Category Archives: Rolando McClain

What's important this Monday afternoon

Posted on September 20, 2010 by | Comments Off

It’s back to the weekly grind this Monday afternoon. Here’s what is making news in the Alabama universe this week.

  • The Alabama/Florida game will air in prime time next Saturday. CBS picked up the SEC Championship rematch for its 7 p.m. (Central) broadcast. It will be the third night game of the year through five games.
  • Nothing major came out of the afternoon news conference with Nick Saban and selected players.
  • On the injury front, the only player Saban won’t practice today is defensive end Luther Davis. He sprained an ankle and a knee against Duke, but Saban expects he’ll be back for Tuesday’s practice.
  • Mark Ingram said he was a little sore after his big debut at Duke, but it wasn’t anything unusual.

Check out this video of former Tide linebacker Rolando McClain getting nasty in yesterday’s game with the Raiders. More to come later.

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Posted in football, Mark Ingram, Nick Saban, Rolando McClain, video

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Updating Alabama's NFL rookies

Posted on August 23, 2010 by | 3 Comments

Kareem Jackson takes a good look at Reggie Bush in this AP photo

The NFL preseason continues on. Here is a quick look at a few of the stars from the 2009 Alabama squad who enjoyed a certain degree of success in college.

It is still early in the process and there is still time for these guys to impress the front office before cutdowns.

  • Rolando McClain picked up three tackles in Saturday’s 32-17 Raiders win over the Bears. The Decatur native got his first stop on the Raiders’ opening play on defense stopping the Bears for a two yard gain.
  • The sequel to Terrence Cody’s big debut with the Ravens wasn’t as big, but not bad. He had two tackles — both for losses — in a 22-3 win over Washington.
  • The kick returning that made Javier Arenas a star in Tuscaloosa isn’t hurting his cause in Kansas City.  He picked up a 54-yard kickoff return in the Chiefs 20-15 loss in his hometown of Tampa.
  • The “other” first-round pick, Kareem Jackson made a pair of tackles and broke up a pass in the Texans’ 38-20 loss to Super Bowl champion New Orleans.
  • Brandon Deaderick didn’t make a tackle in last week’s game in Atlanta, but this writer thinks he’ll make the Patriots’ final roster.

On a side note, if you’d like a new way to follow the Bama Blog, sign up for updates on Facebook by clicking here.

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Posted in football, Rolando McClain

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Cody, McClain, Deaderick make preseason debuts

Posted on August 13, 2010 by | Comments Off
Terrence Cody (63) battles in the Associated Press photo

The NFL preseason is underway and a few Alabama rookies got their feet wet Thursday night.

Rolando McClain had two tackles including one solo for the Oakland Raiders 17-9 win over the Cowboys.

Even more impressive was Terrence Cody. He had five tackles — four solo — and one for loss in the Ravens’ 17-12 win over the Panthers. He even lined up in the backfield as a fullback blocking for another former McClain from Alabama — running back Le’Ron McClain.

Read more about Cody’s blocking skills in the Baltimore Sun.

In Foxboro, Brandon Deaderick got a little playing time in the Patriots’ 27-24 loss to the Saints. Deaderick had one tackle in the fourth quarter.

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Posted in Brandon Deaderick, football, Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody

Hazing claims Rolando McClain's hair

Posted on August 13, 2010 by | Comments Off

The hazing of 2010 continues in the NFL. Unlike Tim Tebow’s now infamous monk cut, Rolando McClain’s new style isn’t getting the same kind of hype.

Except here.

Courtesy of the Thoughts from the Dark Side blog that follows the Oakland Raiders, here is a look at McClain’s unfortunate new look. I guess $40 million contracts aren’t enough to keep the clippers away.

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Posted in football, Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody, Tim Tebow

McClain signs with Raiders

Posted on July 29, 2010 by | Comments Off
Associated Press photo
It looks like Rolando McClain won’t miss a practice after all. Every media outlet in the Bay Area is reporting the Butkus Award winner from Decatur signed his contract with the Oakland Raiders and is heading to the wine country in Napa for training camp.
Details of the contract were not published by sources outside of ESPN.com. The worldwide leader says the Decatur product is guaranteed $23 million of the $40-million deal that spans five years. Check out that story by clicking here.
If those numbers are accurate, McClain’s deal is considerably better than the one last year’s eighth overall pick received. Offensive lineman Eugene Monroe inked a deal worth (just) $35.4 million overall and (just) $19.2 million guaranteed.
This negotiation went much better than the JaMarcus Russell fiasco of a few years back. No lengthy holdout will spoil the rookie season for McClain who is expected to play a big part in the rebuilding Raider defense.
For stories straight from Raiders’ trainng camp, click here and here.
As always, stick with the blog for any updates we can provide.

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Posted in football, NFL Draft, Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain

Raiders hope to sign McClain by Thursday

Posted on July 28, 2010 by | Comments Off

Practice begins tomorrow and Rolando McClain remains unsigned for now. As the clock ticks down to the beginning of the Oakland Raiders’ training camp, the team is still working on a deal with the Decatur product.

According to an Associated Press story, they’re hoping to have the ink dried by Thursday when practices begin out west.

In other news, Terrence Cody has passed his physical with the Baltimore Ravens, is practicing, and apparently has a new nickname courtesy of a teammate.

Stick with the blog for updates.

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Posted in football, Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody

Rolando McClain only Raider rookie without deal

Posted on July 27, 2010 by | Comments Off

Training camp is drawing near, but Rolando McClain has no contract with the Oakland Raiders just yet. Al Davis signed second-rounder Lamarr Houston yesterday, leaving McClain as the only one with out a deal.

McClain’s agent Pat Dye Jr., does not typically comment on rookie contract negotiations, said a spokesperson for his agency.

Stay tuned to The Bama Blog for any updates that might come on this story.

Until then, check out this reel of McClain’s senior season.

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Posted in football, Oakland Raiders, Pat Dye Jr., Rolando McClain, video

Checking in on 'Bama NFL rookies

Posted on May 16, 2010 by | Comments Off

It’s been about a month since the NFL draft and the Crimson Tide players selected are settling into their new surroundings. Here are a few updates courtesy of the beat writers who cover the teams and a few other newspapers.

Leigh Tiffin wasn’t drafted, but he signed on with the Cleveland Browns. The TimesDaily ran this update in today’s paper.

Terrence Cody appears to be doing well with the Baltimore Ravens, according to this story and this story.

Javier Arenas is working at nickel back with the Chiefs, the Kansas City Star reports.

Mike Johnson is working with the Falcons second-team offensive line, so says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. 

Rolando McClain, the San Francisco Examiner says, is “a stud.”

Kige Ramsey didn’t play at Alabama, but he does like his Tennessee Titans jerseys and makes great videos. Here is your Kige video of the day.

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Posted in football, Javier Arenas, Kige Ramsey, Leigh Tiffin, Mike Johnson, NFL Draft, Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody, video

Who really will be a better pro?

Posted on May 12, 2010 by | Comments Off

It is the question I posed in the Bama Blog poll and there was a runaway winner. Rolando McClain has the high expectations of the readership by earning 77 percent of the vote. Javier Arenas and Terrence Cody picked up seven percent a piece to tie for second.

Click here for the compete results.

If you’re asking me, I’d have to agree with the 77 percent who went with McClain. He has all the physical and mental tools to succeed at the next level. He seems to be making an impact already in Oakland Raiders mini-camp and I’m fascinated to see how he’ll do this fall.

Arenas is another smart bet considering his versatility. Nick Saban said his NFL experience taught him the importance of having a player who can handle himself at cornerback and punt/kick returner. With smaller rosters, it’s important to find a player who can handle two positions like Arenas.

The only surprising result of the poll was the confidence the readers had in the other Alabama first-round pick. Kareem Jackson got just two percent of the vote.

I’d like to hear more of your views on the topic. Leave a comment by clicking the comment button at the top of the post. And if you haven’t voted yet, do so below.

<div><a href=”http://www.micropoll.com/akira/mpview/648539-250504″>Click Here for Poll</a><a href=”http://www.questionpro.com” title=”online survey”>Online Survey</a><BR><a href=”http://www.surveyanalytics.com/enterprise-feedback-management.html” title=”Enterprise Feedback Management”>Enterprise Feedback Management</a><BR> | <a href=”http://www.micropoll.com” title=”Polls”>Polls</a><BR> | <a href=”http://www.contactpro.com” title=”email marketing”>Email Marketing</a><BR><BR> | <a href=”http://www.ideascale.com/” title=”crowdsourcing software”>Crowdsourcing Software</a><BR><a href=”http://www.micropoll.com/akira/MicroPoll?mode=html&amp;id=250504″>View MicroPoll</A></div>

And now, the latest from Kige Ramsey.

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Posted in football, Javier Arenas, Kareem Jackson, NFL Draft, Nick Saban, Oakland Raiders, poll, Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody

Raider Rolando McClain update

Posted on May 10, 2010 by | Comments Off

It’s been a few weeks since the draft followed by mini-camp. Now it’s time for a quick video update on the eighth pick of the draft, Rolando McClain.

Check out this video from the Oakland Raiders’ website where McClain sits down with the voice of the Raiders, Greg Papa.

It looks like the Decatur native and Butkus Award winner is adjusting well to his new surroundings, a new defense and a new jersey number. Check it out.

If you want a film of a different sort, check out the Kige Ramsey video of the day.

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Posted in football, Kige Ramsey, Rolando McClain, video

McClain: Gone with the autumn wind

Posted on April 23, 2010 by | Comments Off
 Daily photo by Jeronimo Nisa

Now that the morning after is almost over, let’s talk a look at what everyone is saying about Rolando McClain’s new football home, Oakland. I recommend listening to this and this while digesting what is to follow. 

“Rolando McClain is a physical, savvy leader at linebacker, which matches the philosophy Raiders Coach Tom Cable is trying to instill in Oakland.” Matt Waldman, New York Times

“The first twist came at No. 8, when the unpredictable Oakland Raiders took Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain, who most people had predicted would go in the teens. That drew raucous boos from the Giants fans in the balcony section of the theater because they were hoping McClain would be around when their team picked in the middle of the round.” Sam Farmer, Los Angeles Times

“At 6-foot-3, 254 pounds, McClain has the body of Junior Seau — and, by all accounts, the passion, dedication and inspirational presence of Ray Lewis.” Monte Poole, San Jose Mercury News

“Al Davis doesn’t care if he upsets Raiders fans with his draft picks. So it’s no surprise that Davis fails to honor Raider Nation wishes by drafting a new owner. Instead he goes with a linebacker, Rolando McClain.” Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle 

“Great common sense pick by Raiders. Unlike last year, where DHB pick was greeted with laughter, most everyone nodded their heads and seemed pretty impressed by selection of McClain.” Jerry McDonald, Oakland Tribune

Here is a Q&A McClain did with the Oakland Tribune, an other with Raiders coach Tom Cable.

I wrote this story and this story (also found here) for today’s paper and Daily photographer Jeronimo Nisa produced this photo gallery.

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Posted in football, NFL Draft, Oakland Raiders, Rolando McClain

And Rolando McClain goes to the …

Posted on April 23, 2010 by | Comments Off

… the Oakland Raiders who surprised many by taking him with the eighth pick in the draft.
 
Check back later for more.

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Posted in football, NFL Draft, Rolando McClain

Just hours away from the NFL draft

Posted on April 22, 2010 by | Comments Off

Thank goodness, we are in the final countdown for the first round of the NFL draft. Any number of scenarios could play out when the made-for-TV prime time debut telecast begins at 6:30 p.m. (Central) on ESPN.

We know Rolando McClain will go in the first round, but will Kareem Jackson and/or Terrence Cody join him? Or are they headed for heartbreak?

Stay with the Bama Blog for all the updates as McClain watches the draft from home sweet home in Decatur.

Here are a few final predictions coming in from respectable beat writers.

The Giants remain be fans of McClain (New York Daily News)
Another prediction of McClain to the Giants (Newark Star Ledger)
A draft viewing guide (New York Times)
Giants linebacker a big McClain fan (New York Post)

Check in later for more.

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Posted in football, Kareem Jackson, NFL Draft, Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody

A survey of the NFL mock drafts

Posted on April 21, 2010 by | Comments Off

Everyone seems to have an opinion, but two favorites are emerging for the services of Rolando McClain. A survey of 12 mock drafts (from legitimate sources, not Bleacher Report) identified the Denver Broncos (11th pick) and the New York Giants (15th) pick as the most likely landing places.

Here’s the breakdown of the experts’ views on McClain:

Washington Post: No. 15, New York Giants
Miami Herald: No. 11, Denver Broncos
Sports Illustrated: No. 11, New York Giants (from Denver)
Baltimore Sun: No. 11 Denver Broncos
Colorado Springs Gazette: No. 10, Jacksonville Jaguars
NFL.com: No. 11, Denver Broncos
Athlon: No. 22, New England Patriots
CBS Sports: No. 15, New York Giants*
FoxSports.com: No. 15, New York Giants
NBCSports.com: No. 10, Jacksonville Jaguars
Houston Chronicle: No. 11, Denver Broncos
Albany (N.Y.) Times Union: No. 11, Denver Broncos

* 2 of 4 panelists said New York

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Posted in football, NFL Draft, Rolando McClain

NFL Draft eve reading assignments

Posted on April 21, 2010 by | Comments Off

As you know, the NFL draft is one of the most over hyped, over analyzed events of any calendar year. Thank you ESPN and interwebs. So, to feed the beast they have created, I provide you with a reading list of stories as I work on a few of my own.

Rolando McClain hopes to mimic careers of other athletes battling Crohn’s Disease (New York Daily News)

The agent selection process has changed at Alabama since Sugar Bowl (Mobile Press-Register)

NFL draft to be loaded with Tide, Gators (Chattanooga Times Free Press)

Tiffin hopes to keep rolling in NFL (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

Tide’s Cory Reamer: I’m going to do everything I can to make it in the NFL (Press-Register)

Will Alabama’s Cody be a mountain of a bust? (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

Beat writers mock draft (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)

If Alabama LB McClain slips, he’s a slam dunk for Giants (New York Post)

McClain could be surprise first-round pick for Chiefs (Kansas City Star)

Colin Peek ranked 15th best tight end (Chicago Tribune)

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Posted in Colin Peak, Cory Reamer, football, Holla McGhee, Leigh Tiffin, NFL Draft, Rolando McClain, Terrence Cody