Bama in the News

March 22 - 31, 2009

• Baseball:
Alabama 19, Ole Miss 6

• Softball:
Alabama 3, Ole Miss 0

• Bama in the NBA - March 21st Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Memphis Tour: Fred Harvey • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Fred Harvey, linebacker from Memphis-White Station, Tenn., is a work-out warrior. He trains at a D-1 sports facility outside of Memphis and holds every strength record for 15-18 year olds. Harvey has collected three scholarship offers and several schools are expected to visit in the spring. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Tide Spring Practice (3/23/09)
Tide Football Team Practices on Monday March 23, 2009.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
QB Highlight Tide Spring Practice 3/23/09
McElroy and Jackson trade snaps during the Tide's practice Monday March 23, 2009.

• Spring Photo Gallery: Day 2 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide football team took the field for day two of spring drills Monday, and BamaOnLine.com was there to capture photos.

• Alabama, UAB Meet in Home-and-Home Series • RollTide.com
The No. 24-ranked University of Alabama baseball team will make a brief appearance in Tuscaloosa on Tuesday and then its back on the road for four more games Wednesday and this weekend. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: There are no depth charts for spring practice! But if there were... • al.com
Alabama is going through its second practice of the spring, though it was the first I've been able to see -- what, with Tampa and all. The first thing I noticed was that Sal Sunseri is LOUD!

• Gentry Estes: Tubby Smith still saying he'll stay at Minnesota • al.com
Minnesota coach Tubby Smith is taking steps to ease fears at home over mounting speculation he would be interested in leaving for vacant jobs at Virginia, Arizona, Georgia and Alabama. 

• Monday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Team resumed spring practice following a nine-day spring break on Monday as the UA staff continues to search for answers to several questions, most of them on the offensive side of the ball. Click here for BamaOnLine.com's look at the media viewing period.

• Instant Analysis: Bama goes back to work • BamaOnLine
Monday signaled the return of the Alabama Crimson Tide to spring drills. BOL staff members Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread provide insight from the workout inside!

• VIDEO: Crimson Tide back from break • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Fresh from a week off for spring break, the Alabama Crimson Tide returned to the practice field Monday afternoon. 

• Gary Lloyd: Process of elimination leaves Anderson • Crimson Confidential
Already, dozens of names haven been frenetically tossed around regarding the Alabama basketball head coaching vacancy.

• Brown Has Tide Near Top of His List (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Running back Mack Brown from Lithonia MLK, Georgia recently sat down for a Q&A session regarding his recruitment... 

• Alabama granted permission to interview Grant • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama’s basketball coaching search moved into an active phase over the weekend when Virginia Commonwealth granted UA Director of Athletics Mal Moore formal permission to speak with VCU head basketball coach Anthony Grant.

• Tide moves up to No. 3 in gymnastics • Tuscaloosa News
After winning the SEC Championship on Saturday, the University of Alabama gymnastics team moved up to spots to No. 3 in the latest national rankings by GymInfo.

• Andrew Bone: Tide targets committing elsewhere • Tuscaloosa News
Several of the University of Alabama's top targets have already made commitments to other schools.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama AD Mal Moore granted permission to speak with Anthony Grant... • al.com
Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore has been given permission to move on one of his candidates in his coaching search. It seems Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant will be the first guy the public learns will be interviewed by Moore. 

• Gentry Estes: UA gets permission to approach Anthony Grant • al.com
VCU athletics director Norwood Teague has granted UA athletics director Mal Moore permission to interview basketball coach Anthony Grant.

• Gentry Estes: Five questions as Alabama resumes spring practice • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- A rested Alabama football team returns from spring break to the practice fields this afternoon for the second of 15 permitted spring workouts.

• Nico Johnson ready to make an impact • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Andalusia standout linebacker Nico Johnson had offers from coast to coast, but there was never much doubt that the 6-2, 225-pounder was headed to Tuscaloosa. Johnson rejected offers from the likes of Florida, LSU and Southern Cal. In this interview with TI, Johnson talks about why he picked the Tide and more. 

• Memphis Tour: Justin Maclin • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Justin Maclin, outside linebacker from Memphis-Ridgeway, Tenn., has received nine scholarship offers. The number is expected to increase throughout the spring and summer. Scout.com spent time with Maclin as he worked out at a sports training facility in Cordova, Tenn. 

• The Scout 100 • 'BamaMag
Scout's initial Top 100 was released in December, and with the several months past and the Class of 2009 firmly behind us, we will be going 500 deep in our rankings before the week is out. Today is a look at the Top 100 ranked players in the country, led by the player many on the Scout team feels is the best offensive line prospect in Scout's history.

• Memphis Tour: Harrison Jones • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tenn. tight end adds another offer.

• UA moves on Grant • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Virginia Commonwealth University has granted the University of Alabama permission to speak with Rams basketball coach Anthony Grant about its vacancy. 

• Recruiting Update: WR Markeith Ambles (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Some receivers just have a certain presence about them on a football field and when they line-up out wide and look back at the quarterback you can tell that good things are about to happen.

• South Florida event boasts star power • Crimson Confidential
HIALEAH, Fla. -- It's no secret that aspiring college football prospects in South Florida show up to compete no matter what, and more than 1,000 youngsters did just that Saturday at Ted Hendricks Stadium for the Miami Nike combine. 

• Bear's Den Trivia • Crimson Confidential
Welcome to week two of Bear’s Den Trivia. It’s easy to play, especially if you enjoy reading about...

• Corey Lemoinier Recruiting Update (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Hialeah High School defensive end Corey Lemoinier isn’t ready to name any favorites at this point. 

• Bama in the NBA - March 22nd Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• No. 24 Men's Tennis Edged in Blue Gray Finals by No. 4 Tennessee • RollTide.com
In what was one of the most exciting matches of the tournament, the 24th-ranked men's tennis lost a close 4-2 decision to No. 4 Tennessee in the finals of the Blue Gray National Collegiate Tennis C... 

• Crimson Tide 12th after Medal Play Rounds at Callaway Match Play Championship • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's golf team finished the 36 holes of medal play on Sunday at the Callaway Golf Collegiate Match Play Championships in 12th place on the par-72, 6,911-yard The Farms Golf Club. 

• No. 16 Women's Tennis Hosts No. 65 Oregon • RollTide.com
The 16th-ranked women's tennis team returns to action Monday, March 23 when it hosts No. 65 Oregon at the University of Alabama Tennis Stadium for a 3:00 p.m. (CST) start. 

• Alabama Bats Overpower Mississippi, 19-6 • RollTide.com
No. 24 Alabama batted around in each of the first two innings, sending 22 batters to the plate and cruised to a 19-6 win over No. 12 Mississippi on Sunday afternoon at Swayze Field. The Tide score... 

• Women's Golf Captures Title at First Market Bank Intercollegiate • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's golf team captured its first tournament title of the season on Sunday with a win at the First Market Bank Intercollegiate at the par-72, 6,174-yar Ford's Colony Country Club. 

• Dunne and Morgan Lead No. 2 Softball to Series Sweep • RollTide.com
Morgan Extends Hitting Streak to 16 Games 

• Bama bats get hot with 19-6 victory • Tuscaloosa News
OXFORD, Miss. | No. 24 Alabama batted around in each of the first two innings, sending 22 batters to the plate and cruised to a 19-6 win over No. 12 Ole Miss on Sunday afternoon at Swayze Field. The Tide scored 14 runs on 16 hits in the first two innings and stroked four doubles and four home runs.

• Dunne, Morgan lead Tide to sweep of Rebels • Tuscaloosa News
OXFORD, Miss. | Behind the arm of sophomore pitcher Kelsi Dunne and the bat of junior Charlotte Morgan the No. 2 ranked Alabama softball team was able to earn the series sweep of Ole Miss with a 3-0 victory Sunday afternoon at the Ole Miss Softball Complex.

• Ray Melick: NCAA tournament puts pressure on basketball coaches to get or keep jobs • The Birmingham News
They are coaching for their jobs. 

• Tommy Hicks: Big names dot Tide's coaching wish list • Press-Register
Read off the names — VCU's Anthony Grant, Southern Cal's Tim Floyd, Minnesota's Tubby Smith and Missouri's Mike Anderson. 

• 5 QUESTIONS FOR ALABAMA: QB, O-line big issues for Saban • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - A rested Alabama football team returns from spring break to the practice fields this afternoon for the second of 15 permitted spring workouts.

• Alabama routs Ole Miss 19-6 • Press-Register
Staff reports No. 24 Alabama batted around twice in routing Ole Miss 19-6 Sunday to salvage the third game of the SEC baseball series in Tuscaloo sa.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Monday, March 23, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Alabama steamrolls Rebels • The Huntsville Times
OXFORD, Miss. - The 24th-ranked Alabama baseball team batted around in each of the first two innings, sending 22 batters to the plate and cruised to a 19-6 win over No. 12 Ole Miss on Sunday afternoon.

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Sunday, March 22nd • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Sunday, March 22nd 

• SEC Softball Roundup - Sunday, March 22nd • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Sunday, March 22nd 

• BLUE GRAY TENNIS CLASSIC: Vols down Tide in final • Montgomery Advertiser
When Tennessee's top doubles player had to be pulled from the lineup because of a jammed finger, it seemed as though the door had opened for No. 24 Alabama to pick up a doubles win and grab a significant early lead in the finals of the Blue Gray Tennis Classic.

• COLLEGE FOOTBALL: Tide gets back on practice field • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama resumes spring practice today with an emphasis on finding offensive starters, but head coach Nick Saban doesn't want anyone getting complacent.

• COLLEGE BASEBALL ROUNDUP: Crimson Tide tees off on Ole Miss • Montgomery Advertiser
OXFORD, Miss. -- No. 24 Alabama scored 14 runs on 16 hits in the first two innings as the Crimson Tide pounded Mississippi 19-6 on Sunday.

• Biggest day for Tide since 1902 • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
No. 24 Alabama batted around in each of the first two innings, sending 22 batters to the plate and cruising to a 19-6 win at No. 12 Ole Miss on Sunday afternoon.

• Steen aiming to play early • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"The coaches have told me that if I come in June, I'll have a chance to be a starter. They want me there as soon as I can get there..." 

• Finch's interest in Tide grows • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
As a junior running back for Niceville (Fla.), Rivals250 member Roy Finch evoked images of West Virginia star Noel Devine with his running style in rushing for over 1,300 yards and 22 touchdowns. In this premium update, Finch talks about one team heavily on his mind, the Crimson Tide.

• Tide Wins Consolation Bracket at Callaway Collegiate Match Play • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's golf team knocked off Duke and San Diego to win the consolation bracket of the Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championships on Tuesday afternoon at The Farms Golf Club. 

• Alabama expected to offer job to Anthony Grant • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Anthony Grant has emerged as the No. 1 candidate for the University of Alabama’s head basketball coaching job and could receive a formal offer by Wednesday, according to multiple sources.

• Saban congratulates SEC champion gymnastics team • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Fresh off winning its sixth SEC Championship, the University of Alabama gymnastics team had a surprise visitor at practice Tuesday, sort of in the same spirit of when Super Bowl and World Series champions get the phone call from the president.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Sources: The Alabama job is VCU coach Anthony Grant's... if he wants it. • al.com
Virginia Commonwealth basketball coach Anthony Grant can have the University of Alabama's head coaching job if he wants it, according to two sources with knowledge of the UA search. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Sources: Alabama officials have met with VCU coach Anthony Grant... • al.com
And the search to replace former Alabama coach Mark Gottfried continues... with some serious action. 

• Gentry Estes: Alabama is prepared to offer basketball coaching job to Anthony Grant • al.com
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama is expected to offer its men's basketball coaching job to Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant as early as Wednesday, sources tell the Press-Register.

• Grant to visit Capstone • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The University of Alabama is a step closer to hiring Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant as its next head basketball coach. The Rams' third-year coach is expected to visit the Capstone to consider an offer from the Crimson Tide.

• Bama job Grant's to turn down • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
The University of Alabama has informed Virginia Commonwealth head coach Anthony Grant that its men's basketball head coaching position is his … if he wants it.

• Men's Tennis Jumps to No. 17 in National Rankings • RollTide.com
The men's tennis team climbed seven spots in this week's Campbells'/Intercollegiate Tennis Association Division I Men's Tennis Rankings to No. 17. 

• Alabama gymnastics team earns seven SEC honors • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama gymnastics team won seven various all-conference awards as a result of the strong showing at Saturday’s SEC Championship in Nashville.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Sources: Alabama officials have met with VCU coach Anthony Grant... • al.com
And the search to replace former Alabama coach Mark Gottfried continues... with some serious action. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama coach Nick Saban talks about building a house... • al.com
By this point, we've heard a lot of the analogies used by Alabama coach Nick Saban. But yesterday, while expressing some serious displeasure with where his team is, he invoked another one. A good one, if you ask me. 

• Gentry Estes: Report: Anthony Grant met Sunday with UA officials • al.com
Alabama athletics director Mal Moore and executive director of athletics Dave Hart traveled to Richmond on Sunday to meet with VCU coach Anthony Grant, according to an online update from the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

• Tide evaluating top Florida LB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"They know about him," Lake Howell head coach Tom Oliver says of the Alabama staff. "I recently sent them film of him."

• Scout 300 Unveiled • 'BamaMag
With such a deep year, it can be tough to see so many talented names just outside the initial Scout.com National 100. Today is a look at the players ranked in the entire Scout 300. 

• Scout Network Mock Draft: Round 1 • 'BamaMag
Scout.com's draft and NFL team experts have combined forces in a two-round mock draft. Here's how the first round played out, and why. Who did your team take?

• Tide Must Think Top Caliber In Search • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
History says that coach can make huge difference in basketball success

• National Interest in Gholston • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Detroit Southeastern’s William Gholston talks about his offers and spring visits

• Be Afraid….Be VERY Afraid • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
There are several reasons to be worried as a Bama fan right now… 

• Dominating DE lands Tide offer • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It hasn't taken long for West Brunswick (NC) defensive end Alfy Hill to make an impact on the recruiting scene. With a dominating highlight film, the Rivals100 member is adding a long list of offers to his credit, including a new offer from the Crimson Tide on Monday.

• Highly-recruited kicker with five big offers • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It is not rare to see a running back, wide receiver or quarterback with five major offers in March. It is rare however, to see that kind of an offer list with a kicker. Ft. Lauderdale (Fla.) St. Thomas Aquinas has a ... 

• Tuesday’s Top Ten: • Crimson Confidential
Top Ten Worst Questions To Ask Coach Saban During A Spring Press  
ConferenceTwo practices. Two tar-and-feathered questions. Two Nick Saban rants.

• Johnson Has Tide in Top Two (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Junior receiver Robert Johnson is one of several Oak Grove (MS) players receiving Division 1 scholarship offers. 

• Marcus Smith Recruiting Update • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
At 6-foot-3 and 210 pounds, 2010 quarterback Marcus Smith isn't exactly small. Some might even say intimidating. 

• Fulton Talks Tide • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
ESPNU150 Watch List cornerback John Fulton has a list of five schools he's currently considering. 

• VIDEO: LB Coach Sal Sunseri in Action • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
New Alabama Linebackers Coach Sal Sunseri in action during yesterday's Spring Practice session...

• WEDNESDAY: Live chat with Homer Smith in Bear's Den • Crimson Confidential
As advertised last week, former Bama OC Homer Smith, who directed the Tide offense in 1988, 1989 and... 

• Tony Barnhart: Five SEC quarterback battles to watch • AJC
I think we can safely say that Florida is set at quarterback in Tim Tebow. Ditto for Jevan Snead at Ole Miss. But just about everywhere else in the SEC there are questions at the quarterback positions. But for the sake of our discussion today, here are the five quarterback races I’m keeping a close eye on this spring. Any thoughts on these, or others you think are more noteworthy, are always welcomed.

• Recruiting Rewind: Alabama-bound Kellen Williams didn’t get same ‘family feeling’ at UGA • AJC
Holding no grudges against Georgia, Alabama commit Kellen Williams said UGA may have been a little more attractive had he been able to meet coach Mark Richt during his junior day visit.

• Second Spring Football Practice in the Books for Crimson Tide • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team returned to the practice field on Monday for its second workout of the spring after more than a week off for spring break with a two-hour session in shorts and helmets at ... 

• Alabama-Hosted NCAA Gymnastics Northeast Regional Teams Announced • RollTide.com
The No. 3 ranked Alabama Gymnastics team will host No. 9 Oklahoma, No. 15 Missouri, Central Michigan, New Hampshire and Maryland in the Northeast Regional Saturday, April 4 at 6 p.m. the NCAA annou... 

• No. 16 Women's Tennis Picks up 5-2 win Against No. 65 Oregon • RollTide.com
The 16th-ranked women's tennis team (13-1) defeated the No. 65 Oregon Ducks 5-2, maintaining its undefeated record against non-conference opponents this season. 

• Men's Golf Defeats Charlotte in Callaway Collegiate Match Play • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's golf team knocked off Charlotte in the opening round of the consolation bracket at the Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championships on Monday afternoon at The Farms Golf Club. 

• Gymnastics Team Climbs to Third in National Rankings • RollTide.com
The Alabama gymnastics team climbed to No. 3 in the latest national rankings on the strength of its Southeastern Conference Championship winning 197.300. 

• UA granted permission to interview Grant • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama’s basketball coaching search moved forward over the weekend when Virginia Commonwealth granted UA Director of Athletics Mal Moore formal permission to speak with VCU head basketball coach Anthony Grant.

• Tide to make short trip back home before hitting the road again • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The 24th-ranked University of Alabama baseball team will make a brief appearance in Tuscaloosa today and then its back on the road for four more games Wednesday and this weekend.

• Crimson Tide to meet Oklahoma again in regionals • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama gymnastics team will see some familiar faces when it hosts the Northeast Regional on April 4.

• Saban tells player break time is over • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama football coach Nick Saban had a very distinct and deliberate message after the Crimson Tide returned to practice Monday afternoon.

• UA women’s tennis beats Oregon • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The 16th-ranked Alabama women’s tennis team (13-1) defeated the No. 65 Oregon Ducks 5-2.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
03/23 - Nick Saban
03/23 - Nick Saban. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• Christopher Walsh: Final thoughts about the SEC Gymnastics Championship • Tuscaloosa News
One of my favorite moments from the SEC Championship in Nashville actually had very little to do with gymnastics.

• Andrew Bone: States hit their targets in recruiting • Tuscaloosa News
The University of Alabama received its first commitment for the class of 2009 from D.J. Fluker in November 2007. He committed to the Crimson Tide before the 2008 class was even signed with the next commitment not until April. Schools look in-state for best recruits with most landing their targeted prospects.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Nick Saban: "We need to make a significant amount of improvement in all areas..." • al.com
It's real easy to tell what kind of practice Alabama has. Listen to the first two minutes of coach Nick Saban's press conference. Let's just say that today's workout... wasn't good. 

• Gentry Estes: Nick Saban: "If this team thinks they've arrived, we've got lots of problems." • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- It's a good thing Alabama doesn't play another football game for more than five months.

• Alabama receives permission to speak with VCU's Grant • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama took steps to speak with one of its basketball coaching candidates, while another refused to ease the minds of fans worried he might leave.

• Baseball losing spectator interest • The Birmingham News
Alabama, Auburn and UAB are taking their spring looks at their football teams. 

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
COLLEGE GOLF
Tide moves on in match play: 

• Offensive line rebuilding at Alabama may be as important as QB battle • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Mike Johnson is like many of Alabama's fans. He knows that finding a starting quarterback will go a long way toward determining what kind of season 2009 will be.

• Alabama gymnastics team draws top seed for NCAA Northeast Regional April 4 • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - There will be no mystery surrounding Alabama's chief competition when it hosts the Northeast Gymnastics Regional on April 4. 

• NCAA GYMNASTICS: Alabama confident after SEC win • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama assistant coach Bryan Raschilla carried a sparkling new SEC championship trophy out of the gymnastics practice facility Monday.

• Saban near boiling point after second spring practice • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - It's a good thing Alabama doesn't play another football game for more than five months. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Bill Bryant: Taking NFL's Wonderlic test proves challenge • The Huntsville Times
Remember the game Perfection? You know, the one where you inevitably tried to fit round pegs into square holes while all the while a timer ominously ticked the seconds away. Eventually, the board popped up and pieces of plastic exploded all over the floor. 

• Landing Grant? • The Huntsville Times
Crimson Tide get official approval to interview VCU coach for vacancy 

• Saban chases'purpose' • The Huntsville Times
Building chemistry among players key as Tide start practice

• Saban already steamed • The Huntsville Times
Lackluster practice plus expectations irk Alabama coach 

• Saban goes on tirade over Tide's passive practice • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama head coach Nick Saban works with a defensive group March 13 during the first day of spring football practice in TUSCALOOSA -- Interrupting football practice with spring break is never recommended. 

• UA basketball • Montgomery Advertiser
Tide, Grant to talk about head coaching job
Alabama's search for a men's basketball coach has focused on Virginia Commonwealth head coach Anthony Grant.

• QB McElroy making his case to replace Wilson • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — For three years, Greg McElroy wore a headset on the sidelines of Alabama’s football games. The Crimson Tide’s backup quarterback signaled in plays, and consulted with and … 

• Alabama interested in VCU coach Anthony Grant • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama has started to zero in on its top candidates for its vacant men’s basketball head coaching position. The Richmond Times-Dispatch reported that Alabama was granted permission to speak …

• College football, Basketball Notebook • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama football TUSCALOOSA — Nick Saban is not happy with his team, at least not right now. Through two spring practices, the Alabama head football coach said he wants better all-around … 

• 2009 Spring Preview - Ranking The Leagues • College Football News
What's the best league going into the season? How will the conferences rank against one another? The ACC should be the most competitive, but will it be the best? Here's the way-too-early call on how good each conference is with the best team in each league in the 2009 Pre-Spring Overview.

• ASK CFN - Can Ole Miss Win The BCS Title? • College Football News
Are the Rebels good enough to win it all? What coach has the best ten wins of all-time? Who has the best home field advantage over the last six years? Can a Texas fan root for Oklahoma? All this and more in the latest ASK CFN.

• Saban not pleased with practice • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I really feel like today was more like a first day than what last Friday was," Tide head coach Nick Saban said following Monday's practice. "Obviously, coming off of break, the focus wasn't what it needed to be."

• Scenes from Day 2 • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are scenes from today's practice.

• Saban Says Tide Has ‘Long Way To Go’ • 'BamaMag
Last season Alabama was one of the nation’s surprise teams, 12-0 in regular season, winner of the Southeastern Conference Western Division, ranked number one in the nation for five weeks, and finishing the year ranked sixth in the nation. So what does that mean for the 2009 Crimson Tide. 

• Montana ready to check out UA • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Oaks Christian Rivals250 QB Nick Montana has famous bloodlines and a host of early suitors for his signature, and this weekend he will be on a two-school southern road swing that will include a trip to Alabama.

• Notebook: Saban scorches players • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Spring break is definitely over in the Alabama football complex. Nick Saban had some harsh words for his players after Alabama's second spring practice, its first after nine days off.

• After second practice, Saban says Tide “has a long way to go” • Crimson Confidential
His hair a little disheveled, his voice raspy and hoarse, Nick Saban came off the practice field and into the media room Monday afternoon obviously taxed and worn.

• Talented Corner Waiting on 'Bama Offer • Crimson Confidential
Los Alamitos (Calif.) is one of the top programs in the SoCal region year in and year out. The Griffins annually put two or three players in to Div I schools every year and talented cornerback Shaquille Richardson is another sure fire college prospect.

• Tide Holds First Practice in Full Pads • RollTide.com
A rain-soaked day forced the Alabama football inside on Wednesday as the team strapped on full pads for the first time this spring for a two-hour practice at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility. 

• Men's Swimming and Diving Squad Ready for NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The preparation is over, now it's time for five Alabama swimmers and one diver to measure themselves against the nation's best as the NCAA Championships get underway Thursday at Texas A&M's Student... 

• Track Set to Host Alabama Relays • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's track and field team will open its 2009 outdoor season by hosting the annual Alabama Relays at the Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium on the campus of the University of Alabama. T... 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Where in the world is VCU Anthony Grant? (Found him!) • al.com
So... today was interesting. Hope we all enjoyed the Anthony Grant whirlwind tour. From here to here to here... which you can see evidence of here. 

• Gentry Estes: VCU's Anthony Grant has headed back • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- VCU coach Anthony Grant flew out tonight at roughly 7:45 p.m. on the University of Alabama jet that brought him to Tuscaloosa this morning.

• Bama’s Wooing Of Anthony Grant • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Were I writing a story of what I actually know about Alabama’s search for a basketball coach and exactly where Anthony Grant of VCU fits into that search, this would be a very short story. It is, however, more than that. It is what I have heard from other reporters, and what I surmise, and a wee bit of things I know to be true. 

• VIDEO: Scenes from Wednesday's practice • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide worked out in full pads for the first time this spring during Wednesday's practice.

• Spring Photo Gallery: Day 3 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide football team practiced at the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility for day three of spring drills Monday, and BamaOnLine.com was there to capture photos. 

• Wednesday Practice Report • Crimson Confidential
A good portion of the buzz at today's afternoon practice was directed toward what was going on in the building -- Coleman Coliseum -- a few feet away. That's where Anthony Grant was in the middle of talks with UA officials.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama AD Mal Moore: It's been "fast-paced." (With Anthony Grant video!) • al.com
Want to watch Anthony Grant walk on campus? This is video I shot of the VCU coach strolling into Coleman Coliseum on his tour. After that, I asked AD Mal Moore how it was going, and Moore said it had been "fast-paced."

• Ian R. Rapoport: VCU coach Anthony Grant meets with Nick Saban, tours Coleman Coliseum... (with a photo!) • al.com
Once again today, my own two eyes saw Anthony Grant walking on Alabama's campus in Tuscaloosa. There was the airport, then President Robert Witt's house, and now, the walk from the Mal Moore Administration Building to Coleman Coliseum. This time, we got art. 

• Anthony Grant checks out UA ... • al.com
Anthony Grant check out UA

• Chris's Blog - Wednesday March 25th • Chris Stewart Sports
2:45 p.m. CDT - Grant's the man?

• Anthony Grant at Coleman Coliseum • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV.  

• St. Thomas Aquinas kicker holds five • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Michael Palardy, kicker from Ft. Lauderdale-St. Thomas Aquinas, Fla., has already received five scholarship offers from BCS programs. Scout.com has the latest news...

• Alabama Football Attracts Walk-Ons • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Is there another Rashad Johnson on Tide practice field? 

• Texas kicker earns SEC offer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
This prospect has more interest from across the country.

• Humphrey goes to work, adds offer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Hoover wide receiver has tremendous work ethic.

• Random Stuff - Wed., March 25 • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Please read this.... I beg of you! 

• Wednesday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Running back Mark Ingram and the rest of the Crimson Tide football team practiced indoors Wednesday, its first in full pads since spring drills opened.

• Broadway visiting Capstone • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Although Alabama has offered eight quarterbacks in the early going for 2010, Capitol (Baton Rouge) signal-caller Terrance Broadway was one of the Tide's first quarterbacks that they targeted. This weekend, the Rivals250 member will be in Tuscaloosa for an unofficial. ... 

• Softball Contest Against Samford Rained Out • RollTide.com
The Alabama softball team will not be able to play its scheduled contest against instate rival Samford tonight as the game has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game originally scheduled... 

• Anthony Grant is in Tuscaloosa expected to meet with Saban • Tuscaloosa News
Anthony Grant has arrived in town and is getting a tour of the University of Alabama that includes a meeting with head football coach Nick Saban and UA President Robert Witt.

• UA softball rained out • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball team's game against Samford tonight has been postponed due to inclement weather. The game, originally scheduled for 6:30 p.m., will attempted to be made up at a later date.

• Ian R. Rapoport: The Anthony Grant whirlwind tour continues... with more some key interviews • al.com
Virginia Commonwealth Coach Anthony Grant continued his all-encompassing tour of the University of Alabama today, while taking some time for some big-time interviews. He met with University of Alabama President Robert Witt at Witt's house until about 11:15 a.m., then got in a car and drove to the Mal Moore Administration Building. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: VCU's Anthony Grant lands in Tuscaloosa this morning... • al.com
Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant arrived at the Tuscaloosa airport at 10:15 a.m. on a private plane from Richmond, Va. The plane departed approximated 8:30 a.m. Central. 

• Gentry Estes: Anthony Grant watch continues in Tuscaloosa ... • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- A private plane landed in the rain a little after 10 a.m. this morning, carrying with it the hopes of an entire SEC basketball program.

• Gentry Estes: Grant arrives in Tuscaloosa • al.com
TUSCALOOSA - Anthony Grant arrived this morning for an on-campus interview with Alabama officials for the school's men's basketball coaching vacancy.

• Memphis QB wants Tide offer • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide staff will likely sign two quarterbacks in the class of 2010. A few top signal-callers have already picked up Tide offers, but there are some who will be evaluated by the UA staff at summer camp. One of those is... 

• TI TV for March 24 • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• AMP: Keenan Allen talks schools • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Rivals.com recruiting analyst Mike Farrell has an exclusive interview with Rivals100 athlete Keenan Allen. In this exclusive interview, find out what schools have a shot at landing this talented prospect. 

• Transcript from Live Chat with Homer Smith • Crimson Confidential
Former Offensive Coordinator, Homer Smith, joined CrimsonConfidential today for a live chat. If you missed it, here's the transcript.

• Grant arrives in Tuscaloosa • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Virginia Commonwealth head coach Anthony Grant is in Tuscaloosa and is meeting with Alabama Athletics Director Mal Moore at the Mal M. Moore Athletic Building, where they are presumably discussing the details of a potential deal. 

• Montana, with famous father and mother in tow, set to check out Alabama (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
If you live in Tuscaloosa and happen to run into a guy who looks like Joe Montana Thursday...

• Class of 2010 Quick Hitters • Crimson Confidential
With its booming population and emphasis on high school football, it's no surprise that the Atlanta metro area...

• Ohio QB Favors SEC School • Crimson Confidential
Quarterback Jon Ballard (Austintown, Ohio/Fitch) is waiting for his first offer, but he is drawing quite a bit...

• Bama couldn’t afford to pass on Grant • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
For the last two months, speculation has abounded concerning who will be Alabama’s next head basketball coach. 

• Baseball:
Tuesday Night: Alabama 10, UAB 7

• Bama in the NBA - March 24th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Baseball Team Rallies Past UAB, 10-7 • RollTide.com
No. 24 Alabama scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to overcome a five-run deficit for a 10-7 come-from-behind win over UAB Tuesday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Juni... 

• Saban visits to congratulate SEC champions • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Fresh off winning its sixth SEC championship, the University of Alabama gymnastics team had a surprise visitor at practice Tuesday, sort of in the same spirit of when Super Bowl and World Series champions get the phone call from the president.

• Tide falls to No. 4, faces Samford today • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball team fell two spots to No. 4 in the latest USA Today/NFCA Top 25 coaches' poll, which was released Tuesday.

• Tide golf wins consolation bracket at Match Play • Tuscaloosa News
RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif. | The University of Alabama men's golf team knocked off Duke and San Diego to win the consolation bracket of the Callaway Collegiate Match Play Championships Tuesday afternoon at The Farms Golf Club.

• Cecil Hurt: Wheels turned quickly after Grant targeted in UA search • Tuscaloosa News
There came a time, after a furious couple of weeks, when the University of Alabama's most recent football coaching search reached a lull, an eye in the midst of a hurricane. When that happened, the only requirement for Director of Athletics Mal Moore was patience. He had to sit like a butterfly on a stone, waiting on Nick Saban to accept the position.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
03/24/2009 Cecil Hurt Show
Cecil and Chris discuss Spring Football, the UA coaching search, and the Dexateens on this edition of the Cecil Hurt Show

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Alabama vs UAB Baseball
The Alabama baseball team beat UAB 10 to 3 Tuesday night.

• Ian R. Rapoport: VCU's Anthony Grant could earn more than $2 million if he becomes Alabama's coach • al.com
It's been a long, long few days... Coaching searches tend to make it that way. It's only going to get more interesting (maybe not as interesting as yesterday's episode of 24, but I digress...) 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Could Grant be the next Billy Donovan at UA? • The Birmingham News
Just two years ago, the next Billy Donovan was going to succeed the original at Florida, but the real Billy D. got cold feet when he dipped his toe in the NBA.

• The Alabama job is VCU coach Anthony Grant's, if he wants it • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Anthony Grant, you are on the clock. 

• Alabama pounds out win over UAB in baseball • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama's offense is beginning to show opponents that no lead is safe. The Crimson Tide fell behind early, but clubbed its way to a 10-7 win over UAB in front of an announced crowd of 3,941 at Sewell-Thomas Stadium Tuesday.

• Alabama wants Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant... • Press-Register
... to become Crimson Tide basketball coach
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama is expected to offer its men's basketball coaching job to Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant as early as today, sources told the Press-Register Tuesday.

• COLLEGE SPRING ROUNDUP: Crimson Tide rallies to beat UAB • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA — No. 24 Alabama scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to overcome a five-run deficit and beat UAB 10-7 at Sewell-Thomas Stadium on Tuesday. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Sources say UA to offer Grant • The Huntsville Times
VCU hoops coach expected to be in Tuscaloosa today 

• Tide turns on UAB • The Huntsville Times
Alabama rallies for 5 runs in sixth to beat Blazers

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Tuesday, March 24th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Tuesday, March 24th 

• Alabama rallies past UAB in baseball • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama scored five runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to overcome an early deficit for a 10-7 win over UAB on Tuesday night at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. 

• Tide receives approval to talk with VCU coach • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
RICHMOND, Va. — Anthony Grant, who has led Virginia Commonwealth University to the NCAA tournament twice in the past three seasons, is again a popular figure as major conference schools look …  

• 2009 Spring Preview - Unit Issues • College Football News
While all the big-time programs reload, there’s one unit, one spot, that needs to be worked on and improved or else it could be a team’s downfall. In the Pre-Spring Overview, here are the 20 most important unit issues to deal with this off-season, like Alabama's quarterback situation.

• Kenny Bell will add speed to Tide offense • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Even though he committed to LSU early last August, Rayville, LA star receiver Kenny Bell never closed the door to Alabama. That paid off for Bama on signing day when Bell switched from the Tigers to the Tide. In this interview with TI, the 6-1, 174-pound Bell discusses the reasons he changed to Alabama and the expectations he has for his career. 

• Texas kicker earns SEC offer • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
This kicker has interest from all across the country with two SEC schools likely battling for his signature in February. Read more of the in-depth interview. 

• Foster looking forward to UA trip • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Tide's top kicking target for the class of 2010 is Southlake-Carroll's Cade Foster, a 6-foot-1, 215-pounder who also doubles as a physical linebacker for the national powerhouse. This weekend, Foster will take in an unofficial to the Capstone.

• Mack Has 'Bama Offer • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Offensive lineman Eric Mack of St. Matthews Calhoun County in South Carolina has already received a preview of sorts of what he will see in the recruiting process.

• UA Baseball Team Stays on the Road; Travels to No. 23 Florida • RollTide.com
Playing its sixth road game in the last seven games, the 24th ranked Alabama baseball team arrived in Gainesville early Thursday morning for a three-game series with the 23rd-ranked Florida Gators ... 

• Tommy Deas: Grant's kingly reception • Tuscaloosa News
The reception Anthony Grant got from the University of Alabama on Wednesday was unprecedented in the history of Crimson Tide athletics.

• Grant offer still pending • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
A day has passed since Virginia Commonwealth basketball coach Anthony Grant's tour of the Alabama campus, with no word on his interest in becoming UA's next coach. What's next? 

• Zach Lee Considering Tide (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Zach Lee (6’4, 200, 4.75) is a top QB prospect from McKinney High School (TX). He has several scholarship offers, including one from Alabama. Where does the Tide stand in his recruitment?

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama officials don't plan on hearing from VCU coach Anthony Grant today; ... • al.com
... they hope an answer comes Friday
University of Alabama officials hope Virginia Commonwealth basketball coach Anthony Grant will tell them Friday whether he will accept their head basketball coaching job, a source with knowledge of the UA search said . 

• Gentry Estes: No firm timetable for Anthony Grant's decision • al.com
Alabama's basketball coaching search continues to require something typically in short supply among fans eager for a new coach: Patience.

• SEC Baseball Weekend Pitching Matchups • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Weekend Pitching Matchups

• Report: Florida interested in Grant • Crimson Confidential
Florida Athletics Director Jeremy Foley wants assurances that Virginia Commonwealth head coach Anthony Grant would be available should Billy Donovan leave, according to The Gainesville Sun.

• Sara Vaughn Toes the Line at the World Cross Country Championships • RollTide.com
Alabama cross country runner Sara Vaughn will compete Saturday at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Amman, Jordan as a representative of the United States of America. 

• Women's Golf Tees it up at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic • RollTide.com
The No. 8 Alabama women's golf team is set to compete in its third event of the spring at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic in Athens, Ga., March 27-29. The competition will be played on the par-7... 

• No. 17 Women's Tennis Takes on No. 19 Kentucky and No. 26 Vanderbilt this Weekend • RollTide.com
The 17th-ranked women's tennis team (13-1, 3-1 SEC) steps back into SEC play this weekend, hosting the 19th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (10-4, 1-3 SEC) on Friday, March 27 before traveling to Nashvill... 

• No. 17 Men's Tennis Faces No. 13 Kentucky and No. 49 Vanderbilt This Weekend • RollTide.com
The No. 17 men's tennis team (15-3, 3-1 SEC) returns to conference action this weekend, traveling to Lexington to take on the 13th-ranked Kentucky Wildcats (12-4, 2-2 SEC) on Friday, March 27 befor... 

• Ian R. Rapoport: The Anthony Grant watch continues... how long should Alabama wait? • al.com
Roughly 18 hours have elapsed since Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant left on a plane headed back to Richmond, Va., which was right after Alabama officials planned to offer him the Crimson Tide's job. 

• NC defender raking in the offers • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Tide staff continues to cast a large net in an attempt to land one or two prospects capable of playing the Jack linebacker position. One of the most recent offers was made to Alfy Hill, a 6-4, 245-pound defensive playmaker at West Brunswick HS in Shallotte.

• Oklahoma star has UA high among favorites • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
"I was talking to him today about recruiting and narrowing his list down. When I asked him about schools, one of the first ones he mentioned was Alabama. I would say right now that Alabama is in his top three. 

• O.C. Brown names favorites • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Tenn. lineman's in-depth interview.

• Mack attending UA A-Day • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
St. Matthews (S.C.) Calhoun County offensive lineman and Rivals250 member Eric Mack has racked up one of the most impressive offer lists in the Palmetto State's class of 2010, with schools like USC, Clemson, Florida, FSU, Alabama, LSU and several others having done so. In a few weeks, he will be at the Capstone for his third visit to Tuscaloosa.

• Maclin plans visit to Tuscaloosa (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Remember when Memphis Ridgeway linebacker Justin Maclin said LSU and Alabama were in his top two?

• Dyer visits Auburn; Tide still in top three (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Michael Dyer of Little Rock (Ark.) Christian spent much of Tuesday checking out the Auburn campus and football program. 

• Erik’s Players Notebook: Peek makes personable first impression • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Handshakes and introductions.That’s not normally the way player interviews end in the Naylor Stone Media Room. That’s how..

• Atlanta's All-Combine team • Crimson Confidential
There was tons of talent on hand for the Atlanta Nike Combine, but only 25 players can make...

• Tide linebacker coaches learning on the fly • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Alabama put on pads for the first time this spring Wednesday for a two-hour football practice forced by rain into the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.

• Bama in the NBA - March 25th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Baseball's Game at UAB Halted in Sixth Inning • RollTide.com
The No. 24 ranked Alabama baseball team tied up its game against UAB 2-2 in the top of the sixth inning at Regions Park just before the game was halted due to rain. 

• Alabama waits on Anthony Grant’s final answer • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Anthony Grant arrived in town Wednesday and was greeted with a red-carpet tour of the University of Alabama campus that included meetings with head football coach Nick Saban, UA President Robert Witt and other dignitaries.

• Sharrief determined to fill big shoes on defense • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | There were times last season, especially when he was back in the film room, that University of Alabama safety Ali Sharrief both wanted and needed to be more like teammate Rashad Johnson.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/25 - Rolando McClain
3/25 - Rolando McClain. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/25 - Cory Reamer
3/25 - Cory Reamer. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/25 - Ali Sharrief
3/25 - Ali Sharrief. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/25 - William Vlachos
3/25 - William Vlachos. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/25 - Eryk Anders
03/25 - Eryk Anders. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/25 - David Ross
3/25 - David Ross. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3-25- Practice: QBs
March 25th Spring quarterback practice.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3-25 Practice: RBs and OL
Running backs and offensive line practice, March 25, 2009.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3-25 Practice: Wide Receivers
Wide receivers practice, March 29, 2009

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama's intention was to extend VCU's Anthony Grant a job offer before he left Tuscaloosa... • al.com
Another tidbit on the ever-evolving story of Alabama's courtship of Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant ... Grant apparently made quite the impression on Alabama people. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama TE Colin Peek speaks... and other stuff! • al.com
I know we're all swamped with basketball stuff, but let's take a timeout for football news. Alabama tight end Colin Peek, a senior transfer from Georgia Tech who is now eligible, met with the media for the first time today.

• Gentry Estes: Tide takes its best shot at Anthony Grant • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- The proverbial red carpet through the rain Wednesday left no doubt the University of Alabama wants Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant to be its next men's basketball coach.

• Grant takes whirlwind tour of UA campus; plan was to extend him an offer • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant arrived on a private jet Wednesday at 10:15 a.m., beginning a whirlwind stay in rainy Tuscaloosa that lasted more than nine hours and included interviews with University of Alabama President Robert Witt and Athletics Director Mal Moore.

• UAB beats Tide - maybe • The Birmingham News
About the only thing messier than the weather on Wednesday night at Regions Park was the muddy ending to the nonconference baseball game between Alabama and UAB.

• Alabama courts Grant • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The proverbial red carpet through the rain Wednesday left no doubt the University of Alabama wants Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant to be its next men's basketball coach.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Thursday, March 26, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Bill Bryant: Bama goes uptempo for Grant • The Huntsville Times
Moving swiftly has Crimson Tide poised to land its top choice 

• Ball, and offer, appear to be in his court now • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - The proverbial red carpet through the rain Wednesday left no doubt Alabama wants Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant to be its next basketball coach. 

• Tide courts Grant to fill coaching vacancy • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Virginia Commonwealth head coach Anthony Grant toured the University of Alabama campus Wednesday and met with officials in what could be a prelude to accepting the job as the Crimson Tide's next basketball coach.

• Tide works to line up offensive front five • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- The five offensive linemen step to the line as Alabama's "first-team" unit: tackles Drew Davis and John Michael Boswell, guards David Ross and Mike Johnson and center William Vlachos.

• Tide-UAB suspended; Auburn-Troy postponed • Montgomery Advertiser
HOOVER -- UAB and Alabama played into the top of the sixth inning of Wednesday's baseball game at Regions Park before the game was stopped because of rain.

• Tide officials meet with VCU’s Grant on campus • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama hosted Virginia Commonwealth basketball coach Anthony Grant for the …

• Grant meets with Tide officials in Tuscaloosa about basketball job • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Anthony Grant met with Alabama officials and toured Coleman Coliseum on Wednesday as discussions to fill the Crimson Tide’s basketball coaching vacancy heated up.

• Florida kicker plans UA visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
It's likely that the Tide will sign a kicking specialist in the class of 2010 next February. Alabama is among several programs to extend offers to one of the South's finest kickers -- Michael Palardy of St. Thomas Aquinas HS in Ft. Lauderdale.

• Video of Wednesday's practice • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Practice notes • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The task of rebuilding the offensive line is underway. The Tide lost two first-team All-Americans -- center Antoine Caldwell and left tackle Andre Smith -- and also lost three-year right guard starter Marlon Davis. Offensive line coach Joe Pendry is trying to find the right combination this spring by working players at different positions. 

• Finally! Colin Peek In Football Mix • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Fantastic. The adjective lingered even as the air seemed to go out of the room. Alabama Coach Nick Saban was discussing a player who had not played for the Crimson Tide and would not play for Bama in 2008. 

• Harvey still high on Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Although a change of travel plans will keep him home this weekend, White Station (Memphis) linebacker Fred Harvey still has the Crimson Tide high on his list of favorites. With three offers and new schools on the verge of entering the mix, Harvey breaks down his recruitment in this premium update.

• Notebook: Peek performance • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Tight end Colin Peek has waited more than a year to play his first football game for Alabama. With the wait nearly over, however, Peek is determined to have a strong spring.

• Finch to Attend 'Bama Spring Game (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Athlete/running back Roy Finch (Niceville, Fla./Niceville) holds multiple scholarship offers, including one from Alabama.

• Tide Battling Oregon for Top Prospects? • Crimson Confidential
Oregon has started to become a player in recruiting the Southeast. 

• Anthony Grant: 'We have agreed in principle' • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Anthony Grant confirmed that he plans to be the next head basketball coach at the University of Alabama, telling The Tuscaloosa News, "We have agreed in principle," in a text message Friday.

• INTERACTIVE: Grant's journey to UA • Tuscaloosa News
Here is Anthony Grant's playing and coaching road en route to the University of Alabama, where he says he has agreed in principle with the university to coach the men's basketball program.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama reaches agreement in principle ... • al.com
... for VCU's Anthony Grant to be its next basketball coach
Finally, Alabama's search for a basketball coach is over. Crimson Tide officials have agreed "in principle" with Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant for Grant to be the program's next basketball coach, Grant told The Birmingham News in a text message. 

• Gentry Estes: Full story: VCU's Anthony Grant is bound for Alabama • al.com
Updating the Press-Register's previous breaking news alert on Alabama's basketball hire ...

• Chris's Blog - Friday March 27, 2009 • Chris Sports Video
8:15 EDT - A new coach at The Capstone, and a Baseball update...

• Anthony Grant takes Alabama job • Crimson Confidential
In a whirlwind day that included Kentucky firing its head coach and rumors swirling that Florida's head coach would leave, Alabama seized the headlines early Friday evening by securing its new head coach.

• Grant accepts Tide offer • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide has landed its man. Sources say that Anthony Grant, who has spent the past three seasons as head coach at Virginia Commonwealth, has accepted Alabama's offer to become the Tide's basketball coach.

• Grant Bama-bound • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama basketball program appears to have landed its next coach in Virginia Commonwealth's Anthony Grant. The Crimson Tide's week-long courtship of the former Florida Gators assistant has ended in an agreement in principal, BamaOnLine.com has confirmed.

• Practice Report: "Hey look, it's Joe" • Tuscaloosa News
NFL Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana attended Friday’s practice along with his son Nick, a 6-foot-2, 177-quarterback recruit from Oaks Christian High School in Westlake, Calif. They arrived in Tuscaloosa on Thursday as part of a Southern swing that will include a visit to Georgia. Alabama has already offered a scholarship, and he’s also considering Arizona, Florida State, Maryland, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio State, South Carolina, Texas, along with his father’s alma mater, Notre Dame.

• Board of Trustees to take up UA football contracts Monday • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The Compensation Committee of the University of Alabama Board of Trustees is scheduled to take up the contracts of most of head football coach Nick Saban’s coaching and support staff on Monday.

• Montana and son at today's football practice • Tuscaloosa News
Former NFL great and Hall of Famer Joe Montana was at the University of Alabama football practice today with his son Nick on a recruiting trip.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/27 - Ozzie Newsome
3/27 - Ozzie Newsome. Video produced by Steve Mullen

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Practice, defensive backs
Nick Saban works with the Alabama secondary at practice, March 27. Legendary quarterback Joe Montana and his son Nick were in attendance. Produced by Brian Reynolds

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/27 Tide Practice- Joe Montana
Joe Montana and his son were at Bama's spring Football practice on Friday afternoon.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/27 Practice: QB's
Quarterback's Practice Friday March 27, 2009.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/27-Practice- LBs and DLs
Defensive linemen and linebackers at spring practice on Friday afternoon.

• Day 4: Scenes from Friday's practice • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
This afternoon, the Crimson Tide practiced in front of more 1,200 high school and junior college coaches in town for Alabama's annual coaching clinic. 

• Tide on display • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Terrence Cody and the Alabama football team were on display Friday for the fourth of 15 spring practices as UA's annual coaches clinic gave high school coaches a chance to observe practice. 

• Nick Perry Recruiting Update • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Prattville High School safety Nick Perry, who also has an offer from Alabama, made his second visit to Auburn for Thursday's second day of spring practice. 

• Friday Play at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic Cancelled • RollTide.com
The first day of play at the Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic was cancelled on Friday due to inclement weather. 

• Gymnastics' 2009 SEC Championship Will Be Broadcast on Fox Sports Net on Saturday • RollTide.com
A tape-delayed broadcast of the 2009 Southeastern Conference Gymnastics Championships, held last Saturday in Nashville, Tenn. and won by The University of Alabama, will be televised Saturday, March... 

• Grant's lack of movement not a surprise to some • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Those who know Anthony Grant aren't surprised that there hasn't been any announcement of his intentions by the second day following his on-campus visit to the University of Alabama.

• Ravens' Newsome still likes what he sees from Andre Smith • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Even though he probably won’t have a chance to select him, Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome still likes what he sees from former University of Alabama tackle Andre Smith, despite concerns stemming from his early departure from the NFL Combine and Sugar Bowl suspension.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome: "I don't think that's a bad reflection on Andre." • al.com
If you remember from almost two years ago, Ozzie Newsome is a big fan of Alabama coach Nick Saban. Newsome, the current Ravens GM and former Crimson Tide All-American end, even owned one of the earliest T-shirts. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Kentucky coach Billy Clyde Gillispie... officially out! • al.com
The first domino has fallen. And it's to no one's surprise. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: The new version of Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain... • al.com
There was a time when the nickname of Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain was "Baby Ro." That's what former captain Darren Mustin called him, a term of endearment, actually. It just doesn't apply anymore. 

• Gentry Estes: A domino falls: Billy Gillispie is out at UK • al.com
Alabama basketball is quickly becoming a bit player in a larger drama unfolding among two of the more high-profile programs in the conference and nation.

• Random Stuff- March 27, 2009 • Crimson Country Club (Members Only)
Who said no one gives a care? 

• Newsome in Tuscaloosa • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Baltimore Ravens GM Ozzie Newsome and former Nebraska coach Tom Osborne were among the speakers at the UA Coaching Clinic Friday. Click here for BOL's story on this former Crimson Tide ... 

• Tide baseball heads to Gainesville • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Pitcher Miers Quigley and the Alabama baseball team visits the Florida Gators this weekend in SEC play. BOL previews the Crimson Tide's key series in Gainesville.

• Owens Names Top 3 (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Jess Lanier (Bessemer, Ala.) High School junior Ladarius Owens picked up his fifth scholarship offer earlier this month.

• Tide, Tigers Top Sanders' list (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Craig Sanders is a defensive end that has numerous schools chasing after him, including Alabama. What are the...

• Ian R. Rapoport: Get ready for an insane, basketball-filled day... probably (Updated!) • al.com
It's 10:27 a.m. Central time, and the fun has yet to begin. By fun, I mean, absolute craziness. Administrators in Alabama, Kentucky, Virginia and Florida are likely sitting on pins and needles right now, waiting for the dominoes to fall. If they fall...

• Bama in the NBA - March 26th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Randall & Cosma Score in 500 Freestyle at the NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's swimming and diving team is in the 24th place after day one of the NCAA Championships being held in the Student Rec Center Natatorium on the Texas A&M campus. 

• No word on Grant; Florida could impact decision • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama’s basketball coaching search remained in a holding pattern Thursday, a day after Anthony Grant’s visit to tour the UA campus.

• Alabama wheelchair team brings home NWBA title • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | It’s been an uphill climb for the University of Alabama’s women’s wheelchair basketball team, but after six seasons since the program’s inception, the Alabama team is now the top-ranked team in the country after winning in the National Wheelchair Basketball Association Championship in Denver.

• Watson’s come a long way in a short time • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Matt Watson thought he was fast until he ran in the Alabama Relays as a freshman.

• Another busy day awaits Tide’s Taylor at Relays • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | A busy four days for Chelsea Taylor began Thursday with four events in the heptathlon at the Alabama Relays.

• Tide faces Florida in critical SEC series • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama Crimson Tide took part in a time-honored baseball tradition Wednesday night: the all-night bus ride.

• Gentry Estes: Change is in the air this spring for Tide football • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama junior offensive lineman William Vlachos is a center. 

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Kentucky's great expectations could trickle down on Alabama • The Birmingham News
Will UK's decision trickle down on Bama? Nick Saban said something funny the other day, although it didn't sound like he was joking. 

• Alabama officials hope to learn potential basketball coach Anthony Grant's answer today • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - University of Alabama officials hope to learn today whether Anthony Grant will be the Crimson Tide's next basketball coach. 

• Crimson Tide waiting on Grant • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA — Those who know Virginia Commonwealth coach Anthony Grant describe a meticulously thoughtful man not prone to hasty decisions.

• Alabama's Nick Saban shuffling players from position to position • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama junior offensive lineman William Vlachos is a center. At least he thinks so. 

• Alabama at Florida for three SEC games • Press-Register
Alabama's baseball team drove through the night Thursday morning, reaching Gainesville, Fla., early in the wee hours to prepare for this weekend's series at Florida.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Friday, March 27, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all can be published. 

• Alabama making multiple moves • The Huntsville Times
Several players working at new positions in spring 

• Tide swings to Florida • The Huntsville Times
Alabama opensthree-game series against Gators

• Tide waiting on Grant to decide • The Huntsville Times
VCU coach still mulling offer 

• Focused Pearson continues to guide Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- A new men's basketball coach may be hired today by Alabama president Robert Witt, but that doesn't keep Philip Pearson from continuing his duties as the Crimson Tide's interim coach.

• Alabama baseball • Montgomery Advertiser
Tide's Howell strives to find groove
TUSCALOOSA -- Del Howell takes a few more practice swings in the indoor batting cage at Sewell-Thomas Stadium. Outside, a charter bus is waiting to take the Alabama baseball team to Gainesville for this weekend's series with Florida.

• Tide keeping tabs on in-state LB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the state's top linebacker prospects is big Barry James of Williamson HS in Mobile. The 6-1, 245-pounder reports early offers from Arkansas, Auburn and Clemson, with additional interest coming from Alabama, FSU, Georgia Tech, LSU and Oregon. 

• Lindsay decision coming soon… • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
TexasPrepInsider caught up with one of the state’s most sought after recruits, The Woodlands offensive lineman Chad Lindsay. He shared with us some time sensitive news. Check out what Lindsay had to say in the TPI update. 

• Battle Between the Powers • 'BamaMag
Demarco Cobbs has a trail of heavyweights hoping he'll come their way.

• Indiana’s #1 H.S. Football Recruit Plays OL • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Hurst reveals his top six schools and hopes for 1 more offer

• Jumbo athlete high on Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Osceola jumbo athlete B.J. Butler had the Florida Gators at the top of his list at one point, but now the 6-foot-3, 250-pounder has plans to leave the state and one of the schools on his list of programs to check out is the Crimson Tide. 

• Newton on Grant: “I hope he takes the job” • Crimson Confidential
When it comes to Alabama basketball coaching searches, it’s hard to imagine anyone better to talk to than C.M. Newton.

• Campus Confidential: 2009 Quarterback Competition • Crimson Confidential
Crimson Confidential is beginning a new weekly series today - Campus Confidential. 

• Friday's Fan of the Week: Lara Brewer • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
A sunset in Hawaii? Not bad. Niagra Falls? Definitely picturesque. For an Alabama fan, though, there’s simply no...

• Spring Football Practice Continues Saturday • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team continued spring drills with a two-hour workout in full pads at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility Saturday. Saturday also marked the final day of the UA Coaching Clinic as... 

• Ian R. Rapoport:  Anyone want to welcome new Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant to Tuscaloosa? • al.com
Remember the craziness that ensued when Alabama football coach Nick Saban arrived in Tuscaloosa on Jan. 3, 2007? It's possible that scene will never be matched. I've never taken part in anything quite like it.

• Day 5: Scenes from Saturday's practice • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
For the first time this spring, the Crimson Tide practiced in full pads.

• Day 5: Bama making progress • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Following Saturday's practice in full pads, Alabama head coach Nick Saban said that his team had made progress over the last few days. 

• Saban “excited” about Grant hire, sees football squad as work in progress • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Don’t know if Nick Saban gave him one of his Alabama straw hats as a welcoming gift, but one thing’s for certain: the Tide head football coach likes his school’s new basketball hire.

• Softball:
Game 2: Florida 10, Alabama 1 (5)

• Sara Vaughn Competes at IAAF World Cross Country Championships • RollTide.com
Alabama Cross country member Sara Vaughn competed at the IAAF World Junior Cross Country Championships on Saturday helping lead team USA to a fifth place finish in Amman, Jordan. 

• Softball Drops Series to No. 1 Florida with Doubleheader Loss • RollTide.com
The Alabama softball team dropped both games of a doubleheader to the No. 1 ranked Florida Gators Saturday afternoon at Pressly Stadium. Alabama dropped game one by the score of 9-1 and then fell i... 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/28 - Nick Saban
3/28 - Nick Saban. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• Ian R. Rapoport: VCU AD Norwood Teague: "Alabama is getting a one-of-a-kind person and coach." • al.com
The day following the announcement that Anthony Grant had been hired to be Alabama's basketball coach, it seems everyone has chimed in with their thoughts. Except the VCU people, that is. 

• SEC Softball Roundup - Saturday, March 28th • SEC Sports
SEC Softball Roundup - Saturday, March 28th

• Saban Sets Example On Playing With Pain • 'BamaMag
Have you heard about the “other” NBA? The “Noontime Basketball Association?” You’re about to. Turns out the games on TV now are not the only “March Madness” around. The “NBA” is playing too, and it’s playing in Tuscaloosa. Confused? 

• Saturday practice report • Tuscaloosa News
Due to poor field conditions from overnight rain, the Crimson Tide worked out on just one field instead of going inside Saturday. However, the crowd from the coaching clinic, which was 1,200 Friday, had noticeably thinned.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/28 QBs and WRs
3/28 QBs and WRs. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• Gentry Estes: "He's a winner, and it's not just because he works hard." • al.com
On the day before Anthony Grant is due in Tuscaloosa for his first press conference as Alabama's new basketball coach, it's time to take a breath and expand on the background of the man the Crimson Tide just hired.

• Tide Again Serious About Basketball • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
There is some irony, a friend of mine pointed out, in The University of Alabama going to Richmond to bring Grant here. Civil War analogies aside, it is historic. Yes, Alabama has other African-American head coaches—Harvey Glance for men’s track and field and Wendell Hudson for women’s basketball. But nothing so high profile as Anthony Grant.

• Developing Center Priority Of Spring • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
There are certain things we understand, such as why Alabama Football Coach Nick Saban would want to say that he doesn’t have a depth chart until the week of a game; and that Bama Offensive Line Coach Joe Pendry wants his players to perform at more than one position, at least two, preferably three.

• Saturday practice report • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Freshman quarterback Star Jackson and the rest of the Alabama football team practiced in full pads Saturday at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility.

• Instant Analysis: Saturday's practice • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide followed up Friday's practice with a full pad workout Saturday afternoon. Check inside as Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread provide insight from Tuscaloosa. 

• VIDEO: Scenes from Saturday's practice • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide practiced in full pads Saturday afternoon at Thomas Drew Practice Fields. Check inside for video from the workout! 

• Alabama 2009 Spring Football Practice: Day 5 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide football team practiced at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility for day five of spring drills Saturday, and BamaOnLine.com was there to capture photos.

• Coaches clinic winds down with final practice viewing • Crimson Confidential
After Friday’s two-hour football fest, Saturday afternoon’s practice was a bit of a return to normalcy.

• RECRUITING UPDATE: 'Bama Hard After Michigan RB White • Crimson Confidential
Running back Austin White (6-foot, 186 pounds) from Livonia (Mich.) Stevenson has scholarship offers from Midwestern schools Michigan State, Michigan, Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, Purdue and Bowling Green.

• Bear’s Den Guest of the Week: Derrick Lassic • Crimson Confidential
It’s hard to think back to that surreal evening more than 16 years ago, Jan. 1, 1993, in...

• Softball:
Game 1: Florida 9, Alabama 1 (6)

• Baseball:
Friday Night: Florida 11, Alabama 4

• Bama in the NBA - March 27th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Anthony Grant Agrees to be Alabama's Men's Basketball Coach • RollTide.com
The University of Alabama will introduce Anthony Grant as the Crimson Tide's men's basketball head coach during a press conference Sunday at 6 p.m. Central time in the Naylor Stone Media Room in th...

• Baseball Team Drops Series Opener at Florida, 11-4 • RollTide.com
No. 23 Florida rallied from a four-run deficit, scoring nine runs in the final two innings, to overtake No. 24 Alabama 11-4 in the SEC series opener at McKethan Stadium on Friday night in Gainesville. 

• UA hires grant • Tuscaloosa News
Virginia Commonwealth coach accepts Alabama’s offer

• No. 17 Men's Tennis Downs No. 49 Vanderbilt • RollTide.com
The 17th-ranked men's tennis team (17-3, 5-1 SEC) defeated the 49th-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores (4-12, 0-6 SEC) 6-1 on Sunday at the University of Alabama Tennis Stadium.

• No. 17 Women's Tennis Falls at No. 26 Vanderbilt • RollTide.com
The 17th-ranked women's tennis team suffered a 5-2 loss at No. 26 Vanderbilt on Sunday. The Crimson Tide is now 13-3 on the season and 3-3 against SEC opponents.

• Women's Track Wins Four Titles on Final Day of Alabama Relays • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's track and field team wrapped up competition as host of the Alabama Relays Sunday. On a chilly day at Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium, the fourth day of the meet consisted of ... 

• Gentry Estes: Tough weekend in Florida for UA baseball and softball • al.com
Florida hitters worked Alabama's pitching staff for at least nine runs in three consecutive games, resulting in a sweep in Gainesville, Fla.

• VIDEO: Grant introduced as head basketball coach • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
It's official: Anthony Grant is the man in charge of men's basketball at the University of Alabama. Check inside for complete video coverage of Grant's Sunday night news conference!

• Cade Foster visits Tuscaloosa • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Cade Foster, kicker from Southlake-Carroll, Texas, took an unofficial visit for the weekend to the University of Alabama. Foster traveled to Tuscaloosa with Alabama and LSU as co-favorites. 

• No. 4 Softball Returns to Form in 6-4 Win Over No. 1 Florida • RollTide.com
The No. 4 ranked Alabama softball team returned to form behind a gutsy pitching performance by Kelsi Dunne as it downed No. 1 Florida 6-4 Sunday afternoon at Pressly Stadium. Dunne tossed a career-... 

• Kathleen Ekey Wins Liz Murphey Collegiate Classic • RollTide.com
Alabama senior golfer Kathleen Ekey captured her second career tournament title with a 3-under-par 69 in windy and wet conditions Sunday in the rain-shortened Liz Muprhey Collegiate Classic on the ... 

• Basbeall Team Falls to Florida, 10-7 • RollTide.com
Florida second baseman Clayton Pisani snapped a fifth-inning tie with a solo home run and then added a two-run double in a four-run sixth inning to lead the 23rd-ranked Gators to a 10-7 win over 24... 

• Anthony Grant lands in Tuscaloosa • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | University of Alabama head basketball Coach Anthony Grant and his family were greeted by nearly 300 fans at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport Sunday afternoon.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Video of Anthony Grant landing in Tuscaloosa as the new Alabama basketball coach • al.com
You were told of Anthony Grant's landing in Tuscaloosa. You've seen pictures of the extravaganza. Now, see it live (kinda). By the way, he addresses the crowd 3:03 into it and gives his first "Roll Tide" at the 3:56 mark.

• Gentry Estes: Anthony Grant arrives to a pep rally: "This is unbelievable!" • al.com
New Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant landed and exclaimed, "This is unbelievable!"

• SEC Baseball Roundup - Sunday, March 29th • SEC Sports
SEC Baseball Roundup - Sunday, March 29th

• VIDEO UPDATE: Wish Grant-ed • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Anthony Grant's first order of business as basketball coach at the University of Alabama? Address an impressive turnout of fans who showed up at Tuscaloosa Regional Airport to greet Grant and his family Sunday afternoon.

• PHOTO UPDATE: Smiles all around • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Smiles were plentiful upon Anthony Grant's arrival to Tuscaloosa Sunday afternoon. Perhaps none bigger than the one on athletics director Mal Moore's face. 

• AMP: Joyner talks top five • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Rivals.com AMP visited St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fla.) and sat down with five-star cornerback Lamarcus Joyner to talk recruiting and more. In this exclusive interview, find out which five schools top his ... 

• Softball:
Alabama 6, Florida 4

• Baseball:
Florida 10, Alabama 7

• Photo Gallery: • RollTide.com
03.29.09 - Coach Grant Arrival

• Ian R. Rapoport: Anthony Grant lands in Tuscaloosa: "Roll Tide, ai'ight?" ... (With photos!) • al.com
Well, that was some circus. New Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant landed in Tuscaloosa at approximately 1:20 p.m., and he was greeted by more than 500 fans. I took a bunch of photos with my Blackberry, and you'll see them down below.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Who is this Anthony Grant guy, anyway? • al.com
It's officially Day 2 of the Anthony Grant Era, and Alabama's new coach should be touching down in Tuscaloosa in an hour and a half. Meanwhile, we're still learning about the former VCU coach. 

• Gentry Estes: Signee Shawn Kemp Jr. still wants to roll with Tide under Anthony Grant • al.com
Few had more interest in the Alabama basketball coaching search than Atlanta-area standout Shawn Kemp Jr., one of five prospects to sign with former Crimson Tide coach Mark Gottfried this past fall. 

• Gentry Estes: "It's a wide-open race" on Alabama's rebuilt offensive line • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- Alabama coach Nick Saban's annual goal is to fit players into his system, not the other way around. 

• Gentry Estes: Longtime coach Lou Saban dies at age 87 • al.com
Veteran football coach Lou Saban died this morning at his home in North Myrtle Beach, S.C. He was 87.

• Texas Star Has Tide in Top 8 (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Fort Worth Dunbar’s Darius White is one of the top players in the state of Texas- and in the nation. Where does the Tide stand with White? Find out inside...

• 2009 NFL Mock Draft No. 3 • College Football News
How does the first round of the 2009 NFL draft look after the free agency period has died down? Jason Smith appears to be the first offensive tackle set to go off the board, but how has the off-season affected the various needs? Check out the latest CFN Mock Draft.

• Alabama seeks to find replacement for Rashad Johnson • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Rolando McClain is surrounded by familiar faces on the Alabama defense.

• We’ve seen this before at Alabama • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Didn’t Alabama hire this same guy 11 years ago?

• The Florida approach • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
Sunshine State background shows in Grant’s approach to coaching

• COLLEGE SOFTBALL: Gators sink Tide in Gainesville • Montgomery Advertiser
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- The great pitching matchup never materialized. Alabama pitchers Kelsi Dunne and Charlotte Morgan were blasted out of Pressly Stadium in Gainesville, Fla.

• COLLEGE BASEBALL: Gators surge in ninth inning to beat Tide • Montgomery Advertiser
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Alabama made a season-high six errors and watched Florida erase a seven-run deficit, by scoring seven runs in a bizarre ninth inning, to post a 9-8 come-from-behind win over the Crimson Tide at McKethan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

• Saban still not pleased with Crimson Tide's progress • Montgomery Advertiser
Alabama football coach Nick Saban says this year's Crimson Tide team has a lot of work to do.
Alabama went through its fifth spring practice session Saturday afternoon and head coach Nick Saban continued to show some frustration in developing the 2009 team.

• COLLEGE BASKETBALL: Tide to welcome Grant • Montgomery Advertiser
It hasn't happened much at Alabama.

• Saban aiming to tune linemen • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban's annual goal is to fit players into his system, not the other way around. 

• Grant's hiring draws praise • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Before his first day on the job, Anthony Grant is already changing the dialogue at Alabama. 

• Bama falls apart in 9th inning • The Huntsville Times
GAINESVILLE, Fla. - Alabama made a season-high six errors and watched Florida erase a seven-run deficit in a bizarre ninth inning to post a 9-8 win Saturday afternoon. 

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Sunday, March 29, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all comments can be published. 

• Newsome says Smith can recover from bad outing • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome thinks Alabama left tackle Andre Smith can recover from his pre-draft mishaps to have a productive career in the NFL.

• Alabama notebook: Ozzie Newsome says Andre Smith can recover from pre-draft mishaps • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Baltimore Ravens general manager Ozzie Newsome thinks Alabama left tackle Andre Smith can recover from his pre-draft mishaps to have a productive career in the NFL.

• Tide's O-line spring priority • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama coach Nick Saban's annual goal is to fit players into his system, not the other way around. 

• With Grant gone to Tide, VCU looking to AU's Lebo? • The Birmingham News
Jeff Lebo has popped up on Virginia Commonwealth's initial list for a new basketball coach, but Auburn officials said Saturday that VCU has not contacted the school seeking permission to talk to its basketball coach.

• Alabama TE Colin Peek still a mystery to fans • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - By this point in his career, Alabama tight end Colin Peek should be well known. Fans should know whether he's a punishing blocker, a productive pass-catcher, or both.

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
COLLEGE SOFTBALL
Tide drops series at Florida: 

• Sound Off • The Birmingham News
Moore lawsuit is a waste:

• Saban quickly impressed with new UA basketball coach Anthony Grant • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - When Anthony Grant visited Alabama on Wednesday, he spent a good deal of time with Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Grant's a good choice, but better than Anderson? • The Birmingham News
Anthony Grant? A home run? Let's not mix metaphors or sports. 
 Alabama thinks its new basketball coach is a slam dunk, and in many ways, he is, right in the face of Florida, LSU, South Carolina, Georgia and UAB. 

• AMP: Joyner talks top five • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Rivals.com AMP visited St. Thomas Aquinas High School (Fla.) and sat down with five-star cornerback Lamarcus Joyner to talk recruiting and more. In this exclusive interview, find out which five schools top his list, and which in-state power is making a push up his leader board.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Nick Saban, on new UA basketball coach Anthony Grant: "The guy's got a lot of class." • al.com
We already knew that Alabama football coach Nick Saban wants a successful basketball program to complement his team. And we know that he met with new hoops coach Anthony Grant twice during Grant's interview: Once at his office and once at his house, the latter of which Saban described as "just an easy time to ask questions."

• Baseball:
Saturday - Florida 9, Alabama 8

• Bama in the NBA - March 28th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Men's Swimming and Diving Grabs Top-25 Finish at NCAA Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's swimming and diving team posted another top-25 finish at the NCAA Championships Saturday, taking 21st place with 34 points. It was the Crimson Tide's 32nd top-25 finish since 1974. 

• Crimson Tide Posts Six Regional Qualifying Marks on Day Three • RollTide.com
The Alabama women's track and field team hosted the third day of competition at the Alabama Relays at Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium on Saturday. With the weather cooperating all day after thun... 

• Shaun Gaiser, Trevor Denkers Qualify for the Regional Championships • RollTide.com
The Alabama men's track and field team hosted the third day of competition at the Alabama Relays at Sam Bailey Track and Field Stadium on Saturday. With the weather cooperating all day after thunde... 

• Baseball Team Loses Late Lead at Florida, 9-8 • RollTide.com
Alabama made a season-high six errors and watched Florida erase a seven-run deficit, by scoring seven runs in a bizarre ninth inning, to post a 9-8 come-from-behind win over the Crimson Tide at McK... 

• Cecil Hurt: Tide makes statement with Grant hire • Tuscaloosa News
Outside World, meet the University of Alabama basketball program.

• Wherever Anthony Grant has gone, success has followed • Tuscaloosa News
Marcos “Shaky” Rodriguez has coached hundreds of basketball players in more than two decades at the high school and collegiate levels. He’s seen acrobatic slam dunks and masterful ball-handlers, high-leaping rebounders and daring defenders.

• Transfer tight end ready to give Peek performance • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | When he walked into the room of reporters to do his first formal interview as a featured University of Alabama football player, the 6-foot-6, 247-pound newcomer looked around and stuck out his hand toward the first semi-recognizable face.

• Bama blows six-run lead in ninth inning • Tuscaloosa News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. | Alabama made a season-high six errors and watched Florida erase a seven-run deficit by scoring seven runs in a bizarre ninth inning, to post a 9-8 come-from-behind win over the Crimson Tide at McKethan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

• Tide softball team drilled by No. 1 Gators • Tuscaloosa News
GAINESVILLE, Fla.| It was touted on the University of Florida campus as the softball doubleheader of the year, pitting the No. 1 Gators against No. 4 Alabama.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/28 Practice- Defense
Tide football spring practice on a windy Saturday.

• UA releases Payne from letter of intent • Tuscaloosa News
Cully Payne, a guard from Schaumburg, Ill., who signed with Alabama last November, has been released from his letter of intent according to sources close to the UA basketball program.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Running backs practice, March 30
The University of Alabama running backs practice, March 30. Produced by Brian Reynolds

• Webster Named to U.S. Women's National A2 Team • RollTide.com
Junior outside hitter Brooks Webster was selected to the 2009 U.S. Women's National A2 Team as announced by USA Volleyball on Monday. Webster is one of 24 of the nation's top collegiate volleyball ... 

• Spring football: Monday practice report • Tuscaloosa News
The Crimson Tide will hold its first scrimmage on Wednesday, which will also signal the midway point of spring practices.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/30 - Defense
3/30 - Defense. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/30 Practice: QB's and Receivers
Quarterback's and Receiver's practice Monday, March 30th.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Raises for everyone on the Alabama football staff ... except Nick Saban. • al.com
Just got off a teleconference with the Alabama System Board of Trustees Compensation Committee, where four new contracts were announced, as were a whole bunch of raises.

• Gentry Estes: Trustees approve $2.685 million in salaries for Alabama's assistant football coaches • al.com
TUSCALOOSA -- The UA system board of trustees unanimously approved raises and extensions today for seven Alabama assistant football coaches and initial contracts for two offseason hires.

• Defensive front looks very strong • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Given that the media had roughly 12 minutes to observe practice this afternoon, I focused on the defense. I was eager to get a close-up look of the defensive lineman, and what I saw just reaffirmed what I have been thinking: Physically, this is the best looking group of defensive lineman Alabama has had since the early 1990s. 

• VIDEO: Scenes from Monday's practice • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Alabama Crimson Tide worked out in full gear Monday, its final practice before Wednesday's scheduled scrimmage.

• Instant Analysis: Monday • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
With the Crimson Tide set to conduct its first scrimmage of the spring on Wednesday, BOL staff members Travis Reier and Chase Goodbread touch on some areas of interest.

• UA increases coaching salaries • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Nick Saban's assistant coaches have have received salary increases for this coming season and beyond. Click here for more on the release of contract agreements for the Tide staff. 

• Alabama 2009 Spring Football Practice: Day 6 • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
The Crimson Tide football team practiced at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility for day six of spring drills Saturday, and BamaOnLine.com was there to capture photos. 

• Bama D-line gets insights from new linebackers coach • Crimson Confidential
He’s listed as one of the linebackers coaches but Sal Sunseri showed a little versatility Monday.

• Gentry Estes: Anthony Grant wasting no time on the recruiting trail • al.com
New Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant is set to meet this afternoon with touted point guard Eric Bledsoe of Parker High School in Birmingham, Bledsoe's high school coach told TiderInsider.com today.

• Harrison Jones in T-town • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Harrison Jones, tight end from Cordova-Evangelical Christian, Tenn., attended a spring practice session in Tuscaloosa this past weekend. Jones talked about the trip and the comfort level felt with the coaching staff. 

• Top 'Bama Prospects Sign on for 2010 UA game • Crimson Confidential
Last year, the Under Armour All-America game had six of the nation's top seven prospects. This year's all-star game might be on its way to topping that. Four of the nation's top players have committed to playing in the game, which will be played in Orlando on Jan. 2 and shown live on ESPN...

• Lamarcus Joyner Recruiting Update (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Lamarcus Joyner is one of the top juniors in the state of Florida and in the country. 

• Cecil Hurt: Anthony Grant a no-nonsense type of coach • Tuscaloosa News
If the art of generalship is built largely on anticipating your adversary’s every move, then new University of Alabama men’s basketball coach Anthony Grant is going to be a master strategist.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
2008 Rewind: Win over Arkansas State
A game-by-game look at the undefeated Tide regular season.

• Ian R. Rapoport: New Alabama coach Anthony Grant: "I am a Nick Saban fan, and I love college football." • al.com
Alabama is a school where football looms over everything. No surprise there. It would even be understandable (kinda) if a basketball coach didn't love that reality. Yet when Anthony Grant was introduced Sunday as the Crimson Tide's new hoops coach, he left no doubt about his feelings. 

• Anthony Grant's press conference • WVUA-TV
See it on WVUA7.com, the home of Tider Insider TV. 

• Broadway to visit UA soon • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Baton Rouge-Capitol quarterback Terrance Broadway had a change of plans and did not visit Tuscaloosa this past weekend. But the 6-1, 197-pound, dual-threat signal caller will be in town for an unofficial visit soon. 

• Chase Williams Recruiting Update (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Leesville (Va.) Loudoun County LB Chase Williams holds several offers, and is drawing strong interest from the Crimson Tide. Where does Alabama stand in his recruitment? Find out inside... 

• South Florida CB Visits Miami, Still Considering Tide (includes video)  • Crimson Confidential
Cape Coral cornerback Jaylen Watkins took an unofficial visit to the University of Miami this weekend after taking in the spring game Saturday. He also plans a visit to T-Town in the near future to visit Nick Saban and company... 

• Bear's Den Trivia • Crimson Confidential
Welcome to week three of Bear’s Den Trivia. It’s easy to play, especially if you enjoy reading about...

• Bama in the NBA - March 29th Game Stats:
Check to see how the former players did

• Anthony Grant Introduced as Alabama's Men's Basketball Coach • RollTide.com
Anthony Grant was formally introduced as the University of Alabama head men's basketball coach in a press conference Sunday evening in the Naylor Stone Media Room. 

• Grant eager to take Tide to the next level • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | Anthony Grant made it clear Sunday the University of Alabama is where he wants to coach.

• Tide bounces back to beat No. 1 Gators • Tuscaloosa News
GAINESVILLE, Fla., | What a difference a day makes.

• Crimson Tide swept away by Gators • Tuscaloosa News
GAINESVILLE, Fla. | Florida second baseman Clayton Pisani snapped a fifth-inning tie with a solo home run and then added a two-run double in a four-run sixth inning to lead the No. 23 Gators to a 10-7 win over 24th-ranked Alabama at McKethan Stadium on Sunday afternoon.

• No. 17 Alabama women’s tennis falls at No. 26 Vanderbilt • Tuscaloosa News
NASHVILLE, Tenn. | The 17th-ranked Alabama women’s tennis team suffered a 5-2 loss at No. 26 Vanderbilt on Sunday. The Crimson Tide is now 13-3 on the season and 3-3 against SEC opponents, while the Commodores improved to 7-5 overall and 3-2 versus league foes.

• No. 17 UA men’s tennis downs Vanderbilt • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The 17th-ranked Alabama men’s tennis team defeated the 49th-ranked Vanderbilt Commodores 6-1 on Sunday at the University of Alabama Tennis Stadium. The Crimson Tide swept all three doubles matches, and junior Saketh Myneni provided the clinching win at the No. 1 singles spot.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Anthony Grant lands in Tuscaloosa
University of Alabama head basketball Coach Anthony Grant and his family were greeted by nearly 300 fans at the Tuscaloosa Regional Airport Sunday afternoon (produced by Cory Pennington).

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
Anthony Grant Press Conference (Part 1)
The first part of Anthony Grant's first press conference as UA's head basketball coach. He arrived in town this morning, Sunday, March 29th, 2009.

• Anthony Grant Press Conference (Part 2) • Tuscaloosa News
Anthony Grant appeared at his first press conference at the University of Alabama on Sunday March 12, 2009.

• Ian R. Rapoport: New Alabama coach Anthony Grant: • al.com
"This is my first choice ... I think we can do some special things."
After a long day, my story for tomorrow's paper is finally in, and it's time to talk about what new Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant said in his introductory news conference. It was quite a performance. 

• Gentry Estes: Day one for Anthony Grant at Alabama: • al.com
"My commitment, my belief in this university is extremely strong."
TUSCALOOSA -- Anthony Grant assuredly speaks of his "vision" for Alabama's basketball program as something tangible, a destiny that's merely a matter of time.

• Chris's Blog - Sunday March 29, 2009 • Chris Stewart Sports
11:55 p.m. CDT - Home at last...

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Alabama coach Anthony Grant;� never thought I'd see the day • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA� -- Yep. There he was. Anthony Grant. Saw him with my own two eyes. He wore a red tie and stood at a podium inside the Mal Moore Administration Building on the University of Alabama campus. He wasn't visiting. He was making as impressive an opening statement as any Alabama coach I've seen introduced in that room, in that building, on this campus. 

• New UA basketball coach Anthony Grant: This is my first choice. • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - On Friday morning, while the basketball world was in a heated discussion about possible job opportunities in Alabama, Kentucky and Florida, Anthony Grant sat down for a quieter conversation with his oldest son.

• Alabama has hoops talent, too • The Birmingham News
Let's face it.
College basketball typically is overlooked in Alabama. 

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
COLLEGE BASEBALL
Alabama loses to Florida: 

• Grant greeted throngs of fans at the Tuscaloosa Airport • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Let the record show that with a throng of fans gathered at the Tuscaloosa Airport, and with the pep band quiet for just a moment, Anthony Grant issued his first "Roll Tide" at approximately 1:26 p.m.

• Tide players can't wait to get started for Grant • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Perhaps no other University of Alabama men's basketball player was more excited about the hiring of Anthony Grant as the Crimson Tide's new head coach than guard Mikhail Torrance.

• Tommy Hicks: Opportunity knocks for Tide, Grant • Press-Register
It appears Anthony Grant didn't just look at his new job as head coach of Alabama's men's basketball team as a chance to step up the ladder. Instead, he saw it for the opportunity it presents on more than one level. 

• New Alabama basketball coach blazing own trail with Crimson Tide • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Anthony Grant assuredly speaks of his "vision" for Alabama's basketball program as something tangible, a destiny that's merely a matter of time.

• Saban in Grant's corner • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Before his first day on the job, Anthony Grant is already changing the dialogue at the University of Alabama. 

• Mark McCarter: Quite an entrance • The Huntsville Times
New coach promises 'special things' upon taking Tide's reins 

• Four Bama homers can't stop Florida's sweep • The Huntsville Times
Auburn goes deep five times to win series over Vandy 

• Building on Florida's template, Grant says Bama hoops can excel • The Huntsville Times
TUSCALOOSA - Anthony Grant assuredly speaks of his "vision" for Alabama's basketball program as something tangible, a destiny that's merely a matter of time. 

• Grant Introduced as Alabama's Men's Basketball Coach • SEC Sports
Grant Introduced as Alabama's Men's Basketball Coach

• Rolling out the Crimson carpet: New basketball coach embraces opportunity • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- Anthony Grant talked about the opportunity to "blaze your own trail."

• Players excited about transition • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- JaMychal Green knows Anthony Grant better than anyone at Alabama.

• COLLEGE BASEBALL: Tide falls in Florida • Montgomery Advertiser
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Florida's Clayton Pisani snapped a fifth-inning tie with a solo home run and added a two-run double in a four-run sixth inning to lead the Gators over Alabama 10-7 on Sunday.

• SPORTS BRIEFS: Tide turns corner against Gators in softball • Montgomery Advertiser
No. 4 Alabama returned to form behind a gutsy pitching performance by Kelsi Dunne as it defeated No. 1 Florida 6-4 on Sunday in Gainesville, Fla.

• Big man on campus • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
New hoops coach says Alabama will compete for championships 

• Grant arrives in Tuscaloosa, this time for good • Dothan Eagle
TUSCALOOSA — Anthony Grant was Alabama’s first choice to lead its basketball program. 

• Texas kicker blown away by Bama visit • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Cade Foster, perhaps the nation's top placekicker, from Southlake-Carroll, Texas, made an unofficial visit to Alabama over the weekend. Foster, who already has an offer from the Crimson Tide, came away from the Tuscaloosa trip extremely impressed.

• Grant says Bama can win in two major sports • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
The way Anthony Grant sees it, it's simple. If Florida, Texas and Oklahoma can be top schools in the two major sports of football and basketball, so can Alabama. 

• Nick Montana's SEC road trip • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Nick Montana, Scout.com four-star quarterback from Westlake Village-Oaks Christian, Calif., is a high profile prospect holding several scholarship offers. Montana just completed a road trip to a couple of SEC schools. 

• Anthony Grant Has High Aspirations • 'BamaMag
New Alabama men’s basketball coach plans to play for championships

• Tide Players Are Impressed With Grant • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama players look forward to more up-tempo basketball style

• Phillip Sims plans SEC trip • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Virginia QB holds more than a dozen offers.

• UA Visitors Recap • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Although there was no scrimmage on the agenda for the University of Alabama's spring practices this weekend, a fair share of unofficial visitors made their way to the Capstone, including quarterback target Nick Montana, linebacker LaDarius Owens and more.

• VIDEO: Tide players react to Grant hire • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
What do returning Crimson Tide players like most about their new coach? Check inside to get reaction from forward JaMychal Green and guards Mikhail Torrence and Andrew Steele

• Grant takes stage • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
New Alabama basketball coach Anthony Grant took the podium for his introductory news conference, and made one thing clear that many have questioned - Alabama was his first choice.

• Severe weather forces Broadway to postpone Bama visit (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Terrance Broadway planned to make yet another visit to Alabama this past weekend, but Mother Nature had other plans. 

• Bama players impressed by Grant as both person and coach • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Anthony Grant called them quiet, and they didn’t exactly shoot down that description Sunday night. But the Alabama basketball players, represented by JaMychal Green, Mikhail Torrance and Andrew Steele, made it clear how they felt about their new coach.

• Grant: Alabama can be basketball school, too • Crimson Confidential
At Dreamland in Tuscaloosa, there’s barbecue ribs and then there’s other stuff, like slaw. At Alabama, basketball has...

• Grant calls airport welcome "unbelievable" • Crimson Confidential
New Alabama head basketball coach Anthony Grant landed at Tuscaloosa Regional Airport today around 1:20 pm and was...

• No. 4 Softball Welcomes Troy for Midweek Matchup • RollTide.com
The No. 4 ranked Alabama softball team (27-6, 7-4 SEC) will return home for the first time in two weeks to host a midweek contest against Troy (28-7, 11-1 Sun Belt) on Wednesday, April 1 at 6:00 p....

• Alabama softball ranked fourth in USA Softball poll • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama softball team moved up one spot in the ESPN.com/USA Softball Top 25 to No. 4 after winning one out of three games to top-ranked Florida last weekend. 

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
2008 Rewind: Win over LSU
A game-by-game look at the undefeated Tide regular season.

• Andrew Bone: Elite recruits pay visit to UA campus • Tuscaloosa News
It was an eventful weekend in Tuscaloosa with the biggest news coming from the Men’s basketball program with the hiring of new head coach Anthony Grant.

• Ian R. Rapoport: VCU's assistant coaches are available to come to Alabama... if Anthony Grant wants them to • al.com
When Anthony Grant nearly left VCU for Florida two years ago, top assistant Tony Pujol was going to replace him as Rams coach. This time, now that Grant is Alabama's coach, Pujol will not have the opportunity. 

• Ian R. Rapoport: Anthony Grant, the trailblazer... and other stuff! • al.com
If you're into Alabama sports, and I believe you are, it's a big day in The Birmingham News. Lots of stories on a few different topics. Some have to do with new basketball coach Anthony Grant, some have to do with football, some have to do with both. 

• This Week In SEC Softball - March 31st • SEC Sports
This Week In SEC Softball - March 31st

• Stinson eager to get to Tuscaloosa • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
One of the Tide's biggest needs in the class of 2009 was a pass rusher. The UA staff satisfied that need at South Dade HS in Homestead, FL, where linebacker/defensive end Ed Stinson starred as one of the top pass rushers in Florida. In this interview with TI, Stinson discusses the recruiting process and his goals for the future.

• Tide among favorites for Memphis RB • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
It looks to be a terrific year for football talent in the city of Memphis, and you can bet that the Tide coaching staff will take full advantage of it. One player to watch is... 

• Edging closer to decision • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Ronald Carswell, wide receiver from Macon-Westisde. Ga., is considering a making a decision in the coming weeks. Scout.com has the latest news with the talented prospect. 

• Jalston Fowler visits Tide practice • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Alabama commitment looking to lose weight.

• Johnavon Fulton has busy April planned • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Four-star looking to take in several games.

• Fla. center discusses UA offer • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
St. Thomas Aquinas is a popular stop for college recruiters, particularly for a loaded 2010 class that includes no less than 13 Division I prospects. Alabama has dipped into the talent-rich school to extend early offers and one of their latest targets is four-star center Brandon Linder.

• Erik’s Players Notebook: Arenas ready to take on leadership role • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
When asked to assess Alabama’s spring practices so far Monday afternoon, Javier Arenas went straight to one topic.

• Woodyard Hearing From 'Bama (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Over the past two seasons, Fairhope (Ala.) junior Jamal Woodyard has made his mark as a running back and wide receiver. And colleges are starting to take notice of his talent. 

• Tuesday’s Top Ten: Top Ten New Names for Alabama’s Basketball Fans • Crimson Confidential
Saban Nation is strong and thriving. Mark’s Madness, however, is no more -- vanquished from the friendly confines...

• Cann Has Tide in Top 3 (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
ESPNU150 Watch List offensive lineman AJ Cann (Bamberg, S.C./Bamberg-Erhardt) is seriously considering the Crimson Tide. 

• TOMORROW: FREE Live Chat with Derrick Lassic • Crimson Confidential
It’s hard to think back to that surreal evening more than 16 years ago, Jan. 1, 1993, in...

• Mack Brown Recruiting Update (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
Lithonia (Ga.) M.L. King Mack Brown has seen his scholarship offer total rise to 21. 

• Gentry Estes VCU reportedly makes decision on Anthony Grant's replacement • al.com
VCU liked its first Florida assistant so much that it wanted to hire another. Gators assistant Shaka Smart will be named the Rams next coach, according to SI.com's Seth Davis and Fox Sports' Jeff Goodman.

• Rogers Named a Finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award • RollTide.com
Alabama senior outfielder Brittany Rogers was named a finalist for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Rogers is one of 10 senior student-athletes that have been selected as a finalists for the 2009 Low... 

• Baseball Game with SE Louisiana Rained Out • RollTide.com
The threat of heavy rains and travel considerations have forced the cancellation of tonight's game between Alabama and Southeastern Louisiana in Tuscaloosa. 

• Gentry Estes: Former Tide signee Chris Lett fights for a role at South Alabama • al.com
Passing along a story of interest: The Press-Register's Mike Herndon caught up with former Alabama signee Chris Lett, who is trying to make a go of it at South Alabama after a diabetic condition ended his playing days early with the Crimson Tide. ...

• BOL Opinion: Grant ready for challenge • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
When most pundits believed Anthony Grant's next career step wouldn't be to a school where football rules, UA's new basketball coach accepted exactly that challenge. BOL looks at Grant's task in ... 

• Commits react to Grant hire • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
As Alabama announced to the world the hiring of new basketball coach Anthony Grant on Sunday, the five most interested parties were the 2009 signees that are slated to play for him. Check inside for reaction from the five Tide signees, including four-star forward Tony ... 

• Tide Works to Build Continuity on Offense • RollTide.com
The Alabama football team practiced for two hours on Monday afternoon at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility in full pads as the Crimson Tide completed their sixth practice of the spring. 

• Tide linebackers switching gears • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | For the University of Alabama linebacker unit, every day is sort of like getting ready for a track race. 

• Tide ready for 10 game home stand • Tuscaloosa News
TUSCALOOSA | After playing six of its last seven games on the road, Alabama returns home to begin a 10-game home stand, beginning with Southeastern Louisiana tonight at 6:35.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/30 - Preston Dial
3/30 - Preston Dial. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/30 - Mike Johnson
3/30 - Mike Johnson. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• TideSports Video: • Tuscaloosa News
3/30 - Javier Arenas
3/30 - Javier Arenas. Video produced by Steve Mullen.

• Christopher Walsh: Leadership is a lot more than a word to Saban • Tuscaloosa News
One of the things about covering sports is there are certain keywords that are the equivalent to a mental snooze button for most journalists.

• Tommy Deas: Is Murphy softball's new Nick Saban? • Tuscaloosa News
Patrick Murphy, head softball coach at the University of Alabama, began to make his mark on the recruiting trail when more than 10 years ago when he helped lure an unknown player named Kelly Kretschman to play for the Crimson Tide.

• Ian R. Rapoport: Alabama signee Cully Payne becomes former Alabama signee Cully Payne • al.com
Clearly, as when any new coach arrives at a program, there are changes. It's no different for Anthony Grant, the Crimson Tide's recently introduced basketball coach. The first news came today, when we learned that signee Cully Payne, a 6-foot-1 point guard from Schaumburg, Ill., has been released from his National Letter of Intent. 

• Gentry Estes: Crimson Tide hoops signee Cully Payne released from letter of intent • al.com
Alabama basketball signee Cully Payne was released from his letter of intent today, leaving an extra scholarship for new Crimson Tide coach Anthony Grant.

• Kevin Scarbinsky: Anthony Grant understands that football can be his friend • The Birmingham News
I went to a basketball press conference Sunday night, and a football pep rally broke out. 

• UA football assistants receive raises • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - The nine on-field members of the Alabama coaching staff have received contract raises that were approved by the UA System Board of Trustees on Monday, including the Crimson Tide's newest assistants.

• Two new additions, Sunseri and Willis, get positive reviews • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - Step close to the Alabama practice field, and the first sound you hear is the animated voice of Sal Sunseri. It may also be the loudest. 

• Grant should keep Pearson • The Birmingham News
Anthony Grant skipped the class. You know the one. 

• Sports Digest • The Birmingham News
ALABAMA BASKETBALL
Payne released from NLI: 

• Trailblazers call Anthony Grant's hiring historic first • The Birmingham News
TUSCALOOSA - As the first black basketball player at the University of Alabama, Wendell Hudson dreamed of someday being the first of his race to coach his former team.

• Paul Finebaum: Grant a historical, quality hire for Alabama • Press-Register
One of the most remarkable aspects of the hiring of Anthony Grant at Alabama has been the dearth of discussion of race. Instead, people have focused on his youth, remarkable résumé and, mostly, his enormous potential. 

• Alabama football assistant coaches receive raises • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - The UA system board of trustees unanimously approved raises and extensions Monday for seven Alabama assistant football coaches and initial contracts for two offseason hires.

• Alabama releases Payne from letter of intent • Press-Register
TUSCALOOSA - Alabama basketball signee Cully Payne remembers being in a swimming pool for his injured back, leaving the water and seeing more than 30 text messages on his cell phone.

• Sports Soundoff • Press-Register
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
This is Sports Sound Off, where you can speak your mind on anything you wish. Because of the large number of calls received, not all comments can be published. 

• Tide releases hoops signee • The Huntsville Times
Chicago guard felt link to Gottfried

• ALABAMA FOOTBALL: New linebacker coaches already making their presence felt • Montgomery Advertiser
TUSCALOOSA -- You never thought you'd hear James Willis described as the quiet one.

• 7 Tide assistant coaches reap pay raises, … • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — On Monday, Alabama rewarded its football coaches for a job …

• Alabama cross-training offensive linemen this … • Decatur Daily  (Subscribers Only)
TUSCALOOSA — It’s like fitting pieces of a puzzle for Alabama’s …

• Texas star set to announce; it'll be Bama or LSU • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Blue-chip offensive guard Chad Lindsay is ready to announce his decision. This coming Sunday at a TV station in Houston, the 6-3½, 300-pound Texan from The Woodlands will make a public commitment to either Alabama or LSU.

• Day 6: Practice notes • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Heading into the spring, the offensive line was perhaps the biggest question mark on the team. "I think things are going pretty well, especially the OL," senior left guard Mike Johnson says. "We've gotten tons better, especially the younger guys."

• Scenes from Day 6 • Tider Insider (Subscribers Only)
Here are photos from Monday's practice. 

• Dial Wants To Earn Role As Tight End • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
Preston Dial has begun to fill one role of last year's graduated Alabama tight end corps. Dial is one of the more vocal players on the Crimson Tide football team. "Nick had a big mouth," Dial said. "Someone had to pick up where he left off." 

• Next Year’s SEC Coach Of The Year? • 'BamaMag
BleacherReport.com writer suggests it might be Anthony Grant

• 2010 Prospect Video: Michael Palardy • 'BamaMag  (Subscribers Only)
St. Thomas standout kicker Michael Palardy

• Miles and Saban Lead • 'BamaMag
Justin Maclin names a couple of leaders and says where he'd like to camp this summer.

• The Big Alabama 2009 Breakdown • 'BamaMag
I know that it's still March, and in the future, I might write another one—except with different opinions. It's just that I cannot wait for the season to start, so this is kind of a really early breakdown of the schedule. I will give the team, date of the game, and the difficulty level of the game based on a 1-10 scale.

• Bledsoe talks Tide • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
Four-star Parker point guard Eric Bledsoe is quite simply one of the hottest basketball prospects in the country, and with new Tide coach Anthony Grant's pledge to search the landscape for players that can help the Alabama program, Grant was in Birmingham on Monday checking in with the Rivals150 member.

• VIDEO: UA players talk spring drills • BamaOnLine (Subscribers Only)
A trio of Tide players consisting of Javier Arenas (right), Mike Johnson and Preston Dial met with reporters following Monday's practice. [

• New Bama assistant Sunseri busy rediscovering the joys of college football • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
In one hand he’s got his GPS navigation system. In the other hand, he’s got – or at least he should have, according to his wife – a bottle of Maalox.

• Tide Leads for Top Kicker (includes video) • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
A few years back, Cade Foster geared up for his first spring practice in pads. He was in eighth grade, knowing his forte was playing in the defensive front seven as a linebacker and end. 

• Bama D-line gets insights from new linebackers coach • Crimson Confidential (Subscribers Only)
He’s listed as one of the linebackers coaches but Sal Sunseri showed a little versatility Monday. 

• Top 'Bama Prospects Sign on for 2010 UA game • Crimson Confidential
Last year, the Under Armour All-America game had six of the nation's top seven prospects. This year's all-star...