re: Bama Football Tidings

Najee Harris, Brian Robinson 'improved a lot' as blockers (BamaOnLine)

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Dylan Moses and Markail Benton on the inside

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I know what's done is done, but god damn it we would have a damn strong group of ILBs right now if Vandarius Cowan wasn't such a fricking idiot. He showed so much promise on the field right before he decided to punch some punk in the face in front of countless witnesses and cameras. Obviously we have missed on some key ILB targets that last couple years, but with Cowan's departure, ILB went from a position that could have been a strength to now a potential major weakness for this team.

If I recall correctly, I remember reading on here that some of the coaches/scouts said the biggest question mark regarding Cowan was if he could put it together mentally and that he had first round talent. Having a tandem of Cowan (6'4" and 240#) and Moses (6'3" and 235#) in the middle would have been lethal for opposing teams. Moses, Cowan, McMillon, Benton, Lee, Kaho, Moody, and Harris would have been a strong, strong inside unit.

Long story short: Cowan is a god damn idiot and really screwed us with his dumbassery.

ETA: He "really screwed us" might be an overstatement, as I think this team is by no means "screwed." What I really meant is that Cowan's actions cost us an elite talent at ILB, as well as much needed depth. I fully expect one of Benton, Kaho, or Lee to step up this season and be serviceable to very solid by years end.

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Cowan screwed himself. He has major issues. He gone. And we're better off for it. Benton is stepping up very well.

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Honestly, I haven't kept up with his journey since he was dismissed from the team/university. Has he had any other issues or incidents while at WVU?

If the issues you are referring to are solely the one incident where he punched the kid in the bar, I think that might be a little much to say he has major issues. I am by no means condoning what he did, but for all we know, the victim could have called him the N-word or provoked him in some way. In my opinion, if the kid called him a hard-R or something along those lines, he deserved to get his arse beat whether it be at the hands of Cowan or someone else.

On the flip side - if Cowan punched him for no reason whatsoever or has had other issues (violence, failed drug tests, not following team rules) since enrolling at WVU, then I completely agree with your statement that he has major issues and we're better off w/o him.

Alabama 2019 Hype "Revenge"

I hope this is the case.

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Iirc, he got kicked off his HS team. Verbal insults are no excuse for punching some random asshat in a restaurant or bar. You walk away and ask the bouncer or manager to handle the asshat.

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Ahh that's right, I forgot about him being kicked off his HS team. I stand corrected - the kid definitely needs some guidance in his life. As far as punching the kid, I agree that he should have walked away, as that is the mature thing to do. But I'm in the camp of: if you are going to talk shite to someone, you better be ready to back it up (especially if you start bringing up very sensitive/personal subjects). These kids are in college; bar fights happen.. Cowan just happened to be a high profile character. Had this been two frat kids, this would have been a nonstory.

Not saying it's right, all I'm saying is I've seen fights happen over much pettier things with zero repercussions.

Due to Cowan's history in HS, I figure he got some extra guidance and advice when he first arrived at Bama and knew he needed to be extra careful to not do stupid things. It appears to me he cannot control his temper, actions, etc. When you're a high profile athlete you need to stay out of trouble. There'll be consequences if you don't or can't. Good riddance, imo.

Alabama Crimson Tide on 247Sports was live. 26:55
Fall Camp Instant Analysis: Thursday
Since 2008, BamaOnLine.com's Instant Analysis has been a staple of Crimson Tide football coverage. That won't change in 2019, as we'll continue to provide Alabama fans with insight and interaction fresh from Tuscaloosa.

As for items we touched on during the latest edition of IA, they included:

* More guard-center combinations to consider.

* Inside linebacker duos post-mcMillon injury.

* Young players sensing light at end of tunnel?

* How many true freshmen will see the field in 2019?

Alabama practice report: Notes from steamy outdoor workout Updated Aug 15, 3:41 PM;Posted Aug 15, 3:28 PM By Michael Casagrande | mcasagrande@al.com

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After practicing indoors Tuesday and in the evening Wednesday, Alabama was back outdoors in the heat of the day Thursday. It was 95 degrees with a feels-like temperature of 98, according to the Weather Channel, at 3 p.m.

A few observations from the media viewing period:

-- It looks like they’re still working with FSU grad transfer Landon Dickerson at center with the first group next to Evan Neal at left guard and Alex Leatherwood at left tackle.

-- With DJ Dale still out with a minor injury, Phidarian Mathis is still in the first rotation in the middle of the defensive line next to Raekwon Davis and freshman Justin Eboigbe. The next wave looks to include Antonio Alfano, Tevita Musika and Christian Barmore. The next wave is Byron Young, Ishmael Sopsher and Braylen Ingraham.

-- Defensive lineman LaBryan Ray is still going through the acclimation period wearing just helmet, shoulder pads and shorts while the rest of the team is in full gear.

-- Everything looked fine with the quarterbacks.

-- In the secondary, Patrick Surtain II looks like the nickel back (aka Star) in the nickel formation with Josh Jobe and Trevon Diggs at corners. Jayln Armour-Davis and freshman Marcus Banks were corners in the second group.

-- Shyheim Carter was the nickel back with the second group in nickel.

-- A few neighbors watched practice from a nearby apartment balcony. AL.com wrote about that last August.

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3moredays

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re: 2019 Fall Camp thread ~ Practice #12
So who is going to be our leading receiving tight end? Is Amos that good?

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Have to think it will be Forristall, but I have liked what I have seen of Amos... (I expect if there is a Scholly to be given at the end of Camp... it will go to Amos)

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-- In the secondary, Patrick Surtain II looks like the nickel back (aka Star) in the nickel formation with Josh Jobe and Trevon Diggs at corners. Jayln Armour-Davis and freshman Marcus Banks were corners in the second group.

-- Shyheim Carter was the nickel back with the second group in nickel.

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I thought Shy Carter played great most of last year. Josh Jobe must really be kicking arse out there. I'm assuming Shy will still play a ton and will be a starter in the Dime package. Feeling a lot better about the secondary going into this year.