Trey DePriest Ends Good Week For The Crimson Tide

After several slow weeks around the Crimson Tide Nation, things are starting to heat up with just a week left before fall camp.

The headline story this week is the verbal commitment of one of the nations top linebackers, Trey Depriest.

Choosing the Crimson Tide over local favorite Ohio State, DePriest plans to graduate early and be on campus next spring to compete for a job.

Some scouts are torn over DePriest despite five star status on Scout, and four star ratings on Rivals and ESPN.   Criticism has mostly centered on his lack of elite speed, but he has a body built for SEC battle, is a high IQ player, and has great instincts.  Why, despite these shortcomings, is on the Rivals top 100 list and was chosen as an Under Armor All-American.

Recruiting sites aside, his extensive offer lists indicate the ones who really know talent know DePriest is a top player and a difference maker.

During the recruiting process, DePriest grew especially close to Alabama assistant Sal Sunsuri and his son Vinnie, who is also committed to the Tide.  This may have been what put Alabama over the top in this year's recruitment. 

One unusual item is the planned release of a Nick Saban movie by Flashlight Media.  "Nick Saban, Game Changer," is an autobiographical film about one of college football's most well known and vilified figures.   The previews look a bit like an advertisement for the Crimson Tide. 

This was probably not by accident,  very little concerning Nick Saban is accidental.

You can see the preview at their website.

http://flashlightmediagroup.com/sabanmovie/

Fans have been buzzing about the theater list, starting with the one in Auburn.  I'm not sure how well it will go over there.

Alabama signed Junior college corner back Dequan Menzie last year expecting him to play immediately, only to rupture his Achilles this spring.

Originally, it was assumed he would redshirt in 2010, but this week, we learned that Menzie is participating fully in 7-on-7 drills.  

Menzie may still redshirt, but having him available could be critical should Alabama suffer injuries to a secondary that lacks experience.  Former Tide Signee Melvin Ray bailed from the 2008 signing class to play pro baseball, while his potential teammates were winning a national championship he was languishing away in the minor league.

Now, Melvin Ray wants to give football another try and may be walking on with the Tide.  His pro baseball contract includes college tuition so it will not cost Alabama a scholarship for him to try. 

Ray was a four star rated receiver from Tallahassee.

That rounds out a great week for the tide.  Fall practice starts in six days. 

And the adventure continues.