2007-11-30 08:01:19.0
ESE David Wasson: T-News Sports Editor Cecil Hurt chats from 10-11 a.m. Fridays, and is ready to take your questions. Fire away!
2007-11-30 08:01:35.0
Crimson Flounder: Wohoo 1rst one in.
2007-11-30 08:02:12.0
Cecilllll: Good morning and welcome to chat
2007-11-30 08:02:19.0
Crimson Flounder: Any new updates on coaching openings
2007-11-30 08:03:38.0
Cecilllll: Waiting to see what happens at Arkansas and Michigan. I think those are the two dominos that will fall next and when they do, that will trigger more movement.
2007-11-30 08:03:45.0
crimkid: any reaction from the coaching staff on all the rumors flying around about LSU, Arkansas, Auburn, GA tech?
2007-11-30 08:04:34.0
Cecilllll: Most of the Ala coaches have been on the road recruiting all week so I have not spoken to anyone about it. As in any profession, I am sure that coaches are keenly interested in what is happening.
2007-11-30 08:04:47.0
crimkid: any players that had been committed or leans to ole miss or GA tech, that the staff may get to look at us now?
2007-11-30 08:05:34.0
Cecilllll: I don't know of any specifics, but I would say any commits where there has been a coaching change are wide open again, Same as Marve, Jermaine McKenzie, etc., were last year when UA had a coaching change.
2007-11-30 08:05:47.0
bamaincincy: please debunk the Saban to LSU
2007-11-30 08:06:36.0
Cecilllll: I don't think that willl happen. But that is strictly opinion because, as I said, Ihaven't spoken first hand to anyone this week.
2007-11-30 08:06:45.0
flowdrifter: What do you think the probability is of CMA leaving for HC at Houston, SMU, etc?
2007-11-30 08:07:39.0
Cecilllll: Low. Again, I can't speak for Coach Applewhite but I don't think he will leave after 1 year to take a position like that. With that said, I do think he is going to be a fine head coach for someone at some point.
2007-11-30 08:07:44.0
keith.reavis: Cecil, thanks for the way that you follow and report about the Crimson Tide! You are the best in the state. Keep up the good work!
2007-11-30 08:07:52.0
Cecilllll: Thanks.
2007-11-30 08:07:59.0
Give Blanda Shoes: Cecil, do you expect Sim Castille to play in the bowl game--given that there is one, of course?
2007-11-30 08:08:44.0
Cecilllll: I don't have reason to expect he won't, unless he repeats his problem from two years ago and doesn't pass the necessary hours. I don't think the dispensation of his court case will affect him.
2007-11-30 08:08:57.0
marsman: Has any school requested permission to talk with any of our coaches? If so, which schools, and which coaches?
2007-11-30 08:09:35.0
Cecilllll: Yes, they have. Houston with Coach Applewhite, for one. I am really hesitant to make a "list" because it is entirely possible that there are some I don't know about.
2007-11-30 08:09:43.0
crow: Is this potentially Alabama's best recruiting class ever, assuming the remaining big names come aboard?
2007-11-30 08:10:51.0
Cecilllll: It could be the most highly ranked ever. I wouldn't presume to judge "best ever" for four years. The freshmen who came in in 1976, for instance, were 43-5 in their four years. So it's a pretty high bar. (g)
2007-11-30 08:11:01.0
keith.reavis: Are the current players at Arkansas, Ole Miss, etc.(schools with a coaching change) allowed to transfer without sitting out a year?
2007-11-30 08:12:12.0
Cecilllll: Not without a special ruling, unless they drop out of Division I-A and transfer to a Div. 1-AA (I know these are old terms, but "Bowl Championship Subdivision" is so unwieldy.) or D-II.
2007-11-30 08:12:31.0
bamaincincy: IF (notice all caps) he were to do something like go back to LSU, who takes the bigger media outlash? Bama or Saban
2007-11-30 08:13:34.0
Cecilllll: IF (notice all caps) that were to happen, I don't know why Alabama, which made Coach Saban the highest-paid coach, would suffer a backlash. Again, I don't anticipate it happening so haven't thought through all of those potential ramifications.
2007-11-30 08:14:32.0
Crimson Flounder: Any truth to the rumor about the ten players quitting the team?
2007-11-30 08:14:40.0
Cecilllll: Not that I know of.
2007-11-30 08:14:47.0
news: When will we know if there are any grade problems this year?
2007-11-30 08:15:07.0
Cecilllll: Exams are week after next, I think. So not before then.
2007-11-30 08:15:17.0
Random: Cecil, I agree with keith.reavis--you are indeed the most credible news person I know of today!
2007-11-30 08:15:24.0
Cecilllll: Thanks.
2007-11-30 08:15:31.0
bamaincincy: YOU DA MAN CECIL! Enjoy your chats and reports
2007-11-30 08:16:12.0
Give Blanda Shoes: Is this Juco player Bama recruited really close to 400 pounds?
2007-11-30 08:16:37.0
Cecilllll: That's what I hear. I haven't seen him up close, or participated in a flyover. (g)
2007-11-30 08:16:46.0
pccoder: how do you feel about the season with a 6-6 record. did it live up to your expectations for the 1st year with saban as head coach?
2007-11-30 08:17:55.0
Cecilllll: My August expectation were about that. But I would not have predicted it would go from 6-2 to 6-6, so while I wouldn't say the record, per se, was disappointing, the path to get that was, in that it did not reflect steady improvement.
2007-11-30 08:18:03.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Cecil do you think major is going anywhere and if he does who is a good candidate for the OC job.
2007-11-30 08:18:42.0
Cecilllll: I do not think he will take an HC job this year (although I don't know, obviously) so I haven't really speculated on OC candidates.
2007-11-30 08:18:49.0
LadyinRed: Any news with Clemson on the schedule yet... or do we wait until next week?
2007-11-30 08:19:43.0
Cecilllll: It's been very complicated. Last week I heard it was done. A couple of days ago I heard there was a "glitch," whatever that means. I still think it will get done, but may take some more time.
2007-11-30 08:20:06.0
Give Blanda Shoes: Cecil, I pointed out to a friend that, in the past year, your columns have cited Shaw, Stein, and Eliot--are these just the footprints of a fine education, or are you a closet poet?
2007-11-30 08:20:26.0
Cecilllll: English major. For better or worse. (g)
2007-11-30 08:20:34.0
bamakev96: There are other schools that will finish strong in recruiting by February, do you see Bama having a top 5 recruiting class?
2007-11-30 08:20:49.0
Cecilllll: I would feel comfortable saying Top 10 and possible Top 5.
2007-11-30 08:21:01.0
jadkinsers: Where do you think all of the Saban back to LSU is coming from and personally how fo you think he and his family feel aout Tusc/ and the UA?
2007-11-30 08:21:52.0
Cecilllll: It's that time of year. There will rumors about Coach Saban every year. The Sabans have always indicated that they like Tuscaloosa in any conversation I have ever had that touched upon it.
2007-11-30 08:22:02.0
bamasluggers: Any more information on Major Applewhite and his opportunities to get a head job?
2007-11-30 08:22:20.0
Cecilllll: See above. I don't think he will leave this year but he will eventually be an HC. JMO.
2007-11-30 08:22:27.0
wwilesx: Hi Cecil, any indication on the approach the coaching staff will take towards personel for a potential bowl game? Same type of lineup we've seen throughout the year or more fresh young faces?
2007-11-30 08:23:11.0
Cecilllll: I think we will know more about that on Sunday when a bowl destination is finalized, opponent announced, etc. I would imagine there might be some changes, based on a four-game losing streak if nothing else.
2007-11-30 08:23:19.0
LadyinRed: thanks a lot.. and thank you for all you do!!!
2007-11-30 08:23:31.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Cecil is their any truth about Tommy Tubberville going to Arky?
2007-11-30 08:24:46.0
Cecilllll: A lot of smole. As last year's Alabama search demonstrated vividly, there is no "truth" until someone is standing at the podium. Tommy Tuberville is either serious about Arkansas or using it as a negotiating ploy to strengthen his position w/ AU. I do not know which.
2007-11-30 08:24:51.0
redtide: (sorry just joined) any truth to the players quitting rumor?
2007-11-30 08:24:57.0
Cecilllll: Not that I know oif.
2007-11-30 08:25:09.0
pccoder: he won't be fast if he is 400 lbs
2007-11-30 08:25:21.0
Cecilllll: No, but it will take a fast guy a long time to run around him.
2007-11-30 08:25:34.0
bmtkwm: Been reading your suff since 1989 and love it! Keep it up Mr. Hurt!!!
2007-11-30 08:25:39.0
Crimson Flounder: So are there any grade problems with Cody from Juco like Ricks?
2007-11-30 08:26:20.0
Cecilllll: I don't think so, but with the caveat that JC players are usually in JC for a reason. Still, while you remember the ones who don't get eligibility, more make it than don't.
2007-11-30 08:26:49.0
jalamb: Do you think any coordinator or assistant coaching changes are imminent after this season?
2007-11-30 08:27:16.0
Cecilllll: I wouldn't be surprised, although that may be due to external factors (other jobs, etc.) rather than internal.
2007-11-30 08:27:24.0
partsman103: Cecilllll..which players will forfiet meal tickets in order to keep the juco signee feed?(g) Also what are you hearing regarding all "rumors" of coaches going to arky, lsu. etc..etc..? Any idea as to who ends up at arky and lsu?
2007-11-30 08:28:07.0
Cecilllll: I really don't. Coaching searches can be so volatile. I think Ole Miss and Texas A&M did well to get off the carousel early.
2007-11-30 08:28:36.0
kwvarga: When do redshirts get handed out? (Fanuzzi, etc)
2007-11-30 08:29:35.0
Cecilllll: Well, it varies. Obviously, guys who didn't play at all can consider the year a "redshirt" season. If they played, then the NCAA usually has to make some determination (i.e., medical) and you never know when a ruling is coming.
2007-11-30 08:29:47.0
jadkinsers: how do you see the QB position shaking out next year?
2007-11-30 08:30:28.0
Cecilllll: Competitive. Interested to see more of Fanuzzi in spring. I don't think Star Jackson walks in ready to play, but who knows? I would still bet on JPW as starter vs. Clemson (or whoever the opener is.)
2007-11-30 08:30:50.0
ChrisH5924: do you think we are ahead of clemson for getting chris jordan after clemson telling him he would play rb
2007-11-30 08:31:13.0
Cecilllll: I hear Alabama leads, but you could probably ask someone in S.C. and they might have heard that Clemson leads.
2007-11-30 08:31:41.0
kwvarga: How does Sexton's contract work money-wise? If there is a 100,000 bonus in for beating Auburn, does Sexton get like 15,000 of it? If so, wouldn't you think Sexton would want 2 of his clients to be facing each other, to guarantee money for him either way?
2007-11-30 08:32:05.0
Cecilllll: Sounds like a good deal to me. I don't think percentages are tied to bonuses, but I might br wrong, depending on the contract.
2007-11-30 08:32:14.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Cecil what is your prediction for next years football season?
2007-11-30 08:32:59.0
Cecilllll: Too early to predict. I would say a reasonable expectation would be for improvement, with that improvement reflected in the record relative to a difficult road schedule. I would assume that means better than 6-6, definitely.
2007-11-30 08:33:21.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Cecil I am just wondering do you think we will get looked over for a bowl bid?
2007-11-30 08:33:51.0
Cecilllll: No. I think if the Independence Bowl is presented with an Ala/SC choice, they will choose UA.
2007-11-30 08:33:58.0
NoseBleed: Cecil -- Jox is now reporting 10 year between 34 and 36 million and paying the buyout, have you heard any truth to this
2007-11-30 08:34:42.0
Cecilllll: If that's for me, I will take it. (g) I assume you mean Tuberville. That would be a lot of Wal-Mart money flying around. I have no idea if it is true.
2007-11-30 08:34:53.0
Give Blanda Shoes: Pecentage-wise, how genuine do you think DJ Hall's "the right way" post-Iron Bowl comment was?
2007-11-30 08:35:17.0
Cecilllll: I would have to re-read it in context. Sorry not to have a better answer.
2007-11-30 08:35:36.0
aMAZEnFan (aka Godsentone78): I missed it if it was posted already--latest bowl prediction??????? Where are we heading?
2007-11-30 08:35:49.0
Cecilllll: Independence. Maybe Liberty. JMO.
2007-11-30 08:35:57.0
Ficas: What are the Chances of landing Tyler Edwards?
2007-11-30 08:36:03.0
Cecilllll: Probably not more than 50-50.
2007-11-30 08:36:17.0
aMAZEnFan (aka Godsentone78): Cecil, sorry I'm missed the first 20+ minutes, but please give us the latest on all this controversy surrounding you. Will your job be in jeopardy or are you good?
2007-11-30 08:39:50.0
Cecilllll: I will be glad to say what I can. There are some things I cannot discuss, including news sources, legal proceedings or internal personnel decisions of the Tuscaloosa News or NYT Company. Here is what I will say. I made a mistake in not disclosing a pre-existing relationship with a person who become a subject of subsequent news stories. That was poor judgment on my part. So any consequences from it are my fault. Not anyone else's. Speaking generally, I would say that my employers understand that and have been supportive.
2007-11-30 08:40:11.0
Crimson Flounder: Cecil do you really think Mike Sherman, who has been out of college ball for ten years, is a good fit at A&M?
2007-11-30 08:40:35.0
Cecilllll: He's a good coach, loves A&M (or so I am told) so if he can recruit, I think he will do fine.
2007-11-30 08:40:48.0
Ficas: Cecil I know its early but which squad will have the dge going into next season? Offense or Defense?
2007-11-30 08:41:17.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Cecil I am interested in going into sports news or broadcasting anchor is there any advice you can give me. I am at Alabama now in the engineering feild and feel like my interest lie someplace else.
2007-11-30 08:42:30.0
Cecilllll: Sorry for the double question. I would say offense, despite losses at WR. As far as a career in sports, just be sure you love it. It is rewarding in some ways but demanding and not (unless you are a big-time talent) an avenue to riches. But I have thoroughly enjoyed it.
2007-11-30 08:42:57.0
ubieone: Hey Cecil, A Lsu buddy in Baton Rouge just told me Tyler Edwards was committing to Bama on Sunday. Have you heard anything?
2007-11-30 08:43:34.0
Cecilllll: Again, people are guessing that based on what might happen with Miles. If he announces for Michigan on Monday, then I would revise my "less than 50-50" on Edwards.
2007-11-30 08:43:39.0
Ficas: Do all the coaching changes in the SEC west benefits Alabama's chances of "stealing" recruits who have already committed to other SEC west schools.
2007-11-30 08:43:47.0
Cecilllll: Couldn't hurt.
2007-11-30 08:44:00.0
Give Blanda Shoes: What's the deal with the "players quitting" rumors? Anything to it, or has the silly season started early this year?
2007-11-30 08:44:32.0
Cecilllll: Losing games breeds rumors. I'm not sure what anyone would gain from quitting with only a possible bowl game to go.
2007-11-30 08:44:47.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Hey what do you think of T, Cody coming? Will he start next year or have to wait a year
2007-11-30 08:45:36.0
Cecilllll: I am off the Kenric Lott school of "wait and see" on jucos. But it is certainly possible. UA has had great, instant-impact jucos like John Copeland, Michael Myers and Kevin Jackson as well.
2007-11-30 08:45:51.0
crow: Being that Saban seems so intense and standoffish, what makes him so endearing to recruits and their parents?
2007-11-30 08:46:26.0
Cecilllll: Well, I think the intensity ius a positive. Plus he is a very good speaker and salesman, and that is what recruiting really is.
2007-11-30 08:46:39.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Cecil is there any more news on Fayson transferring out of Fla. and if so where is he most likely to go?
2007-11-30 08:46:56.0
Cecilllll: It would make sense, but I don't know any more about it. Just an opinion.
2007-11-30 08:47:21.0
bamaincincy: I thought Ricks was a casualty last year and didn't sign. Am i mising something?
2007-11-30 08:47:31.0
Cecilllll: He was. it happens sometimes.
2007-11-30 08:47:41.0
ubieone: Cecil, its already been determined. We are going to trade a McCready and Shirvanian for you to come to Mobilel.
2007-11-30 08:47:52.0
bmtkwm: I do not think Mr. Hurt should answer that is it really any of OUR business???
2007-11-30 08:48:14.0
Cecilllll: Readers have a pretty broad right to know, in my opinion.
2007-11-30 08:48:22.0
pccoder: Is there any chance that Alabama gets to go to a bowl game this year? I know they didn't end with a stellar record; however they did win 6 games and almost knocked off LSU.
2007-11-30 08:48:33.0
Cecilllll: Independence, I think.
2007-11-30 08:48:37.0
captains1: do you think Applewhite will leave, if so, percentage wise??
2007-11-30 08:48:54.0
Cecilllll: I don't. Less than 20%, if I have to do it that way.
2007-11-30 08:49:13.0
TideCrazy: I find it odd that so many of the vacancies and potential vacancies in the SEC west are centered on coaches at other SEC schools. Is it time for the ADs to move on and allow some fresh thinkers, or is this all a media / internet creation?
2007-11-30 08:49:59.0
Cecilllll: Odd set of circumstances. Plus, taking an unknown quantity is such a gamble that AD's tend to be conservative. Because the stakes are so high.
2007-11-30 08:50:24.0
85 UA Grad: Cecil, I'm supporting you. You are far and away the best columnist / sports reporter in this state and I hope you remain at the T News for many years to come...
2007-11-30 08:51:30.0
Cecilllll: The support I have received has been humbling. Thanks.
2007-11-30 08:51:45.0
keith.reavis: Have you heard that Kevin Steele was being looked at for another job?
2007-11-30 08:51:57.0
Cecilllll: No but he is very good so I wouldn't be surprised.
2007-11-30 08:52:05.0
redtide: did you hear al del greco talking about Saban leaving for LSU? Is this irresponsible or based on facts?
2007-11-30 08:52:32.0
Cecilllll: I have no idea about Al's "sources" The sources iu have do not indicate the same thing.
2007-11-30 08:53:51.0
85 UA Grad: Late to the chat, what is the rumor du jour?
2007-11-30 08:53:53.0
banjeaux: Cecil, you are appreciated by Bama fans. Do you feel that? Dave we like you, too. Keep up the good work.
2007-11-30 08:54:03.0
wardc72: I've been hearing speculation that Coach Pendry was really responsible for making the final decision on play calls this year. Is this the case? Or is that purely speculation?
2007-11-30 08:54:19.0
Cecilllll: I would say he had input but Coach Applewhite was the play-caller.
2007-11-30 08:54:27.0
ckpencil: is that relative to the prosess ?(g)
2007-11-30 08:54:29.0
ChrisH5924: since we just got terrance cody who do you think will me our next commitment?
2007-11-30 08:54:54.0
Cecilllll: I don't know. Chris Jordan maybe?
2007-11-30 08:55:03.0
jalamb: Do you think there's any chance of us getting Ed Orgeron to coach the defensive line and do some recruiting?
2007-11-30 08:55:12.0
Cecilllll: Probably not.
2007-11-30 08:55:18.0
jjmason@bama.ua.edu: Cecil in your opinion, is it a wise choice for Tommy Tubberville to leave AU?
2007-11-30 08:55:49.0
ESE David Wasson: Just a few minutes remain with Cecil. He will return for his Monday chat from 2-3 p.m.!
2007-11-30 08:55:52.0
Cecilllll: I don't know all of the ramifications. I know Auburn is a political place. (All colleges are, I guess.) So he mgiht feel the timing is right.
2007-11-30 08:56:05.0
captains1: how were coach o's 20 players suspended and still played against msu??
2007-11-30 08:56:12.0
Cecilllll: Double secret probation.
2007-11-30 08:56:31.0
Alabama02grad: Are there any updates on Bryant-Denny being expanded or are those plans on hold?
2007-11-30 08:56:49.0
Cecilllll: Probably some word soon on BoT plans.
2007-11-30 08:56:52.0
ubieone: Al's sources are from AuTigers.com
2007-11-30 08:56:53.0
ESE David Wasson: We have entered the Speed Round!
2007-11-30 08:56:57.0
sgarner: sorry I am late. Will we lose Applewhite and Middleton? (Raider from Decatur)
2007-11-30 08:57:27.0
Cecilllll: I don't think so, but there is a lot of volatility in the coaching world right now.
2007-11-30 08:57:33.0
ckpencil: cecill is the man
2007-11-30 08:57:37.0
bamaincincy: i'll take your sources
2007-11-30 08:57:39.0
MagnaThrust: This may have already been asked but is there any shred of truth that Saban is interested in talking with LSU?
2007-11-30 08:57:49.0
Cecilllll: I don't think so.
2007-11-30 08:58:01.0
aMAZEnFan (aka Godsentone78): Thanks for responding to my question Cecil!!! I really appreciate all you do and I would hate for anything to happen that would prevent otherwise!!!! Thanks!
2007-11-30 08:58:15.0
Ficas: Cecil, how close are you with Coach Saban? is it more than caoch/reporter relationship?
2007-11-30 08:58:32.0
Cecilllll: We have a good relationship but strictly on a professional level.
2007-11-30 08:58:57.0
Ficas: What type of job do you think Nutt can do at Ole Miss? Better than Cutcliff?
2007-11-30 08:59:28.0
Cecilllll: Well, he probably won't get another Eli. But I think Nutt is creative and can be Relatively successful in Oxford.
2007-11-30 08:59:41.0
sgarner: Can Russ McDonald PartY!!!!
2007-11-30 08:59:50.0
Cecilllll: Like a warrior.
2007-11-30 08:59:53.0
captains1: thanks for your work, Cecil!!
2007-11-30 08:59:57.0
MagnaThrust: Is the new JC standout quick for his freakish size? Think he will get bigger?
2007-11-30 08:59:59.0
85 UA Grad: Do you know who the mad hatters' (Miles) agent is?
2007-11-30 09:00:07.0
food4golf: What do you know about Terrance Cody? Can he move, or is he just big- I mean HUGE?
2007-11-30 09:00:27.0
Cecilllll: Cody probably needs to lose weight but is pretty athletic, reportedly.
2007-11-30 09:01:11.0
Cecilllll: Miles agent is a guy named George Bass out of Dallas. I do not know him.
2007-11-30 09:01:26.0
aMAZEnFan (aka Godsentone78): Can you put into words, why our football team seems to tank it in November? They haven't won in November since MSU in 2004!!!! What's the real issue you see?
2007-11-30 09:02:06.0
Cecilllll: MSU 2005 actually which is still astounding. Lots of "real issues" combined -- talent, toughness, etc. Needs work, fr sure.
2007-11-30 09:02:30.0
Cecilllll: Guys, I have to go. Thanks for the chat and see you Monday.
2007-11-30 09:02:42.0
Alabama02grad: See ya
2007-11-30 09:02:44.0
wardc72: Thanks for your time Cecil
2007-11-30 09:02:52.0
85 UA Grad: Thanks Cecil
2007-11-30 09:03:03.0
ESE David Wasson: And that does it for Cecil for today. Thanks to ALL who participated!
2007-11-30 09:03:17.0
ChrisH5924: thanks!!
2007-11-30 09:03:40.0
ESE David Wasson: The chat transcript will be up later today.