Alabama football player Brandon Lewis talks about his decision to forgo his final year of eligibility

Brandon Lewis will begin working towards his masters degree after deciding to skip his final season at Alabama. (The Birmingham News/Mark Almond)

Alabama tight end Brandon Lewis said it was a tough decision not to return to the team for his final year of eligibility, a decision he made a couple weeks before Nick Saban announced the news on Tuesday.

“It was before the first scrimmage (March 31), and I felt it was a decision I had to make for me.  I really enjoyed the coaches and players at Alabama.  It was a tough decision but I feel like it was the best for me.”  Lewis said.

Lewis, a Pleasant Grove native, was a part of the stellar 2008 recruiting class as a 4-star defensive end coming out of high school, but had to begin his career at East Mississippi Community College after failing to qualify.  He transferred to Alabama in 2010.

After spending his first season as a reserve defensive lineman, Lewis was moved to tight end before the 2011 season.  He played in seven games last year, mainly in short yardage situations.

At the start of spring practice, Lewis was crammed down the depth chart behind Brian Vogler, Harrison Jones and Malcolm Faciane, sparking him to ponder his future with the team.

“Playing time was an issue and having my degree already made it a tough decision.”  Lewis said.

When asked how Nick Saban took the news, Lewis responded “Coach Saban is a great person.  He was really respectful of my decision.  I will miss being around my friends everyday who I became really close to over the years.”

Lewis said he expects Alabama to still be a great team next year and mentioned three players that could have breakout seasons.

“Championship caliber, as always.  I think TJ Yeldon, Christion Jones and DeAndrew White will all have big seasons.”  Lewis said

As for his future plans?

“As of right now, I am going to start on my masters degree and go from there.”

Sounds like an excellent plan to me.

Note:  Lewis did not travel with the team to Washington D.C. to meet Barack Obama for personal reasons.

Story by Ben Culpepper for AlabamaIntel.com

Alabama quarterback AJ McCarron ignores critics of his tattoos, adds another ring to his collection

AJ McCarron shows off his latest BCS Championship ring.

When ESPN’s Joe Schad tweeted recently that AJ McCarron added to his large chest tattoo, people around the country were, again, quick to criticize the decision of the star quarterback.

Fortunately for McCarron, he doesn’t concern himself  with the opinion of others when getting his tats.

A source close to McCarron said “AJ doesn’t live his life or add to his tattoo for the approval of others.”

McCarron added tattoos of white doves as a tribute to his grandparents, a rosary that represents his Catholic faith and a BCS Championship crystal ball — one that is not shattered — that represents his crowning achievement and superb performance on January 9 in New Orleans.

“Before others want to make comments about AJ or anyone else, they should look to ensure they have their lives in order first.” said a person close to the McCarron family.

The Crimson Tide signal-caller just wrapped up a successful spring camp and received his national championship ring to add to his growing collection — his second while at the Capstone.  Also in his collection is a 2007 5A high school state championship ring he won as a junior starting quarterback at St. Paul’s and a 2009 SEC Championship ring.

Critics will continue to say what they want about McCarron’s ink, all the while, AJ continues in full stride on his way to cementing his legacy in Tuscaloosa and shaking hands with Barack Obama, again.

Contributed by Ben Culpepper for AlabamaIntel.com

Predictions for Alabama football players in the 2012 NFL Draft

April 20th can’t come soon enough for some Alabama football players.

Alabama is expected to have five 1st round selections in 16 days when the 2012 NFL Draft commences.  Players likely to be picked in the first round are Trent Richardson, Courtney Upshaw, Mark Barron, Dre Kirkpatrick and Dont’a Hightower.  So where will they land?  Here’s our predictions.  Don’t be fooled by the picture.

#4 overall pick: Cleveland Browns (4-12) select RB Trent Richardson.

Cleveland enters the draft looking for playmakers on offense.  Last year’s leading rusher, Peyton Hillis, is now with the Kansas City Chiefs, and general manager Mike Holmgreen failed to trade up to get RGIII.  There have been rumors of the Browns trading back from the four spot, but Trent Richardson is too good to pass up.  Richardson will be a workhorse in the Browns offense, and will take some of the pressure off of their young quarterback Colt McCoy.

#14 overall pick:  Dallas Cowboys (8-8) select CB Dre Kirkpatrick.

The Dallas Cowboys secondary last year was underwhelming, hence the free agent signing of cornerback Brandon Carr, but Carr isn’t the answer to all their problems.  ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper has Dallas taking safety Mark Barron with this pick, but we think Kirkpatrick is a better fit.  This pick might surprise some, but Jerry Jones would love another elite corner with Texas-sized confidence in Dallas.

#16 overall pick:  New York Jets (8-8) select S Mark Barron.

Many have OLB Courtney Upshaw landing at this spot, but it has been the norm for the Jets to go against popular opinion.  While Rex Ryan’s defense is thin at Upshaw’s position, it also is thin at safety.  Nobody is saying Barron will be the next Ed Reed, but Ryan knows from his time coaching Reed in Baltimore how important a quality safety is to his defense.

#18 overall pick:  San Diego Chargers (8-8) select OLB Courtney Upshaw

We think Upshaw falls to the Chargers simply because some teams might have been turned off by his height and weight.  Upshaw checked in at 6’1.5 and 279lbs at Alabama’s pro day, causing some concern amongst scouts.  Upshaw will make the teams who passed on him regret their decision in the coming years.  The Chargers will be thrilled to have him fall in their laps at No. 19.

#24 overall pick:  Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4) select LB Dont’a Hightower.

Steelers’ defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau has to replace veteran linebacker James Farrior, and Hightower fits the bill as that replacement.  Hightower’s versatility to play inside linebacker or on the edge with his hand in the dirt, makes him a valuable pick for the Steelers.  His in-depth knowledge of the 3-4 defense is also attractive.  He plays with a similar intensity to that of LaMarr Woodley and James Harrison, which should allow him to transition smoothly into the Steeler’s defense.  A Woodley, Harrison, Hightower trio could be special.

Dallas Cowboys keeping a close eye on Alabama players for 2012 NFL Draft

Dallas Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones has a conundrum on his hands.  Which Alabama player do you draft with the 14th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft?

Tim McMahon of ESPNDallas says the Cowboys draft answers are in Alabama.  The soon-t0-be new phrase in Alabama football lore is BAD-A or Best Alabama Defender – Available.

With Nick Saban’s recruiting machine at its apex, BAD-A could be the draft theme for many NFL teams in the near future.

Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron, new offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier learning from each other

Nussmeier and McCarron have a lot to learn from each other. (Mark Almond/The Birmingham News)

In his search for a new offensive coordinator to replace the departing Jim McElwain, Alabama head coach Nick Saban made it clear to his quarterback, AJ McCarron, that his new play-caller would do most of the learning, not him.

Saban found his man in former Washington offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, or Coach Nuss’, and quickly had him developing a relationship with McCarron.  The two have been learning from each other ever since.

“Coach (Nussmeier) is a great guy.  We’ve already started to get really close.  We’ve been up here (at football facility) together almost every afternoon.  I’ve been teaching him the offense, and how we do certain things, and he’s been teaching me some of the new things he is going to bring in, so we’re just helping each other out right now.”  McCarron said of his first impression of Nussmeier.

That’s right.  The 21-year-old college student is teaching the 41-year-old offensive coordinator the Alabama offense.  Even the terminology used in Nussmeier’s offense will be transformed to match what Alabama has used in the past.  It shouldn’t come as a surprise to those familiar with how Nick Saban runs a football program.

“Coach Saban’s not going to let someone come in and change everything.  He’s going to have to learn ours (terminology).  We’ll definitely have new plays and stuff, but we’ll be using the same lingo we always have had.” McCarron said.

There are sure to be cynics of Nick Saban and the demanding work load he expects from his assistant coaches, but there is no denying the fact that the man wins, and wins big.  Criticize him all you want, but before doing so, I suggest you take a look at his obscene college coaching resume or count the number of first round picks he produces during next month’s NFL Draft.

Picture of former Alabama football player Tyler Love having fun in Tuscaloosa with his brother Wilson

Tyler (right) shows his meaner side in this pic with his brother Wilson (left). Many believe Tyler's lack of a mean-streak on the field was to blame for the lack of playing time.

Brotherly Love.

From the looks of these photos, former University of Alabama offensive lineman Tyler Love is enjoying his last year in Tuscaloosa with his little brother Wilson, a redshirt freshman on Nick Saban’s defense.

Tyler Love is loving life in T-Town. Wilson photo bombs his big brother.

Tyler Love recently announced that he will forgo his final year of eligibility with the Crimson Tide football team, and will focus on finishing his degree in financial planning.  The 6’6 300lb Mountain Brook native was considered the No. 1 offensive tackle in the country coming out of high school in 2008.  He played in only 13 games in his four years at the Capstone.

Both Tyler and Wilson are members of the fraternity Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE).  It isn’t clear where or when this photo was taken.  One thing is clear — the Love brothers love the camera.

Video of Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones cutting his dreads, wearing Alabama apron

A dread-less Julio looks eerily similar to Heide Klum's former husband Seal. Could Jones and Seal know something that other guys don't?

Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones is undergoing a makeover this offseason.  Jones and his dreadlocks have parted ways after a 10 year courtship.

At home, in his kitchen, Jones had his friend/barber cut the locks of love from his head with a pair of large metal scissors.  Jones sported an Alabama apron for the event.  Apparently, the Alabama brand is creeping its way into the salon industry.

In the video, it appears that itchy scalp set in after Julio cut the last dread off himself.  Nothing a little Head and Shoulders can’t handle.

With his new haircut, Jones now looks a lot like Heide Klum’s former husband Seal.  Julio has a plan.

Click here to watch the video.

Picture of Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower and newest member of Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch

Wonder if "Good Vibrations" was playing during this photo-shoot?

Former Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower is prepping for the upcoming NFL Draft and is taking pictures along the way.  Hightower was shot topless and perspiring profusely.  It isn’t clear where or why this picture was taken but Hightower is captured doing his best Marky Mark impression.  You have to feel bad for the janitor who has to clean up the puddle of dread-sweat.

Hightower is slated as the third-best inside linebacker prospect in the draft.  He is projected to go in the second round.

Nick Saban makes the back row for SEC Football Coaches picture, Gene Chizik and Will Muschamp need a makeover

Some of the SEC football coaches could use a makeover. (SEC/Chuck Dunlap)

There isn’t much Nick Saban hasn’t done in his incredible career but the little man with a plan recently made the back row for the latest SEC Coaches picture.  This is a rare occurrence for a man of his stature.  Somewhere in Oregon, little Zach Roloff, from the show Little People Big World, is giving a fist-pump.

Florida Gators coach Will Muschamp sported a black leather jacket that completely overshadows Auburn coach Gene Chizik’s windbreaker.  Not that these guys are known for their sense of style but come on men.  It is 2012 and you are multi-millionaires with access to finer fabrics.  Note:  Chizik and Muschamp combined to make $6.7 Million last season.  Not to say leather is cheap but it isn’t the best look for a coach with a bad haircut.

The picture resembles a casting call for TLC’s show What Not To Wear.

There is only one question.  Where are the wives at when you are getting dressed in the morning?

Tennessee coach Derrick Dooley looks like he is literally sitting on the hot seat.  There are sure to be new faces in next year’s picture and Dooley is the most likely coach to be replaced.

Editor’s Note:  There is no word yet if a melee ensued after the taking of this picture.