A Sense Of Urgency: The Alabama Senior Class

The Alabama Football program must sense the urgency to finish well this year and get to the National Championship game. There is one reason why. The reason has twenty different meaningful components.

Eryk Anders, Javier Arenas, Terrence Cody, Drew Davis, Brandon Deaderick, P.J. Fitzgerald, Baron Huber, Marquis Johnson, Mike Johnson, Tyrone King, Mike McCoy, Colin Peek, Cory Reamer, Chris Rogers, Brian Selman, Ali Sharrief, Leigh Tiffin, Roy Upchurch, Lorenzo Washington and Justin Woodall.

This senior class is a blend of talent that dates back to the first recruiting class of Mike Shula and more recent efforts by current head coach Nick Saban. Length of stay for the classmates ranges from two to six years duration.

This class represents the strength of the Alabama team and these seniors understand what it takes to get to a championship level. They have paid their dues and have contributed to the recent swell of pride in the Alabama Football program.

Every name on this list rings a bell and brings back memories of great plays and great contributions to the success of Alabama Football over the past two years. Many of the individual stories deal with perseverance through hardships, injuries and coaching changes.

Two names on the list are of young men recruited as far back as 2004. Lorenzo Washington and Drew Davis were in the same class as John Parker Wilson, Keith Brown and Ezekiel Knight. Nikita Stover, D.J. Hall, Will Oakley, Antoine Caldwell and Simeon Castille were members of the 2004 class as well.

In 2003, Alabama Athletic Director, Mal Moore made the egregious mistake of hiring as head coach, Mike Price. He had the wisdom to fire the newly hired coach before Price had ever coached a game for Alabama.

I would think all Alabama fans remember why Coach Moore had to break ties with the former Washington State coach. I have chosen not to elaborate on the event.

The football team was utterly rudderless. The coaching search was extremely difficult because of the untimely dismissal of Coach Price. The University rescinded the unsigned contract offered to Mike Price in May, 2003.

Mike Shula returned to the Capstone in a rescue effort on behalf of Coach Moore. He stepped in at a very critical juncture in the history of the Alabama football program. His dedication and love for the University will not be forgotten by this Alabama fan. I will be forever thankful for his sacrifice.

The class of 2004 was the first opportunity for Mike Shula to prove what his recruiting efforts could do for the University. The class was ranked 15th in the country. It was the first Alabama recruiting class to break into the Top 20 ranking, since the ranking of recruiting classes was instituted by programs such as Rivals.com and Scout.com.

In the following season, the Shula led Crimson Tide finished 6-6 and returned to postseason play, attending the Music City Bowl in Nashville, TN. It was the first bowl appearance following the probation period instituted by the NCAA.

The Class of 2005 brought in great recruits from the state of Florida, a blend of talent that was missing from the program dating back to the Stallings era. This 2005 class includes names like Coffee, Upchurch, Deaderick, Rogers, Sharieff, Johnson and Reamer.

Six of the recruits in the Top 20, 2005 class were out of the hotbed state of Florida, doubling the number Shula recruited out of Florida in 2004. Prior to 2004, the Alabama rosters were void of Florida talent for at least three years running and possibly more.

I couldn't see going back any further than 2001 to check. The point is, Shula was making progress and drawing quality talent from the Sunshine State, blending them into the Alabama team.

Unfortunately, because of the need for talent and Shula's desire for personal success, other notable players brought to the program included Jimmy Johns and Prince Hall. The talent was there, but in cases such as these young men, character was much to be desired.

The rise in talent level for the Alabama team translated into a successful 2005 season. Quarterback Brodie Croyle led the Crimson Tide to a 10-2 finish and postseason berth in the Cotton Bowl.

The bowl game was memorable for a much needed postseason victory against a quality opponent. The talented Texas Tech offense, averaging better that 30 points per game was held to a season low of 13 points on the day.

Croyle led the offense on a late fourth quarter drive, setting up the game winning field goal off the toe of Jamie Christiansen. The win was a boost for the program and the highest point in the Shula era.

During the visit to Texas, Shula visited with Texas Tech commit Greg McElroy. He encouraged the young, talented, 5A champion high school QB to attend the Capstone. McElroy ultimately changed his commitment to attend the University of Alabama.

The 2006 signing class nearly broke the Top 10, finishing 11th in the nation according to Rivals.com. In addition to McElroy, the names of Arenas, Alexander, Dial, Grant, M. Johnson, McCoy, Pharr, Motley and Ross populated the Alabama roster.

The crowing achievement of the 2006 recruiting efforts by the Shula staff was the signing of Andre Smith. Smith was the most sought after lineman in the country and home grown talent from the Yellow Hammer State.

The moment Smith lifted the hounds-tooth cap and placed it on his jug, is a moment that will live forever in the heart of any die-hard Alabama fan. Not only was it a loud and clear message to the in-state rival that Alabama was once again serious about getting the best talent in the state, it was also a message to the Nation that Alabama was making great progress with their football program.

The following season was a season of surprises. After starting the season 3-0, Alabama went backward to lose in overtime to Arkansas, suffered a tough loss to the No. 5 ranked Florida Gators, and then return home to pick up a lackluster win against the lowly Duke Blue Devils.

Although the win against the Duke team set the early season record at 4-2, the play of the team and game preparation by the Shula staff was brought under great scrutiny. The Administration was aware of several incidents that indicated a lack of discipline amongst the athletes in the football program.

Some of these incidents were brought into the public domain raising concerns that the program could once again be scrutinized by the NCAA and forced to suffer more penalty. Additionally, losses to UT, Auburn and LSU were reminders (despite the previous 10-2 season) that the program had not reached a true championship level.

By the end of the 2006 season, with the under tow of a troubled Shula regime and a lackluster 6-6 finish, Mal Moore made the courageous decision to relieve Mike Shula of the responsibility as head coach of the Alabama Football team.

The termination was abrupt. The Alabama fan base had no idea which direction the program was going and Mal Moore looked as if he had no real plan. In fact, in this writers estimation, Mr. Moore did not have a clue who to hire at the time he sent Mr. Shula packing.

The search for a head coach was erratic. The first legitimate offer was to the WVU head coach, Rich Rodriquez. After a visit to the Capstone and verbal commit, Rich Rod parlayed the Alabama offer into what he thought would be a better package at WVU and left Mal Moore holding the contract.

Meanwhile, the Alabama team was preparing for their third consecutive post season bowl game. Defensive coordinator, Joe Kines had accepted the responsibility of interim head coach, preparing the team for play after the dismissal of Mike Shula.

Alabama battled the Oklahoma State Cowboys for the Independence Bowl trophy. It was and exciting game and one fun to watch. Unfortunately, for the team and Coach Kines, it ended in a gut wrenching loss.

With eight seconds left, the Cowboys washed away the Tide fourth quarter comeback with 27 yard field goal to salvage a 34-31 Oklahoma State victory. Just as the Cotton Bowl victory was the high point of the 2005 season, the Independence Bowl loss was one of the lowest points for the young men on the Alabama football team.

Just six days following the defeat, Nick Saban was announced as head coach of the Crimson Tide. It too was a controversial, yet pivotal moment in the lives of the players that would take the field in 2007.

With just over a month to recruit, Saban hired his staff and got on the road to salvage what he could from the earlier commits and scoured the country-side to see what was yet available for his first college class since his departure from LSU.

The 2007 recruiting class landed 10th in the nation, ranking highest in Alabama history. Much of the credit for the success of this class is attributed to the Shula coaching staff. But Athletes such as Luther Davis, Kareem Jackson, and Chris Lett joined the class of 2007 after the hire of Coach Nick Saban.

Commits Rolando McClain, Darius Hanks, Josh Chapman and others held firm to their commitment to the Capstone, despite the apparent coaching turnstile and discipline problems surfacing on campus.

Players from the 2004 and 2005 recruiting classes were starting to fill leadership roles as Saban took the reins. The more Saban evaluated the talent and direction the program had taken, the more his discerning eye saw a need for change. He did what he could to change the attitude of a select few, in order to prepare for the upcoming 2007 season.

Troubled players were put on probation, some of the players chose to leave without giving Saban's path to success a chance to have impact on their own lives. Others left because after Saban's assessment, they were either told or they came to their own conclusion that they would not make the field on a Nick Saban coached team.

Saban and his staff followed up the 2007 recruiting class with the No. 1 class in the nation in 2008. In 2009, Saban and staff had a repeat performance in their recruiting success. The addition of quality players with Saban at the helm has been a prayer answered for those left over from the Shula era.

Shula recruited these men with the hope and promise for a rise to prominence for the Alabama football program. On his departure, there were surely moments of despair. the rocky (6-6 record) 2007 season left a lot to be desired as a player, coach or fan.

Heartbreaking losses to Georgia in overtime, a fourth quarter loss to Florida State, and the fourth quarter meltdown against LSU broke the spirit of the 2007 team. Embarrassing losses to Mississippi State and LA Monroe crushed the pride of Alabama.

The recruits of 2004 and 2005 bonded together even stronger through the pain. With a win in the Independence Bowl at the end of the 2007 season, Saban had something to build on for the 2008 season. Recruits from the 2008 class would have immediate impact in fall camp.

The 2008 team was the first senior class from the Shula era. They came with promise and they delivered with great impact on a conference that was unprepared. John Parker Wilson led the Crimson Tide to a perfect 12-0 regular season. The first undefeated regular season at Alabama since the 1994 Stallings coached West Division Champions.

The season ended in two straight losses. The struggle against the Florida Gators in the SEC championship game was a valiant effort for the men in crimson. The defeat was too much to overcome. The team would lose focus and suffer loss once again on New Year's Day to a well-prepared Utah team.

Entering into the 2009 season, the recruits of 2004 and 2005 have been through three years of preparation by Saban and his staff. Three years of 4th quarter programs, spring practices and fall camps.

Players like Corey Reamer, with hopes to be a great safety when he signed with Shula, being told by Saban that he would not make it in the secondary, changed position and took instruction well. He has become one of the best special teams players in the conference and an outstanding linebacker.

Javier Arenas, brought in by Shula to return kicks. Arenas, under the tutelage of Saban, has been transformed into one of the finest cornerbacks in the country.

Justin Woodall, out of Oxford, Mississippi, passed up a one million dollar signing bonus to play professional baseball with his 100 mph fastball. He passed on the opportunity for the chance to play football at Alabama.

Not until his junior year did he take the field as a starter. With the coaching change from Shula to Saban, he feared he would not learn the complex defensive schemes. Under the watchful eye of Saban and with help from All-American Rashad Johnson, the hard hitting Woodall has been molded into the leader of the Alabama secondary.

Brandon Deaderick, leaving Elizabethtown, KY, to put his trust in the Capstone staff for his lifetime ambition to play professional football. His perseverance has fired him into one of the most feared defensive ends in the southeastern conference.

Two weeks ago, Tyrone King, with limited playing time in his career, stepped in to role play for the defense of the Crimson Tide. Against South Carolina, the senior DB was credited with seven tackles, one tackle for loss, 1.5 sacks and two quarterback hurries.

Marquis Johnson also stepped in against South Carolina for injured Javier Arenas. Considered to be the weakest link by the South Carolina coaching staff, he was directly challenged by their offense. Johnson remarkably made play after play to keep the Gamecocks out of the end zone.

Eryk Anders. Considered by many to be undersized for a linebacker, Anders has been molded into one of the finest pass rushers on an Alabama team since the graduation of DeMeco Ryans.

Roy Upchurch has got to be the best third string running back in the country. He is a leader on special teams and when given the chance, runs like a wild stallion, looking for someone to hit rather than take the path of least resistance.

Upchurch has suffered through three separate surgical procedures during his tenure at the Capstone, each time garnering playing time in the subsequent season. He is tough as nails.

Leigh Tiffin had his share of mishaps. Playing the goat in a loss to Arkansas on the road. Missing three field goals in regulation and an extra point in a 23-24 overtime loss to the Razorbacks. Last week against the UT Volunteers, Tiffin connected on all four of his attempts, his last made field goal brought a victory for the Tide.

He has become the most reliable kicker in the conference and he's pressing on to become the all time leading scorer in Alabama football history. Expectations were high on his arrival to the Capstone and he has surpassed them in workman-like fashion.

Drew Davis and Mike Johnson anchor the offensive line. They provide leadership for an offensive line that lost two All-Americans and one All-SEC lineman to graduation. The Alabama offensive line is one of the best in the country, despite the attrition.

I could go on, for the sake of brevity I will just once again mention the names of the remaining contributors to this senior class. Long snapper, Brian Selman, back up cornerbacks (and special teams contributors) Ali Sharieff and Chris Rogers. Kicker P.J. Fitzgerald and fullback Baron Huber.

Terrence Cody and Colin Peek joined this class late. They are Saban's recruits. The contribution of Terrence Cody is immense. His willingness to bypass NFL eligibility and return for a senior campaign will not be forgotten by the Alabama faithful. The contribution by Peek, though only for a season, is phenomenal.

This team must have a sense of urgency to accomplish what they set out to do when they signed their respective letters of intent to the Capstone. That goal is to bring a National Championship to the University of Alabama.

They are on course. At 8-0 for the season, they must remain focused for the finish. For them, this finish must end with a pair of championship rings. With regard to Alabama tradition, how fitting would it be for these fine men to finish their career with a game in the grandaddy of them all, The Rose Bowl.

Fight On Men. Roll Tide Roll.