Alabama

Jumbo Package: Alabama lands four on Preseason All-American Team

Published

2 years ago

July 2, 2024

Jumbo Package: Alabama lands four on Preseason All-American Team

Offensive guard Tyler Booker made the first team, alongside new kicker Graham Nicholson. Nicholson transferred in from Miami of Ohio, where he was a first-team all-American, and won the Lou Groza award as the nation’s top kicker, beating out UA’s Will Reichard.
Booker returns for his junior season as one of Alabama’s offensive line leaders. He remained with the Crimson Tide through the head coach transition from Nick Saban to Kalen DeBoer.
One of his fellow offensive linemen, Washington transfer Parker Brailsford, was named to the second-team list for Alabama. Brailsford missed most of spring practice for personal reasons after following DeBoer from the Huskies, but is primed to return for the season, likely in UA’s starting center job.
Nicholson’s special teams counterpart, punter James Burnip, was also listed for the Crimson Tide. Burnip, a native of Australia, ranked second in the SEC last season, averaging 47.6 yards per punt, and was a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award, which goes to the top punter in college football.

Check it out! Alabama enters the preseason with four All-Americans, per Walter Camp. It’s also kinda funny that two of them are special teamers, and two of them are transfers.

Only Tyler Booker and James Burnip are All-Americans from last year’s Alabama squad.

Interestingly (or maybe not), Jalen Milroe was left off of the list. Carson Beck was QB1 and Quinn Ewers was QB2.

I do think Deontae Lawson could be in consideration with any of the other linebackers on the list – however, I totally understand that his injuries the last two seasons have kept him from living up to where I think he can be.

Coming off his best season in Tuscaloosa as a third-year sophomore, Deontae Lawson is arguably Alabama’s most well-known returning starter on defense within the front seven. He’s an alpha in the middle of that unit and loves to stick his face in the fan against run support. With Caleb Downs transferring to Ohio State, the Crimson Tide need Lawson to be the new enforcer of sorts as well. He’s wearing a new number this season, which he says represents a program — and player — in transition of sorts under a different staff.

247 agrees, listing Lawson as a top candidate for SEC DPOY. Lawson taking the next step is going to be critical for Alabama this season.

Off-field issues caused Brailsford to miss most of spring practice (much to the concern of some Bama fans), but it seems as though he has now settled in in Tuscaloosa. Still, Coach Kalen DeBoer and company were wise to add some insurance in the form of Michigan State transfer Geno VanDeMark.
The late spring pickup gives Alabama another veteran and a versatile piece on the interior offensive line. VanDeMark will likely be the top backup at one or both of the guard positions. Bama returns the imposing duo of Tyler Booker and Jaeden Roberts, and getting another experienced player behind them is huge.
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VanDeMark also has experience playing center. Though his game reps at that spot have been limited, he is more experienced than any other center option outside of Brailsford. While this is a very valuable job, it’s hard to believe the senior will be content to settle for a reserve role. Expect VanDeMark to push Brailsford and the guards, ultimately making all parties involved better in the long run.

Hopefully, Brailsford is going to a breath of fresh air for Alabama fans after three straight seasons of generally poor center play. On top of having a season’s worth of good snaps under his belt, a preseason All-American, and a national championship appearance…. He’s also been rumored this offseason to be one of the strongest players in the locker room.

I’m sure everyone saw the interview clip with Jalen Milroe a couple of days ago talking about the “vibe” that coach DeBoer brings to Alabama.

Our favorite blog site of pure envy, DawgNation, saw it too, and immediately had to write an article about how Kirby Smart does none of this “giving compliments” nonsense.

Fact is, Smart hates complacency and fancies the slogan that, “if it isn’t broke, find a way to make it better,” as Dean can attest.
“It was always, you can do this better, you made this play, you got this Pick 6, but you could have gotten to the end zone faster if you took this step, or, you could have read the play faster,” Dean said.
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“Or, you got a sack, but you could have gotten a sack-fumble. So it was never pat yourself on the back.”
Time will tell if DeBoer’s approach will uplift the Tide, or perhaps derail the emotional discipline Saban’s programs most always exhibited.

Those poor guys really have no idea what to do if they aren’t constantly comparing themselves to Alabama.

In recruiting news, Alabama’s picked up another new prediction:

As June closes, Kalen DeBoer and the Alabama Crimson Tide football coaching staff have put together an incredible month of recruiting. Over the past few weeks, Alabama has surged to the No. 2 ranked recruiting class for 2025 and still has plenty of its top targets uncommitted.
One of the most coveted targets is a four-star tight end from El Dorado Hills, California, Kaleb Edwards.
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Edwards is a 6-foot-6 235 prospect who has shown the ability to be a solid end-line blocker but also a legitimate threat in the passing game.
Steve Wiltfong of On3 recently logged an expert prediction for the talented Edwards to commit to the Crimson Tide.

A higher 4-star player and a top 5 TE in the country, Edwards would be a huge addition to the recruiting class. If he does follow what most of the recruiting experts are predicting, he’ll be yet another California native helping to fill out this recruiting class for the Tide. Edwards is expected to announce a commitment on Wednesday.

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Related Topics:Alabama all American Bama Featured four front page jumbo jumbo-package lands On package preseason roll team

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Alabama

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

Published

11 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Circuit Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. steps down after 13 years on the bench

SELMA, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than a decade serving Alabama’s fourth judicial circuit, Judge Collins Pettaway, Jr. is stepping away from full-time service, closing a chapter that spans nearly four decades in the legal profession.

Pettaway was elected to the bench in 2012 and served in several counties including Dallas, Wilcox, Perry, Hale and Bibb counties, the largest geographical circuit in the state.

Now, he says, it was simply time.

“I never wanted to serve in that capacity forever,” Pettaway said “And plus, I wanted to also make room for some younger, brighter minds to come forward.”

Before becoming a judge, Pettaway practiced law in Selma for nearly 30 years after being licensed in 1985. During that time, he handled cases that helped shape Alabama law; something he says he didn’t fully appreciate until colleagues reflected on his impact.

“I handled several cases which actually affected and changed the direction of the state of the law in our state,” he added. “And I didn’t realize I did all that.”

Friends and fellow legal professionals once presented him with research showing his involvement in Alabama Supreme Court cases that made significant changes in state law; a moment he describes as both surprising and humbling.

During his time on the bench, Pettaway says one of his priorities was maintaining professionalism and respect within the legal system.

He often referenced the Alabama State Bar’s Lawyer’s Creed — a pledge attorneys take promising to treat even their opponents with civility and understanding.

“In that creed, you are promising that you’re gonna treat even your opponents with civility and with kindness and understanding.”

Pettaway says he believes the legal profession — and society at large — must continue working toward a culture rooted in respect and service.

Although stepping away from full-time duties, Pettaway says he is not completely leaving the legal field. He has transitioned to retired active status and plans to assist with cases when needed, while also returning to private practice.

He says this new chapter is about balance.

After decades shaping courtrooms across five counties, Pettaway says he is focused on health, perspective and trusting the next generation to carry the bench forward.

Governor Kay Ivey has appointed former Assistant District Attorney Bryan Jones to serve the remainder of Pettaway’s six-year term.

Jones previously served as senior chief trial attorney under District Attorney Robert Turner Jr. and has also led the Fourth Judicial Circuit Drug Task Force.

The transition marks a new era for the Fourth Judicial Circuit, while closing a significant chapter in its recent history.

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Alabama

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

Published

23 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Detroit Lions meet with Alabama star OL at NFL combine

As the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine nears its conclusion, the Detroit Lions continue to work to identify potential fits for the franchise.

The Lions own pick No. 17 in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft. Though Taylor Decker recently announced his return for the 2026 season, Detroit could still be thinking offensive line in the draft’s opening round.

If the Lions opt to fortify their offensive line, one name to watch for Detroit is Alabama offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. A Lions scout pulled Proctor aside to talk at the East-West Shrine Bowl in January.

Now, Proctor confirmed to Crunch Time Sports that he met with the Lions at the NFL combine.

Proctor started 40 games across his Crimson Tide career, missing just the first two games of the 2024 season with injury.

The 6-foot-7, 366-pound lineman was Alabama’s highest-graded player last season with an overall offensive grade of 85.9, per Pro Football Focus. Proctor had a pass-blocking grade of 84.2, a run blocking grade of 81.1 and allowed just two sacks during the 2025 college football season.

For more Lions coverage, follow us on X, @TheLionsWire, and give our Facebook page a like. Follow Josh on X, @JoshOnLions

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Alabama

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Alabama lawmakers react to U.S. early morning military strike on Iran

Alabama lawmakers are weighing in with their opinion after Donald Trump announced that the United States conducted a military strike on Iran overnight.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey responded to a video from the White House X account announcing that we’ve taken military action.

“Strong leadership requires hard decisions,” Ivey posted to X. “This is exactly how we will achieve peace through strength. As @POTUS said, our Armed Forces WILL prevail. May God continue to bless the brave men and women in our military! And may God bless President Trump and our great country.”

Congressman Robert Aderholt said in his own statement that he stands with Trump’s decision. The statement released earlier today, Saturday, Feb. 8, encouraged Trump for taking military action.

“For five decades, Iran has openly called for ‘death to America,’” Aderholt wrote. “I remember clearly when they orchestrated the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines in Beirut in 1983. In the years since, the regime has continued pursuing nuclear capabilities that threaten the United States and our allies. I stand with President Trump has he leads these strikes. May God bless the members of our armed forces carrying out these operations”

In addition to being the Chairman of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, Aderholt is also a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense.

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall echoed similar sentiment to Aderholt. He cites the same quote.

“For 47 years the vicious Iranian regime has chanted ‘death to America,’” Marshall wrote. “It’s time for swift and decisive action. May God bless the men and women of the Armed Forces. May God bless America.”

Senator Katie Boyd Britt says she echoes Trump’s message from earlier this morning.

“Iran is the world’s leading sponsor of terrorism,” Britt said on X. “For 47 years, this murderous regime has operated a terror network that has brought death and destruction to the world and slaughtered innocent Americans. Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile capabilities, and funding of proxy terror groups pose a sustained and clear threat to our nation, to our military bases and citizens in the region, and to our allies. This is a defining moment of generational leadership from President Trump to achieve sustainable peace. We are praying for the safety of our men and women in uniform and I echo @POTUS’s message this morning: God bless and protect all of our heroes in harm’s way executing this mission.”

Coach and Senator Tommy Tubberville tweeted, “President Trump has shown time and time again, you NEVER threaten America. God bless our great troops, god bless President Trump, and God bless America.”

U.S. Representative for 1st Congressional District of Alabama Barry Moore responded in a Facebook post.

“May God bless our men and women in uniform,” Moore posted. “Please join me in praying for strength, wisdom, and safety for President Donald J. Trump and all of those keeping our nation safe.”

United States Congresswoman Terri Sewell representing Alabama’s 7th District offered one of the few dissenting opinions from local lawmakers and politicians. Although she acknowledges Iran’s history, Sewell expresses her concern for the lives of U.S. citizens now that peace talks have been abandoned.

“Iran has oppressed their people and supported terrorism in the region for decades,” Sewell said in an official statement. “This fact does not change the President’s obligation under the Constitution to work with Congress on military actions that put our troops in harm’s way and could drag our country into another prolonged war in the Middle East.”

Sewell goes on to say that she’ll work with Congress to arrange a vote on a war powers resolution.

“I am also calling on the Administration to immediately provide a briefing on this ongoing military action, including their justification for abandoning diplomatic talks, as as their strategy for avoiding an extended regional conflict that is not supported by the American people,” Sewell continued. “I am praying for all the service members in the region and their families.”

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