Tide Tidbits - 01/06/2008

Bama Recruiting Rankings Change Again
As we approach signing day, we are likely to see more volatility in the rankings. Once again Bama was headed in different directions on the two main rankings. Click above to see where we now stand.

Prospects pick Tigers in TV announcements
LSU picked up two major commitments Saturday, landing verbal pledges from cornerback Patrick Johnson and tight end Tyler Edwards. Edwards, a 6-3, 222-pounder from Monroe, La., chose the Tigers over Alabama and Florida. His brother, Eric, played for Nick Saban when the Alabama coach was at LSU.

Tide goes after top prep prospects
Alabama already has a full recruiting class with 25 commitments, but Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban and his staff would like to add a few more prize recruits to a recruiting class that is ranked No. 2 nationally by both Rivals and Scout. [This article is dated 1/6/08 and the rankings have already changed from when it was published]

Tide recruiting class 'about full'
"By the time I take my visit with them, they're probably about full because everybody's wanting to go there. I'll just go do my own thing." -- Standout Anniston offensive lineman Antoine McClain

Middleton leaves UA for Duke
“We talked about it at length and this was a move he thought was best for both his career, in terms of the role as Associate Head Coach, and most importantly his family [my emphasis]. We’ll miss them, but at the same time, we support Ron and his family 100 percent in this decision and wish them nothing but the best", said Saban [My comments: I am not sure he completely bought into Saban's system and way of doing things. I heard rumors early on there were disagreements. You don't take a lateral position at Duke to further your career, you take that type of position to spend more time with your family.]

UA confirms Clemson, WKU dates, releases 2008 schedule
Alabama athletics director Mal Moore said today [1/4/08] that Western Kentucky will visit Bryant-Denny Stadium on Sept. 13, paving the way for the Aug. 30 season-opener with Clemson in Atlanta's Georgia Dome that was also announced today [1/4/08].

Roll Tide!