Alabama’s Premier College Football Magazine

October 3, 2009

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET

Volume 2, Issue 6 $3.00

Rising Tide!Player Spotlight

Marquis MazeBy: Anthony Johnson

The Bear FactorBy: Amanda Kelly

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221 Industrial Park Dr. Pelham l 205-663-1336711 21st Ave. Tuscaloosa l 205-758-8621

2514 Paul Bryant DriveTuscaloosa, AL 35401and Surrounding Counties

Local: 205.343.6868205.343.6860

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The Bryant Museum is seeking information and photos for an upcoming book on the Tide’s World War II veterans. Information is needed on WWII-era mili-tary service of former Alabama football players.

Ken Gaddy, director of the Bryant Museum, will super-vise production of the book to be researched and written by award-winning journalist and author Delbert Reed. Photographs and information should be sent to Gaddy’s attention at the Bryant Museum, Box 870385, Tuscaloosa, AL 35487.

For more information contact Gaddy at 205-348-9375 or kgaddy@ua.edu, or visit www.bryantmuseum.ua.edu.

In This Issue

M U L T I M E D I A

All content is the property of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Touchdown Alabama Magazine reserves all rights to content in both the print and online (www.touchdownalabama.net) versions of the publication. No image or text may be reproduced without written consent from Touchdown Alabama Magazine.

8 Pregame Preview

10 Rosters

14 The “Bear” Factor

18 Opponents

19 Larry’s Lowdown

21 Catching Up With

22 Super Fan

25 Player Spotlight

26 SEC News

29 Bama Fans

OctOber 3, 2009 | VOlume 2, Issue 6

StaffPresident/Publisher Bennie Bice

Editor-in-Chief Mike Lacy

Managing Editor Jessica Temple

Photography BDL Matt Gaston Mark Lent UA Media Relations Kentucky Media Relations Creative Director Jenifer McCormickGraphic Design Cassandra Johnson Tramayne Wright Chief Information Officer Brian LaShombWebsite Designer Carey Landon

Public Relations Eric Hudson Katlyn Clark Drew Franklin Christopher Wilson

Advertising Director Herb NeuAdvertising Sales Ron Bush Doug Cate Alex Schroyer

Accounting Department Danny Glynn

Contributing Writers Larry Burton Randal Etheredge Jennifer Gorham Anthony Johnson Amanda Kelly Katie Koenig Brad Lake Jessie Landon Lauren Moranor Coe Robbins

Next Issue

• Terry Grant

• Player Match-ups

• The Grove

Web Content

• Post-Game Interviews

• Game Footage

• Press Conferences from Nick Saban

• More From Larry Burton

Weekly Radio Show

• Coming Soon!

6 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA October 3, 2009

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and checking out our digital issue. You will find the same great content that we offer in the printed version in this easy-to-navigate online version. Subscribers, remember you can access the home versions here as well, so you get your Tide news even faster!

Be sure to check out the 5 Questions feature on page 28. Send in the correct answers to our Alabama trivia questions for a free T-shirt! Also, please send

us your ideas and suggestions. We’d love to hear what you think! Roll Tide! Touchdown Alabama Staff Send Letters to:PO BOX 3251TUSCALOOSA AL 35403-3251205-701-1211publish@tdalabama.comAdvertising: ads@tdalabama.com

Letter from the Editor

ON THE COVER28 Javier Arenas DB Sr. 5-9 195Arenas is one of the top return men in the country, in both kickoff and punt returns. He is Alabama’s career leader in punt return yards in a game, season and career. Arenas is the active NCAA leader in career punt returns, punt return yards and punt return touchdowns and is leading the SEC in punt returns this season. He was a preseason first team All-American for 2009. Last week, Arenas lead the defense in tackles for loss with three, sacking Arkansas’ highly efficient QB Ryan Mallett twice. Photography by Mark Lent.

MISSION STATEMENT“Touchdown Alabama Magazine was created to bring Alabama football fans the coverage of their team that they crave and expect, as well as to bring them closer to the action on the field. The University of Alabama has a long college football history, rich with tradition. Each season has added more dynamic players and colorful stories to the Alabama family. It is only fitting that a program with 12 National Championships should have a weekly magazine dedicated to conveying the excitement of the game to its devoted fans. Touchdown Alabama Magazine strives to be the most up-to-date, relevant and exciting magazine covering University of Alabama football. Furthermore, we guarantee in-depth articles, exclusive interviews and quality content surrounding the Crimson Tide. We will never forget who we generate this magazine for...you, the fan. God bless.”

INDEX

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I see a win for Alabama. After losing big to Florida, Kentucky may not have the momentum to keep up with a surging Tide. Alabama in a blowout.

>>Alabama 44-10Bennie Bice - Publisher

After opening SEC with a dominant performance, the Tide looks to continue its roll all the way through Lexington and back. They will silence the Cats early and make their next statement in conference play.

>>Alabama 38-3 Marvin Constant

If Kentucky thinks that coming home from a tough road trip will help their fortunes, then they weren’t counting on being trampled by a rampaging elephant. That’s just what will happen this week and if the Wildcats don’t have any Band-Aids left after last week’s Gator attack, they better stock up now.

Larry’s Loser - KentuckyLarry Burton

Pre-Game Preview

Pre-Game Preview

touchdownalabama.net | 9PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK LENT

Lauren Moranor

The Crimson Tide will roll into the bluegrass state for their first road game of the season. Alabama will take on the University of

Kentucky at Commonwealth Stadium, which is likely to be another great SEC matchup. Alabama leads the series between the two teams 34-2.

Kentucky will put Alabama to work right at the start of kickoff. Kentucky is the top ranked team in the SEC on kickoff returns. The Tide’s special teams will look to stop Kentucky from getting an early lead. Junior tailback Derrick Locke has helped the Wildcats earn that top ranking. He had his career’s second kickoff return for a touchdown when Kentucky beat Louisville in the second week of the season. He ran the kickoff back 100 yards for the score. Locke is one of Kentucky’s biggest threats on offense. He is one of the SEC’s best overall scorers and is top ranked in most all-purpose yards for the 2009 season. Alabama will have to put their top rush defense to work if they intend on keeping Locke quiet during the game.

Alabama will also be challenging a top ranked rush defense. The Wildcats rank in the top five in the SEC. The Tide will look to utilize their strong running rotation with SEC top rusher Mark Ingram, along with Roy Upchurch, Trent Richardson and Terry Grant. They will constantly be pressured by Kentucky’s sophomore free safety Winston Guy. Guy ranks in the top five in the SEC for most tackles at

this point in the season. He is one of Kentucky’s best chances at stopping the dominant Alabama run game.

Kentucky will have to step up their pass defense. They rank in the lower half amongst SEC teams in pass defense. Alabama is working with a great receiving core including SEC Freshman of the Year Julio Jones, along with Marquis Maze and Mike McCoy who have excelled during Jones’ recent injury. Alabama’s Greg McElroy is having a record-breaking season so far and will be looking to connect with any of these receivers and take advantage of the Wildcat’s poor pass defense. Alabama’s pass defense will have to look out for Kentucky as well. Returning quarterback starter Mike Hartline, will look to team up with junior Chris Matthews who ranks in the top five in the SEC for receptions.

The Tide’s defense will try to continue the trend of sacks throughout the game. Alabama leads the SEC in sacks and will be looking for any opportunity to take down Hartline. The defense will have an advantage due to the fact that Kentucky has given up the most sacks in the SEC.

The Alabama-Kentucky matchup is guaranteed to always be a classic SEC West vs. East matchup. Alabama cannot go in underestimating the unranked Kentucky Wildcats. The Tide will be going in and trying to gain its first road win of the season. Kentucky will want to cause an upset and bring down the top ranked Crimson Tide.

Strong Passing Game Could Give Tide the Edge

KENTUCKYWILDCATS

Pre-Game Preview

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er NO NAME POS CL HT WT HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL

82 Earl Alexander WR Jr. 6-4 212 Phenix City, AL (Central)32 Eryk Anders LB Sr. 6-2 235 San Antonio, TX (Smithson Valley)28 Javier Arenas DB Sr. 5-9 195 Tampa, FL (Robinson)49 Jonathan Atchison LB Fr. 6-2 220 Atlanta, GA (Douglass)4 Mark Barron DB So. 6-2 214 Mobile, AL (St. Paul’s)7 Kenny Bell WR Fr. 6- 1 160 Rayville, LA (Rayville)44 Alex Benson LB Sr. 6- 1 225 Trussville, AL (Hewitt-Trussville)86 Undra Billingsley TE Fr. 6-2 276 Birmingham, AL (Woodlawn)93 Chris Bonds DL Fr. 6-4 280 Columbia, SC (Richland Northeast HS)67 John Michael Boswell OL So. 6-5 306 Northport, AL (Tuscaloosa County)88 Michael Bowman WR Fr. 6-4 210 Rossville, GA (Ridgeland)87 Drew Bullard LB Jr 6-3 238 Florence, AL (Florence)77 James Carpenter OL Jr. 6-5 300 Augusta, GA (Hephzibah)99 Josh Chapman DL So. 6-1 313 Hoover, AL (Hoover)62 Terrence Cody DL Sr. 6-5 354 Ft. Myers, FL (Gulf Coast C.C.)57 Marcell Dareus DL So. 6-4 296 Huffman, AL (Huffman)16 Thomas Darrah QB So. 6-5 227 Newnan, GA (Newnan)79 Drew Davis OL Sr. 6-7 306 Evergreen, AL (Sparta Academy)96 Luther Davis DL Jr. 6-3 275 West Monroe, LA (West Monroe)95 Brandon Deaderick DL Sr. 6-4 306 Elizabethtown, KY (Elizabethtown)51 Michael DeJohn LB Jr. 6- 1 241 Hoover, AL (Hoover)85 Preston Dial TE Jr. 6-3 233 Mobile, AL (UMS-Wright)40 DeMarcus DuBose LB So. 6-1 232 Montgomery, AL (Jefferson Davis)13 Rob Ezell WR Jr. 5-10 170 Athens, AL (Athens)97 P.J. Fitzgerald P Sr. 5-11 204 Coral Springs, FL (Stoneman Douglas)76 D.J. Fluker OL Fr. 6-6 340 Foley, AL (Foley)58 Nick Gentry DL So. 6-1 264 Prattville, AL (Prattville)11 Brandon Gibson WR So. 6-2 192 Mobile, AL (UMS-Wright)6 Demetrius Goode RB So. 5-9 191 LaGrange, GA (Hargrave)29 Terry Grant RB Jr. 5-10 190 Lumberton, MS (Lumberton)33 Hampton Gray DB Sr. 6- 2 196 Northport, AL (Tuscaloosa County)23 Robby Green DB So. 6-0 181 New Orleans, LA (John Curtis Christian)34 Jeramie Griffin RB So. 6-2 224 Batesville, MS (South Panola)15 Darius Hanks WR So. 6-0 184 Norcross, GA (Norcross)54 Glenn Harbin DL Fr. 6-5 257 Mobile, AL (McGill-Toolen)5 Jerrell Harris LB So. 6-3 227 Gadsden, AL (Gadsden City)30 Dont’a Hightower LB So. 6-4 255 Lewisburg, TN (Marshall County)40 Baron Huber RB/TE Sr. 6-4 263 Knoxville, TN (Powell)22 Mark Ingram RB So. 5-10 212 Flint, MI (Southwestern Academy)3 Kareem Jackson DB Jr. 6-0 193 Macon, GA ( (Fork Union Military)2 Star Jackson QB Fr. 6-3 206 Lake Worth, FL (Lake Worth)24 Marquis Johnson DB Sr. 5-11 191 Sarasota, FL (Booker)78 Mike Johnson OL Sr. 6-5 303 Pensacola, FL (Pine Forest)35 Nico Johnson LB Fr. 6-3 225 Andalusia, AL (Andalusia)75 Barrett Jones OL R-Fr. 6-4 289 Memphis, TN (Evangelica Christian)8 Julio Jones WR So. 6-4 211 Foley, AL (Foley)26 Phelon Jones DB So. 5-11 195 Mobile, AL (LSU/McGill-Toolen)36 Chris Jordan LB So. 6-3 230 Brentwood, TN (Brentwood Academy)81 Kendall Kelly WR Fr. 6-3 216 Gadsden, AL (Gadsden City)20 Tyrone King DB Sr. 5-11 203 Birmingham, AL (Grambling State/Minor)21 Dre Kirkpatrick DB Fr. 6-3 185 Gadsden, AL (Gadsden City)42 Eddie Lacy RB Fr. 6-0 210 Geismar, LA (Dutchtown)

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37 Robert Lester DB Fr. 6-2 207 Foley, AL (Foley)72 Tyler Love OL R-Fr. 6-6 303 Mountain Brook, AL (Mountain Brook)33 Mike Marrow RB-HB Fr. 6-2 240 Holland, OH (Central Catholic)4 Marquis Maze WR So. 5-10 179 Birmingham, AL (Tarrant)10 A.J. McCarron QB Fr. 6-4 190 Mobile, AL (Saint Paul’s Episcopal School)25 Rolando McClain LB Ir. 6-4 255 Decatur, AL (Decatur)80 Mike McCoy WR Sr. 6-3 215 Rankin, MS (Northwest)52 Alfred McCullough OL So. 6-2 305 Athens, AL (Athens)12 Greg McElroy QB Jr. 6-3 220 Southlake, TX (Southlake Carroll)56 William Ming DL Fr. 6-3 260 Athens, AL (Athens)59 Brandon Moore DL Fr. 6-5 310 Montgomery, AL (Carver)66 Brian Motley OL Jr. 6-3 291 Autaugaville, AL (Autaugaville)64 Kerry Murphy DL Fr. 6-4 323 Hoover, AL (Hargrave/Hoover)46 Wesley Neighbors DB So. 6-1 210 Huntsville, AL (Huntsville)83 Kevin Norwood WR Fr. 6-2 180 D’lberville, MS (D’Iberville)18 Morgan Ogilvie QB So. 6-0 195 Mountain Brook, AL (Mountain Brook)2 Tana Patrick LB Fr. 6-3 235 Bridgeport, AL (North Jackson)84 Colin Peek TE Sr. 6-6 255 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL (Georgia Tech/Bolles)39 Kyle Pennington DB Jr. 5-11 188 Chatom, AL (Washington County)68 Taylor Pharr OL Jr. 6-6 290 Irondale, AL (Shades Valley)54 Russell Rains OL Fr. 6-2 260 Satsuma, AL (Satsuma)13 Cory Reamer LB Sr. 6-4 234 Hoover, AL (Hoover)3 Trent Richardson RB Fr. 5-11 220 Pensacola, FL (Escambia)8 Chris Rogers DB Sr. 6-0 190 Lakeland, FL (Evangel Christian)74 David Ross OL Jr. 6-3 299 Homewood, AL (Homewood)1 B.J. Scott DB So. 5-11 196 Prichard, AL (Vigor)46 Chris Scott WR Sr. 5-11 170 Birmingham, AL (Ramsay)50 Brian Selman SNP Sr. 6-0 210 Vestavia Hills, AL (Vestavia Hills)94 Darrington Sentimore DL Fr. 6-3 280 Norco, LA (Destrehan)26 Ali Sharrief DB Sr. 5-9 200 Stevenson, AL (North Jackson)94 Jeremy Shelley PK Fr. 5-10 170 Raleigh, N.C. (Broughton)48 Travis Sikes WR Jr. 6-3 198 Nashville, TN (Christ Presbyterian)71 Allen Skelton OL So. 6-1 265 Coker, AL (Tuscaloosa County)17 Brad Smelley TE So. 6-3 233 Tuscaloosa, AL (American Christian)92 Damion Square DL Fr. 6-3 272 Houston, TX (Yates)61 Anthony Steen OL-DL Fr. 6-3 305 Lambert, MS (Lee Academy)47 Ed Stinson LB-DL Fr. 6-4 240 Homestead, FL (South Dade)90 Milton Talbert DL Jr. 6-4 275 Hattiesburg, MS (Hattiesburg)99 Leigh Tiffin PK Sr. 6-2 212 Muscle Shoals, AL (Muscle Shoals)51 Carson Tinker ST So. 6-1 220 Murfreesboro, TN (Riverdale)87 Chris Underwood TE So. 6-4 231 Birmingham, AL (Vestavia Hills)5 Roy Upchurch RB Sr. 6-0 205 Tallahassee, FL (Godby)41 Courtney Upshaw LB So. 6-2 249 Eufaula, AL (Eufaula)73 William Vlachos OL Jr 6-1 294 Birmingham, AL (Mountain Brook)65 Chance Warmack OL Fr. 6-3 301 Atlanta, GA (Westlake)97 Lorenzo Washington DL Sr. 6-5 290 Logansville, GA (Hargrave)91 Alex Watkins LB So. 6-3 225 Brownsville, TN (Haywood)55 Chavis Williams LB Jr. 6-4 223 Dora, AL (Dora)60 David Williams OL Fr. 6-3 272 Duncanville, AL (Hillcrest)89 Michael Williams TE Fr. 6-6 266 Reform, AL (Pickens County)9 Nick Williams WR Fr. 5-10 165 Fort Lauderdale, FL (St. Thomas Aquinas)27 Justin Woodall DB Sr. 6-2 221 Oxford, MS (Lafayette)18 Rod Woodson DB Fr. 5-11 200 Olive Branch, MS (Olive Branch)

NO NAME POS CL HT WT HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL

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1 Will Fidler QB Jr. 6-4 229 Henderson, KY (Henderson County HS)2 Qua Huzzie LB Fr. 5-10 210 LaGrange, GA (LaGrange HS)3 Matt Roark WR So. 6-5 209 Acworth, GA (North Cobb HS)4 Micah Johnson LB Sr. 6-2 258 Ft. Campbell, KY (Ft. Campbell HS)5 Mike Hartline QB Jr. 6-6 206 Canton, OH (GlenOak HS)6 Taiedo Smith S So. 6-0 185 Dunnellon, FL (Dunnellon HS)7 Ryan Mossakowski QB Fr. 6-4 208 Frisco, TX (Centennial HS)8 Chris Matthews WR Jr. 6-5 210 Los Angeles, CA (Dorsey HS)9 Ryan Tydlacka P So. 6-1 202 Louisville, KY (Trinity HS)10 Matt Lentz S So. 6-3 218 Simpsonville, SC (Greenville HS)11 Greg Wilson S So. 6-1 209 College Park, GA (North Clayton HS)12 Morgan Newton QB Fr. 6-4 217 Carmel, IN (Carmel HS)13 Eric Adeyemi WR So. 6-0 170 Miami, FL (Southridge HS)14 Anthony Mosley CB So. 6-0 170 Ellenwood, GA (Tucker HS)14 Ryan Phillippi QB Fr. 5-11 180 Lexington, KY (Henry Clay HS)15 Martavius Neloms CB Fr. 6-1 180 Memphis, TN (Fairley HS)15 Tyler Sargent QB So. 6-4 208 Waynesville, OH (Clinton Massie HS)16 LaRod King WR Fr. 6-4 190 Radcliff, KY (North Hardin HS)17 Jarvis Walker S Fr. 6-1 206 Marrero, LA (Archbishop Rummel HS)18 Randall Cobb WR So. 5-11 188 Alcoa, TN (Alcoa HS)19 EJ Fields WR Fr. 6-1 198 Frankfort, KY (Frankfort HS)20 Derrick Locke RB Jr. 5-9 180 Hugo, OK (Hugo HS)21 Winston Guy S So. 6-1 208 Lexington, KY (Lexington Catholic HS)22 Danny Trevathan LB So. 6-1 220 Leesburg, FL (Leesburg HS)23 Donald Russell RB Fr. 5-11 205 West Palm Beach, FL (Dwyer HS)24 Randall Burden CB So. 6-0 170 LaGrange, GA (LaGrange)25 Jonathan George RB Fr. 5-10 196 Lincoln, AL (Lincoln HS)26 Rashaad Palmer CB Fr. 6-0 185 Covington, KY (Holmes HS)26 CoShick Williams RB Fr. 5-9 180 Hiram, GA (Hiram HS)27 Ashton Cobb S Sr. 6-0 215 Aliquippa, PA (Center HS)27 Aaron Boyd WR So. 6-4 210 Lexington, KY (Henry Clay )28 Dakotah Tyler RB Fr. 5-11 205 Indianapolis, IN (Pike HS)29 Alfonso Smith RB Sr. 6-1 208 Louisville, KY (Waggener HS)30 Zach Severance CB Fr. 5-11 188 Reynoldsburg, OH (Naval Academy Prep)30 Moncell Allen RB Jr. 5-7 225 New Orleans, LA (Fork Union (Va.) Academy)31 Mikie Benton CB Fr. 5-11 182 Russellville, KY (Russellville HS)31 Michael Harper WR Jr. 6-1 181 Stone Mountain, GA (Stephenson HS)32 Trevard Lindley CB Sr. 6-0 179 Hiram, GA (Hiram HS)33 Calvin Harrison S Sr. 6-1 211 Columbia, SC (Richland Northeast HS)34 Paul Warford CB Jr. 5-10 200 Richmond, KY (Madison Central HS)35 Cartier Rice CB Fr. 5-10 185 Duncan, SC (Byrnes HS)36 Lones Seiber K Sr. 5-9 190 San Antonio, TX (Knoxville Central HS)37 Trey Bowland RB Sr. 5-10 190 Knoxville, TN (Christian Academy)38 John Conner FB Sr. 5-11 240 West Chester, OH (Lakota West HS)39 William Johnson LB Fr. 6-2 205 Nashville, TN (Pearl-Cohn HS)40 Maurice Grinter TE Sr. 6-3 253 Louisville, KY (Fairdale HS)40 Daryl Faulkner CB Jr. 5-9 181 Memphis, TN (Whitehaven HS)41 Brian Murphy FB So. 6-0 216 Big Stone Gap, VA (Powell Valley HS)42 Nick Melillo WR So. 6-2 225 Louisville, KY (Trinity HS)43 Mikhail Mabry LB Sr. 6-2 248 Mililani, HI (Mililani HS)43 Stephen Ball FB Jr. 5-10 229 Nashville, TN (Franklin Road Academy)44 Clay Cecil S Fr. 6-0 190 Fort Thomas, KY (Highlands HS)44 Ryan Mosby LB Fr. 5-11 200 Heath, TX (Rockwall-Heath HS)45 Tatum Lewis FB Fr. 6-0 232 Winchester, KY (George Rogers Clark HS)45 Antwane Glenn DT So. 6-3 273 Pacolet, SC (Broome HS)46 Ronnie Sneed LB So. 6-2 230 Tallahassee, FL (Florida HS)

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47 A.J. Nance FB Sr. 5-11 256 Knoxville, TN (Central HS)48 Ridge Wilson LB Fr. 6-3 207 Louisville, KY (Central HS)48 Alex Dutton WR Fr. 5-10 183 Louisville, KY (Trinity HS)49 Nathan Dutton WR Fr. 5-10 185 Louisville, KY (Trinity HS)49 Antonio Thomas LB So. 6-1 228 Cowpens, SC (Broome HS)50 Sam Maxwell LB Sr. 6-3 248 Hartwell, GA (Hart County HS)51 Tristian Johnson LB Fr. 6-1 230 LaGrange, GA (LaGrange HS)52 Billy Joe Murphy T So. 6-6 298 Gamaliel, KY (Monroe County HS)53 Ricky Lumpkin DT Jr. 6-4 294 Clarksville, TN (Kenwood HS)54 Brandon Thurmond LB Jr. 6-2 226 Rex, GA (Grady HS)55 DeQuin Evans DE Jr. 6-3 260 Long Beach, CA (Cabrillo HS)56 Sam Simpson OL Fr. 6-4 280 Lexington, KY (Henry Clay HS)57 Jacob Dufrene LB Jr. 6-1 220 Cut Off, LA (John Curtis Christian)58 Sean Stackhouse G Fr. 6-4 266 Jacksonville, FL (Mandarin HS)59 Jon Thomas LS So. 5-10 225 Louisville, KY (St. Xavier HS)59 Dave Ulinski G Fr. 6-5 305 Louisville, KY (duPont Manual HS)60 Dustin Luck G Sr. 6-3 290 Poole, KY (Henderson County)60 Shane McCord DT Jr. 6-2 282 Hartwell, GA (Hart County HS)61 Jorge Gonzalez C Sr. 6-3 300 Tampa, FL (Catholic HS)62 Greg Meisner DE So. 6-1 238 Greensburg, PA (Hempfield Area HS)63 Jake Lanefski G So. 6-4 286 Mobile, AL (McGill-Toolen Catholic)64 Osaze Idumwonyi C Fr. 6-1 291 Cedar Hill, TX (Cedar Hill HS)65 J.J. Helton LS Jr. 6-3 226 Franklin, TN (Franklin HS)66 Chandler Burden DE So. 6-4 296 Blue Ash, OH (La Salle HS)67 Larry Warford OL Fr. 6-3 349 Richmond, KY (Madison Central HS)68 Luke McDermott DT So. 6-1 260 Louisville, KY (Trinity HS)69 Matt Smith C Fr. 6-4 280 Louisville, KY (St. Xavier HS)70 Stuart Hines G So. 6-4 295 Bowling Green, KY (Bowling Green HS)72 Zipp Duncan T Sr. 6-5 291 Magnolia, KY (Elizabethtown)74 Trevino Woods T Fr. 6-5 274 Athens, GA (Clarke Central HS)75 Brad Durham T Jr. 6-4 310 Mount Vernon, KY (Rockcastle County HS)76 Justin Jeffries T Sr. 6-6 320 Louisville, KY (St. Xavier HS)77 Marcus Davis C Jr. 6-1 287 Union, KY (Boone County HS)78 Christian Johnson G Sr. 6-4 330 Ft. Campbell, KY (Hargrave Military Academy)78 Jacob Lewellen DE Fr. 6-3 240 Louisville, KY (duPont Manual HS)79 Kevin Mitchell OL Fr. 6-6 295 Winston, GA (Alexander HS)80 T.C. Drake TE Sr. 6-6 242 Bardstown, KY (Hargrave Military Academy)81 Kyrus Lanxter WR Jr. 6-2 205 Alcoa, TN (Alcoa HS)82 Anthony Kendrick WR Fr. 6-3 220 Katy, TX (Seven Lakes HS)83 Jordan Aumiller ATH Fr. 6-4 201 Danville, KY (Boyle County HS)84 Gabe Correll TE Fr. 6-3 222 Cincinnati, OH (Fork Union Military Academy)84 Charles Mustafaa DT So. 6-3 250 College Park, GA (Westlake HS)85 Gene McCaskill WR So. 6-0 182 Chester, SC (Chester HS)86 Ross Bogue TE Sr. 6-5 244 Suwanee, GA (North Gwinnett)87 Brian Adams WR Fr. 6-4 212 Gainesville, GA (South Forsyth HS)88 Nik Brazley WR So. 5-9 170 Louisville, KY (Male HS)89 Anthony Cecil WR Sr. 6-0 194 Hodgenville, KY (Larue County HS)90 Michael Gardner DE Fr. 6-4 208 Lexington, KY (Henry Clay HS)90 Pat Simmons K Fr. 6-2 195 LaGrange, GA (LaGrange HS)91 Corey Peters DT Sr. 6-3 295 Louisville, KY (Central HS)93 Myron Walker DL Fr. 5-11 272 Marrero, LA (Archbishop Rummel HS)94 Taylor Wyndham DE Fr. 6-4 230 Swansea, SC (Swansea HS)95 Patrick Ligon DE Fr. 6-4 250 Germantown, TN (Christian Brothers HS)96 Collins Ukwu DE Fr. 6-5 251 La Vergne, TN (La Vergne HS)97 Mister Cobble DT Fr. 6-0 290 Louisville, KY (Central HS)98 Mark Crawford DT So. 6-1 297 Indianapolis, IN (Ben Davis HS)

NO NAME POS CL HT WT HOMETOWN / LAST SCHOOL

14 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA October 3, 2009

Exclusive

Amanda Kelly

Most facts surrounding the legacy of Paul “Bear” Bryant as the head coach at the University of Alabama are well known by Bama fans. In 25 years at the Capstone,

Bryant had 232 total victories, won 13 SEC titles and claimed seven national championships.

But the legend’s years leading up to his time as head coach in Tuscaloosa are often forgotten. Before securing the job at Alabama, Bryant worked with a number of different schools, including holding the head coach position at the University of Maryland, Texas A&M University, and this week’s opponent, the University of Kentucky.

After finishing a stint in the Navy during World War II, Bryant was offered the head coaching job at Maryland in 1945. Coming off a seven loss season in 1944, the Terrapins went 6-2-1 during Bryant’s first and only season at Maryland. University President and former Maryland head coach Harry Clifton “Curley” Byrd disagreed with Bryant on the direction of the team, leading to Bryant’s departure from the school after only one year.

In 1946, Bryant accepted the head coaching position at the University of Kentucky, and stayed with the Wildcats until 1953. In his eight seasons with the team, Bryant’s overall record was 60-23-5. In the previous eight seasons, the Wildcats’ record was 30-42-4. His 60 wins while at Kentucky are the most of any head coach in school history.

Bryant led the Kentucky football team to win three of its four bowl games while he was coach, including the first bowl appearance in school history at the Great Lakes Bowl in 1947. The 1951 Sugar Bowl is a game that many Wildcat fans consider as Kentucky’s greatest win. The Wildcats beat the Oklahoma Sooners 13-7, which was the Sooner’s first loss in 31 games, breaking the ninth-longest winning streak in NCAA history.

The Wildcats won their first SEC title and were able to lay claim to their first and only national championship under Bryant’s leadership. They also finished their season in the AP Top 25 five times, with the highest ranking coming in 1950. That season, the Wildcats finished seventh in the rankings, with a final record of 11-1.

Kentucky played Alabama twice while Bryant was the Wildcats’ head coach and they lost both games. In 1946, Alabama head coach Frank Thomas defeated the Wildcats 21-7 in Montgomery. The next year, new Alabama head coach Harold “Red” Drew beat Kentucky 13-0 in Lexington.

Bryant left Kentucky amid controversy, similar to his departure from Maryland. After the 1953 season, Bryant had signed a contract extension with the Wildcats and was under the impression that basketball coach Adolph Rupp was about to be fired for various rule violations. Rupp was allowed to keep his job, and after realizing that he would always be number two to the basketball program, Bryant left the school.

Exclusive

The Bear FactorBryant’s Pre-Bama

Coaching Career

touchdownalabama.net | 15PHOTOGRAPHY BY UA MEDIA RELATIONS

The Bear Factor

In 1954, Bryant took the head coach and athletic director positions at Texas A&M University. Before the season started, Bryant held a camp in which over 100 players quit the team because the camp was so hard. That season the Aggies went 1-9, which was the only losing season of Bryant’s career. The next season, they went on to a 7-2-1 record, and in the four years he was the Aggies head coach, Bryant’s overall record was 25-14-2.

The Aggies made one bowl appearance during Bryant’s tenure as head coach. They lost 3-0 to Tennessee in the 1957 Gator Bowl. They finish the season ranked ninth that year. The Aggies finished ranked in the top 25 two other times under Bryant: 14th in 1955 and fifth in 1956.

In 1955 while playing Rice University, the Aggies found themselves down 12-0 with two minutes to go. It is said that

Bryant brought his team together and said some inspiring words: “There’s still time,” Bryant told his team. “You can still win – if you believe you can. Suck up your guts and win.” The Aggies went on to win the game 20-12.

The only player Bryant ever coached to win a Heisman Trophy was Texas A&M player John Davis Crow in 1957. After that season, Bryant heard “Mama call” and took the head coach and athletic director positions at the University of Alabama.

Although Bear Bryant’s achievements at Alabama tend to overshadow his early head coaching career, his impact at these schools is obvious. He had winning records at all three schools and helped bring the programs to prominence. After spending years grooming these other teams, Bryant was well prepared for his long tenure at the Capstone.

Katie Koenig

Derrick Locke

Kentucky’s junior Derrick Locke is starting his season off with a bang after his sophomore season was cut short with knee injury in the 2008. Locke was named

the Special Team Player of the Week by the Southeastern Conference after Kentucky’s game against Louisville for his breakout performance in the game.

Locke had four kickoff returns for 191 yards in that game, which included one return for 100 yards and a touchdown. Locke became the first player in Kentucky football history to have two career 100-yard kickoff returns, and he is only the third player in the SEC to do so. He also broke a school record with his 191 kickoff return yards. Locke has a career total of 957 yards and 8 touchdowns.

“He’s a dynamic player,” UK offensive head coach Joker Phillips said in The Courier-Journal. “To have a running back like him that can flip the field as quick as he can, with returns or catching the ball or running the ball, is great to have. He can do so many things.”

Teamspeedskills.com said Locke led running backs in the SEC with the most all purpose yards in a game as of Sept. 24. Fans may recall that Locke was the player who ran in the winning touch-down in Kentucky’s win over top-ranked LSU in 2007 as a true freshman. If fans aren’t impressed with the numbers he is putting up on the field, they should also be aware that the 190-pound junior from Oklahoma also runs track for the Wildcats.

Conner, the 5 feet 11 and 240-pound fullback, has been a consistent presence for the Kentucky team the past few years. The senior became a factor in Kentucky’s win

over Louisville on Sept. 19 when he powered his way through a hole and ran for a career-long 23 yards to convert on a critical fourth-and-one situation in the second quarter. Conner followed that run with a 2-yard touchdown run. Conner typically makes short runs or blocks for the Wildcats and has 117 yards and 3 touchdowns in his career. After the Louisville game, though, Conner seemed to have impressed the coaching staff. The Courier-Journal in Louisville, Ky., reported Kentucky coach Rich Brooks announced that Conner would get the opportunity to play some as a tight end when the team goes to two-tight-end sets. Coaches and team mates say they feel Conner has really earned a chance at carrying the ball more often.

“He’s just well-rounded,” tailback Alfonso Smith said to The Courier-Journal. “He works hard. He has size, speed, strength, everything.”

Coaches said this change will give Conner more playing time on the field.

“He is too good of a player to have on the sideline when we’re not in a two-back set all the time,” Brooks said at a press confer-ence. “We need to find a different way to get him on the field.”

Conner plans on entering the NFL draft after completing his senior season.

John Conner

Opponents

18 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA October 3, 2009 PHOTOGRAPHY BY KENTUCKY MEDIA RELATIONS

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LOWDOWNThe Kentucky Connection

Larry Burton

touchdownalabama.net | 19

Larry Burton

Every year that Alabama plays Kentucky, there’s a group of aging men, now in their mid 50’s to early

60’s, who watch the game with a different perspective than the rest of us.

They are former Kentucky players who, for the most part, say they have a warm spot in their hearts for Alabama as well.

They are known as “Bear’s Boys,” and they are a special group of players who played at Kentucky between the years of 1946 to 1953. That was not only the time that Coach Bryant led the Wildcats, but it was also the glory years of the program as well.

“We knew we had a good coach. He was from a little town like most of us, but he had achieved so much as a player, won a Rose Bowl and a National Championship. We knew he could bring all that to our team and he did,” said former quarterback Babe Parilli.

In 1950, Kentucky went 11-1 and won a thrilling Sugar Bowl 13-7 over Oklahoma that ended the Sooners’ 31-game winning streak and won them their only claim to a national title in football. They ended the year number one in the Sagarin rankings and years later were recognized by the NCAA as co-champions.

Bryant’s days playing for Crimson Tide had made him a winner and he carried that over to his coaching career. His players at Kentucky never forget where the winning tradition got its start.

“Coach Bryant talked to us about the sense of tradition at Alabama and over time, though we were loyal Kentucky Wildcats, there was a sense of awe at Alabama with us, and still to this day, we have a soft spot in our heart (for

Alabama) for making our coach what he was,” said former All-SEC end Ben Zaranka several years ago.

This past June, approximately 40 former players who played for Bryant met again in Lexington to reminisce, enjoy each other’s company again and relive old times and memories.

Bear’s Boys have been meeting irregularly every two or three years since the first reunion in 1983.

Many will return this week to see Kentucky take on the other team that Coach Bryant brought to glory and helped shape forever.

One topic of conversation that comes often comes up is what would the Wildcats’ football program be like today if Coach Bryant had stayed in Kentucky his whole career.

Would they have been the national powerhouse that Alabama is today? Would all those National Championships that Bryant won at Alabama be in a Kentucky trophy case today?

Bears Boys think so.The story that led to Bryant leaving

Kentucky to take the Texas A&M job has many versions depending on the motiva-tion of the storyteller, but the real version goes something like this:

Adolph Rupp, the basketball coach, and Coach Bryant both had good seasons in 1949 and 1950. Each had won a national championship in their sport, Rupp in ’49 and Bryant in 1950. Later, Rupp’s team was found guilty of point shaving and barred from playing during the 1953 season.

But the university did not suspend Rupp. In fact, at one point Rupp was given a new Cadillac for his efforts in

bringing home a championship, while Bryant received a cigarette lighter.

So infuriated was Bryant, he left. His players didn’t blame him for leaving, but they never again reached the heights Bryant led them to. Bryant knew that no matter how hard he tried and whatever the results, football would always take a backseat to basketball at Kentucky.

The players never forgot Bryant and Bryant never forgot his players. He met with former Wildcat players years later at an anniversary of their one and only championship.

That and other gestures over the years helped cement a special Kentucky – Alabama bond that many still feel today. Now that you know their story, keep an eye out for Bear’s Boys at Commonwealth Stadium today.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UA MEDIA RELATIONS

20 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA October 3, 2009 PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF ATLANTA JOURNAL CONSTITUTION

Recruiting

Coe Robbins

Week 5

The

QB Phillip Sims 6’2” 209, Chesapeake, Va.- Oscar Smith strug-gled to get past Grassfield but manages it with a stellar defensive performance to win 7-3. Oscar Smith’s only touch-down came from a 63-yard strike from Sims.

Rivals No.1 rated QB has garnered scholarship offers from all over the country but is still a very strong commit to Alabama. Sims has two 3,000 yard seasons and has thrown 33 touchdowns as a sophomore and 38 as a junior.

RB Corey Grant 5’10” 186, Opelika, Ala. - Grant had another 100-yard performance as the Opelika native ran for 133 yards on 23 carries to defeat Vigor 26-6.

Grant runs a 4.4 forty with a 37-inch vertical and bench presses 290 pounds. Grant has said that the coaching staff wants to utilize him in many ways because of his speed mainly as a returner. With Javier Arenas departing next year, he could make an immediate impact come 2010.

WR Keiwone Malone 6’ 1” 165, Memphis Tenn. - Mitchell had a bye week.

Alabama’s first commitment of 2010, Keiwone has what it takes to be a slot receiver. At 6-foot with a 4.4 forty, Malone can make any guy miss tackles in the open field. Malone also had scholarship offers from Tennessee, Ole Miss and Oregon.

DB Demarcus Milliner 6’1” 180, Millbrook, Ala. - Milliner remained sidelined during the game recovering from a rib injury as Stanhope Elmore lost to Central Phoenix 32-29.

The state’s top ranked prospect and No.1 CB in the country by Rivals runs a 4.45 forty and benches 240 pounds.

K Cade Foster 6’1” 215, Southlake, Tx. - It was Carroll’s first loss of the season as they fell to No. 9 ranked Galena Park North Shore 28-15. Foster did, however, nail 49- and 20-yard goals in the losing effort.

As a junior, Foster was perfect inside of 50 yards who finished on last year’s season 6-of-9. Foster also had offers from Miami, Stanford and Washington.

ATH Blake Sims 6’1” 193, Gainesville, Ga. - Sims continues to be the man on offense for the Red Elephants as they defeated West Hall 56-13. Sims was only used for the first half who accounted for 164 yards passing and three touch-downs along with 69 yards rushing and a score.

Blake Sims is truly a special player to watch on the field. Sims runs a 4.5 forty and plays both offense and defense for his Gainesville squad. With the Crimson Tide running the Wildcat formation now, Sims could make an immediate impact in those regards. Sims also had offers from Michigan, Florida State, West Virginia among others.

Some may say that this year the Crimson Tide is following in the 1992 team’s footsteps. The 1992 team went undefeated under coach Gene Stallings and played the University of

Florida for the SEC Championship. It was a tremendous victory that was sealed in the last few minutes before that final score of 28-21 was confirmed. The Crimson Tide finished their 100th season defeating the number one ranked Miami in the Sugar Bowl the following January for the national title.

John Copeland is a former All-American player from that very team that defeated the Gators and won their 20th SEC Championship. He believes that this year’s team has the potential to win the SEC Championship and that they have the coaching staff to go with it.

“They definitely have potential to do it,” Copeland said. “All you can do is put your team effort in and computers will do the rest.”

Copeland, who is 6-foot-3 and weighed in at 285 pounds, sported the number 94 jersey from 1990 to 1992. He was the defensive end for the University and was named All-Conference in 1992. In 1993 he was the round 1 pick 5 for the Cincinnati Bengals, the place he would call home for eight seasons. He played the defensive-end position for the Bengals until 2000.

Throughout his stay in Cincinnati, Ohio, he played 107 games and had a total of 24 sacks. He also had 19 yards and three fumble recoveries during his career. In 1995 he recorded his career high of 9 sacks leading some to believe that was his best season with the Bengals.

Copeland is an Alabama native and ventured back to his home state after a good career with the Bengals. He returned to Tuscaloosa to finish his degree from the University of Alabama, but more was in store for this football lover than he had planned. He landed the position as Tuscaloosa Academy’s high-school football defensive coordinator.

“This job came open and I eventually want to coach college football,” he said.

Copeland has always been a football fanatic and has played his entire life. “I played football every year of my life since I was about 3 until 31,” he said.

He was also part of the first A-Club 7-on-7 game before the A-Day game this spring. He still goes to some Alabama games, but he avoids some also.

“I try to go to the good games and avoid the bad ones,” he said. “I go to the ones like Virginia Tech.”

He loves being back in the town that gave him the opportunity for so much with the sport he loves the most.

“I get a chance to do what I like to do,” he said.

Catching Up With

Jennifer Gorham

From National Championship to former Bengal. What is in store for him now?

PHOTOGRAPHY BY UA ATHLETICS touchdownalabama.net | 21

John Copeland

touchdownalabama.net | 21

22 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA October 3, 2009

Exclusive

As the Million Dollar Band prepares to play its glorious anthem on the steps of the Gorgas Library each Saturday in the fall, one cheering voice rings out above all the noise of the fans and tailgating.

While both the men and women’s basketball teams practice their free throw shots before every game, that same voice rises above the booming music that fills Coleman Coliseum.

This is the voice of a true Alabama fan, a super fan. His voice carries throughout all the stadiums, arenas and courts across the University of Alabama campus. Alabama fans of almost every sport, from softball to gymnastics to tennis, can see the dedicated face of Everett Osmer at almost every Alabama athletic event.

It is harder to find someone who does not recognize Osmer than it is to find people who do. There are many people that influence the atmosphere of every sporting event at the University of Alabama: the athletes, cheerleaders, mascots and band. Members of each of these organizations have acknowl-edged Osmer’s incredible dedication to Alabama athletics.

“I am always impressed by Everett’s continued enthusiasm at Alabama sporting events,” said Dwight Caddell, who was a member of the Million Dollar Band for nine years. “I have attended many football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, volleyball matches, gymnastics meets and softball games in the last few years because of my past membership in the Million Dollar Band and pep bands. No matter the teams’ overall record or the difference in the score, he is always cheering and supporting Alabama’s sports teams. Our athletic programs would be better if all supporters of athletic events had just half of the dedication and enthusiasm for the teams and the athletes as he does.”

A majority of the members of the Million Dollar Band and athletic pep bands have dubbed Osmer a “Super Fan.” They travel all over the South Eastern Conference, widely considered the most dedicated fans of all the conferences, and the country. Million Dollar Band members have seen every type of fan there is. Many of them describe Osmer as the Super Fan, over all others.

Osmer heavily supports the Million Dollar Band and even credits them as the reason he loves football the most. “Football is my favorite since that’s when the full band is there. And the Crimsonettes are there too,” Osmer said.

Kayla Hoffman, a member of the University of Alabama’s gymnastics’ team said, “Fans [like Everett] play such a big part in any athlete’s success. It is always great to know that we are supported. It makes what I do so much more fun.” Osmer shows enough dedication that even the athletes recognize and appreciate him.

Considering the amount of enthusiasm Osmer has for Alabama, few would assume he was born into a family full of Auburn fans. Once his younger brother Dean declared himself an Auburn fan, Osmer said, “I wanted to be different.”

Osmer’s greatest memory of Alabama athletics is when the football team shut out Auburn for the first time since 1992, the year of Alabama’s last National Championship. Osmer said, “It felt very good to beat Auburn because I got some bragging rights over my family.”

Osmer was born toward the end of his now-beloved football season in October of 1981 and attended his first Alabama game in 1985. “I have been a true Alabama fan ever since. To me, Alabama means pride and something to cheer for in the stands. I have been to every sport at least once,” he said.

If Osmer resided in Tuscaloosa, this may seem less impres-sive, but he actually travels about 75 miles every time he comes to support the Crimson Tide that he loves so dearly. Osmer says it’s easier to support the University of Alabama because he lives closer to the Capstone than he does to Auburn University.

Osmer has always been dedicated to his team, even his high school team. “Everett has always been behind his team 100 percent, winning or losing. You can always expect a big ‘Roll Tide’ from Everett throughout the year, during football season or not, and he’s always wearing some kind of Alabama attire,” said Paula Montz, a high school classmate of Osmer’s. “In high school, he was voted to receive the school spirit award.” This spirit award is another representation of the enthusiasm Osmer has toward any team he loves and, although he is not a student at the University of Alabama, he is still truly dedicated.

“All I can say is that he is the most dedicated fan I have ever met,” said Zach Sibert, a member of the University of Alabama’s cheerleading team. “He doesn’t just go to the football games. I see him at baseball, basketball, gymnastics, and just about everything else. He is crazy for some Bama athletics. I wish we had more fans like him.”

Sibert is just one of many cheerleaders who are familiar with Osmer’s dedication to Alabama athletics.

T.J. Cunningham, another member of the University of Alabama’s cheerleading team, said, “He attends almost every athletic event Bama. I am a cheerleader and I think he goes to more events than I do. I don’t know how, but he can call out all of the cheerleaders and coaches by name and he is always there to cheer us on. I think he may have been a cheerleader in a previous life or something because he can out yell and out cheer any of us. He is definitely the epitome of a Bama Super Fan.”

Jessie Landon

Everett Osmer: The Bama Super Fan

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATT GASTON

Big Al is one of the most famous symbols of the University of Alabama, not to mention one of Osmer’s favorite parts of Alabama’s tradition. Osmer believes Big Al is the greatest mascot of them all.

Big Al, kept anonymous for the sake of the charac-ter, recognizes the full devotion of Osmer’s. He said, “I met Everett at tryouts before the A-day game last year, I had no idea who he was. I just remember my instructor telling me he was the biggest Alabama fan he’d ever seen. I’ve never seen anyone more devoted to Alabama athletics. He supports everything with his whole heart. I’ve seen him at football, men and women’s basketball, gymnas-tics, volleyball. He’s always there, and he cares more about Alabama than anyone I’ve ever known.”

Osmer has two dreams he would like to experience, to enhance his super fan status: to watch a game from the sidelines, but more importantly, to lead the Million Dollar Band. For him, completing these goals would complete his dedication to the Crimson Tide.

September 19, 2009 began as a bleak, rainy day, but nature seemed to want to make Osmer’s dreams come true. The rain seemed to stop for Osmer as he climbed the ladder at the foot of the Amelia Gorgas Library stairs to conduct the Million Dollar Band for the final “Yea Alabama” at the Elephant Stomp before the game against North Texas.

“I think that it was awesome that he was able to conduct the Million Dollar Band because he obviously loves the organization and is very supportive of us. It was the least we could do to show our gratitude,” said Jonathan Holden, a member of the Million Dollar Band.

Alabama athletics are far from lacking in die-hard fans, but there are a few who rise above the rest and Everett Osmer is one of those super fans. Big Al knows dedication to Alabama better than anyone and he sums up Everett Osmer’s status as a super fan quite simply. He said, “You can always tell when Everett is there, especially when were losing. No matter what happens, Everett is always cheering on the team. He’ll scream at the top of his lungs if he has too, because he wants whoever is competing to know that he’s behind them 100 percent, winning or losing.”

touchdownalabama.net | 23

Everett Osmer: The Bama Super Fan

touchdownalabama.net | 25

Player Spotlight

Not long ago, an undersized wide receiver by the name of Tyrone Prothro suited up wearing the number four jersey for the Crimson Tide.

Small in stature at 5-foot-8, 173-pounds, but larger than life, the electrifying do-it-all speedster thrilled the Tide nation with his mythical, game-changing aura that brought fans to their feet. Prothro’s stellar career was unfortunately and suddenly cut short after he sustained a broken leg in October, 2005.

Fast forward to September, 2009, and the number four is back, still undersized – but as electrifying as ever.

Standing tall at 5-foot-10, 179 pounds, Marquis Maze has emphatically solidified his role as the Tide number two receiver behind All-American, Julio Jones. Maze first garnered the attention of Tide fans –on a play that didn’t even count -- after his jaw-dropping catch against Clemson last season. Maze capped off his season in the Iron Bowl after he reeled in McElroy’s final touchdown pass.

For the most part, the 2008 Tide receiving corps was thought by many to be a one-man show with Jones as the feature presentation. In fact, the Tide’s second leading receiver behind Jones was tight end Nick Walker, who reeled in 32 receptions for 324 yards and two touchdowns, but trailed Jones by 600 yards receiving at seasons’ end. It had become painfully clear to Maze, Nick Saban and the 8-year-old boy in the fourth row, the need for another prime-time receiving threat.

Maze’s opportunity had come knocking—and he answered.

He began his 2009 campaign for the much-debated number two receiving spot in April when he awed Tide fans during his spectacular A-Day game performance, in which he was named the Dixie Howell Memorial Most Valuable Player. Maze flashed tremendous speed and play-making ability as he gashed the Tide first-team defense all afternoon. He carried the ball only

twice during the scrimmage, but gained 47 yards. He hauled in five receptions for 87 yards and added 11 yards on punt returns, giving him a team high, 145 all-purpose yards for the game.

“He has made a lot of big plays this spring,” head coach Nick Saban said following the A-Day game. “He is very fast and our most explosive guy off the line against any kind of close coverage. He has ability to run with the ball and has improved his hands, which is a real key. I think he is a guy that can be a real playmaker for us in the future. I am very, very encouraged by the spring that he had.”

Maze has picked up right where he left off on A-Day making prime-time plays and easing the pressure off Jones. The newest big-threat receiver has tallied eight receptions for 194 yards and two touchdowns this season—averaging 24.25 yards-per-catch. His first touchdown was a 34-yard over-the-shoulder strike against North Texas and the second came on an 80-yard catch-and-run against Arkansas just one week ago, tying him for the sixth longest touchdown reception in Alabama history. Maze has already surpassed his receiving numbers for the entire ’08 season through four games this year.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK LENT

Marquis MazeAnthony Johnson

Long Live the Number Four

touchdownalabama.net | 25

News

26 | TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA October 3, 2009

SEC NewsSEC NewsJessica Temple

LSU at Georgia - 2:30 on CBSBoth LSU and Georgia narrowly avoided upsets in the last

minutes of their games last week. Georgia got a 37-yard field goal in the last play to beat Arizona State, and LSU made a goal line stand with just over a minute left on the clock to hold on to their lead over Mississippi State. At 4-0 on the season, LSU will be fighting to keep their perfect record intact this week when the Tigers visit Athens, Ga. Although they have shown a solid defense this season, the Tigers’ offense will have to step it up as they take on SEC opponents in the next three games. Offense has been the strong side of Georgia’s game this year, and LSU’s sophomore quarterback Jordan Jefferson may not have the expe-rience necessary to stand up to the Dogs.

Ole Miss at Vanderbilt - 6:00 pm on ESPNUAlthough they have the home field advantage and are coming

off a good win over Rice last week, Vandy’s momentum will not likely be enough to bring them out on top. At 0-2 in the SEC, the Commodores are again at the bottom of the conference and the offense has had problems connecting in their passing game the last two weeks. Ole Miss just had a tough loss to South Carolina and will be trying to prove that they do belong in the top ten. Rebels quarterback, Jevon Snead, who had a good start to the

season, was somewhat of a letdown against the Gamecocks last week. The junior transfer from University of Texas, who was on the preseason Heisman watch list, had an off week, at one point missing six consecutive passes. Despite these issues, he and the rest of the Rebes should be able to take home a win this week.

Auburn at Tennessee - 6:45 pm on ESPNLike LSU’s Tigers, the Auburn Tigers are 4-0 thus far in the

season, and with one SEC win, they want to keep that record intact. The young team has made a few sloppy mistakes and will need to play a cleaner game as they go on the road for the first time. However, Tennessee has not shown much potential this year, and could be further stunted by the lack of middle line-backer Nick Reveiz, who is likely out for the season after injuring his right knee in last week’s victory over Ohio. Reveiz ranked third on the team in tackles going in to the game and according to teammates is a great motivator for the defense. Both teams have been working to correct some problems before the matchup: the Vols continuing to strengthen their passing game and Auburn paying special attention to their special teams this week.

Heisman winner Tim Tebow, quarterback for the Florida Gators, left last week’s game in the third quarter following a hard hit by Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham. He shouldn’t miss any playing time, as Florida has a bye this week.

Ole Miss senior tight end Gerald Harris missed last week’s game against South Carolina with a hamstring injury and is questionable this week.

Tennessee’s senior wide receiver will be out again this week with a fractured jaw. The status of Quintin Hancock, who sustained the injury during the game against Florida on Sept 19, will be re-evaluated for play next week.

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UASCHEDULE

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1 Bear Bryant grew up in ________.

a. Alabamab. Arkansasc. Mississippid. Georgia

2 Going into the 2008 season, how many SEC championships has Alabama won?a. 12b. 17

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c. 9d. 10

4 Which quarterback holds the Alabama career passing record for yards?a. Mike Shulab. Jay Barker

c. John Parker Wilsond. Brodie Croyle

5 Alabama played its first football game in which year?a. 1889b. 1892

c. 1899d. 1900

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