PennState NorthTexas Issue -Promotional by Carey Landon

SCORE Optimal Health!

A Powerful All Natural Omega-3 and Antioxidant from New Zealand 90 Day Unconditional Money-Back Guarantee OMEGA-3 POTENCY MOXXOR Mussel Oil.....79.00 Potency Fish Oil.........................0.50 Potency Salmon Oil....................0.32 Potency Flax Oil.........................0.20 Potency

Please visit us at www.mymoxxor.com/neumeanings Call: (205) 765-8007

“MOXXOR is the Holy Grail of Omega 3’s and Antioxidants.”

–Dr. Matt Wheaton, DVM Alicia Pet Care Center, Laguna Hills, CA

For People and Pets

FULL SERVICE BANKING

AFTER AFTER WITH

WITH

www.1stfed.com For more information call: 205-391-6700

McFarland - 9th Street - 69 South

FIRST FEDERAL

BANK

MEMBER

NANCY BATES REPORTER / WRITER

FDIC

Touchdown Alabama NANCYMagazine BATES www.TouchdownAlabama.net

REPORTER / WRITER

Interviews with players

Touchdown Alabama Magazine www.TouchdownAlabama.net

Nick Saban Press Conferences Interviews with players

Exclusive News Surrounding Crimson Tide Nick Saban Press Conferences

Every Tuesday & Thursday at 6PM CST on TouchdownAlabama.net Every Tuesday & Thursday at 6PM CST “Your source for Alabama Football News” on TouchdownAlabama.net “Your source for Alabama Football News” @TDAPointsAfter @TouchdownAlabamaMagazine @TDAPointsAfter

Dr. Samuel H. Chambers & Dr. James R. Hughes 4764 Eastern Valley Road, Suite 104 McCalla, Alabama 35111 I-459 Exit 1 (In the Piggly Wiggly Shopping Center)

Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm

ONE DAY DENTURE SERVICE (by appointment)

Alabama’s Premier College Football Magazine

Phone: (205) 436-2683

Alabama’s Premier College Football Magazine

• Most Major Credit Cards Accepted • Care Credit Available •

@TouchdownAlabamaMagazine

Services Offered:

Exclusive News Surrounding Crimson Tide • Whitening • Crowns • Bridges • Root Canals • Partials • Extractions • Cleaning • Dentures

In This Issue

Beaver Stadium

Crimson Extras

Houndstooth Saloon 14

Tide Trivia

The Lowdown

Q&A- Big AL

Pro Connections

Catching Up With 36

At A Glance

SEC Media Day

ON THE COVER:

Darius Hanks #15

Hanks has been a member of the Tide family since 2007. He received a medical redshirt at the beginning of his freshman season, but came back in 2008 and was named as one of Alabama’s top wide receivers and made appearances in eight games. His streak didn’t stop there. Hanks played in all 14 games of the 2009 season and started seven in the wide receiver position. He appeared in all 14 games his sophomore season and all 13 games his junior season. He racked up 17 catches for 272 yards throughout his sophomore season, won the Ozzie Newsome Most Improved Freshman Award in 2008 and won the Ray Perkins Receiver Award in 2010 and 2011. Throughout his career he has caught a total of 58 passes in 36 games for 822 yards that racked in six touchdowns for the Tide. He is expected to step into action with the absence of Julio Jones this season. Look for remarkable plays to be made by Hanks throughout the 2011 season. Photography By: Matt Gaston

2011 Issue Release Dates August 24

Kent State

September 8

Penn State/North Texas

September 22ND

Arkansas/Florida Vanderbilt

October 6

th th

Ole Miss/Tennessee

October 27th

LSU

October 13

November 10

Miss St./Georgia Southern

November 17

Iron Bowl

M U L T I M E D I A Next Issue • Complete SEC Media Days Conference • 2011 SEC Breakdown Analysis/Predictions • Alabama Sleepers Watch list

Web Content • Post-Game Interviews • Game Footage • Press Conferences from Nick Saban • More From Larry Burton

Weekly Radio Show

• Coming Soon!

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.

September 10, 2011

Fall 2011 | Volume 4, Issue 2

Like Us On Facebook

Staff

President/Publisher Bennie Bice

Editor-in-Chief Mike Lacy

Managing Editor Jennifer Gorham

COPY Editor Micah Phillips

Photography

BDL, Chris Trotman/Getty Images, Matt Gaston, Mark Lent, Meangreensports.com, Mike Lacy, Penn State Athletic Comm., Rivals.com, The Bryant Museum, The Houndstooth Saloon, Articlesofmastication.com

Creative Director Cassandra Johnson

Graphic Design

Tramayne Wright, Robert D’Alessandro

Chief Information Officer Brian LaShomb

Website Designer Carey Landon

Customer Relations Herb Neu

Writers

Larry Burton, DJ K Dub, Troy Farsoun, Jennifer Gorham, Kassidy Hill, Mike Lacy, John McWilliams, Mike Parker, Coe Robbins, Victoria Sheehan, Stephen E. Smith, Stephen M. Smith, Donald Staffo, Thomas Watts

Reporters

Nancy Bates, Victoria Sheehan

Advertising 888-580-0852

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 and triumph. Each season has added more dynamic players and colorful stories to the Alabama family. It is only fitting that a program with 13 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 for whom we generate this magazine: You the fan. God Bless.”

Letter from the Editor: Dear Readers: The Tide’s season is underway and we are now in our second week of football! The Tide now takes on the Penn State Nittany Lions. This competition is rich in history and Tide loyalists love a good competition. This week the Crimson Tide travels to Happy Valley for the first time since 1989. Last season the Tide rolled past Penn State with a score of 24-3. You are now reading Touchdown Alabama Magazine’s first double issue of the season! Along with Penn State’s game information, you will find all the information you need to know about North Texas. The North Texas Mean Green will join the Crimson Tide at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 17 at 6:30 p.m. This double issue lets you experience exclusive news earlier and keep the issue longer! As always, we need your feedback! We are always looking for ways to improve and are open to opinions. Let us know what you love and what needs work. We cater to our readers and want to know what you would like to see in Touchdown Alabama Magazine. Don’t forget to pick up your copy of the magazine at locations such as Barnes & Noble, convenience stores, the Supe Store and The Bryant Museum. Tell your family, friends and fellow fans to look for Alabama’s premier college football magazine to get the inside scoop on the Tide. Don’t forget that TDAL is more interactive and user friendly. We would love to have each of you as a friend and follower. Check out our Facebook and Twitter accounts for the latest information on your favorite team and continue to make the Tide the best in the nation. I hope each of you keep tuning in to Touchdown Alabama Magazine and TouchdownAlabama.net for Crimson Tide news, photos, updates and more. Enjoy the first double issue of the many to come and Roll Tide!

Touchdown Alabama Magazine staff Send letters to: P.O. Box 3251 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-3251 205-701-1211 | publish@tdalabama.com |Advertising: ads@tdalabama.com

Some wounds you can’t see.

Career Opportunity

Account Executive...

...to represent Touchdown Alabama Magazine and TouchdownAlabama.net for the purpose of selling advertising in the Birmingham Metro area, Tuscaloosa, Huntsville and Mobile. These positions are commission-based with healthy bonuses tied to sales success. Print advertising experience is preferred.

Send Resume and cover letter to BDL Media Group, Inc. at jobs@tdalabama.com or call Toll Free 888-580-0852

JAMES MYLOTT

Wounded in Al Diwaniyah, Iraq Traumatic brain injury, severe muscle damage

Anthony & Co.

Jewelers

Traumatic brain injuries have left thousands with drastically changed lives. Wounded Warrior Project offers services that ease the burdens of these returning heroes, along with their fellow troops

dreams do come true!®

180 Main Street Hoover, AL 35244

who have suffered other severe physical and mental injuries. For more information, visit woundedwarriorproject.org.

Located in Patton Creek next to Cajun Steamer and Edgar’s Bakery

The greatest casualty is being forgotten.TM

CFC #11425 Wounded Warrior Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization

Phone: 205-987-2224 Fax: 205-987-2522

Tide Talk

“TIDE TALK” Trent Richardson “They’re [Penn State] a good ball team, so we can’t take them lightly at all.”

Carson Tinker “When I was doing my rehab and doing all the things I needed to do to get healthy, that is what I thought about; running out of that tunnel and playing football.”

Nick Saban “When we get closer to the game, we try to get the kind of recovery that we feel like we need.”

Alex Watkins “We are anxious to prove what we can do as a team, from special teams to offense to defense.”

Photography by Matt Gaston

“One thing when you play Joe Paterno-coached teams, which we’ve had some experience doing, they do a great job of executing, they don’t give you much, they really kind of win on effort, toughness, execution and discipline.”

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography by Mark Lent

Nick Saban

The 2011 football season marks the 16th meeting between Alabama and Penn State. Even though Alabama leads the series 10-5, there were plenty of games where the winner was not decided until very late in the ball game. If you compare these universities, you will find that both schools can make the claim that they have or have had the best coach college football has ever seen in Joe Paterno and Nick Saban. Both coaches are, in fact, similar and have made their mark on college football. Paterno is as much an institution at Penn State as Coach Bear Bryant is and was to The University of Alabama. Coach Bryant leads the series between the two with a 4-1 record. Of those five games, the 1979 Sugar Bowl game would emerge as the most memorable. This is where The Crimson Tide sealed a victory with the historical goal-line stand. Alabama won the national championship that night and Coach Bryant was quoted saying, “There is only one team that could have stopped Penn State on the goal line and that team is Alabama.” With both universities coming from such rich football traditions, it has led both fan bases to have a mutual respect for each other. I went to every home game in the 2010 season and, hands down, I enjoyed being around the Penn State fans more the any other fan base. Last season Coach Saban requested that fans show respect to the Penn State team and not boo when they entered the stadium. The Alabama fans did just that by responding with a cascade of cheers when Coach Paterno was announced in the stadium. This season Alabama travels to Happy Valley, and I expect the same hospitality we extended to them a year ago. When it’s all said and done, as the last seconds tick off the clock, as the Alabama fans Rammer Jammer them out of their stadium, hopefully they will still have respect for us. D.J K-Dub Roll Tide!!!!!!

DJ K Dub is a member of the Sons of Saban. He is an avid Alabama football fan and is co-host of “In the Trenches” with Legend, his Sons of Saban brother. The show airs each Friday at noon on TouchdownAlabama.net. Be sure to stay updated with DJ as he answers questions from readers and fans like you. If you would like a question answered by DJ send it to: managingeditor@tdalabama.com.

U www.BamaForU.com 205-393-1900

FOR

Compare and contrast Penn State’s history with UA’s history. How does this make the teams relatable and how does it make them different? Do you think it makes the competition more intense or more respectable? Last season Nick Saban specified he wanted respect from the crowds against Penn State. Do you think the two’s history creates a certain level of respect other teams don’t have?

BAMA

ASK DJ

VISIT US AT BOOTH #16 NEAR BRYANT DR. & 10TH AVE. ON GAME DAYS!

BAMANATION HOT SAUCE A true gourmet hot sauce recognized by

Southern Living Magazine as

“THE BEST OF THE SOUTH” Ask for it at your local grocer!

bamanationhotsauce.com

Beaver Stadium Background

BEAVER STADIUM: The House that Joe Pa Built By: Thomas Watts

Photography Credit To Penn State Athletic Communications

“One of the major sentimental points for many Penn State fans was that they could see Nittany Mountain during games.”

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

labama squares off against Penn State on September 10, 2011, in Beaver Stadium. It is the second game in the home-and-home series for the two teams. Alabama defeated Penn State 24-3 at Bryant-Denny Stadium during the 2010 season. Beaver Stadium itself has a very interesting history and was also built to honor Penn State’s mascot, the Nittany Lion. Alabama has enjoyed modest success at Beaver Stadium, tallying a 3-2 record in five games played in Happy Valley. Beaver Stadium is located on the Penn State University campus. It is named for James A. Beaver, a former governor of Pennsylvania and member of the university’s board of trustees. It is the second largest football stadium in the country, surpassed only by the Big House in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It officially seats 107,282 people. Although, its record attendance was 110,753 set on September 14, 2002 against Nebraska.

The current iteration of Beaver Stadium was built from the old Beaver Field in 1960. Joe Paterno has been Penn State’s head coach throughout the stadium’s entire tenure. The university dismantled Beaver Field and moved it across campus. It only held 46,000 people at the time. It was expanded numerous times throughout the next 40 years, with the final expansion finished in 2001. All of these expansions brought the capacity to 107,282. The expansion in 2001 was controversial. One of the major sentimental points for many Penn State fans was that they could see Nittany Mountain during games. The expansion added an upper deck to the south end of the stadium and blocked the view of that mountain. Aside from being the mascot of a major division one university, a nittany lion is a lion that roams along Nittany Mountain. Like Bryant-Denny, Beaver Stadium is steeped in tradition. One major

tradition will reverberate with Alabama fans--the WhiteOut. Penn State asks its fans to wear white, to create an ocean of white within the stadium to intimidate opposing teams. Alabama fans will remember the last team that did something similar. The Georgia Bulldogs asked their fans to wear black—a BlackOut—and earned a 41-30 thumping at the hands of the 2008 Crimson Tide team for their trouble. Penn State has been lobbying their fans for several months to wear white to welcome the Tide to Beaver Stadium. Playing Penn State early in the season with a new starting quarterback would be a tall order for any team. Head Coach Paterno, college football’s winningest coach, will have the Nittany Lions ready to play, and a raucous WhiteOut crowd will make the game even more difficult. The Crimson Tide will face a tough test early at Beaver Stadium in Happy Valley, the house that Joe Pa built.

1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

Practice For Performance

Strength & Conditioning:

The Role of the Strength Coach A

s coaches, we expect and demand a lot from athletes in the weight room. We say things like “pay attention to detail” and “execute your lifts” along with “maximize each and every session.” We also expect our athletes to represent themselves positively away from the weight room, making good choices like drinking plenty of water and performing well in the classroom. The role of the strength and conditioning coach may be one of the most underrated jobs there is within sports, with high school sports being at the top of the list. Often times, we as coaches worry about the things that look good on paper, such as how much our athletes can bench press, clean and squat. Those numbers are good to know and look excellent, but most of the time those numbers have a lot of egos working behind the scene. As coaches we should be all about our athletes

By: Johnny Jackson

getting better by improving agility, power and strength. Most importantly, this must be achieved the right way, a way that keeps young athletes on the field and prevents injuries. The problem with this is most high schools can’t or won’t afford to budget a strength coach. Most coaches have to work with what they have. Most high schools, with sports, can’t afford to avoid putting a strength coach on staff. The reason being that most sports are played typically around 10-15 % of a school year and the weight room is used year round. These athletes play hard and work hard. As coaches and educators, we should do the same for the kids. Even if we don’t have all the equipment, we need to be motivators. A bad program coached well is better than a great program coached badly. We as strength coaches can make a difference.

Johnny Jackson graduated from The University of Alabama with a bachelors degree in exercise science and he is no stranger to the Tide. He interned with The University of Alabama football team that won the SEC and BCS National Championship title. Jackson also interned with the baseball and track and field teams while at the Capstone from 2007 until 2010. As far as strength and conditioning goes, Jackson knows his strengths. He bench presses over 550 pounds and currently caters to serious high school, college and professional athletes that are driven to reach their full athletic potential. “I’m dedicated to getting athletes brutally strong, lightning fast and mentally tough,” he said. Jackson has a Strength and Conditioning article featured in each issue of Touchdown Alabama Magazine. To contact Jackson send your questions and concerns to: trainwithjjsc@yahoo.com.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

11 Facts About Magazines 1

Magazine readership has grown over the past five years. (Source: MRI)

Average paid subscriptions reached nearly 300 million in 2009. (Source: MPA estimates based on ABC first and second half 2009 data)

4 out of 5 adults read magazines. (Source: MRI)

Magazines deliver more ad impressions than TV or Web in half-hour period. (Source: McPheters & Company)

Magazine readership in the 18 to 34 segment is growing. (Source: MRI)

Since Facebook was founded, magazines gained more than one million young adult readers. (Source: MRI)

The average reader spends 43 minutes reading each issue. (Source: MRI)

Magazines are the No. 1 medium of engagement — across all dimensions measured. Simmons’ Multi-Media Engagement Study find magazines continue to score significantly higher than TV or the Internet in ad receptivity and all of the other engagement dimensions, including “trustworthy” and “inspirational.” (Source: Simmons Multi-Media Engagement Study)

Magazines and magazine ads garner the most attention: BIGresearch studies show that when consumers read magazines they are much less likely to engage with other media or to take part in non-media activities compared to the users of TV, radio or the Internet. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

Magazines outperform other media in driving positive shifts in purchase consideration/intent. (Source: Dynamic Logic)

Magazines rank No. 1 at influencing consumers to start a search online – higher than newer media options. (Source: BIGresearch Simultaneous Media Usage Study)

Exclusive

Southern Hospitality on the North Side

hile most fans in Chicago aren’t Bama fans, there are a few glimmers of crimson amidst the sea of blue. There are some avid Alabama fans showing their support and wearing their houndstooth and crimson apparel on brisk Saturday afternoons. While Chicago houses many teams such as the Bears, Blackhawks, Bulls, Cubs and White Sox, the Tide still prevails in one realm. That realm is located in a corner of Chicago where houndstooth is a familiar sight and crimson is the color of choice. The Houndstooth Saloon is a specialty bar catering to true Tide fans. The Houndstooth Saloon, located at 3369 N. Clark, Chicago, Ill., is a proud Southern charmer just a few blocks from Wrigley Field. Although the saloon boasts a Southern atmosphere, it isn’t just for Bama fans.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

By: Jennifer Gorham

“Each Chicago bar is associated with a college; there’s not a lot of SEC bars,” Houndstooth Saloon representative Jeanna Dalton said. That led the owners to develop the saloon for SEC fans in the Windy City. As stated on the saloon’s Facebook page, “The Houndstooth Saloon provides Southern Hospitality on the North Side of Chicago.” The saloon has ties to The University of Alabama National Alumni Chapter of Chicago. With ties like that, Southern charm is sure to prevail in a city far away from home. When Chicago residents and SEC fans aren’t able to witness the Tide roll in Bryant-Denny Stadium or are unable to tailgate on the quad, they venture to The Houndstooth Saloon to be with fellow fans. There are different rooms within the saloon which have

Photography credit to The Houndstooth Saloon

On the road in Big Ten country

“The Houndstooth Saloon provides Southern Hospitality on the North Side of Chicago.” - The Houndstooth Saloon

Photography credit to The Houndstooth Saloon

their own themes, but the overall vibe of the saloon is akin to a Southern mansion. Among those rooms is one called the library. Pages from novels cover the ceiling in this room. “The pages on the ceiling just go with the theme [of the room],” Dalton said. The saloon has specialty nights, such as Monday trivia night, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday country nights and food and drink specials throughout the week. The bar is recently beginning a new menu that has a Southern theme. The saloon has also been known to hold many competitions and ticket giveaways for various musicians such as Brad Paisley, Jason Aldean and Kid Rock. The saloon also books holiday parties and specialty events. While you’re visiting The Houndstooth Saloon, you can pick up Crimson Tide and Cubs merchandise and souvenirs. Every Bama game is televised throughout the season and, even though this bar is tailored for Tide loyalists, rivalry fans visit too. Dalton said they have rivalry fans “all the time, especially Auburn.” Not just rivalry fans, either; the saloon hosts tourists weekly from Alabama. Whether you’re on the road in Big Ten country for football, a native of Chicago or simply needing a getaway, remember The Houndstooth Saloon. So slide your Crimson jersey on and tip your houndstooth hat to represent your spirit in Northern Chicago.

DISH Network delivers more of what you want for less than you’d expect. Packages starting at:

DISH Network vs. DIRECTV

FIVE MO PACKAGES UNDER 50 $

Local Channels Included!

Prices valid for first 12 months. Requires 24 month agreement.

plus...

FREE in up to 6 rooms!

INSTALLATION With DVR!

CHOOSE ONE FREE for 3 Months!

FREE HD DVR Upgrade!

DISH Network

America’s Top 120

DIRECTV Choice

Price after 12 Months

$44.99

$60.99

Service on TV 2

Included

$6/mo

$10

FREE HD For LIFE

YES

Local Channels Included EVERYWHERE

YES

Watch Live TV Everywhere You Go

YES

$44.99

$76.99

High Definition Fee

TOTAL

Save up to $384/yr. over DirecTV!

($6/mo DVR service fee applies)

Call Now FREE HD for life! AUTHORIZED RETAILER

1-888-782-4507

Call 7 days a week 8am - 11pm EST Promo Code: MB0611 Digital Home Advantage plan requires 24-month agreement and credit qualification. Cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining applies if service is terminated before end of agreement. After 12 months of programming credits, then-current price will apply. $10/mo HD add-on fee waived for life of current account; requires 24-month agreement, continuous enrollment in AutoPay with Paperless Billing. Premium Movie Package offer requires AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months then-current price applies unless you downgrade. DISH Platinum offer requires qualifying HD programming, AutoPay with Paperless Billing; after 3 months you must opt to continue subscription. Free Standard Professional Installation only. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; upfront and monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. Prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Offer available for new and qualified former customers, and subject to terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer agreements. Additional restrictions may apply. Offer ends 1/31/12. HBO®, Cinemax® andrelated channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. Starz® and related channels and service marks are the property of Starz Entertainment, LLC. All new customers are subject to a one time non-refundable processing fee.

Player Spotlight

McCarron To Get His Shot

Photography by Matt Gaston

By: Troy Farsoun

uarterback AJ McCarron is the presumed starter for the Tide. McCarron, a redshirt sophomore, has been in a prolonged quarterback battle with dual-threat Philip Sims throughout the offseason. Standing at 6-feet-4 inches and 205 pounds, the Mobile native has been described as the better passer of the two and was a four-star recruit out of St. Paul’s Episcopal High School in 2009. Rivals.com put McCarron as the seventhranked pro-style passer and the 5th best high school quarterback in the state of Alabama, leading his team to the Alabama 5A State Title as a junior. McCarron served as Greg McElroy’s backup last season, seeing limited action in Alabama’s final two games of the season against Auburn and Michigan State, and is the only quarterback on the roster with college game experience. He called the signals in a total of eight games in 2010 en route to throwing for 389 yards and three touchdowns. He was 6-for-6 in the Capitol One Bowl, accumulating 51 yards in a 49-7 demolition of the Spartans. The stat that Tide fans don’t want to see? McCarron was also 0-for-4 on the final last-ditch drive against Auburn after taking over

for an injured Greg McElroy. Alabama hasn’t seen a genuine quarterback competition in quite some time and an intriguing question remains: if no clear winner emerges between Philip Sims and AJ McCarron as the season progresses, would Saban consider utilizing a two-quarterback system to take advantage of both Sims’s running ability and McCarron’s throwing accuracy? Under Urban Meyer, Florida used a similar system with Chris Leak and Tim Tebow en route to winning the national championship in 2006. Later, LSU used Andrew Hatch and Jarrett Lee and Mississippi State swapped out Chris Relf and Tyler Russell throughout 2010. If a dual-quarterback system is implemented, can it be reliable enough to conquer the powerful SEC West? With or without such a system, Sims is sure to see some action this fall, but look for AJ McCarron to call the shots. Regardless of who is under center, Jim McElwain’s offense requires the quarterback to serve the role of game-manager and allow the strong running ability of Trent Richardson with the support of a bulletproof defense to win games.

1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

NITTANY LIONS

Penn State Football Roster NO NAME P CLS HT WT 1 Rob Bolden QB SO 6-3 216 1 Nick Sukay Saf SR 6-1 219 2 Shane McGregor QB SR 6-1 198 2 Chaz Powell CB SR/ 6-1 206 3 Brandon Beachum TB SR 6-0 230 4 Amos Adrian CB FR 6-0 205 4 Evan Lewis PK/WR SR 5-10 173 5 Bill Belton WR FR 5 -10 206 5 Derrick Thomas CB JR 6-0 181 6 Gerald Hodges LB JR 6-2 234 6 Derek Moye WR SR 6-5 210 7 Curtis Drake WR JR 5-11 173 7 Stephen Obeng-Agyapong Saf JR 5-10 202 8 D’ Anton Lynn CB SR 6-1 208 8 Allen Robinson WR FR 6-3 199 9 Michael Zordich RB SR 6-1 241 10 Kevin Haplea TE JR 6-4 251 10 Malcolm Willis Saf JR 5-11 209 11 Khairi Fortt LB SO 6-2 234 11 Matthew McGloin QB SR 6-1 211 12 John Cabot QB FR 6-4 204 12 Stephon Morris CB JR 5-8 184 13 Tim Buckley Saf. FR 6-0 196 13 Paul Jones QB SO 6-3 242 14 Garrett Venuto QB JR 6-0 218 14 Mike Wallace CB JR 5-9 193 15 Patrick Flanagan WR SO 5-8 147 15 Alex Kenney CB SO 6-0 195 16 Ryan Scherer WR SR 5-8 176 17 Christian Kuntz WR JR 6-4 214 18 Deion Barnes DE FR 6-4 245 18 Andrew Goodman WR SR 6-0 197 19 Justin Brown WR JR 6-3 214 20 Devon Smith WR JR 5-7 155 22 T.J. Rhattigan LB FR 5-10 193 23 Brian Friend WR JR 6-1 196 24 Derek Day RB SR 5-9 188 24 Jonathan Duckett Saf SO 6-1 197 25 Silas Redd TB SO 5-10 209 26 Curtis Dukes TB JR 6-1 237 26 Kyle Lucas LB JR 5-11 233 27 Jacob Fagnano Saf SR 6-0 207 27 Tariq Tongue WR JR 5-8 165 28 Drew Astorino Saf SR 5-10 207 29 Jeff Cully CB SO 5-11 197 30 Anthony Fera P/PK JR 6-2 215 30 Ryan Keiser Saf SO 6-1 206 31 Brad Bars LB SO 6-3 226 32 Dakota Royer LB SO 6-1 233 33 Andre Dupree FB JR 5-10 253 33 Michael Yancich TE SR 6-2 237 34 Nathan Stupar LB SR 6-1 234 35 Pat Zerbe FB JR 6-1 234 36 Deron Thompson RB FR 5-10 189 37 Joe Suhey RB SR 6-1 222 38 Ben Kline LB FR 6-2 223 39 Jesse Della Valle CB SO 6-1 185 40 Glenn Carson LB SO 6-3 239 40 Zach Zwinak RB SO 6-1 233

HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL Orchard Lk, Mi. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s Mt. Pleasant, Pa. Greensburg Cen. Catholic Ebensburg, Pa. Central Cambria New Freedom, Pa. Susquehannock Struthers, Oh. Cardinal Mooney Baltimore, Md. Calvert Hall College Gettysburg, Pa. Gettysburg Sicklerville, N.J. Winslow Township Greenbelt, Md. Eleanor Roosevelt Paulsboro, N.J. Paulsboro Rochester, Pa. Rochester Philadelphia, Pa. W. Philadelphia Cath. Bronx, N.Y. John F. Kennedy Celina, Tex. Celina Southfield, Mi. Orchard Ln. St. Mary’s Canfield, Oh. Cardinal Mooney Annandale, N.J. North Hunterdon Marbury, Md. Lackey Stamford, Conn. Stamford Scranton, Pa. West Scranton San Diego, Ca. Torrey Pines Greenbelt, Md. Eleanor Roosevelt Raleigh, N.C. Cardinal Gibbons McKees Rocks, Pa. Sto-Rox Ithaca, N.Y. Ithaca Silver Springs, Md. Good Counsel State College, Pa. Hill School State College, Pa. State College Area Avon Lake, Oh. Avon Lake Camp Hill, Pa. Trinity Philadelphia, Pa. Northeast Philadelphia, Pa. George Washington Wilmington, Del. Concord White Plains, Md. Westlake Naperville, Ill. Neuqua Valley Pittsburgh, Pa. Central Catholic Bellefonte, Pa. Central Dauphin Harrisburg, Pa. Bishop McDevitt Norwalk, Cn. KingLowHeywoodThomas Evans Mills, N.Y. Indian River Bellefonte, Pa. Bellefonte Wiliamsport, Pa. Williamsport Flushing, N.Y. Holy Cross Edinboro, Pa. General McLane Allison Park, Pa. Hampton Cypress, Texas St. Pius X Selinsgrove, Pa. Selinsgrove Nashville, Tn. Montgomery Bell Ac. Lancaster, Pa. Manheim Central Waldorf, Md. North Point Washington, Pa. Trinity State College, Pa. State College Area West Lawn, Pa. Wilson Lititz, Pa. Warwick Deerfield, Ill. Loyola Academy York, Pa. Dallastown Pittsburgh, Pa. Shaler Area Manahawkin, N.J. Southern Regional Frederick, Md. Linganore

NO NAME P 41 J.R. Refice DT 42 Michael Mauti LB 43 Mike Hull LB 44 Michael Fuhrman KS 45 Alex Butterworth P 45 P.J. Byers FB 46 Ken Pollock LB 47 Jordan Hill DL 48 Jordan Kerner DE 50 DeOn’tae Pannell G 52 Chima Okoli T 53 Jon Rohrbaugh KS 54 Matt Stankiewitch C 54 James Van Fleet LB 56 Eric Latimore DE 57 Emery Etter KS 58 Adam Gress T 59 Pete Massaro DE 60 Ty Howle C 62 Frank Figueroa G 64 John Urschel G 65 Miles Dieffenbach C 66 Angelo Mangiro OL 67 Quinn Barham T 68 Ryan Nowicki OL 70 Nate Cadogan T 71 Devon Still DT 72 Khamrone Kolb G 73 Mark Arcidiacono G 74 Johnnie Troutman G 75 Evan Hailes DT 75 Eric Shrive T 76 Donovan Smith T 77 Patrick Christie T 78 Mike Farrell T 79 Kevin Blanchard OL 80 Andrew Szczerba TE 81 Jack Crawford DE 81 Shawney Kersey WR 82 Brian Irvin TE 83 Matt Zanellato WR 84 Kyle Baublitz DE 85 Brandon Moseby-Felder WR 86 C.J. Olaniyan DE 87 Kyle Carter TE 88 J.D. Mason TE 89 Garry Gilliam TE 90 Sean Stanley DE 91 DaQuan Jones DL 92 Anthony Alosi DT 93 James Terry DT 94 Shawn Oakman DE 96 Cody Castor DT 97 Sam Ficken PK 97 Luke Graham DT 98 Anthony Zettel DT

CLS HT JR 6-0 SR 6-2 SO 6-0 SR 5-10 SO 5-10 JR 6-0 SR 6-0 JR 6-1 FR 6-4 SR 6-5 SR 6-4 SR 6-0 SR 6-3 SR 6-0 GS 6-6 JR 6-1 JR 6-6 SR 6-4 JR 6-0 JR 6-3 JR 6-3 SO 6-3 FR 6-3 SR 6-3 FR 6-5 JR 6-5 SR 6-5 SO 6-5 JR 6-4 SR 6-4 SO 6-1 JR 6-6 FR 6-5 SO 6-5 SR 6-6 FR 6-7 SR 6-6 SR 6-5 JR 6-1 SR 6-3 FR 6-3 SO 6-5 JR 6-2 SO 6-3 FR 6-3 SR 6-4 JR 6-6 JR 6-1 SO 6-3 FR 6-4 SR 6-3 FR 6-7 SR 6-3 FR 6-3 SO 6-4 FR 6-5

WT 262 242 220 216 206 247 194 297 241 310 293 215 299 228 277 211 304 264 295 294 292 291 287 304 292 277 310 317 284 314 303 297 313 301 290 282 266 273 198 249 184 275 191 249 243 247 275 246 312 292 317 260 290 177 283 259

HOMETOWN LAST SCHOOL Jessup, Pa. Valley View Mandeville, La. Mandeville Canonsburg, Pa. Canon-McMillan Pittsburgh, Pa. North Allegheny Indianapolis, In. Heritage Christian Harrison City, Pa. Penn Trafford Dallas, Pa. Lake Lehman Steelton, Pa. Steelton-Highspire Fairview, Pa. Fairview Southfield, Mi. Groves Virginia Beach, Va. Salem Ellicott City, Md. Howard Orwigsburg, Pa. Blue Mountain Williamsport, Pa. Loyalsock Middletown, De. Middletown Chambersburg, Pa. Chambersburg Area West Mifflin, Pa. West Mifflin Newtown Sq/, Pa. Marple Newtown Wake Forest, N.C. Bunn San Antonio, Tx. Thomas Edison Williamsville, N.Y. Canisius Pittsburgh, Pa. Fox Chapel Succasunna, N.J. Roxbury Durham, N.C. Hillside Glendale, Az. Cactus Portsmouth, Oh. Portsmouth Wilmington, De. Howard Burke, Va. Lk Braddock Secon. Holland, Pa. St. Joseph’s Prep Brown Mills, N.J. Pemberton Township Chesapeake, Va. Oscar F. Smith Scranton, Pa. West Scranton Owings Mills, Md. Owings Mills Carlisle, Pa. Boiling Springs Pittsburgh, Pa. Shady Side Aca. Katy, Tx. Katy Wilmington, De. Salesianum Longport, N.J. St. Augustine Woodbury, N.J. Woodbury Orrtanna, Pa. Gettysburg Burke, Va. Lk Braddock Secon. York, Pa. Central York Ft Washington, Md. Oxon Hill Warren, Mi. Warren Mott Bear, De. William Penn Philipsburg, Pa. Philipsburg-Osceola Carlisle, Pa. Milton Hershey Rockville, Md. Gaithersburg Johnson City, N.Y. Johnson City Senior Marlton, N.J. The Hun School/Chero. New Castle, De. Brandywine Lansdowne, Pa. Penn Wood Uniontown, Pa. Uniontown Area Valparaiso, In. Valparaiso Harrison City, Pa. Penn Trafford West Branch, Mi. Ogemaw Heights

Penn State Opposing Team

Photography Credit to PSUsports.com

Nittany Lions are Ready to Pounce By: Thomas Watts

Derek Moye # 6

Silas Redd # 25

erek Moye is the established No.1 receiver for Penn State. Moye stands 6-foot-5 and weighs 210 pounds. The red shirt senior has amassed 1,741 yards and 15 touchdowns in a three year career. He is originally from Rochester, Penn., where he starred at Rochester High. His junior season of 53 receptions for 885 yards has garnered

ilas Redd has some large shoes to fill. The sophomore product of King Low Heywood Thomas High School in Norwalk, Conn., is taking over duties at tailback from Evan Royster, the all-time leader in Penn State history. Redd saw limited action as a

Look the Best...

some preseason attention. Phil Steele named him to his Preseason first-team All-Big Ten team. Moye attended Big Ten Media Days as one of the representatives of Penn State and was quoted as having said "I play for Penn State, we don't celebrate after TDs." After he was asked to act like he was celebrating a touchdown at the event. back-up last season. He ran for 477 yards and two touchdowns during his freshman season. Redd hasn’t gotten the attention of some of his other teammates, like senior Derek Moye, but he will play a major part in Penn State’s offense for the 2011 season and beyond.

...Be the Best!

Sports Apparel and Accessories Referee Uniforms - Team Uniforms Custom Designed Screen Printing

866-734-0120

www.1stopsportsshop.com • Birmingham, AL 1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

Exclusive

By: Stephen M. Smith

An Alabama Booster Club in Pennsylvania is Surprising, but Hardly New

rimson Tide support truly is nationwide. While there is plenty of football to follow in the Northeast, these Italian-Catholic men chose a school in the heart of Dixie. Eighteen miles North of Philadelphia, the small town of Bridgeport is home to the only Alabama Booster Club in Pennsylvania. At first glance, one might assume that these men are a group of alumni who come together to relive their college years, but that is, surprisingly, not the case. As of today, no members of

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Fall 2011

the club are alumni of the Capstone. So how did this group come to be? It started with brothers Jerry and Tony Chiccino, along with their friend Johnny Nicola, 43 years ago. “My brother in law, Tony, played for Coach Bryant at the University of Kentucky, and he was a teammate of Dude Hennessey, who became one of Coach Bryant’s assistants at Alabama,” Nicola explains. “Tony always said, ‘If you want to follow good football, you gotta go down South.’”

When the club came together in 1968, Joe Paterno was starting his third year as the Nittany Lions’ head coach. Penn State has had seven perfect seasons and 1968 and ‘69 were two of them. It seems remarkable that a couple of Catholic men from Pennsylvania would leave such a dominant program led by a man of the church himself. Jerry and Johnny took their brother-inlaw’s advice. “So my brother Jerry and I took a trip down to Alabama in ’68, and the first

Photography Credit To The Bryant Museum

Bama Boosters in Big Ten Country

Title

place we went was the practice field,” Chiccino said. “When practice was over, Coach Dude got Coach Bryant to come over and introduce himself. I was terrified. He was an imposing figure— that deep Southern drawl, and those eyes. He would stare through you. But I liked him from jump street. My couple days there, everything was Alabama football.” After the visit, the brothers began recruiting members around Bridgeport and started making trips to Tuscaloosa every Fall. Most clubs have a long list of by-laws to ensure loyalty. The Bama Booster Club of Bridgeport has only one. Following every Alabama National Championship since the founding of the club, they have put up a billboard to commemorate the season. In the 1979 Sugar Bowl, the Crimson Tide defeated the No.1 Nittany Lions in route to a title. “We put it up on Route 202, on the bridge that separates Bridgeport from

Norristown,” Nicola says. “The local paper said, ‘You threw salt in the wounds of the Nittany Lions.’ I have a lot of friends from Penn State. It wasn’t meant that way. Penn State just happened to be the victim.” The Bridgeport booster club has stayed true to its by-law, raising billboards for every football championship for the Tide. The 2009 billboard was 900 miles away from Bridgeport, and about a mile away from Bryant-Denny Stadium on McFarland Blvd. It was showcased the month immediately following the 37-21 win over the Texas Longhorns. It read, “ You took the Longhorns for a ride with every bit of Crimson Pride”. The Bridgeport club would not mind investing in another Crimson Tide billboard this season.

“If you want to follow good football, you gotta go down South.” - Tony Chiccino

News AROUND THE LSU:

This season in the SEC is once again proving to be an exciting one, full of contenders with eyes on the same prize. Preseason hype followed LSU and Alabama with predictions of their clash in Atlanta, and one of them emerging to the National Championship game. In August, that story line took a sharp turn for the LSU Tigers when Jordan Jefferson and four other players were allegedly involved in a bar fight after about 50 LSU players went out to celebrate the end of two-a-days. According to a witness to the altercation, the witness saw Jefferson kick one of the victims in the face. Jefferson was arrested on felony second-degree battery charges, and the Tiger organization was forced to suspend their starting quarterback. Tide fans rejoiced, but not everyone should be clapping. Not all of Baton Rouge was set on Jefferson in the first place. Last year Jefferson threw ten interceptions and went through a ten game period without throwing a touchdown pass. Still, people praised Jefferson’s improvement in the offseasonbut none of that matters now. Backup quarterback, now starting QB, Jarrett Lee is still a more than capable leader. As a senior he is familiar with the LSU offense and has experience on the field in victory and defeat- he had a rough freshman season in which he threw 17 interceptions but also has made key plays in many significant Tiger wins. But focus doesn’t need to be on LSU’s air game. Last year they were last in the SEC for passing yards, but this year expectations are still high because of their talented defense and a running game that has bailed them out before. Alabama should still be nervous, and the absence of Jordan Jefferson should not affect the level of preparation for this huge SEC game- the implications of which could indicate a National Championship contender.

1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

By: Larry Burton

Where does all the money go?

Julio Jones

IS ABOUT TO FIND OUT

t’s easy to get hung up on numbers and be impressed with the sheer scale of money that seems to be poured upon the athletes of today. But in reality, what the contract shows they make and what they really make are substantially different. Take the case of Julio Jones, who recently signed a $16.2 million deal with the Atlanta Falcons. President Obama wants to raise the tax rate on Jones, who by this contract would be making just over $4 million a year, from the 36 percent a year current under the Bush tax cuts to 45 percent. That means under the current plan, he’ll have just $2.56 million after taxes per year. Under the Obama plan, he would only have $2.16 million. Something tells me that he doesn’t

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

love President Obama enough to vote for him, not when it would cost him $400,000. Then there’s the agent, who gets three percent of the pie. That’s another $121,500 a year gone. If he gets four percent, and some do, that’s $162,000 a year gone. So now he’s down to just over two million dollars a year. Then there are those union dues, they are $10,000 a year right now and let’s not forget the living expense of having to have a home in the city you play for, or one nearby. Let’s say you’re on the frugal side of the typical NFL player and only fork out $5,000 a month. That comes to $60,000 a year and that’s only if they rent. Should he buy a house there, he would toss in another $25,000 for property taxes and insurance.

Photography by Chris Trotman

Larry’s Lowdown

Now he’s down to a paltry $1.9 million a year. Which sounds really good until you remember that he started off making $4.05 million a year. So, of the $16.2 million contract, to answer the headline question, he gets to keep $7.6 million. Then, because he’s bought nice things, take away another $20,000 for personal property insurance, who knows what on car insurance and then there are those policies most athletes buy that insure them against career-ending injuries. Those run anywhere from $20,000 a year up to $100,000 for a football player. Realistically, Jones should be able to “bank” about $1.3 million a year away if he doesn’t go crazy like so many others have. Almost 70 percent of all that $16.2 million will never see his hands. And while I’m not about to start a telethon to raise money for the downtrodden football players, they don’t always get what it appears they do when you hear the big numbers.

Realistically, Jones should be able to ‘bank’ about $1.3 million a year away ...

BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA

TOLL FREE 888-215-9992

info@planeworks.net

The Galleria

Across from Indian Hills Country Club

205.742.3511 ~ www.ozment.com

Pro Connections

riginally a native of Los Angeles, Greg McElroy first stepped onto the field at BryantDenny Stadium in 2006 as a redshirt freshman. At Carroll Senior High School in Southlake, Texas, McElroy brought a new definition to the term quarterback. In his first season as the starting quarterback, he had record-breaking numbers, such as passing for over 4,000 yards for a total of 56 touchdown passes. In doing this, he led his high school football team to a 16-0 record and won

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography by Matt Gaston

By: Stephen M. Smith

The Efficient Quarterback Greg McElroy chosen by the Jets

the Texas 5A state championship. For his efforts as a senior, McElroy was named the Texas 5A Player of the Year and an EA Sports All-American. McElroy had full-scholarship offers from several Division I football schools, eventually committing to Texas Tech. However, he later changed his commitment, accepting an offer from the Alabama Crimson Tide. Although he accepted the Tideâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s invitation, he was redshirted by Head Coach Mike Shula. After his redshirt freshman year, he

saw limited playing time behind secondyear quarterback John Parker Wilson. McElroy threw his first collegiate touchdown pass to tight end Nick Walker in the third quarter against Western Carolina. He also saw late playing time against Tennessee, helping the Tide to a victory of 41-17. In his sophomore season, he saw limited action again. His first touchdown pass of that season was against the Auburn Tigers. He threw a 34-yard touchdown strike to Marquis Maze. The Tide went on to win that

and was a finalist for the Rhodes scholarship in 2010. He was also named as one of the smartest athletes in America by Sporting News. During the NFL Combine in February 2011, McElroy scored 43 of 50 on the Wonderlic Test of intelligence. His score was a 48, tying the all-time high for a quarterback set by Buffalo Bills’s Ryan Fitzpatrick. On December 7, 2010, McElroy was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a National Football Foundation scholar and athlete. McElroy was selected by the New York Jets in the 7th round with the 208th pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Mark Sanchez said the following about McElroy. "He's so sharp,” Sanchez said. “He's got a ton of experience in college. He played in a lot of games, a national championship [in 2009]. That's great to add to our quarterback room. He's picking things up quickly in the classroom. It'll be good competition for all of us." He made a lasting impression on the Tide family and the question now is “Can he do it with head coach Rex Ryan, quarterback Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets?”

1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

Photography by Matt Gaston

game 36-0. In his junior season, McElroy became a breakout star after the A-Day game. He was then expected to be the starting quarterback in the 2009 football season. His first start came in the 2009 Chick-fil-A College Kickoff game, when the No.5 Crimson Tide faced Frank Beamer, Tyrod Taylor and the No.7 ranked Hokies of Virginia Tech. McElroy started the game off slow, completing just two of his first 10 passes including an interception. Like all great college quarterbacks facing pressure, he rose to the occasion. He led the Crimson Tide to 18 points in the final quarter, including throwing a 22-yard touchdown pass to Mark Ingram to secure a 34-24 victory over the Hokies. After that season opener, McElroy faced even more tough competition. He continued to dismantle them with his ability to read the defense and make accurate throws. He led the Tide to an undefeated regular season. In the SEC championship game, he faced Florida’s quarterback Tim Tebow. While the Tide’s defense made life hard on Tebow and the electrifying Florida offense, McElroy excelled. He completed 12 of

18 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown. This earned him the SEC championship game’s MVP honors. The Tide rolled over the Gators 32-13 to keep the season alive. This secured them a spot in the 2010 BCS National Championship Game. In the BCS Title game, he faced another tough opponent in the Texas Longhorns quarterback Colt McCoy. In this game, McCoy was injured by the Alabama defense and was unable to finish the game. McElroy struggled too. He completed 6 of 11 passes for only 58 yards and suffered five sacks. Despite that fact, the Alabama defense along with Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson carried the Tide to their 13th BCS Title by defeating the Longhorns 37-21. In his senior season, McElroy led the Tide to a 10-3 record, including a 49-7 win against the Michigan State Spartans in the Capital One Bowl. Throughout his career at the University of Alabama McElroy gave his all at the quarterback position. Although he has stated in press conferences that he is not an efficient quarterback, McElroy was nothing but efficient in the 2009 season. He completed 70.9 percent of his passes for almost 3,000 yards and 20 touchdown passes to just five interceptions. McElroy was not just an athlete; he was a great student in the classroom as well. He graduated from the University of Alabama in three years with a degree in business marketing and is a graduate student in his second year. As an undergraduate, he had a 3.85 GPA

Crimson Extras

Marr’s Pond Poets

Gridiron Grub

Game Day Morning Frittata Photography Credit To articlesofmastication.com

Riding with the Tide

By: Tammy Gorham

The Tide’s about to roll Perhaps a bit of new Maybe a lot of the old Either way, we have our pride So hop aboard We are riding with the Tide We have a few new faces As Nick calls his roll But as we always say Roll Tide Roll So everyone lets get on board And take a ride on the wild side We’re riding with the Tide As I hear cheers rumbling from the stands What is this I see? Quite a few new fans With their hands in the air yelling Roll Tide Roll So come on ya’ll, hop onboard let’s ride with the Tide So cheerleaders, fans, players and all Let’s show Nick all our pride As we all ride with the Tide Roll Tide Roll If you would like to see your football-themed poem in Touchdown Alabama Magazine feel free to send in your submission. Chosen submissions will receive a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card. Send submissions to the following addresses:managingeditor@tdalabama.com or Touchdown Alabama Magazine, P.O. Box 3251, Tuscaloosa, AL 35403-3251.

Ingredients:

1 medium onion, chopped 1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 garlic clove, minced 2 tablespoons butter or margarine ½ cup chopped tomatoes ¼ cup minced fresh parsley 5 eggs, lightly beaten 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese ½ cup soft bread crumbs 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper

Directions:

In a skillet, sauté the onion, green pepper and garlic in butter for 5 minutes or until tender. Remove from heat. Stir in tomatoes and parsley; set aside. In a large bowl, combine the remaining ingredients. Stir in reserved vegetables. Pour into an ungreased 9” pie plate. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees F for 25- 30 minutes or until knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting Recipe serves 6.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

LOCK IN YOUR PRICE FOR ONE YEAR!

NO Eq St to B uip m ar t- uy! en Up t Co st s!

120

NOW GET ACCESS TO OVER

CHANNELS

LOCAL CHANNELS INCLUDED* in over 97% of the U.S.

LIMITED TIME ONLY

99^ mo.

FOR 12 MONTHS

Ask how.

After rebate

For a limited time get:

2 FREesE Upgrad

HD DVR & HD Receiver $ 298

FREE HD Access

†

Get 33 movie channels!

Value!

of the CHOICE XTRA™ Models may vary. With activationservice required for second DVR package or above. Whole-Home nal fees required. receiver upgrade. Additio

FREE

for 3 months

Over 160 HD channels available^^ With CHOICE XTRATM package or higher, and Auto Bill Pay. HD Channels based on package selection.

9 Channels 12 Channels

9 Channels

3 Channels

FREE

Pro Install In up to 4 rooms

IT’S FAST! IT’S EASY!

Over $130 Value! With activation of CHOICE XTRA™ package or higher.

Custom installation extra. Additional fees required.

Get 400 of the newest releases.◊ Plus over 6,000 shows and movies, at no extra charge. Prices higher and terms & conditions vary in select markets, also dependent on the package selected. All offers require 2 year agreement.º Package pricing may vary in certain markets. Free HD requires Auto Bill Pay. Offer ends 7/20/11. Credit card required (except in MA & PA). New approved customers only (lease required). $19.95 Handling & Delivery fee may apply. Applicable use tax adjustment may apply on the retail value of the installation. ◊Additional fees required for new releases. Prices higher and terms & conditions vary in select markets, also dependent on the package selected.

Switch in minutes! 1-888-802-6774

Spanish-language packages available! Ask how.

^BILL CREDIT/PROGRAMMING OFFER: IF BY THE END OF PROMOTIONAL PRICE PERIOD(S) CUSTOMER DOES NOT CONTACT DIRECTV TO CHANGE SERVICE THEN ALL SERVICES WILL AUTOMATICALLY CONTINUE AT THE THEN-PREVAILING RATES. Free SHOWTIME for 3 months, a value of $38.97. Free HBO, Starz, SHOWTIME and Cinemax for 3 months, a value of $135. LIMIT ONE PROGRAMMING OFFER PER ACCOUNT. †FREE HD OFFER: Includes access to HD channels associated with your programming package. To be eligible for Free HD you must activate and maintain the CHOICE XTRA Package or higher and enroll in Auto Bill Pay. Also requires at least one (1) HD Receiver and activation of HD Access. Account must be in “good standing” as determined by DIRECTV in its sole discretion to remain eligible for all offers. In certain markets, programming/pricing may vary. °2-YR. LEASE AGREEMENT: EARLY CANCELLATION WILL RESULT IN A FEE OF $20/MONTH FOR EACH REMAINING MONTH. Must maintain 24 consecutive months of your DIRECTV programming package. DVR Service $7/mo. required for DVR and HD DVR lease. HD Access fee $10/mo. required for HD Receiver and HD DVR. No lease fee for only 1 receiver. Lease fee for first 2 receivers $6/mo.; additional receiver leases $6/mo. each. NON-ACTIVATION CHARGE OF $150 PER RECEIVER MAY APPLY. ALL EQUIPMENT IS LEASED AND MUST BE RETURNED TO DIRECTV UPON CANCELLATION, OR UNRETURNED EQUIPMENT FEES APPLY. VISIT directv.com OR CALL 1-800-DIRECTV FOR DETAILS. DVR or HD advanced receiver instant rebate requires activation of the CHOICE package or above. HD DVR upgrade requires activation of CHOICE XTRA package or above. Second advanced receiver offer requires activation of an HD DVR as the first free receiver upgrade and subscription to Whole-Home DVR service ($3/mo.). Additional advanced receiver upgrades available for a charge. INSTALLATION: Standard professional installation only. Custom installation extra. DIRECTV CINEMA: Access to DIRECTV CINEMA programming available at no additional charge is based on package selection. Actual number of TV shows and movies will vary. Some DIRECTV CINEMA content requires an HD DVR (HR20 or later) or DVR (R22 or later), DIRECTV CINEMA Connection Kit ($25) and broadband Internet service with speeds of 750 kbps or higher and a network router with an available Ethernet port are required. DVR Service required for DVR and HD DVR Receivers. HD Access required for HD DVR. Visit directv.com/cinema for details. *Eligibility for local channels based on service address. Not all networks available in all markets. ^^To access DIRECTV HD programming, an HD Access fee ($10/mo.) and HD television equipment are required. Number of HD channels varies by package selected. Programming, pricing, terms and conditions subject to change at any time. Pricing residential. Taxes not included. Receipt of DIRECTV programming subject to DIRECTV Customer Agreement; copy provided at directv.com/legal and in first bill. ©2011 DIRECTV, Inc. DIRECTV and the Cyclone Design logo, CHOICE and CHOICE XTRA are trademarks of DIRECTV, Inc. All other trademarks and service marks are the property of their respective owners.

Section Title Recruit of the Week

Scholastics Spurs Interest

6’2”, 270 lbs.

Dalvin Tomlinson

alvin Tomlinson from McDonough, Ga., at 6-foot-2, 270-pounds, boasts 20 scholarship offers, including one from Alabama. However, the Rivals.com four-star defensive tackle plans to wait until after the football season to make his decision. “I don’t want to rush into anything or make a commitment that I won’t keep,” Tomlinson said. “I think that waiting until after the season to commit will help me focus on winning a championship for my team [Henry High School].” Tomlinson doesn’t limit himself to football. He is also the back-to-back heavyweight state wrestling champion. “The wrestling really helps me with my footwork and agility,” Tomlinson said. “It’s just like coming off the line in football. There is that quick burst of speed and force that is used in football. “I like to wrestle, and I really hope I can defend my title, but I don’t think I’ll be able to wrestle once I get to college. I’m sure the coaches will want me to focus only on football.” Touchdown Alabama Magazine also caught up with Mike Rozier, Tomlinson’s head coach, to see what kind of player Alabama could be getting. “[Tomlinson] plays whistle-to-whistle,” Rozier said. “He has good speed and plays with a motor inside of him that just doesn’t stop. He’s become a leader and the captain of our team. I can’t even tell you what he needs to work on. He does everything we ask of him. He has a burning desire to be the best.” The team to sign Tomlinson must have a strong academic program. Tomlinson, who sports a 3.9 grade point average and an offer from Harvard, told Rozier that academics is number one. “He’s serious about his grades,” Rozier said. “He takes AP classes and studies. Everywhere he visits, he asks what the school has to offer him academically.” Rozier said that Alabama has a good shot with Tomlinson. “He loves Alabama, especially the coaching staff,” Rozier said. “He told me that coach [Nick] Saban and coach [Kirby] Smart show him the love, and that he would love to play for them. Alabama is very high on his list.”

“He has good speed and plays with a motor inside of him that just doesn’t stop.” -Mike Rozier 30

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography Credit To Rivals.com

By: John McWilliams

Tide Trivia

TIDE TRIVIA

Defensive back Mike Washington set an NCAA record with _______ in a single game against Mississippi State in 1973? A. two blocked field goals B. three interceptions C. four fumble recoveries D. five sacks

#2 Which two linebackers won the 1988 &

2009 Butkus Awards? A. Derrick Thomas, Rolando McClain B. Derrick Thomas, Dontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;a Hightower C. Keith McCants, Rolando McClain D. Thomas Boyd, Derrick Thomas

#3 Quarterback Brodie Croyle chose

Alabama at the last minute over what college football powerhouse? A. Miami B. Florida State C. USC D. Michigan

#4 Linebacker Lee Roy Jordan was a

two-way player who also earned All-American honors in 1962 on offense at ________. A. tailback B. tackle C. center D. receiver

#5 What jersey number did Jay Barker

Answers: 1. A | 2. A | 3. B | 4. C | 5. A

wear? A. 7 B. 10 C. 12 D. 13

The 2011 Season Is Here! YES!

Send me Touchdown Alabama Magazine

at the special subscription price of $49.95! (Includes al home games and off-season issues by mail and access to Digital On-Line issues for all games.) nAme: Address: ciTy: sTATe:

ziP:

e-mAil: Touchdown AlAbAmA mAgAzine P.o. box 3251 TuscAloosA, Al 35403

Visit

u s at

t o u c hd o w n a l a b a m a . n e t

| TOUCHDOWN ALABAMA Summer 2010

the only magazine for

true tide fans T O U C H D O W N A L A B A M A . N E T

TouchdownAlabama.net |

Interview

Q ’s & Q’s A’s By: Kassidy Hill

Inside the Big AL Suit

t’s one of the most recognizable traditions in the country. Now Touchdown Alabama Magazine gives you the inside scoop on what it’s like to step into the suit of Big Al.

TAM (Touchdown Alabama Magazine): When did you decide you wanted to become Big Al? BA (Big AL): I started doing mascot when I was in the 7th grade, but I’ve always been an Alabama fan and always loved Big Al, so it was just kind of natural.

TAM: Walk us through a day as Big Al. BA: We’ll meet at Coleman Coliseum four hours before kick off. Then we load the Rammer Jammer with our suits. Ride to the stadium, then on to the field at the 50-yard line for the Big Al pregame tradition, which is the coolest part. Then we take Big Al to the Quad for a pep rally and he does the elephant stomp. Then it’s off to the game!

TAM: Mascot competitions have grown to be a huge deal for schools recently. Who is Big Al’s biggest rival at these competitions? BA: The Diva Cat [laughs]. Aubie’s [Auburn’s mascot] always our biggest rival in anything. And Goldie the Gopher from Minnesota is the reigning National Champ so we want to go after him. But Aubie is always the biggest rival.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Photography Credit To The Bryant Museum

TAM: What is your favorite part of being Big Al? BA: The opportunities that I get to do. Going to the football games and standing on the sidelines and the appearances. This week I get to go to the governor’s mansion. I’ve been with the softball team on their bus, and ridden with Mal Moore. So there are so many cool things that I get to do because of Big Al.

TAM: What would you say to someone who wants to be Big Al one day? BA: Get involved in your school’s mascot program. And start working on your mannerisms. Especially for girls, you have to be a male character, so start working on your mannerisms. Theater programs are also really helpful. TAM: Describe the feeling you get when you put on that suit? BA: You completely transform into Big Al’s character. I’m no longer Macee, I’m Big Al. I put the head on, clap my hands and then do the Big Al walk, and I’m ready to go. I always get excited and a little nervous. But that means I care about it. Because I’m Big Al and I have to remember that’s a big deal. TAM: Do you ever wish you could tell people? BA: Sometimes I do, just because it’s weird knowing you could be important if you told people. But not telling people keeps Big Al’s character and doesn’t make it me who is Big Al. We’re different people. And I like being able to have the best of both worlds. Being normal Macee, and then being famous Big Al in the same day. TAM: What’s it like to be a part of one of the biggest and most recognizable traditions in the country? BA: I feel honored, privileged and it’s a dream come true. And I feel so honored to be a part of this university, because every time you put that suit on, you are the face of the University of Alabama.

News AROUND THE Mississippi State:

Never underestimate the growth the Mississippi State Bulldogs have made this year. They may not be predicted for the same championship games as other SEC teams, but that doesn’t mean they wouldn’t LOVE to be the thorn in the side of a championship nominee. Bulldog quarterback Chris Relf has gained experience and, according to coaches and players, has bought into the organization more this year than ever before. His mobility in the pocket matched with running back Vick Ballard is a formidable one-two punch for Mississippi State.

Catching Up With

Darwin Holt Dr. Donald F. Staffo

hen he played for Alabama, Bear Bryant was called “the other end,” a reference to his being overshadowed by teammate and star receiver Don Hutson, an All-American who set all kinds of pass catching records meriting his future selection to the NCAA’s all-time team. Darwin Holt, who people recall as a ferocious hitter on Bryant’s first Crimson Tide national championship team in 1961, could be referred to as “the other linebacker.” He played in the shadow of teammate and star linebacker LeRoy Jordan, an All-American who was named first team on Alabama’s Team of the Century and who went on to star for the NFL Champion Dallas Cowboys. Holt, a Texan, ended up at Alabama because of Coach Bryant. Bryant, who was coaching at Texas A&M when Holt was a junior in high school, was interested in Holt’s older brother Jackie and, while watching film of Jackie, became interested in Darwin. “I signed with Texas A&M because when I visited they had a big sign on the wall that said, ‘Texas A&M, 1957 National Champions,’ and I liked that because in high school Jackie and I were on teams that won six district championships,” related Holt, who was good enough to make Alabama’s Team of the Decade for the 1960s. Holt said that he only weighed 149 pounds in high school and 152 pounds when he was a freshman at

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Texas A&M. When Bryant left Texas A&M to return to his alma mater, the new coach at Texas A&M, Jim Myers, wanted bigger players. In the meantime Bryant had told his first group of players at Alabama that they would win the national championship when they were seniors. “That’s what I wanted to hear,” stated Holt. “I came to Alabama to collect a debt- to win a national championship, and [Coach Bryant] came through for me. “Coach Bryant may have gotten a little softer when he got older, but when I played for him he was tough as nails, but he had a lot of empathy. I was not on the Junction team at Texas A&M, but location had nothing to do with it. [Coach Bryant] wasn’t going to change his methods just because he wasn’t out in the desert. “It wasn’t always a happy family because we were working so hard, we were tired, we had meetings, practices, travel to away games. We were putting in 40 hours a week playing football,” stated Holt. “I could have been out in the oil fields and been better off. “We were so busy that I didn’t even know that we were in the running for a national championship until the last two weeks [of the season]. We were a tremendous team, but we didn’t know it,” stated Holt, who pointed out that the 1961 national championship team only gave up 25 points all season, and that MSNBC

Photography Credit To The Bryant Museum

Holt recollects playing for Bear Bryant on the 1961 National Championship Team

recently picked the Top 10 defensive teams of the last 50 years, and listed the 1961 Alabama defense No. 1. Holt said that because he was from Texas A&M and was relatively small, that a lot of Alabama players tested him and he got in a few tussles. “When you’re small, you’ve got to get there first and get there fast, and that’s what I tried to do,” he stated, referring to his aggressive style of play. “Coach Bryant never asked me to gain weight, and he never brought weight up to me throughout my career, and I really appreciated that.” Holt will always be remembered by earlier players and older fans for a hit he put on Georgia Tech’s Chick Granning that broke Granning’s jaw. Holt was running down the field when his elbow caught Granning in the face. The incident, which required Granning to undergo surgery, created hard feelings between the schools and they stopped playing each other. “It was a completely legal block- a helluva lick,” Holt recalled. “I was aiming for his chest, but he dropped his head and that’s how he got his face all busted up. It made a better

looking man out of him,” he quipped as he explained in detail how the play unfolded. “We’re friends, and that’s what I tell him when I see him.” Holt said that The Saturday Evening Post ran a story about brutality in college football that featured the play. “That changed my career, it ruined my career,” stated Holt, who said that he had begun a coaching career and wanted to stay in coaching. “But that was going to trail me forever, so I had to get away from it. I had to make the break [from football] right there.” Holt doesn’t regret his decision to follow Bryant to Tuscaloosa. “Just to be around that man (Bryant), it was worth every minute of it. We had a relationship. He took care of me. To graduate from the University, to play on a national championship team, to play for Coach Bryant, to live in Jefferson County is the greatest ego trip in the world. There’s not a day that goes by that somebody doesn’t bring up my days at the University. That’s why I live in Alabama, and not Texas.”

1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

MEAN GREEN

North Texas NO NAME 1 Andrew Power 2 James Hamilton 3 Willie Taylor 4 Marcus Trice 5 Lance Dunbar 6 Hilbert Jackson 7 Derek Thompson 7 Jamaal Wilson 8 Cooper Jones 9 Chaz Sampson 10 DaWaylon Cook 10 John Dodson 11 Brent Osborn 11 Will Wright 13 Chase Baine 14 Tyler Stradford 15 Mike Marshall 15 Andrew McNulty 16 Derrick Teegarden 17 Breece Johnson 17 Kevin Maduka 18 John Shorter 19 Freddie Warner 20 D’Leon McCord 21 Royce Hill 22 Ryan Downing 23 Steven Ford 23 Andre Holloway 24 Brandin Byrd 25 Brad Graham 26 Ivan Delgado 26 Forlando Johnson 27 Lairamie Lee 29 Lynrick Pleasant 29 Kerry Swarn 30 Weston Squier 30 James Tandy 31 Michael Stojkovic 31 Dimitri Wilhite 32 Colton Clay 32 Antoinne Jimmerson 34 Zac Whitfield 35 Zachary Orr 36 Brandon Davis 37 Jeremy Brown 37 Zach Olen 38 Ricky Broxton 39 Konockus Sashington 41 Will Atterberry 42 Chad Polk 43 Nick Crewe 44 Aaron Bellazin

P TE RB WR DB RB DB QB DB QB WR DB QB QB DB WR WR DB QB QB WR DB DB DB DB DB DB DB WR RB DB WR LB DB WR DB RB DB LB RB LB RB RB LB LB RB K DB LB P LB DE DE

HT WT 6-5 258 5-8 197 5-10 181 5-8 190 5-9 203 6-1 183 6-4 220 5-10 196 6-4 205 6-5 183 6-1 212 6-0 195 6-4 215 6-2 217 6-0 201 6-2 180 6-0 196 6-1 197 6-0 187 6-1 180 5-10 170 6-0 195 5-10 176 6-1 187 6-0 187 6-1 209 6-0 187 6-2 195 5-10 211 6-0 200 6-2 205 6-0 216 5-10 183 6-2 205 6-2 176 5-8 166 5-11 190 6-2 211 5-8 195 6-1 215 5-9 207 5-9 180 6-0 231 6-0 215 5-8 183 5-10 221 5-10 168 6-1 209 5-11 199 6-0 203 6-4 246 6-2 255

CLS JR SR JR JR SR SO SO SR FR FR JR SO SO SO JR SR FR FR FR SR JR SR FR SR SR SR SR FR SO SR JR SR FR SO FR SR SO FR SO FR FR FR SO FR SO SO SO FR JR FR FR SO

HOMETOWN MYRTLE BEACH, SC CEDAR HILL, TX DALLAS, TX MESQUITE, TX HALTOM CITY, TX ROWLETT, TX GLEN ROSE, TX DESOTO, TX LONE OAK, TX GRAND PRAIRIE, TX DALLAS, TX DALLAS, TX VALLEY, AL GARLAND, TX LAKE DALLAS, TX NEW ORLEANS, LA GRAND PRAIRIE, TX IOWA CITY, IA ODESSA, TX COLLEYVILLE, TX CARROLLTON, TX DALLAS, TX DALLAS, TX EL DORADO, KS HOUSTON, TX EL DORADO, KS CHARLESTON, SC CLEARWATER, FL COPPERAS COVE, TX KATY, TX KILLEEN, TX ATLANTA, GA TYLER, TX MESQUITE, TX DALLAS, TX SANGER, TX DALLAS, TX KATY, TX DENTON, TX PRINCETON, TX DALLAS, TX SHERMAN, TX DESOTO, TX DESOTO, TX WHITEWRIGHT, TX RICHARDSON, TX PORT ARTHUR, TX AUSTIN, TX LEWISVILLE, TX DALLAS, TX THE WOODLANDS, TX EVERMAN, TX

45 Jeremy Phillips 46 Julian Herron 47 Brandon Akpunku 48 K.C. Obi 49 Trent Deans 49 Frank Gaines 51 Sean January 52 Derek Akunne 53 Kendall Washington 54 Blake Dunham 56 J.J. Johnson 57 Mason Y’Barbo 58 Michael Ladner 59 Jarrod Lynn 60 Aaron Fortenberry 62 Cyril Lemon 63 Nicolas Summerfield 64 LaChris Anyiam 67 Ryan Long 68 Grant Shaw 69 Jason Bruner 70 Coleman Feeley 71 Antonio Johnson 72 Matt Tomlinson 73 Jeremy Bean 74 Cam Feldt 77 Travis Ellard 78 Troy Kokjohn 79 Ayodele Adedipe 80 Brelan Chancellor 81 Christopher Bynes 82 Michael Outlaw 83 Jamize Olawale 84 Greg Brown 85 Matthew Lux 86 Drew Miller 87 Casey Schutza 88 Garrett Etheridge 89 Daniel Prior 90 Ryan Boutwell 91 Austin Orr 91 Austin Otto 92 Micah Thompson 93 De’Andrew Lewis 93 Brandon McCoy 94 Marcus Smith 94 Kyle White 95 Alexander Lincoln 96 Tevinn Cantly 97 Richard Abbe 98 Daryl Mason 98 Tanner Smith 99 Terell Brooks

LB LB DE DE K DE LB LB LB LB C OL DT DE OL OL OL OL DE OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL OL WR WR WR WR WR WR TE WR WR TE DT DE TE DT TE DE TE DT DE DT DT DE TE DT

6-3 215 6-2 208 6-1 240 6-2 249 6-0 203 6-1 255 6-0 223 6-0 250 6-2 197 6-1 215 6-3 275 6-2 312 5-11 280 6-0 235 6-4 300 6-3 313 6-1 268 6-4 292 6-4 245 6-5 287 6-9 311 6-5 305 6-5 285 6-5 298 6-5 306 6-5 308 6-3 282 6-2 227 6-5 301 5-9 177 6-1 220 6-0 191 6-2 231 6-1 230 6-0 180 6-1 253 5-10 182 6-0 175 6-2 240 6-3 261 6-4 245 5-11 215 6-4 307 6-0 223 6-2 270 6-4 223 6-2 309 6-2 249 6-4 311 6-4 319 6-3 209 6-3 243 6-4 320

JR SR SR JR JR JR SR FR FR FR SR FR JR FR JR FR SO SO JR FR SR JR FR SR SR FR FR SR JR SO JR SR SR SR JR SO JR FR JR SO FR FR FR SO JR FR JR FR JR SO FR FR FR

Football Roster

WALLER, TX ARLINGTON, TX CEDAR HILL, TX MISSION HILLS, CA SHERMAN, TX SAN DIEGO, CA CAVE CREEK, AZ GARLAND, TX MANSFIELD, TX ARGYLE, TX PLANO, TX SULPHUR SPRINGS, TX BLUE RIDGE, TX GRAPEVINE, TX ERA, TX MARBLE FALLS, TX KILLEEN, TX ALLEN, TX LEONARD, TX FORNEY, TX MINEOLA, TX AUSTIN, TX DIBOLL, TX KLEIN, TX BETHEL, OK PILOT POINT, TX DEER PARK, TX CARROLLTON, TX SACRAMENTO, CA COPPERAS COVE, TX LAUDERDALE LAKES, FL STARKVILLE, MS LONG BEACH, CA GRAND PRAIRIE, TX TEXARKANA, TX PROSPER, TX EULESS, TX WINTER SPRINGS, FL HENDERSON, TX CHINA SPRING, TX SEABROOK, TX DENTON, TX JONES, OK MESQUITE, TX CARROLLTON, TX SAN ANTONIO, TX NEW ORLEANS, LA CIBOLO, TX ARLINGTON, TX LUBBOCK, TX GARLAND, TX FORT WORTH, TX DALLAS, TXww

North Texas Opposing Team

The Mean Green’s Machines Photography Credit to meangreensport.com

By: Thomas Watts

tanding 5-foot-9, Lance Dunbar will never be considered tall, but his achievements stand up to the biggest and best the NCAA has to offer. Dunbar is going into his senior year, and the 2011 season marks his third consecutive year as the starting running back. Throughout the previous two seasons as a starter, he’s amassed over 1,300 yards as well as double digit touchdowns. For his career, he has 3,109 yards and 31 touchdowns.

Lance Dunbar # 5

porting the No.60 jersey, Fortenberry stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs in right at 300 pounds. He is one of the strong offensive lineman Dunbar has relied on for protection in past seasons. Fortenberry shares the Phillip Armour Award for being one of the team’s Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman in 2010. He is a dual threat as he played in 11 games throughout the 2010 season, but filled in at center for injured players

Rivals.com recently named Lance Dunbar as one of the nation’s best unknown players. He also has earned First Team All-Sun Belt in 2010. He was named preseason Offensive Player of the Year for the upcoming 2011 season. North Texas has had one of the best rushers in their backfield for the past 3 years in Lance Dunbar. He has enjoyed the protection and running lanes of a strong offensive line.

in the last nine games. Fortenberry aided the Mean Green in being ranked 19th for having the best rushing offense in the nation during the 2010 season and started 12 games in 2009. Fortenberry is a native of Era, Texas, and should be watched closely by the Tide when the Mean Green fights for a victory in BryantDenny Stadium.

Aaron Fortenberry # 60

1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

At A Glance

MEAN GREEN

By: Coe Robbins

n 2009, North Texas was just a speed bump in the road to the national championship for Alabama. In that contest, Alabama cruised to a 53-7 victory over the Mean Green in a seemingly perfect balanced offense, rushing for 260 yards and passing for 263 yards. The North Texas offense was held in check the whole game only managing a total of seven first downs and 187 total yards. That was then, this is now. The Mean Green is under the command of first-year head coach Dan McCarney. McCarney had served in previous years as the head coach at Iowa State from 1995-2006 where he led the Cyclones to five bowl games. After being released from Iowa State, he served as the defensive line coach for South Florida

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

for one season then took the same position at the University of Florida where he coached for three seasons from 2008-10. “Dan McCarney is the embodiment of everything we were looking for when we began the process of looking for the head coach that was going to return North Texas to a championship caliber program,” Director of Athletics Rick Villarreal said. “He has a proven record of success at the highest level of college football and has an infectious energy and passion that will motivate studentathletes, alumni, faculty and the community to new levels of commitment for success. With this hire we have a person who will be the face of our athletics department and a tremendous ambassador for this University.”

The Mean Green have won 24 conference championships spanning five different conferences in the Football Championship Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) and Division II levels. North Texas began playing football in the Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division I-AA) in 2001 where, in 10 short seasons, UNT has managed to make seven bowl games. “I am truly honored and humbled to accept this position as the head coach at the University of North Texas,” McCarney said in his introductory press conference. “It is an unbelievable opportunity to work for two of the most dynamic leaders I have ever met in Rick Villarreal and President [Veldon] Rawlins. The

Photography Credit To meangreensports.com

REBUILDING MODE NEW COACH, NEW TEAM

ability to help start a new chapter in this tremendously proud program is exciting and I am looking forward to returning it to a championship level. I will pour my heart and soul into this job and I will wake up every morning and go to bed each night proud to be a member of the Mean Green family.” This year, North Texas boasts a veteran running back in Lance Dunbar. The rising senior led the Sun Belt Conference in all-purpose yards last year and was eighth in the country in rushing yards. The Texas native garnered first-team All-Sun Belt honors in 2010 and was named Sun Belt Offensive Player of the Week twice. In the game against Alabama in 2009, the then-sophomore managed 57 all-purpose yards, 40 of those yards receiving, and one touchdown. The only other significant contributor in that game coming back for North Texas is wide receiver Darius Carey. Carey was second in receiving yards in the Alabama game behind Dunbar with 34 yards. The Mean Green return 11 starters, five on offense and six on defense. Like this year’s Alabama squad, North Texas maintains a veteran secondary, one that

ranked seventh in their conference in passing efficiency defense last year. The problem will be replacing an entire front seven with very little experience. On the offensive side, the team must find a starting quarterback. Derek Thompson looks to be the man in Denton, but no real starting experience is a concern for this 2011 team. The entire left side of the offensive line must be replaced with the jobs looking to be secured by two redshirt freshmen in left tackle Antonio Johnson and left guard Mason Y’Barbo. Brett Vito, a staff writer for the Denton Record-Chronicle, wrote in an article that McCarney feels that tackling is a technique that needs to improve going into this season. McCarney says their second scrimmage was better but there needs to be more work done. “We have improved but sure are not game-ready yet,” McCarney told the Denton Record-Chronicle. “There is a fine line. You can’t go out and tackle every day. You can go out and work on the fundamentals of tackling every day, but you can’t take a team that is thin at a lot of positions to begin with and take a chance to get a lot more guys hurt.”

News AROUND THE Florida: Florida has a lot to deal with internally, but big coaching changes look impressive on paper. Charlie Weis is the new Gator offensive coordinator. Quarterback John Brantley says he has already learned so much from Weis’s offense, offenses that in the past have excelled in both the NFL and a brief stint at Notre Dame. While the offense intensifies under Weis, new head coach Will Muschamp has a defensive mindset. It might take more time for their presence to really shake things up but look for those positive changes this season in The Swamp.

“I will pour my heart and soul into this job and I will wake up every morning and go to bed each night proud to be a member of the Mean Green family.” - Dan McCarney 1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

The Process

Geno Smith Will Roll with the Tide

BY Mike Parker

Tide fans, for one of the next great Alabama corners of the future. Geno Smith, whose recruitment decision came down to Alabama or Auburn, decided to roll with the Tide. This news came after great recruiting efforts were put in by the Tide’s coaching staff and Auburn’s main recruiter, Trooper Taylor.

It is safe to say that Smith committed to Alabama over Auburn because of Nick Saban’s hands-on coaching of the Tide’s defensive backs. In addition, Smith’s future looked brighter with Nick Saban just because oft he success Alabama’s defensive backs have had in the past.

“I follow recruiting, and I’ve known for a while that last year they didn’t sign a true cornerback,” Smith said. “You have Dre Kirkpatrick, [Dee] Milliner, Robert Lester and other guys in that secondary who have the potential to leave for the draft or will graduate. So I saw a great opportunity just to come in there and produce. If Dre does stay, [I’ll] just learn behind two great cornerbacks in him and Milliner.”

“It meant a lot that they wanted me, because I know Coach [Nick] Saban’s history as far as picking defensive backs and grooming them and making them top-notch players,” he said. “Knowing that they thought that highly of me drew me into the school.” He brings a wealth of talent to the table for Crimson Tide football. If there is one word that accurately describes Smith it is smooth. He already has great technique and is so fluid that, when he does make a mistake, his athletic ability covers it up.

A ball hawk in the secondary, Smith reads the quarterback’s eyes very well and, when the ball is in the air, he goes into “receiver mode.” Though he needs to gain a little weight, Smith is able to make up with his perfect technique and tackling ability anything he lacks in size.

Smith may not be the best player in this class but he is, by far, the biggest pick-up in the recruiting battles. Alabama does not just compete with LSU anymore; it is competing against Jimbo Fisher’s staff at Florida State, Gene Chizik’s staff at Auburn, Mark Richt’s staff at Georgia and the rest of the Florida schools. Recruiting has changed dramatically for Alabama because the Tide has been going out of state much more than it has in the past. Securing Smith for Alabama was a prime example of how Nick Saban out-recruited all the other staffs, since Smith was as coveted a corner as there is in the country.

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

Definitely what you would call a true corner, Smith can be added to a long list of exceptional defensive backs that Head Coach Nick Saban has brought to Alabama over the past few years.

The number one ability Saban looks for in his corners is their tackling ability, and this is a skill Smith has nailed down.

The 2012 class is filling up fast, so look for the Tide to get very selective from now on.

Photography Credit to Rivals.com

“ KNOWING THAT THEY THOUGHT THAT HIGHLY OF ME DREW ME INTO THE SCHOOL.” - Geno Smith

U www.BamaForU.com 205-393-1900

FOR BAMA

VISIT US AT BOOTH #16 NEAR BRYANT DR. & 10TH AVE. ON GAME DAYS!

Mighty Bite® Fishing Lure System

Only

NEW WORLDWIDE FISHING SENSATION! MILLIONS SOLD!

1995 +P&H

NEW! Scale Scent Sticks

THE FIRST AND ONLY PROVEN, 5-SENSE FISHING LURE SYSTEM!

Bleeding Sparkle

Features & Benefits  Works for All Predatory Fish  Incredible “Spasmic” Action  Unique Bite-Mark Design  3D Hologram Design  Creates a Powerful Scent Trail  Get Fish to Strike and Strike Often  Appeals to All 5 Senses – Sight, Sound, Smell, Feel and Taste

BITE MARK WITH DNA TRIGGER TECHNOLOGY!

GREAT FOR FRESH OR SALT WATER

KIT INCLUDES: • • • • •

10 Mighty Bite® Lures 12 Adjustable Mighty Bite® Fins 12 Rattles that "Sound the Dinner Bell" 12 Unique Mighty Bite® Scent Sticks PLUS Weed Guards, Popper, No-Miss Deadly Treble Hooks, EZ Fishing Guide and Instruction Sheet

"Make this the Best Fishing Season of your Life with Mighty Bite ® Fishing Lure System!" Mighty Bite® inventor and pro fisherman Jeff Mancini

ACT NOW AND RECEIVE A FREE BONUS Jeff Mancini’s Exclusive Fishing Secrets EZ Guide!

CALL TODAY!

1-888-518-5748

2011 SEC

| TouchdownAlabama.net Fall 2011

MEDIA DAYS

1925 • 1926 • 1930 • 1934 • 1941 • 1961 • 1964 • 1965 • 1973 • 1978 • 1979 • 1992 • 2009 - NATIONAL CHAMPIONS |

NEWS around the Arkansas:

Another SEC foe that made Bama nervous early on the schedule was Arkansas, mainly because of a lethal running back in Knile Davis. But the Razorbacks suffered a huge blow when Davis injured his left ankle in summer practice. He is expected to be out the entire season. Not much has been said about the backs under Davis on the depth chart, but if they had a chance to watch him and be coached by the same coaches they can still do damage. Arkansas Head Coach Bobby Petrino has also shifted freshman cornerback Kelvin Fisher Jr. to running back. Fisher played running back in high school and that position is where he gained attention from Arkansas recruiters. Fisher is just one option presenting itself for Arkansas. Petrino brings up another reason his team could look to mar anyone’s idea of a perfect season- their defense, which he says doesn’t get enough credit. Alabama’s offense would be wise to take note, significantly making sure their young quarterback is not shaken up by any Razorback getting too close to home. Richardson should be prepared to have a big game that week, not necessarily with big numbers but by being a rock for his offense if he needs to.

Georgia:

205.945.COMP(2667)

Another Bulldog to watch is Georgia. Some college football analysts have picked Georgia to go the SEC championship. This is interesting considering Georgia’s previous season record of 6-7 and head coach Mark Richt coming under fire. But that pressure is exactly why some believe this is Georgia’s year. Alabama does not play them in the regular season, so their matchup is highly hypothetical right now. If it came down to the two teams in Atlanta, Alabama’s experience with big games will be a big mental advantage.

South Carolina:

SALES, SERVICE & SUPPORT FOR HOME & BUSINESS 676 Montgomery Highway

Located in the Vestavia City Center next to Subway

yyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

Hype for South Carolina has died down a bit. Drama with their quarterback Stephen Garcia has left a bad taste with Steve Spurrier. Spurrier also knows that the success the team had last year doesn’t mean they’ve accomplished anything yet. Keeping tabs on that confidence will be on the agenda as long as it takes for players to buy in to the fact that this is 2011, not 2010. In the end, when looking at Alabama’s season, there should be no shortage of pride in this year’s team. But, let last year be a testimony of caution to the power of not finishing four quarters. While still respecting each week’s opponent, it could be debated that some games last year were Alabama’s to lose instead of the opponents to win. Alabama can’t lose games by not playing their best football.

REACH CRIMSON TIDE FOOTBALL FANS! Partner with the absolutely Number One Alabama Football Magazine in 2011

BE SEEN BY MORE OF THE FANS YOU WANT!

Touchdown Alabama Magazine is the largest-circulated and most-read magazine that covers Crimson Tide Football. We are distributed and sold at over 400 locations in the state of Alabama including Barnes & Noble. Our reporters and photographers are on the field for every home game played and are known by players and coaches alike. We are based in Tuscaloosa, where we began in 2007.

T AS

C 09 RE 20 N FO

SO EA ES R P

According to WebsiteGrader.com, our 365 days-a-year website, TouchdownAlabama.net scores higher than 91% of all websites in terms of marketing effectiveness. According to Alexa.com, our website averaged more than 100,000 visits per month (unique and return) during September through December, 2010.

Advertise in Touchdown Alabama Magazine. GET MUCH MORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCK.

More than 154,000 hard copy and internet readers per month during the season. Magazine circulation is concentrated in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Mobile and Huntsville.

TOUCHDOWNALABAMA.NET

Volume 2, Issue 1

~ Coach Clem Gryska ~ Hounds Tooth Twins ~ Quarterback McElroy ~ 2009 Recruiting Class

$3.00

Touchdown Alabama Magazine sells quickly at $3 per issue and fans keep them longer than other competing print sports media. Published EIGHT TIMES PER YEAR covering exclusively in-depth Crimson Tide Football during the peak of Alabama Football sales. Every game gets extensive coverage, both in the magazine and on TouchdownAlabama.net. Common-sense prices, fans get what they want, and high distribution equals effective advertising. *Experienced staff will create great ads for you at no extra cost. Complimentary issues given to advertisers to distribute to customers and clients. Commit to all eight games and get a year of free skyscraper ads on www.touchdownalabama.net. 1/2 to full page commitments also get commercials in our online sports shows like The Legend & DJ “In the Trenches”, and “Points After” with Nancy Bates. Commit to a minimum of four print ads and receive six months of hyperlink exposure. 1/2 to full page commitments will receive six months of banner ads.

YES

I want to advertise in Touchdown Alabama Magazine

4 ISSUES (price each). 5+ ISSUES 12% DISCOUNT $198 Eighth Page PICK YOUR GAMES *Ads must be ready 4 weeks before game

$375 Quarter Page $581 Half Page $1034 Full Page Premium positions and feature sponsorships are available. Just call us.

___ Kent State issue 9/3 (SOLD) ___ Penn State/N. Texas issue 9/17 ___ Florida/Arkansas issue 9/24 ___ Vanderbilt issue 10/8 ___ Ole Miss/Tennessee issue 10/22 ___ LSU issue 11/5 ___ Miss. State/Ga. Southern 11/19 ___ Iron Bowl issue 11/26

QUESTIONS?

Mike Lacy, 205.344.3312 Herb Neu, 205.765.8007 Mail to: Touchdown Alabama P.O. Box 3251 • Tuscaloosa, AL 35405

______________________________________________________________

Your Name/Title

______________________________________________________________

Business

______________________________________________________________

Address

______________________________________________________________

City/State/Zip

______________________________________________________________

PHONE/EMAIL/NOTES:

______________________________________________________________

Please contact me to begin work on the free design of my ad A camera-ready ad will be provided. Please send specs and submission information for your magazine

I agree to advertise in the issues checked and represent that my business will be responsible for payment. I will be billed on a Per Issue basis and understand that payment is due within ten days. Overdue accounts may be billed collection costs plus 20 percent interest. No ad shall run until first being approved by me or the agency for the company.

2009 National Champions

Posters Available At TouchdownAlabama.net