Tide Tidbits - December 10, 2008

Jones 'speaks' volumes on field
He's easily the most heralded freshman receiver in the history of Alabama football. When he was named the Southeastern Conference's Freshman of the Year on Monday, Julio Jones was merely recognized for the talent his teammates have seen from the first day he set foot on Alabama's campus. "I think everybody's kind of impressed and amazed (by his receptions and what he does after the catch)," quarterback John Parker Wilson said. "You hear guys on the team talk about it. It's fun to sit there and watch him do that kind of stuff after he catches the ball."

Saban named national coach of the year
The University of Alabama's Nick Saban will be presented the Home Depot Coach of the Year Award as part of ESPN's College Football Awards show Thursday night. In his second year at Alabama, he guided the Crimson Tide to a 12-1 record and the SEC Western Division title. In the process, Saban set the school record for highest increase in wins from year one to year two by an Alabama coach. Alabama is also in the running for two other honors at the Home Depot ESPNU College Football Awards: Junior left tackle Andre Smith is a finalist for the Outland Trophy for best interior lineman, and senior Antoine Caldwell is a finalist for Rimington Trophy as best center.

Crimson Tide dominates AP's All-SEC Team
Nick Saban has been named Southeastern Conference Coach of the Year by the Associated Press, with Crimson Tide rookie receiver Julio Jones taking SEC Freshman of the Year honors. Alabama placed six players on the All-SEC first team and three more on the second team. Offensive linemen Andre Smith and safety Rashad Johnson were among the six unanimous choices on the first team. They were joined by center Antoine Caldwell, running back Glen Coffee, defensive tackle Terrence Cody and linebacker Rolando McClain. Jones was a second-team All-SEC selection at wideout, along with offensive lineman Mike Johnson and cornerback Javier Arenas.

Alabama freshmen finally discuss a successful season
Dont'a Hightower recalled taking one look at Alabama's phonebook-sized defensive playbook and shaking his head. Setting a goal to play immediately was one thing. But understanding enough to do so was entirely different. "I thought, `Wow, we really have to learn this,'" said Hightower, a 6-foot-4, 250-pound freshman linebacker from Lewisburg, Tenn. "But as it goes, it gets a lot easier."

Roll Tide!