida St, Miami, and Clemson among others.
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ATH - BJ Scott (Vigor HS/Prichard, AL)
5-11/195/4.45 - BJ Scott is one of the most athletically gifted players
in the country for the 2008 class. He is a pure athlete who could be a star at
number of different positions. Scott possesses blazing speed and quickness and
stared on both sides of the ball at Vigor High School. He posted some
incredible numbers on the offensive side of the ball as a junior including;
1,070 yards and 11 touchdowns rushing, 1,059 yards and 7 touchdowns passing,
and 353 yards and 1 TD receiving. He again played several positions as a
senior and posted 917 yards rushing with 9 touchdowns to go along with 834
yards passing and 8 touchdowns. In all, Scott had over 2,000 all-purpose yards
and scored touchdowns via rushing, receiving, passing, special teams. The Tide
will likely use Scott on offense in a number of roles, taking advantage of his
play-making abilities. He will likely line up in the slot, under center, and
in the backfield in certain situations. Scott signed with the Tide over offers
from Florida, Auburn, Arkansas, Ole Miss, Oklahoma, Southern Cal, Florida St,
Miami, and Clemson to name a few. Scott is on track to qualify academically.
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QB/H-Back - Brad Smelley (American Christian
Academy/Tuscaloosa, AL) 6-3/220/4.75 - Brad Smelley is a product of
American Christian Academy in Tuscaloosa who isn't going to have to go far
from home next fall. While Smelley is quarterback in high school, he was
originally recruited to play H-back for the Tide last summer. However, after
the Tide staff reviewed Smelley's film following his senior season, they have
decided to give him a shot at quarterback if he wants it. Smelly is a great
athlete with good size and speed who actually played on both sides of the ball
as a junior. That season, he completed 183 of 264 passes for 2,611 yards and
24 touchdowns and added 320 yards and 5 scores on the ground. On defense, he
collected 63 tackles and 9 interceptions from his safety and linebacker
positions. As a senior, he threw for 3,309 yards and 33 touchdowns while
rushing for 659 yards and 13 touchdowns. On defense, he racked up 125 tackles
while playing both linebacker and defensive end. As a quarterback, Smelley
shows good arm strength and mobility, and makes good decisions. He signed with
Alabama over an early offer from Ole Miss. In the classroom, he is an
excellent student who will qualify easily.
Watch Video
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DT - Damion Square (Yates HS/Houston, TX)
6-2/283/4.8 - Houston's Damion Square is one of the top defensive line
prospects out of talent rich Texas. He's got a strong upper body, quick first
step, plays smart, and has a motor that never stops. While he plays on the end
in high school, Square will almost certainly bulk up and move inside on the
Tide's line. As a junior, the Houston area standout totaled 91 tackles and 16
sacks. This last season, he turned in 97 tackles and 14 sacks. Square inked
with the Tide over offers from Florida, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Nebraska, Texas
A&M, Miami, and Michigan among others. Off the field, he is an excellent
student who will easily qualify.
Watch Video
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LB/DE - Courtney Upshaw (Eufaula HS/Eufaula,
AL) 6-3/222/4.75 - Courtney Upshaw is a very talented defensive
prospect who will likely make an early impact on Alabama's defense. Upshaw
plays with a non-stop motor and has a knack for making big plays. While he
excels at rushing the quarterback, he is also good at getting off blocks and
containing the running back. At BAMA, Upshaw would likely find a home at the
jack linebacker position where his versatility and skills could be best
utilized, but he has the athletic ability to play any of the linebacker
positions. As a junior, he collected an impressive 96 tackles, 12 sacks, and 3
interceptions. As a senior, he totaled 67 tackles, 6 sacks, 1 interception, 6
forced fumbles and 2 fumble recoveries for touchdowns. He was recently named
5A Lineman of the Year for the state. Upshaw signed with the Tide over offers
from Georgia, Auburn, South Carolina, Kentucky, Clemson, and Louisville.
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TE/DE - Michael Williams (Pickens County
HS/Reform, AL) 6-6/265/4.8 - Michael Williams was the first player to
commit for this 2008 class, as he gave his verbal to the Tide last February.
Williams is a superb athlete who stared on both sides of the ball in high
school, tight end and defensive end. As a tight end, he is a very good blocker
and has excellent hands. On defense, he shows good quickness for his size and
gets off blocks well. As a junior, he totaled 68 tackles and 11 sacks from his
defensive end position. At tight end, he collected over 400 yards receiving
with 6 touchdowns. This past season, Williams collected 63 tackles and 14
sacks to go along with had 12 receptions for 400 yards and 5 touchdowns on
offense. More than likely, Williams is going to start out at the tight end
position for the Tide. He signed with Alabama over early offers from both
Georgia Tech and Clemson. He is a hard worker both on and off the field, and
is on track to qualify.
Watch Video
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