These two guys are very talented. Like I said before they are two of the best in the country. Mike Ford is ranked the top RB out of Prep school and that includes Keiland Williams who started ahead of him at Hargrave. Williams is headed to LSU.
Alabama Coach Mike Shula met with the media for the first time since the Cotton Bowl Saturday and discussed recruiting, the off-season program, the situation with transfers and injured players as spring practice approaches, staff changes, and even the events of last Wednesday, which was signing day and also the day Ryan Lucy Shula came into this world.
Ordinarily, the Alabama head football coach would have met with sportswriters on Wednesday, signing day, but that was also the day Mike Shula’s wife, Shari, delivered their third daughter, Ryan Lucy Shula. Bama’s head coach was asked about the events of that day when he met with reporters Saturday morning.
While nearly every University of Alabama football fan in the state was keeping at least one eye and one ear on Parade All-America lineman Andre Smith’s press conference last Wednesday, at least one interested party wasn’t paying much attention.
That would be Crimson Tide head coach Mike Shula, who had more urgent matters demanding his attention.
Can someone fill me in as to why Williams started over Ford at Hargrave if he is ranked better?
My understanding is that it was done to give Williams more exposure to recruiters that came through Hargrave. Mike Ford was fully supportive and understanding of the situation.
Earl Alexander
Earl is ranked as one of the best athletes in the country. He played in an offense that didn't always allow him to show off his arm, as it was centered mostly on the run. However, Earl does have some capabilities as a QB, with his most impressive being his elusiveness. At 6'4", 200 lbs, and a 4.45 40 time, Earl will be given a shot at QB, but is open to moving to another position-- possibly WR, a position that he could be an NFL talent at. If he doesn't beat out fellow QB signee Greg McElroy, look for that to happen.
Academics: should qualify
Stats: 1257 yards passing with 10 TDs, 529 yards rushing with 7 TDs
2006 Prediction: redshirt and move to WR
Profile links: Rivals, Scout
Greg McElroy
Greg was obviously #2 behind Tebow on the staff's board, but his stats and leadership are definitely not. Greg, in his first year as a starter, lead his team to the state title in Texas' largest classification. If not for it being his first year as a starter, he would've been ranked much higher. Greg (6'2", 212 lbs, 4.8 40) is an excellent passer and is very good in the pocket and on the run. He throws a pretty ball and makes good reads for a HS QB. He is very similar to John Parker Wilson. Many believe he has the potential to be #2 by the end of fall camp. He was an excellent late pick-up.
Academics: should qualify
Stats: 308 for 458 for 4636 yards and 56 TDs and only 9 INTs. 800 yards rushing.
2006 Prediction: if he moves to #2, I look for him to play. However, I actually hope he can redshirt to further separate he and JPW.
Profile links:Rivals, Scout
I hope Alexander gets a look at QB, but I suspect he'll be moved to WR mainly due to the talent at QB. At best he would #2 and most likely #3 even after a RS year due to our offensive philosophy. He may be able to get on the field next year at WR due to his athleticism. I'd love to see us use him like CBC used Randle El yesterday in the SB. I think he'll be a playmaker if we can get the ball in his hands in different situations.
I think McElroy will be the #2 guy behind JPW in 07 but expect him to RS next year. It all depends on how well JPW does and how capable JB is as a backup. I think McElroy will prove to be a fierce competitor and a talented QB who will push JPW for playing time. The only question is when. I'm sure CMS would like to RS McElroy just to spread out the talent. I really hope we don't have any injuries that might force Barnes or McElroy into playing time before they're ready.
I just dont see any way that Jimmy Barnes leaps Marc Guillon on our depth chart.
__________________
"So I want everyone to think here for a second...how much does this game mean to you?
Because if it means something to you - you cant stand still; you play fast - you play strong - you go out there and dominate the guy you're playing against and make his ... quit.
That's our trademark. That's our M.O. as a team. That's what people know us as."
Coach Nick Saban
Alabama Crimson Tide
November 8th, 2008
I was going to say the same thing. I believe people have forgotten about Guillon. I know he had the back problems and has had an attitude. I think he can straighten those things out. Its his last chance at playing most likely and he can show up and play hard and smart. It could really help us, having a QB with experience and not throwing Jimmy Barnes into the fire as a redshirt freshman.
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"Each play has a history and a life of its own. How is that play going to be remembered? If you're focusing on that play and what you have to do that single play, usually you'll do pretty good on it." - Coach Nick Saban
We forget that this season is the reason that Marc Guillon transferred to Alabama. Knowing full well that Croyle would be gone this year, he expected then and probably still expects to start next season. I, for one, am not ruling him out at all. During A-day if I see MG making the short throws and JPW missing them, look out for a QB controversy this fall.
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