Irv Smith Jr.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick, left, talks with Alabama football coach Nick Saban at Alabama's NFL Pro Day, Tuesday, March 19, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
Josh Jacobs, other Alabama players participate in pro day

By Cody Estremera Mar. 19, 2019 05:46 PM EDT

Clemson's Travis Etienne is stopped by Alabama's Xavier McKinney and Mack Wilson during the first half the NCAA college football playoff championship game, Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, in Santa Clara, Calif. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
Alabama linebacker Mack Wilson joins NFL draft exodus

Jan. 14, 2019 11:02 AM EST

Alabama safety Deionte Thompson declares for NFL draft

Jan. 13, 2019 02:43 PM EST
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — All-America safety Deionte Thompson has joined a growing crowd of Alabama players leaving early for the NFL draft. Thompson...

Alabama defensive back Saivion Smith (4) holds onto the foot of Oklahoma running back Kennedy Brooks (26), during the second half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Alabama DB Saivion Smith declares for NFL draft

Jan. 12, 2019 04:55 PM EST

FILE - At left, in a Nov. 17, 2018, file photo, Alabama tight end Irv Smith Jr. (82) carries the ball in for a touchdown against Citadel during the second half of an NCAA college football game, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. At right, in a Dec. 29, 2018, file photo, Alabama running back Josh Jacobs (8) runs the ball, during the first half of the Orange Bowl NCAA college football game against Oklahoma, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Four Alabama players are skipping their final seasons to enter the NFL draft, including Smith Jr. and Jacobs. (AP Photo/File)
4 Alabama players announce they are declaring for NFL draft

By John Zenor Jan. 11, 2019 11:40 AM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Clemson's Clelin Ferrell (99) rushes into the backfield during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Georgia Southern in Clemson, S.C. Clemson’s defensive line came into the season with a ton of hype after Christian Wilkins, Austin Bryant and Ferrell all bypassed the chance to go to the NFL after 2017. Ferrell, an explosive pass rusher, has the most NFL upside. (AP Photo/Richard Shiro, File)
Bama-Clemson loaded with NFL draft picks along D-line

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 05, 2019 02:40 AM EST

Alabama's Irv Smith Jr. keeps his eye on the ball during passing drills at NCAA college football practice in Miami Shores, Fla., Thursday, Dec. 27, 2018, for the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma on Dec. 29, 2018. (Carl Juste/Miami Herald via AP)
Bama's Irv Smith Jr. follows family path of star tight ends

By John Zenor Jan. 04, 2019 11:15 AM EST

FILE - In this Oct. 6, 2018, file photo, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa rolls out before throwing a touchdown pass on the first play of the game against Arkansas in the first half of an NCAA college football game, in Fayetteville, Ark. Tagovailoa is the offensive player of the year and one of five members of the top-ranked Crimson Tide to earn first-team honors on The Associated Press All-Southeastern Conference team, announced Monday, Dec. 3, 2018. Tagovailoa, one of the prime contenders for the Heisman Trophy, has thrown 37 touchdown passes with only four interceptions to rank second nationally in passing efficiency. (AP Photo/Michael Woods, File)
Tagovailoa produces everything but singular Heisman moment

By John Zenor Dec. 03, 2018 03:43 PM EST

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart, left, speaks with Alabama head coach Nick Saban near near the Championship trophy, Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, in Atlanta. Georgia and Alabama will play Saturday in the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
Alabama at Georgia 12/1/2018

Nov. 30, 2018 02:06 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 15, 2018, file photo, Georgia cornerback Deandre Baker (18) celebrates after making an interception during the first half of the team's NCAA college football game against Middle Tennessee in Athens, Ga. Alabama faces a Georgia secondary led by cornerback Deandre Baker and one of the SEC's top defenses. (Jenn Finch/Athens Banner-Herald via AP, FIle)
Smart, Georgia facing Bama's 'elite group of skill players'

By John Zenor Nov. 29, 2018 12:53 PM EST

FILE - In this Saturday, Nov. 10, 2018 file photo, Georgia running back D'Andre Swift (7) fends off Auburn linebacker Deshaun Davis (57) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Athens, Ga. In Mark Whipple’s two stints as the UMass coach covering 11 years and time spent in FCS and FBS, No. 5 Georgia is his pick as the Minutemen’s toughest opponent. Such playmakers as quarterback Jake Fromm and tailback D’Andre Swift make the Bulldogs heavy favorites on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)
Auburn defenders bracing for Tagovailoa and 'Bama offense

By John Zenor Nov. 22, 2018 11:35 AM EST

Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer looks on during a break in the second half of an NCAA football game against Maryland, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in College Park, Md. Ohio State won 52-51 in overtime. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
No. 9 Ohio State rallies to beat Maryland 52-51 in OT

By The Associated Press Nov. 17, 2018 05:33 PM EST

Alabama running back Damien Harris (34) is greeted by teammates after being shaken up on a play during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Citadel, Saturday, Nov. 17, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Tied at half, No. 1 Alabama romps past The Citadel 50-17

By John Zenor Nov. 17, 2018 03:20 PM EST

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) warms up before an NCAA college football game against LSU in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Tagovailoa, No. 1 Alabama hosts No. 18 Mississippi State

By John Zenor Nov. 09, 2018 08:00 AM EST

LSU head coach Ed Orgeron leads his team onto the field before an NCAA college football game against Alabama in Baton Rouge, La., Saturday, Nov. 3, 2018. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
Tagovailoa, No. 1 Alabama roll past No. 4 LSU, 29-0

By Brett Martel Nov. 03, 2018 11:30 PM EDT

FILE - In this Sept. 8, 2018, file photo, Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (13) throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas State in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Tagovailoa has been one of the nation's most electric quarterbacks, flinging one touchdown pass after another without a single interception. Grant Delpit and the LSU defensive backs welcome the challenge on Saturday. (AP Photo/Butch Dill, File)
No. 1 Alabama expects toughest test yet at No. 4 LSU

By Brett Martel Nov. 02, 2018 11:09 AM EDT

Alabama head coach Nick Saban watches before an NCAA college football game against Tennessee, Saturday, Oct. 20, 2018, in Knoxville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Wade Payne)
Fast start helps No. 1 Alabama trounce Tennessee 58-21

By Steve Megargee Oct. 20, 2018 07:06 PM EDT

Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa warms up during pregame practice as the Crimson Tide prepare to play Arkansas in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Take your seats, 'Bama fans, or you might miss a touchdown

By John Zenor Oct. 08, 2018 04:26 PM EDT

Alabama running back Damien Harris is tripped up by Arkansas defenders Kamren Curl in the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Tagovailoa throws 4 TD as No. 1 Alabama beats Arkansas 65-31

By Chip Souza Oct. 06, 2018 09:53 PM EDT

Miami quarterback N'Kosi Perry stands back to pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Florida State, Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
No. 19 Texas beats No. 7 Oklahoma 48-45 on late FG

By The Associated Press Oct. 06, 2018 05:35 PM EDT