ASSOCIATED PRESS
Brodie Croyle has Alabama's starting quarterback spot all to himself this year.
’Bama’s coming
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12th in a series of 13 features on Hawaii's opponents
An offseason of tumult finally ends for Alabama on Saturday when the Crimson Tide open against South Florida. And while Alabama is still dealing with NCAA sanctions including no bowl game, the Tide will wash onto the shores of Hawaii to end their season for the second consecutive year.
Closing out in paradise is nothing new for first-year head coach Mike Shula. He quarterbacked Alabama to a 24-3 victory over USC in the 1985 Aloha Bowl.
Leading the Tide to victory as a player is one thing. Living up to Bear Bryant and living down the Mike Price fiasco is quite another.
If all that tradition and embarrassment aren't enough, the son of legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula is also on the spot because his quick hiring after Price's firing brought charges of racial discrimination. Some said minority candidates were not given enough consideration.
Mike Shula reacted by quickly and quietly putting together a staff and system and directing his energy toward "rebuilding" a team that went 10-3 last year. He is the fourth Alabama coach in less than three years.
There is literal construction going on, too, and that has Shula excited about the years ahead for one of college football's most legendary programs.
"There is a bright future ahead for Alabama, especially with the new construction plans for the addition to the Football Building, the new weight room and the renovation of Bryant Hall," Shula said. "These new facilities will all be great recruiting tools for this program and this staff. I am thrilled to once again be a part of Alabama football."
How long the thrill lasts this fall depends largely on 13 returning starters.
A robust and experienced offensive line could carry the Tide a long way. Tackles Wesley Britt (6-8, 313) and Evan Mathis (6-5, 308) and left guard Justin Smiley (6-4, 293) are all juniors, and all started last year. Sophomore J.B. Closner (6-4, 290) takes over at center and senior Dennis Alexander (6-4, 334) is the new right guard. Junior David Cavan (6-5, 252) takes over at tight end.
Britt is considered a prime candidate for All-America honors.
Sophomore quarterback Brodie Croyle (6-3, 200) moves into the starting spot vacated by Tyler Watts. Croyle figures to stand and deliver from the pocket more than the scrambling Watts.
Croyle's targets include senior split end Zach Fletcher (6-4, 194) and senior flanker Triandos Luke (5-11, 191).
Senior tailback Shaud Williams (5-8, 191) will be the focal point of the offense. He rushed for a team-high 921 yards last year, including a season-high 160 against Hawaii.
The most interesting position in Shula's offensive lineup is the "F" spot, which is best described as a combination of fullback, tight end and wide receiver that morphs depending on the situation. Sophomore Clint Johnson (6-4, 245) starts there, but will likely be pulled in favor of freshman Tim Castille (5-11, 231) or senior Dre Fulgham (6-2, 214) on passing downs.
On defense, Alabama lost three linemen to the NFL Draft, but plenty of talent returns in ends Nautyn McKay-Loescher (6-3, 252), a senior, and Antwan Odom (6-5, 277), a junior. Odom was in on 42 stops, including a team-high 10 sacks, last year. Senior Anthony Bryant (6-3, 336) and freshman Jeremy Clark (6-2, 290) move into the starting tackle spots.
Big things are expected from middle linebacker Freddie Roach (6-2, 245) after a precocious freshman campaign highlighted by a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown in his first game last year. He'll be flanked by sophomore DeMeco Ryans (6-2, 225) and senior Derrick Pope (6-0, 226).
Two proven players return in the secondary. Senior free safety Charles Jones (5-11, 174) made 85 tackles, forced four fumbles and intercepted three passes last season. Sophomore cornerback Charlie Peprah (5-10, 189) displayed shutdown skills as a frosh and made a big interception in the Georgia game. Sophomore Roman Harper (6-1, 182) at strong safety and junior Anthony Madison (5-9, 180) complete the starting four.
Freshman Jeff Aul handles kickoffs and junior Bo Freeland is the punter. Both are new at their jobs. Freshman Ramzee Robinson (5-9, 181) runs back the kicks, and Luke does the same on punts.
Alabama Crimson Tide
2003 schedule
Aug. 30 South Florida Sept. 6 Oklahoma Sept. 13 Kentucky Sept. 20 Northern Illinois Sept. 27 Arkansas Oct. 4 at Georgia Oct. 11 Southern Miss Oct. 18 at Mississippi Oct. 25 Tennessee Nov. 8 at Mississippi State Nov. 15 Louisiana State Nov. 22 at Auburn Nov. 29 at Hawaii
2002 results
10-3 overall, 7-2 Southeastern Conference
Aug. 31 Middle Tennessee State W, 39-34 Sept. 7 at Oklahoma L, 27-37 Sept. 14 North Texas W, 33-7 Sept. 21 Southern Mississippi W, 20-7 Sept. 28 at Arkansas W, 30-12 Oct. 5 Georgia L, 25-27 Oct. 19 Mississippi W, 42-7 Oct. 26 Tennessee W, 34-14 Nov. 2 at Vanderbilt W, 30-8 Nov. 9 Mississippi State W, 28-14 Nov. 16 at Louisiana State W, 31-0 Nov. 23 Auburn L, 7-17 Nov. 30 at Hawaii W, 21-16
