TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - Recruiting Tennessee is paying off for Alabama's defense this fall.
Two Tennesseans will start for the Tide's defense when it takes on Tennessee at Neyland Stadium on Saturday night.
Junior linebacker Brandon Fanney of Morristown is starting this season for the first time in his career. He leads the Tide with 5.5 tackles for loss.
"He played really well the last game (against Ole Miss)," coach Nick Saban said. "He's instinctive. That's why he makes plays."
Linebacker Dont'a Hightower of Lewisburg won a starting job as a true freshman. He's third on the team in tackles.
Three other Tennesseans are listed first or second team on Alabama's depth chart.
Baron Huber of Knoxville is Alabama's No. 1 fullback, but that position is used sparingly in the Tide's offensive scheme.
True freshman offensive tackle Barrett Jones of Memphis and linebacker Chris Jordan of Brentwood are second-teamers.
Blocking Power: Alabama junior offense tackle Andre Smith is expected to be a first-round NFL draft pick next spring. Alabama senior center Antoine Caldwell has started 41 games in his college career.
But junior guard Mike Johnson was the star of Alabama's offensive line last week.
Johnson was named SEC offensive lineman of the week for his performance against Ole Miss last Saturday. He didn't allow a quarterback sack or pressure, and had no missed assignments in Alabama's 24-20 victory.
Johnson also was honored as the SEC offensive lineman of the week in the season opener against Clemson.
He's one of the Tide's most versatile linemen. He started 10 games at tackle and three at guard last season.
Road Warrior: Alabama senior quarterback John Parker Wilson has been at his best on the road this fall.
He has completed 68.3 percent of his passes for 459 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions in his three games away from Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Back-To-Back: After beating UT 41-17 last season, the Tide is going for back-to-back victories in the rivalry for the first time since 1991-92.
Alabama has never won back-to-back games against UT coach Phillip Fulmer.
Second Again: Alabama has been ranked No. 2 in the last four Associated Press polls. That's been a long time coming for Alabama fans.
The Tide was last ranked No. 2 in the Oct. 10 poll in 1993. The next Saturday, it tied UT 17-17 in Birmingham.
Sports editor John Adams may be reached at 865-342-6284 or adamsj@knoxnews.com
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 23
cterblan writes:
Not sure why, but I have a good feeling about this game.
A win on Saturday can change the whole outlook on a season.
bowser writes:
It's probably just the ghost of the Bear, lulling you into a false sense of security and well being. It could get ugly.
CT_VOL writes:
These traitors should be arrested! Can you imagine if Hightower and company played for the Vos? We would be 7-0!
Their behaivor is criminal!
Frank
CRFVols writes:
Why on earth would a Tennessee kid play for bama??? Or did our recruiting team just let us down.
kdaff51 writes:
Not getting my hopes up but wouldn't it be SAWEET!
cdldoc#211897 writes:
just can't imagine a Tennessee boy playing for the tide.
cltvol writes:
We have 3 Al'ens on our roster with Wes Brown getting the playing time. Other 2 are freshmen, but I Don't think we have a roster problem vs. AL. They have a better QB, which is always a big, big deal no matter what level of play it is. I'll let everyone else argue about the coaching.
gohawks1 writes:
Gotta quit letting TN boys leave the state. Go get 'em, coaching staff!
pdhuff#552644 writes:
They're just getting even for the Artful Dodger.
Huntsville product CH.
Don't like reading abut those O-linemen.
Cinch 'em up.
FlaVol2 writes:
It is inconceavable to me for great football players from the state of Tennessee playing for Alabama or any other school besides our great state university, Tennessee. What gives here recruiters?
blitzshoot writes:
The Bear was the best about coming up to Tennessee and taking anyone worth playing. He!!, Bama's money is as good as anyone's.
ggriggs939#223122 writes:
Tennessee boys are smart enough to recognize a good deal when one is available. Their coach plays a big part in where they go to school and the place with some perks not available at Tennessee can offer a more lucrative deal
than the VOLS. Should Tennessee try such a ploy, the vultures in the local media and the local 'fans' would have it on the front page of the kns (much to their delight) and in the ncaa offices in a minute. Tennessee players have to go to class and make progress toward graduation before they are permitted to play.
tenuscvol writes:
$$$...they offered a high starting salary...
twin942 writes:
I'm with you. Something tells me we are going to take this. We are better than our record; I don't think they are #2. It's payback time for last year.
WeLoveTennesseeVols writes:
Really, and isn't this a really really big game for the Tide? Imagine, win this one, and go undefeated into the LSU game? Wow! On Saban's second season back into Wonderland from the depths of Hell in Miami. I guess he wasn't the only guy in town with big eyes. Don't you think that the pressure is on them? We just have to go out and play. Maybe Fulmer thinks he has to prove something, but he has already beaten the Tide enough to call it a career. Still, this is a big game for brother Phil, don't he just love to light up those cigars!! I think the Tide will tighten up a bit, and that the Vols will have to be arrested for kidnapping(stealing) a game.
TommyJack writes:
Perhaps the kids just didn't want to play for the Big Oval.
hilltopper writes:
all this whining about tennessee not having good recruits Other states sure dont mind Tn boys playing for them The city of Memphis alone suplies Ole Miss, Miss. State Memphis and Ark. with players and a few to Bama It is a shame at the great players that leave the state of Tn to play for others and then hear how Tn does not produce much D1 talent. Ol' Cobb seems to be doing pretty good at Ky this year
pdhuff#552644 writes:
What you suggest is close to heresy, sir, I tell you!
Why everyone knows the genial oval is a great guy and a wonderful mentor and..
just received my tenth annual no-ring ring.
Very nice.
That is all.
Nothing is worng.
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Valid points.
I have seriously looked at this game. The onus of pressure is truly on Saban and company.
But, he appears to have the hosses to pull the wagon.
Now, anything can happen and we can hope.
It would take our best game in several years to pull this off. No fumbles and nuclear special teams play.
If they can run the ball early, I'm afeered it could be a long night at Neyland.
Just give it your all, men.
fedupvol writes:
I agree with poster....I'm afraid this is the year that streak will be broken...or made...whichever you prefer...sorry to say...35-14 tide.....
mattucket#231689 writes:
I have a bad feeling about this game... I'm just glad we're not having a "black out" for it. Bama's hasn't played well as of late, but I guarantee that they'll bring it Saturday night. What worries me is the battle of the trenches. Our OL is as about par with a mid-major or NAIA at times, there's is one of the nations best. I wish our coaches would let our OL watch some game tape of Bama's OL.
blitzshoot writes:
Thank you WeLoveTennesseeVols.
You bring up some fien points. I look forward to your posts.
Do you think Tennessee really has a chance? What kind of offense do you see them uzing tomorrow? Will you be at the game or watching it on TV?
Can you tell me what the weather will be like Saturday night! Thanks again! You're awesome!
givehim6 writes:
One word " TRAITORS. GO VOLS!
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.