Alabama

Remembering Nick Saban’s puppy metaphor, as Kalen DeBoer recruits at Alabama | Toppmeyer

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2024

Remembering Nick Saban’s puppy metaphor, as Kalen DeBoer recruits at Alabama | Toppmeyer

Seventeen years ago, Nick Saban gave us one of the first of his many metaphors we’d come to expect from the great Alabama coach and philosopher.

Saban had just finished his first Alabama signing class with a rush of 11th-hour commitments. It offered a peek at Saban’s special weapon – his recruiting chops – that sparked his dynasty in Tuscaloosa. Saban didn’t hide his pleasure in signing a class that surged into the top 10 of national recruiting rankings. But, he offered a word of caution.

“When you buy a puppy dog, you don’t know whether he’s going to grow into the world’s greatest hunting dog or not,” Saban said after national signing day in February 2007. “That’s a little bit what recruiting is like.”

Saban’s dogs could hunt. He and his staff knew not only how to recruit talent, but how to nurture and develop it.

Your turn, Kalen DeBoer.

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Saban gave his successor a head start by gift-wrapping a No. 2-ranked recruiting class that DeBoer deftly polished off Wednesday on national signing day. DeBoer added a signature from five-star wide receiver Ryan Williams, who initially committed to Saban, then recommitted to DeBoer.

This signing class restores order after Alabama endured a tough January. After Saban retired, talented Tide players stampeded for the transfer portal. That’s the uncomfortable but expected start to a tenure nowadays. Rarely, though, do coaching changes come with a recruiting class as loaded as this one.

Saban’s staff deserves credit for assembling this class, but the December signees and unsigned players like Williams could have cut and run after Saban’s retirement. National letters of intent are as weak as a restraints dunked in acid. But, only two December signees turned heel on Alabama. Other recruits, like Williams, decided to give DeBoer a shot. If they don’t like what they sample, they can always transfer.

“I believe in his offense,” Williams told the Tuscaloosa News.

GOOD READ: Celebrate Nick Saban’s epic career at Alabama football with our 192-page commemorative book

And I believe DeBoer can turn talented pups into hunting dogs. He’s proven his coaching acumen and player development skills. He inherited a Washington program in a rut and engineered a warp-speed turnaround, winning 25 games in two seasons. The man can hunt.

My lingering question is, can DeBoer attract more of the best pups in 2025? That test begins now.

Other recruiting thoughts:

∎ The NCAA is investigating Tennessee and whether the Vols ran afoul of the NCAA’s meager guidelines governing NIL, including its mandate that NIL deals can’t be used as recruiting inducements. Tennessee’s attorney general is fighting back with an antitrust lawsuit that alleges the NCAA’s NIL guidelines are out of bounds with the Sherman Antitrust Act. Seems like a solid legal strategy, but maybe the AG should throw this in: Tennessee’s latest recruiting class ranks 13th nationally. Not bad, but no better than the range where UT normally ranked before NIL. If the Vols are shelling out inducements, the recruiting rankings don’t reflect it. Think a judge would buy that argument?

∎ Steve Sarkisian continues to show he’s the full package at Texas. Alabama fans know Sarkisian can operate an offense. The Longhorns’ No. 6-ranked recruiting class is further evidence he can attract talent. This marks Sark’s third straight top-six recruiting class. Is it any wonder why I think Texas will smoothly transition to the SEC?

∎ When Kirby Smart last spoke about his recruiting haul in December, he unceremoniously described the class as the byproduct of “thorough” recruiting. Ho hum, business as usual, another best-in-nation class for the nation’s No. 1 recruiter. NIL and transfers altered the landscape, but they didn’t change that this sport, at its core, is all about acquiring and developing talent. And Smart is the industry’s standard, particularly now that Saban is hunting fairways.

∎ Auburn’s recruiting struggles started and ended with Bryan Harsin. Hugh Freeze’s second recruiting class ranks No. 10 nationally. Importantly, Freeze’s class included five-star wide receiver Cam Coleman and four-star quarterback Walker White, both of whom are national top-50 prospects by 247Sports. Wide receiver and quarterback were persistent deficiencies for Auburn the past few seasons. These pups must hunt touchdowns.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network’s SEC Columnist. Email him at BToppmeyer@gannett.com and follow him on Twitter @btoppmeyer.

If you enjoy Blake’s coverage, consider a digital subscription that will allow you access to all of it. Also, check out his podcast, SEC Football Unfiltered, or access exclusive columns via the SEC Unfiltered newsletter.

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Alabama

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

Published

9 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

21 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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