Question: What do things look like on Defense without Hightower?

[TIDEnGA]

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	Quote:	CapstoneTider
	Will not know until MRI tomorrow via Saban

Nothing we can do but think positive. Not that it will really change anything either. I'll try to think all will be OK though. What a shame!

[sononothing]

	Quote:	CapstoneTider
	Go to Rolltide.com or al.com and watch Saban post presser. He address's that.

I don't see a link there for the presser?
What'd he say?

[Bamafan P.T.]

	Quote:	CrimsonSEC
	It looks like he just missed out on qualifying if the 20% rule is hardfast. Three games would be the max for qualifying this year.

Hopefully we can win that one if indeed he's done this year, but I'm not sure if he comes back 100% he'd be back for that extra year anyway. He'd be NFL eligible after next year.

[rammerjammer69]

Saban said the MRI was tomorrow but it does not look good.

Losing Hightower is huge, but the upside is we have recruited LBs very well the last two years. We didn’t seem to drop off a lot with Upshaw and Reamer filling in today, but it’s time for some young guys to step up. Nico, Tana, Atchison…someone else will be in the rotation now and as awful as it is to lose a guy like Hightower, it’s an opportunity for one or more guys to prove themselves.

[BAMARICH]

Honestly, we're going to miss him the most against teams that employ a more traditional offense. When we're primarily facing a passing team, he alternates between being a LB and a DE... and either Reamer or Harris should be able to do essentially the same (albeit probably not at the same level).

Against the run, however, the position is one of the hardest to pick up for one of our youngsters. Outside of that, I'd almost expect Nico Johnson to be "the guy" if Harris continues to sit out and Reamer isn't moved. In that scenario, I would expect a dropoff... but remember that DH's level of play last year will likely be equaled by either of them - and we had a terrific defense then too.

[BAMARICH]

	Quote:	rammerjammer69
	Saban said the MRI was tomorrow but it does not look good. Losing Hightower is huge, but the upside is we have recruited LBs very well the last two years. We didn’t seem to drop off a lot with Upshaw and Reamer filling in today, but it’s time for some young guys to step up. Nico, Tana, Atchison…someone else will be in the rotation now and as awful as it is to lose a guy like Hightower, it’s an opportunity for one or more guys to prove themselves.

FWIW, practice reports have Atchison playing SLB... and the only way he might get on the field would be for Reamer to permanently move to the will. The best thing right now is that we have some options because we have athletes.

[UA_Fan87]

Here's the link to the post game press conference if anyone hasn't seen it yet.

http://vmedia.rivals.com/uploads/885/848214.wmv

[bamaee04]

FWIW I realize that things may change personnel wise in the coming weeks if DH is indeed done, but I was impressed by how Reamer played today in his absense. Granted as others have stated this was against a pass first offense...

[Tide Warrior]

DH will be greatly missed, but what I love about the team under Saban's watch is that when a player gets an opportunity they take it. Look at the WRs this year, look at TR, and look at DH last season. I can't wait to see who shines.

The positive if someone can step in, especially a younger player then that will only help to fill the gap if DH can't come back until next year and help with RM if he leaves early for the draft. Be like having another great duo again and what better way for a player to learn then standing beside RM.

[Dallas4Bama]

	Quote:	bamaee04
	FWIW I realize that things may change personnel wise in the coming weeks if DH is indeed done, but I was impressed by how Reamer played today in his absense. Granted as others have stated this was against a pass first offense...

You mean Cory "block in the back" Reamer? For what its worth I wasn't sold on that second one. Looked like the play changed directions and the player turned and created that angle. He should not have extended his arms though and would have been ok.

He did play well on defense tonight. He will fill in well, but DH is going to be missed.
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[jjflash]

	Quote:	rammerjammer69
	Saban said the MRI was tomorrow but it does not look good. Losing Hightower is huge, but the upside is we have recruited LBs very well the last two years. We didn’t seem to drop off a lot with Upshaw and Reamer filling in today, but it’s time for some young guys to step up. Nico, Tana, Atchison…someone else will be in the rotation now and as awful as it is to lose a guy like Hightower, it’s an opportunity for one or more guys to prove themselves.

Considering Dr. James Andrews is the person that makes the initial prognosis, the statement " It doesn't look good " makes me about 90% sure he's gone for the season, or a lot of games at a minimum. Bama made do for 2 1/2 quarters without him, We'll notice him being gone but Bama will still be a great defense.

[Get 13]

	Quote:	Dallas4Bama
	You mean Cory "block in the back" Reamer? For what its worth I wasn't sold on that second one. Looked like the play changed directions and the player turned and created that angle. He should not have extended his arms though and would have been ok. He did play well on defense tonight. He will fill in well, but DH is going to be missed. Posted via Mobile Device

If you ask me both the calls were suspect, I thought he did a find job.

[Dallas4Bama]

	Quote:	Get 13
	If you ask me both the calls were suspect, I thought he did a find job.

I agree, my post was in jest. I forget which one came first, but I am sure one of them was pure crap. The other was very suspect as well.
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