Boomo Bugg Show 080526

[0:00] Now, get ready to roll Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of Northwest Alabama and Southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice. The Boomo Bugg Show. Your exclusive inside track to the Tide, Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC. Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9, The Score. Good afternoon and welcome in to the Boomo Bugg Show. I'm Harold Bugg alongside Brett Beaird. Thank you so much for giving us a speed ride around the Tennessee Valley. Brett Beaird, welcome in. Where the question of the day is, are you ready to take the curtain up on day one to go camping?

How are you? Happy Wednesday to you and the listeners. There's a lot of teams beginning at summer camp today, but we're going to talk to a coach who's been doing it for a week in just a minute. Steve Halwag and the Bucknuts will preview the 2026 season for a very talented Ohio State team. Daryl Higgins, now head football coach at Russellville, will tell us how the transition is going so far. But before we do that, coach, UNA coach Brent Dierman joins us now to update the first week of summer camp.

Coach, welcome in. Long time. How are you and how's your summer been? Man, it's been fantastic, fellas. I know any time I get a chance to talk to y'all, I'm usually getting really close to football season. So I look forward to it in more ways than once. Well, all the years you look forward to it, I don't care what season it is, but coach, I won't steal your thunder. When you go to work now and everybody else associated, not only with the team, but the university, for the folks who are just checking in from Mars, Pluto, or wherever, what makes this season really special as far as home cooking for you?

For the first time in UNA history, we're going to have a home cooking. We're going to have a place to call our home. We're going to have an on-campus stadium for a home game. We're going to be able to generate revenue. We're going to have parking. We're going to have alcohol. We're going to have good sessions. We're going to have a flow of money that's going to go back into our athletes so we can pour into them a little bit more as well. So there's so many great things with this on-campus stadium that we'll have this year.

So let's talk to us about that because I've seen some of the pictures, but I don't know how old they are. I assume everything is right on pace. I know we've had some challenging weather as far as rain and heat. The heat's one thing, but the rain's another. Is everything pretty much on pace to be ready to rock and roll here? They tell me everything's on pace, but I don't ask a lot because I don't want to get stressed out. I don't want to know. I don't ask many questions.

I'm kind of in that if I don't ask, then it must be, and I don't hear anything, it must be on pace. But they're doing a fantastic job. I was messing with the foreman the other day, and I said, hey, y'all got all the stadium lights up. Y'all could technically go 24 hours a day working now. And he laughed at me. But no, we've got about the middle 80 yards of turf between the numbers is down. I think they're going to start sewing the numbers in and getting into the sidelines in the next couple days.

So when that turf started getting laid, it got rid of me. Absolutely. Let me ask you about the transformation with your defensive line. I know you had mentioned that you needed to get bigger and add some length. And I think Josh Long, the defensive line coach, kind of helped you with that as far as recruiting, and particularly with Memphis, Ryan Silverfield now with the Arkansas Razorbacks, which you played the second game of the year. But Joshua White, 6'4", 300. Mon Coe, 6'1", 325. Kamora Harris, 5'11", 250. Kevian Benton, 6'2", 240.

Donovan Neville, 6'3", 260. Yes, I would say that's a transformation on the defensive line. Yeah, there was a time last year where we called a defensive timeout, and I walked into our defensive huddle, and I was looking every one of our defensive players eye-to-eye, and that's not good. And I made a mental note that day, and I said, we have got to get bigger in the box. We cannot have length. We cannot have girth. And that was our emphasis this offseason, in order to play at our level, in order to play at our conference.

You've got to be able to stop the run with your defensive line. So we sold out. Josh has brought four guys from Memphis. You named the four Memphis guys, but we've also added four other defensive linemen from D2 ranks, from Juco. We've got eight new defensive linemen that give us a lot more girth than we've ever had here. Coach Brent, Jeremy in the huddle with us. Coach, talk to us about, everybody's always going to ask the question, when offense starts with a quarterback, a new year, a brand new, fresh start.

[5:26] Talk to us about the offensive, how things have gone in the offseason, and some of the names that UNA fans need to start remembering. Yeah, I mean, any time you name a starting quarterback in the spring, it's a good sign. Yeah. And this is my first time since I've been here that we've done that. We took our starting quarterback to media days. Our starting quarterback is a captain. All those things have not happened. We've always had a quarterback battle going on in fall camp, and it's good in some ways to have that guy still battling, but it helps your overall football team in the locker room knows who the guy is, and we know who our guy is.

So that's helped us so we can focus on so many other things this fall camp. We can see the battles at O-line. We can see the battles in the receiver room. We can see the running backs go at it every day. So when we have the face of our offense already declared, that's been the biggest thing for us offensively. Harold and I have Phil Steele on our show every year, and we had him a couple weeks ago, and he came out with the preseason all-conference team, and you had seven dudes on his preseason team, and two of them I wanted to specifically mention.

Jaheim Ingram, senior defensive line, a returning captain. Colin Wright, a redshirt senior offensive line. What do they have in common? They played at most of the shows, and I watched these guys play for a couple of years. They've got experience. They're leaders, and there are five other guys or six other guys that he named, but those two guys stood out to me. Colin Wright is, I believe, in his fifth season, the longest-tenure member of the program, and Ingram has been here, of course, was a captain last year.

And I know you brought in a lot of transfers, but we've talked about your recruiting statewide. Those two guys are a good example of it being local products now. Who are leaders on your team? Yes, they both are. They're both will probably both be captains this year. They're on our leadership council. They host visits for us when we bring recruits in. They're kind of the face of North Alabama football. I'm still old school, and I think college is regional, and the fan base that comes and watches you is regional.

And I think our fan base enjoys watching guys that they've got to watch them play high school ball. I mean, there's people around this area that watch Colin and Jaheen play middle school football together. So they are the face of UNA football, of having local guys that wanted to stay close, that wanted to play for their regional university, and have come in and done it the right way, been a great face to everything we do. They're great in the community, and it also helps when they're really good football players.

So I'm tipping my hat, because both of those guys could have left, especially in this transfer portal. Colin Wright's an O-lineman that started for two years. Just that alone would have got him moved up in the transfer portal. Somebody would have taken him. Jaheem Ingram's been a stud here on the defensive line. Now, you're going to have to rephrase it now. Jaheem is now no longer a senior with this new rule. You're right, yes. Jaheem gets five years now, so I don't know what that's called.

We've got to come up with a new term. If you're a coach, we get him another year. Really? Guarantee, there's no substitute for experience. Coach, we talked about the stadium, home stadium being brand new. So is the conference. Your thoughts to the folks, we talked about it way back when this story first broke, but a lot of people have been busy since then, and we've got a new audience. Talk to us what that means for you and they're entering a new conference. Yeah, for me, I've already been in it.

So I've really been just helping our other coaches with, like, hotels, with what travel looks like going to these places for football. Nothing really changed. You know, West Florida's coming in. I think they're going to be pretty good pretty fast. They were really good really fast in the D2 ranks because of their recruiting location in Pensacola. But besides that, for us, everything's going to stay the same. I still get to make one trip to Texas every year. We still got the rivalries with Austin Peay and UCA and West Georgia and Eastern Kentucky.

So for us, football-wise, we get to be consistent, which is good for us. But the rest of the athletic department's trying to change things up a little bit and got to figure some different road trips out. If you would refresh our memory on your new coaches, I mentioned Josh Lone, Javante Moffitt. Safeties coach came in in June, had a very solid NFL career. Tell us a little bit more about your new coaches. You know, Coach Moffitt was a player at Middle Tennessee. He was on his way out when I was the OC there.

[10:33] So I got to know him a little bit. He is a West Tennessee, born and raised, just a good, just kind of a country, phenomenal, work-hard ethic. And when I reached out to Rick Stockdale, former boss of mine, I was the head coach at Middle Tennessee. I said, Coach, I'm looking for a safety coach. You got anybody? And he adamantly stood on the table and said, this is the best character player I ever coached. I'm going to remind this area, he coached Kevin Bayard, who was a stud with the Titans.

He coached Reed Blankenship, who was an absolute stud of a person and player from this area. And for him to stand on the table, and now Javante played in the same backfield as those other two. That was the three safeties. So it was a pretty good backfield. But even yesterday, we were showing some kickoff clips to our players, and our special teams coordinator pulled up video of Javante Moffitt running down on kickoff and making a tackle for the Browns. So he has a little bit of extra swagger.

Our players love the fact that they've got a coach that made it to the next level, and they get to see him making plays when we pull up plays with that. So he's been fantastic, a great hire, great addition to our staff. Coach, you need good players, you need good coaches, but you also need good fans. Talk to us about the home schedule. Unlike years past, UNA fans finally going to have not only an opportunity to come to the new stadium, but to open up, basically, if you will, and affect the home game over in Huntsville.

Absolutely. You know, we get to meet another fan base there with Sanford. I think we're going to pack out the stadium there in Huntsville between our two fan bases. There's such rich tradition at Sanford, but there's a lot of rich tradition with UNA, for sure. And I think the fan base that's moved east towards that Huntsville area gets an opportunity to come out, get the tailgate, get to make a day of it there in Huntsville, and have that neutral site game. I think it's going to be fantastic for the state.

It's going to be great for recruiting, because us at Sanford battled for the same kids in recruiting. It gives us a little bragging rights in-state. So there's so many different great aspects of that football game to start the year off. Absolutely. Listen, we're going to let you go. We always enjoy the conversation. Tell us your schedule the rest of the week. When is your first scrimmage? And we always enjoy your time and look forward to getting started in a couple of weeks. So yesterday, we had our first full padded practice.

We got a little tackling in yesterday. Today, the players have off. So coaches will just evaluate. We're looking at depth chart. We're looking at last night's practice, seeing where we're going to go from here with install. We'll get two more days of kind of situational football these next few days. We need to get to two minutes. We need to get to some special situations in the kicking game. We need to tell them what overtime is and put them through that. And then Saturday, we'll have our first legitimate scrimmage.

We only get two scrimmages now. NCAA only lets us put full pads on seven times and only lets us scrimmage twice. So you got to make the most of these two scrimmages we get. And the first one's this upcoming Saturday. Coach, you're right. When we hear your voice, we know it's almost so close you can reach out and touch it. Thanks so good for your time again. Let's do it again soon, Coach. Yes, sir. Thank you, guys. Thank you. There you go. UNA head football coach, Brent Dierman.

Coming up, what's going on down to the plains? Cole Pinkston. Next. Stay with us. All right, grab some buds and listen up. Grilling season's here. Now we find out what we're made of. Are we going to fold under pressure and overcook the burgers? Or are we going to nail the carne asada and the brisket and pack the coolers with ice cold Budweiser and Bud Light? Because that's the difference between winning and losing, between flipping burgers and grilling like a pro. This summer, grill like a pro with Bud and Bud Light.

Stock up today. Anheuser-Busch, Budweiser, and Bud Light beer, St. Louis, Missouri. What's up, everybody? Nick Costos here helping you beat the books with Westwood One Sports. Taking a look at the pro football futures market in the NFC South, Atlanta the longest shot to win the division at plus 375. And I think all of these teams, Tampa, New Orleans, Carolina, Atlanta, are closely bunched together. And if Atlanta's free agent acquisition at quarterback starts all season, I think Atlanta can win this division at that price. Bet smarter and beat the books.

Download the BetMGM app today. My name is Whitney Allen, and I'm a widow. My husband, Ryan, died. We never thought we'd ever have to use life insurance, but the unexpected happened. With Ethos, signing up was fast and 100% online. You can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage. No medical exams, and you can get up to $3 million worth of coverage. I am grateful we were prepared. Get your free quote at ethos.com slash play. That's ethos.com slash play. Paid spokesperson. Time spent on application may vary.

[15:54] Online health questions required. This is Sports Radio 93.9. The Score. Sketchers elite athlete OG Ananobi has been making history on the basketball court. Ananobi tips it in. Unbelievable. What a shot. He's been balling out in Skechers high-performance basketball sneakers, and the world is noticed. But how does OG train off the court to keep in peak physical condition? Hands-free Skechers Slippin's Arrowburst. They help prepare OG for the physical demands of playing at a championship level. Get your pair of Arrowbursts for only $165 at a Skechers store, Skechers.com, or wherever high-performance running cheese are sold.

And David Ortiz, when I lost my mom, she was only 46. And I lost my dad to cancer. It was the worst pain I ever felt. It made me think, what will happen with the people I love when my time is up? That's why I have life insurance. Ethos makes it easy. It's all online. Take about 10 minutes. And you can get up to $3 million and cover it. Get your free quote at ethos.com slash game. That's ethos.com slash game. Pay testimonial. Time spent on application may vary.

Online health questions required. Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. What a privilege. He really needs no introduction. The legend at multiple shows, Alabama. The two-year deal with the Milwaukee Bucks and the NBA's Mark Sears. Talk to us. You played against some good competition across the SEC and across the nation. Congratulations again. First team around All-American. So, obviously, it goes without saying, you're pretty good yourself. But what about the biggest difference, the biggest adjustment going from college player to the NBA? He obviously is going to be more talented.

But one of the biggest adjustments is the physicality and strength level. You're dealing with guys that this is what they do for a living. So they can lock in on just, you know, making sure they're the best player version of themselves. The Boomo Bugg show. Weekdays, noon to 2 on 93.9 The Score. The Score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back, Cam. We've been talking about curtains coming up all over the place. Do you still call it fall camp, BB? What kind of monitor do you put on that?

Well, I replaced that with summer camp years ago. Or maybe sauna camp. Cole Pinkston. Let's hope he's caught up on his rest because he's about to get busy as recruiting and football analyst for AuburnSports.com. That's part of the On3.com family. Cole, welcome in. How are you? I'm doing great. I'm heading back home from the first day of fall camp at Auburn. So I'm driving. I hope you can hear me okay. Yeah, we can. What's the old commercial? Can you hear me now? The answer is yes.

Cole, obviously, day one, there's one thing that every college football team, I assume, has in common. Everybody's fired up on day one. Everybody loves the coach. And one of the reasons is nobody's lost a ball game yet. Nobody's nagging about you doing this and not doing that. What's the mood as far as the vibe right now on day one in your neck of the woods? I'd say it couldn't be better. I felt like the vibe at practice was intense, very intense. I saw coaches sprinting up and down the indoor, just getting ready for the day.

I mean, I thought they were going to put on pads at one point. They were so fired up. But, no, I felt like the drills were high intensity. Of course, you know, we don't see too much. We see the warm-ups and the drills, mostly individual period. But, you know, I have plenty of takeaways from seeing that. There's several things I noticed that are definitely different, just with the attitude, I would say. What do you mean by that, Cole, if you can elaborate on that? Yeah, I just, there's, honestly, I don't know how this will come across, but I hear a lot of cussing out there.

Just some intensity. It seems like everybody out there has got this chip on their shoulder, I guess you would say. And they're pushing physicality and attitude all day long. And, look, they've got no problem calling out guys that may not be matching what they want from them from an attitude standpoint. And I think that's different in this era where, you know, you almost cater to the player because they can leave you at any time. I don't think they're worried about that, which I'm very interested to see how that plays out.

Listen, we can ask you about 20 different players, but as far as this morning, and I know you had a limited period, a viewing period, who caught your eye? Yeah, I really, I stuck around the offense today. Tomorrow, I'll be around the defense more. But on offense, I felt like a couple tight ends always catch my eye on it. It's Jonathan Echols, who transferred from South Florida, and then Xavier Newsome, who they call Tree. He came in from Hampton or Howard, I can't remember which one. But transferred in from there, and both of those guys are specimens.

[21:01] And they can move, and they can, you know, line up at receiver and play there. I saw them doing a little bit of that. I always, my eye always goes to Tristan Tia, the backup quarterback. I feel like he has a really good throwing motion. Everything that comes out of his hand is smooth. Seems like he's on time. I think they feel pretty good about where they're at with him if anything should happen to Byron Brown. And then the running back that I love watching is Omar Mavson.

I know everybody likes Jeremiah Cobb, and rightfully so. And obviously, Bryson Washington's been a 1,000-yard rusher in his career. But Mavson looks like he really wants to be that guy, and I think that has stood out to coaches as well. I think that's going to catch coaches' attention back to that attitude thing. Cole Pinkson, again, checking in at auburnsports.com. Cole, you're close to the epicenter. Correct us if we're wrong here. But one thing is, again, all coaches hate, and that's the injury bug. We understand that maybe Ty Buster is nicked up.

What's the extent as far as the injury? Is it true? And what's the extent of it, if so? Yeah, he is. He's going to be out for a little while. I don't think they went into specifics, and I don't remember seeing him out there today. So he was probably in the training room rehabbing that. But it's enough to keep him sidelined for a while, for a good while, for one of the strongest portions of Auburn's schedule. Wow. Which is unfortunate, because I was hearing some buzz that he was going to be in the starting lineup, maybe at guard, and also playing left tackle as a rotational guy, possibly.

So big loss there, because I really think the offensive line is the area where I'm most concerned, and seeing them again today, they're just kind of thin. And a lot of guys who I have not really seen in action, they've been hurt a lot. So there's some concern there. I think you could easily see some freshmen pop up this year. Let me ask you about the receivers. Keyshawn Singleton, Chaz Nimrod, Jeremiah Coker, a lot of speculation. They may be in the first three rotation, but I saw a lot of good things today as far as valuations.

Deshawn Spencer was all over the field, Sam Turner, Bryce Kane, Brian Williams. Did anybody stick out to you as far as receivers? Of the guys that we don't really know about as much, I'm excluding Keyshawn Singleton and Chaz Nimrod from that. Yeah. It was Deshawn Spencer for me. He's the guy, he's a freshman. He's been through spring, so he's not brand new. But, you know, you wouldn't really know it if you're out there watching. You would not know that because he steps up in front of all the drills.

He just attacks it the way that you would expect a guy that's been there for a while to attack it. And I think he knows he's fixing to get significant playing time for Auburn for one reason being that he's pretty good. And number two, there's nothing but Aaron opportunity for playing time. And I think he understands that, and he's approaching it the right way. And the coaches love him. So, you expect him to play early and often. Everybody's always interested in the freshman coming in. Who's going to stand out?

And also filling in the blanks for the breakout candidate. In other words, the guy that right now, no one's putting a lot of stock in, but by the end of the year, it's like, wow, where'd that guy come from? If we're going to ask you that question, who would fill in the blank as far as your breakout player? I have a couple of candidates that I'm going to make a pick officially at some point. Last year, my pick, I have to brag about it, was Xavier Atkins.

I picked that one before the season started. I feel good about it. I have to still post that and remind people every once in a while. Don't forget. No, a couple guys I'm looking through, but there's one guy that a couple sources now that I've talked to have been, pretty adamant about, and that's Jordan Crawford. He's a former in-state guy, Parker High School in Birmingham. Played a little bit as a freshman last year, but didn't really break out. I think that he breaks out this year.

I think he's going to be a big-time player for them. The defensive front, as you mentioned, you concentrate on the offense today, defense tomorrow. Defensive line, Jared Smith, Cody Sigler from New Hope High School, Dallas Walker IV, Deshaun Womack. Another one, yeah, Jared Smith. I know you didn't particularly look at them, but I think this Auburn defensive front, if they stay healthy, can be very good. You know, actually, I was kind of around that side of the field where the defensive line was going through drills and the edges.

And I thought to myself today, like, you know, I think they might be a little better than I'm giving them credit, especially if a guy like Jordan Crawford breaks out. I think that would be big for that room. I love Cody Sigler. He carries himself like a leader every time I see him. I think Deshaun Womack is a good edge. He's got big shoes to fill, so that's where you get a little concern. Same for Jared Smith. But I think they can be pretty good. And they're going to – I think it's going to take a little time for Jared Smith.

[26:08] They're going to have to rotate with him a little bit and keep him fresh. But when the light comes on for him, he's an NFL guy. So I think they've got that talent there. They're still just a little young and trying to push that a little bit. So what happens if you want to get a room at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National? Is it true that for 13 days the coach says, this is where we're going to pitch camp? Oh, by the way, you might want to tell your girlfriend, your pets, anybody else, you're off limits.

How is that going to work with a bunch of hormonally charged 18- to 22-year-olds? Well, I believe it was thrown in there that he has their keys. So I don't think they're allowed to. That ain't going to stop a raging bull, buddy. Yeah. Well, it's a good obstacle at least for starters. I think if you went and stayed there, you probably would never see them. They're really living at the facility at Auburn. I think they bust them in around 7 in the morning and they bust them out about 10 p.m.

At that point, it's time to get some shut-ups. You know, I don't think, some of them brought their Xboxes. They're going to be sadly mistaken. They're not going to be getting any game time on that. Trust me, I know everybody thinks that's kind of a new thing, but I played Division III football and that's the way we did it. So nothing new to me, that's for sure. Well, it certainly gets their attention and keeps them in a controlled environment. What is the schedule as far as media access?

I know several of the guys had mentioned that it's pretty good for the first couple of weeks. The access and then number, then secondly, where can we get online? I know it could be a big pickup Saturday as far as a quarterback from the Gaston area. The latest on recruiting and where we can get online to get your stuff and the teams. Yeah, so this week we'll get to go again tomorrow and then we get another window on Saturday and they're going to have maybe some situational stuff that we could possibly see.

I don't know for sure yet. We'll see how that plays out. I'd love to see some of that, but they don't want the media seeing some of that stuff. And I'll totally support that. I get that. The following week is probably going to be different. I'm thinking we get back down to one until they have a scrimmage and then we'll get to see some of that. So, you know, just stay tuned with that. Sam Solley, quarterback from, 2028 quarterback from Gaston City, very highly sought after, even though his ranking doesn't quite show it yet.

I think Auburn's got the best chance of landing him right now, so stay tuned for that on Saturday. And right now you can come see all of this, 75% off. You can get in for about $30 and get you all the way to this day next year. So come join us. Come be a part of the Auburn sports family over there. Get some family to stay off the Xbox, okay, Cole? Yes, sir. Yes, sir. Thank you, bud. Cole Pinkston, the huddle with us, talking Auburn Tigers, they're part of the on3.com family.

Coming up, let's go from Tigers to Tide and run your on deck. Stay with us. Veterans and active duty service members. When your call to service ends, your mission doesn't have to. Go from GI to IT in just a few months at My Computer Career. Prepare for a high-demand career in cybersecurity, protecting people, systems, and institutions from real cyber threats. Cyber warriors are needed now. Will you answer the call? Go to mycomputercareer.edu slash CWP to learn more. That's mycomputercareer.edu slash CWP. An Elite CompTIA certification partner.

VA education benefits are available to those who qualify. It's summertime, and Aleve is here to keep you on the go. Whether it's planes, trains, or automobiles, Aleve's got your back with up to 12 hours of back pain relief. With just one dose, you'll get to your destination and be ready for your next adventure. So pack your sunscreen, your shades, and your Aleve. No matter where your final stop, Aleve will keep you moving. From sunup to sundown, Aleve's got your back this summer. Feel Aleve. Use us directed for minor aches and pains.

Less than 4 in 10 kids, age 6 through 12, are playing sports regularly. 4 in 10 kids? Let it sink in. Just 4 in 10 kids. ESPN is building a nationwide coalition powered by Disney called Take Back Sports. With the purpose of training more coaches, expanding access, and creating community-driven sports programming that puts kids and fun first. We're working on that story. We hope you'll join us. Visit TakeBackSports.org to learn more. We expect our information in real time. U.S. Med carries continuous glucose monitors, which provide real-time readings of blood glucose levels.

[31:10] U.S. Med is an approved provider for Medicare and over 500 private insurers. So call 888-665-0696 today for a free insurance and Medicare benefits check as easy as that's 888-665-0696. All sports, all the time, sports radio, all the time, sports radio, 93.9, the score, the score, the score, the score, the score. Progressive Insurance presents the Sports Flash on 93.9, the score. The Atlanta Braves were winners yesterday as the Braves beat the Marlins 4-2. The two teams combined for 15 hits. Grant Holmes got the victory for the Braves.

He's now 7-4. The Atlanta Braves are 68-45 on the season. The Atlanta Falcons reached a deal with two-time Pro Bowl running back B. John Robinson on a three-year extension worth up to $75 million. The deal makes Robinson the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Robinson will receive $51 million in guaranteed money. Falcons edge rusher Jalen Walker suffered a leg injury yesterday and was carted off the field. The second-year linebacker is feared to have an ACL tear and will get an MRI to confirm the injury. The sports update brought to you by Progressive Bundle Auto and Home, Renters or Condo and Save with Progressive.

I'm Tony D'Aziri on 93.9, the score. Liberty Mutual customizes your car and home insurance. And now we're customizing this ad for your morning commute to wake you up, which could help your driving. Science says that stimulating the brain increases alertness. So here's a pop quiz. How many months have 28 days? What gets wetter as it dries? What has keys but can't open locks? If you don't want to hear the answers, turn off this Liberty Mutual ad now. 12 months, a towel, piano. Enjoy being fully alert. Liberty, Liberty, Liberty, Liberty.

The score. Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9, the score. Welcome back in. The off-season is done. Of course, Rodney, you always say, what's the stinking off-season? Rodney's got you covered there when it comes to Alabama. He's the founder and editor of tighterinsider.com. His book is called Bigger Than Bama. Rodney, welcome in. How are you? I am doing well, guys. How's it going? Hey, Billy. Now, the question is, how's it going on your end, Rodney? It's day one of the off-season. That's almost a moniker now that's crazy to even throw it out there.

But it's safe to say on day one, it's time to break out that favorite phrase, how they look on the hoof. Rodney, your thoughts about day one in Tuscaloosa. Well, here's the problem with that. We didn't get to look at day one. No, no hoof. Yeah, so we don't know what they look like on the hoof. I'm sure they look good, though. I know that word is they had a great off-season in terms of the summer stuff. But, no, tomorrow will be our first glimpse, actually, you know, at the team.

And we'll probably have 15 or 20 minutes. And, look, I want to tell everyone out there that the media only gets to watch. It's very limited. It's position drills. It's not a lot of stuff. So a lot of these reports that you see throwing out depth charts and all this stuff, that's nothing more than speculation. Clickbait is all of this, yeah. Where's your gut, Rodney? Obviously, I think last year, everybody, was year one is year one. And then you go ahead and cash that out. And year two, the optimism can get out of control.

We know what happened last year. Where is your gut here? Obviously, you don't have any time to tell with this team coming in. You know what, Harold? That's a good question. I've thought about it. Yeah? I don't know. Yeah. I don't know. Wait and see. I mean, I just don't know. I really don't know what to expect. I think there's a lot of young talent on this team. There's also a lot of new faces. There are a lot of question marks about this team. I mean, you could write down several.

But there's also, with all the questions, there's some potential in those answers that can get you excited and make you optimistic. You know, but again, I think this is as hard a team, where they are right now, to put a finger on what to expect, as I can recall in a while. Well, the thing is, you listen to Nick Saban's comments, and that's where you've got to be weary. I mean, Nick is Nick. He's going to tell you like it is. As he put it out, paraphrased, maybe basically they can sneak up on someone.

That's not Alabama football. That's not where fans put the bar for Alabama football, sneaking up on someone and flying under the radar. Be that as it may, what kind of message, subliminal message is Nick trying to send to the fan base? Well, I don't know. He usually is pretty planned out. Pretty good, ain't he? Yeah. But I don't know. Look, again, I think we know the question, Mark. See, you have an inexperienced quarterback. It's going to be one or the other. And, you know, knowing DeBoer, with his track record, he usually does a really good job of picking the right guy at quarterback, knowing which guy to go with.

[36:28] But, again, it's the offensive line. Yeah. And, you know, it's been a major question. I do think the quarterback is the biggest decision he's got because he's got two guys that's really close. But I think the offensive line might be the biggest question of all. Look, you know, from people I've talked to, I think there's a lot of optimism about Jackson Lloyd at left tackle, his potential. And I think Michael Carroll is a guy that obviously started some as a true freshman last year that there's a lot of high expectations of.

I think Rayson Delgatti at center is a guy that's got them really excited. But he's never played here. He's never played on this level. He's never, you know, he played at Cal Poly. Not that he's a bad player. You just don't know how he's going to make that adjustment. And then I think the other two spots are up for grabs. And I just don't know that there's a lot of confidence right now where this offensive line might be. Because, look, 15 practices in the spring is not enough to develop an offensive line.

So I think, you know, that's the big question mark going in is the offensive line. And I think, too, if they make a big jump, then, you know what, all bets are off. This team could be really good because I think the schedule does set up well for them to develop over the first five games. Ronnie, I think the inside linebackers are a good example of what you're talking about. A lot of potential, a lot of talent, but we don't quite know yet. But the potential is there.

Caleb Woodson, again, we've talked about this. I thought they might bring in another inside linebacker out of the portal, but Caleb Woodson is there. But these sophomores and juniors, they're quick. They've gained some weight. QB Reese, Caton Jones, Duke Johnson, Luke Matts, and everybody seems to leave out Abdul Sanders. Xavier Griffin is there somewhere. But, Ronnie, I think that's another good example. These guys have tremendous potential. We just got to see it. Yeah, just, you know, a bunch of young guys. There's a lot of inexperience, you know, obviously at that spot.

I think defensively that's the biggest question, you know, that they do. And, look, I think the performance of the defensive line. You went out and you've got some big bodies. Terrence Green, Kedrick Bingley-Jones, Devin Tompkins. You've got some guys coming back. It's time for Jeremiah Beeman to really take a step after he was injured last year. It's time for Steve, guys, look, you know what I was going to say? Steve Bolo, him, Steve him. Bumwa, Bumwa. That's how you spell it. I like that name. Bumwa, because you look at him and he looks like he can Bumwa somebody.

Yes, yes. But I think it's time for him to really take a step up. I really do. I mean, look, he was in the program last year. It's time to take that next step. It's time for Edrick Hill to take a step. It's time for some of these players, let's see some development there. With the guys that they brought in, and if we see that, then guess what? That defensive line could be really strong. But I think the inside linebacker right now is, to me, you mentioned the inexperience.

Now, Caleb Woodson, I know they're really high on him. Yes. And by the way, I did notice, guys, he's up to 240 pounds. He was a former safety when he went to Virginia Tech. Of course, he had two really productive years there, the last two years. So, anyway, I think that's the big question. Rodney Oward, tighterinsider.com. You mentioned Mr. Hill. What about Daniel Hill, Kevin Riley, a.k.a. Deer? We know those running backs. And yet, in the spring, a lot of folks were talking about the other guys.

At the time, the phenom coming out of high school, Mr. Crowell, and the kid coming down from the Carolinas. Your thoughts? How are you going to shuffle the running back room, Rodney? Oh, that's a good one, too. First of all, I will say Daniel Hill made a lot of progress, lost 20 pounds. Saw him in the spring. Wow. Looked really good. Looked really good. Quick feet. Now, again, how does that all transfer onto the field? We'll see. Kevin Riley was bigger, still very quick. You know, he's a really good receiver.

He's got a lot of versatility. A.K. Deer is explosive. He's dynamic. He can do everything with the ball in his hands. The question is, does he understand his assignments? Does he understand what he has to do when he doesn't have the ball? All of the different things that go with that position, he has to understand. And I think that's the big key with him. Crowell, from what I've been told, you know, obviously, I mean, he's got all the physical tools. He's 200 and nearly 225 now. About right.

He is, yeah, he's explosive, he's fast, he's tough to tackle, all of those things. Now, again, we know he didn't practice in the spring much at all. You know, so this is a big camp for him. And I think kind of the feel you're getting from inside right now, Harold and Brett, is that, you know, again, we'll see. You know, the next three weeks, we may see some stuff. But the feeling I get right now is, okay, don't expect a lot early from him. You know, maybe as you start to work in towards the middle part of the season, he's coming around and he's got everything where he needs to be.

[41:50] So we'll see. You know, it just depends on how much progress he makes. And look, I want to say this, Treshawn Brown, a true freshman. Yep, stole the show. Yeah, I really liked him in the A-Day. He's 5'10", he's 206 pounds is what they list him. And you know what, he's pretty good. I mean, for a guy that was lightly recruited out of Huntsville, Texas, he's elusive with the ball. I mean, he makes people miss after the catch. So, you know, who knows? You know, he could be a guy to watch as well.

Ronnie, we've talked to quite a few of the guests about the potential for the receiving unit. Everybody knows Coleman Williams, Lottie Brooks are going to be one and two. And, of course, they ask us about who's going to be the third one. Derek Mehta, Sadarian Morgan, Noah Rogers, another possibility. When he comes back, and I keep hearing, like you, more positive injury news, maybe back mid, too late. September Rico Scott is another one that I think may surprise, but you brought up one that everybody forgets about.

Tyler Henderson, the Juco wide receiver, 6'1", 175 is the proverbial sleeper. Mississippi Gulf Coast, 67 catches, 1,200 yards. Now, I know that's not the SEC, but I've heard the same thing, and you mentioned him in your rambling article earlier this week. I think that kid has a little bit of potential. Yeah. You're talking about… I'm sorry, Rodney. Yeah, Meadows. Well, no, Tyler Henderson, the Juco out of Mississippi. Yeah, yeah, yeah. I think it may be, you know, he's a sleeper. He may have an opportunity. You know, I've heard some good things about him.

I thought he looked good on A-Day. Now, I'll say this. Derek Meadows is the guy I've watched. Oh, yeah. 6'5", 215, big, strong, fast. Hopefully. I've always been kind of fascinated with him. So, we'll see what happens there. Rico Scott, you know, he's one of the fastest guys on the team. I mean, when you look at him, matter of fact, the fastest guys on the team are probably the receivers. Watcher Brooks, Ryan Williams, and, you know, Rico Scott. Those are probably the three, at least the three fastest offensive players.

So, we'll see. Rodney, we talked to you a lot about the tangibles. Your thoughts on how this coaching staff started when DeBoer is going to handle the intangibles. We know anyone who's been around this rodeo knows where the bars sit at Alabama. Either win a national championship or you're going to sit here and have spears thrown at you down the road. You get a honeymoon, very short one, relative to other teams. Your thoughts about DeBoer. We've already seen some of the national talking heads basically throwing a lot of doubt out there.

They talk about the short leash. Obviously, we saw what happened last year out of the gates. Your thoughts on how this staff is going to handle the intangibles, knowing where the bar and the standard is set in Tuscaloosa? Yeah, that's a good question. I mean, DeBoer was asked today if it was a motivating factor for them being picked lower than normal nationally and in the SEC. Right. And he just had a one-word answer. Yeah. It's a motivating factor. He didn't say a lot about it. I think that's inside the building, Harold.

I think that's something they're talking about. I mean, I think there's some people inside that building that are really miffed. And I think that the way they got embarrassed by Indiana and they're using that as a motivation factor, motivational factor. I think the coaching staff is doing that. I think David Ballou used it a lot in his summer program to kind of get the players, you know, motivated. And, you know, so you're always looking for an edge. And I think that's maybe the edge they're using or trying to use.

And let me go back to something Brett said about the receivers. He mentioned Noah Rodgers. You know, based on some things I hear, you're probably looking around mid-October for him to come back. So it'd probably be right now I would say maybe the week after the Georgia game. But, again, I think that's ahead of schedule because, you know, there was a time when it looked like it could be either early November or late October, somewhere there. So he's moving up. That time frame could move up.

But Noah Rodgers probably right now mid-October. Now, I want to see your tomorrow or sometime this week, your on-the-hoof report for Josh Ford. All 6'6", 6'7", whatever he is, 270. That can supposedly knock your head off. But Caleb Edwards, Marshall Pritchett, Ronnie, again, these guys are probably going to be in-line tight ends. But I'm going to be curious to see when they're in the 12 personnel or even 13 occasionally, what these dudes can do. They're all 6'5", 260. And if they can keep – some of these guys have had some bad injury luck.

[46:56] But, Ronnie, once again, some of these tight ends could help the offense and the quarterback. Yeah, no doubt. I mean, I think, you know, they use a lot of multiple tight ends that they're at Washington. So, I think now they're feeling really confident about their tight end room in terms of they've got a little more depth. Josh Ford, you mentioned him, the transfer from Oklahoma State. The rave about him is – you mentioned his side – is that they feel like he's going to make a huge difference.

He could potentially make a big difference in the running game because of his ability to line up and block and be physical at the line of scrimmage. And then I think, you know, Caleb Edwards has gotten a lot bigger. A lot of people forget that last year he came in without spring practice as a new freshman. And, you know, didn't have an opportunity to really get his feet under him and he was already on the field. So, I like him. I like Marshall Pritchett. I like Danny Lewis' back.

So, those are some – that's a good core right there. And the young freshman, I know people tell me he's really good. Suter. Back Suter. I mean, he's impressed them. So, they've got – they seem to have a pretty good room. Well, I look forward to, as Harold mentioned, the On the Hoof report probably tomorrow afternoon. Look forward to reading that. TITV, 24-7 message board, practice updates, all sorts of great stuff for a very nominal price. And still a little bit of beach time for some people. Where can they get on line and also buy your book?

Right. It's tighterinsider.com. It's only $48 a year. Got a story right now. You can go on tighterinsider.com, find the membership link, and you can – like I said, you can – your credit card or if you prefer, there is an address there to send a check. And got a story up there right now about the quarterback. I think it's the biggest decision DeBoer's got facing him right now. We kind of run through that. And then, of course, our all-sports forum, it's our community there of Alabama fans.

A lot of discussion going on right now. Not just football, but it's still a lot of basketball, too, as a matter of fact. So, there's a lot going on on tighterinsider.com and the book, Bigger Than Bama. You can find that on Amazon or you can go to RodneyOr.com and you can get all the details there. Yeah. Has NATO's done anything in y'all's season of note, Rod? He's speaking of basketball. Well, I'll tell you what, for them to be talking about Alabama basketball right now on tighterinsider, that'll tell you a little bit about what Nate Oates has done.

Yes, it does. Yeah, including getting married. So, he's been a busy boy. Rodney, listen, man, it's always good to talk with you. Thanks so much. And stay safe down there, okay? Okay, guys. Appreciate it. Thank you, Ron. New York tighterinsider.com. Quick shout-out, BB. Crazy things. Congratulations to Ryan Weathers. A shout-out last night. Picked up another win for the Yankees against the Cardinals. He's now the top 36 pitchers in all of baseball. Congratulations to Ryan there. He's having an outstanding year with the Yanks. And Braxton Garrett, out of Florence, recently traded from Miami to the Chicago Cubs.

So, there's a chance that Ryan and Braxton could come eat up in the off-season. Would that not be interesting? It would be. And, again, you and I both know the Weathers family very well. The mental aspect, when you, Ryan, would have down, it would just stay healthy, and hopefully you can. Absolutely. All the best to them. Coming up in the next hour, speaking of that, we've got the train rocking and rolling. More tied in Tiger Talk with Drew Jarman. Their number one, again, Steve Hellwagon talking butt nuts and a brand-new sheriff in town to Russell, Ohio.

Coach Dale Higgins and Morris, straight ahead. Stay with us. When getting the job done right is job one. You need construction equipment that's built right. From compact track loaders to the world's number one selling compact excavator, the Kubota construction lineup features durable Kubota engines, more comfort, and the versatility to do it all and do it right. Visit your local Kubota dealer today. Go to KubotaUSA.com for full disclaimer. Stop by Brown Equipment, located at 826 North Military Street in Loretto, or visit them online at brownequipmentcompany.com.

Hello, Scholes. It's Elmer Pierce from Garner Pierce Autos. Are you tired of being told that it will take two weeks to service your vehicle or even to look at it to tell you what's wrong with it? Are you tired of being told that it's going to be $200 to $300 an hour for labor? At Garner Pierce Autos, we have four full-time certified and trained technicians that have over 75 years of automotive service experience. We service vehicles of every make and model and do anything from oil changes to engine and transmission replacements.

We're your one-stop shop for servicing your entire fleet or your personal vehicle. We have every accessory for your car, truck, van, or SUV. 4.9 stars on Google and Facebook. Garner Pierce Autos on Florence Boulevard right next to Appleby's. Where it's our business to earn your business. Kenny here to help you get in on the sweet life with Cotton Candy 5-Hour Energy. It's that classic throwback cotton candy flavor, but with zero sugar and a 5-hour energy boost. I keep these with me so I can tackle that sweet tooth with a tasty caffeine kick and no guilty sugary aftermath.

[52:23] Bring on the sweetness with Cotton Candy 5-Hour Energy shots. Available online at 5hourenergy.com or on Amazon. Progressive presents ways to save money that aren't bundling your home and auto insurance with Progressive. I can't believe the deal we got on these seats for the game. Wow, they must be pretty high up here. I think my ears just popped. Yeah, here, put this on. Is that an oxygen mask? An official team oxygen mask. Well, I can kind of see the feel. Good, your senses are still sharp.

You're going to need them for phase two of your sense. Don't save money by sitting in the nosebleeds. You can save hundreds by switching to Progressive. Get a quote at Progressive.com. Progressive Casualty Insurance Company affiliates and other insurers. Not available in all states or situations. The chairman of the Alabama Republican Party, Scott Stad Hagan, recently said that the distractions coming from Democrat Doug Jones in the governor's race will soon be over. Stad Hagan spoke to the Marshall County Republicans Club on Tuesday of this week.

He says that Jones is pushing the whole residency issue with his opponent, Tommy Tuberville, but will soon have to answer for his own bad policies when he was a U.S. senator. Stad Hagan said that the worst position that Jones held while he was a senator was believing that it's okay to murder babies with an abortion and that Jones was okay with boys participating in girls' athletics as transgenders. Stad Hagan maintains that the things that Jones believes in do not resonate with Alabamians, and he's encouraging voters to stand for what is right before God and get out to vote in the governor's race this coming November.

I'll be back with more Alabama stories after this. Brian Dawson here, CEO of 1819 News. I'm also the host of 1819 News, the podcast, and we'd love for you to join us by listening to our weekly show on all the top podcast apps, both in audio and video format. At 1819 News, the podcast, we are in pursuit of a free and flourishing Alabama. Every week, we're having important conversations with guests from across this great state, all with the goal of equipping Alabamians to be in pursuit of a free and flourishing Alabama with us.

New episodes are released weekly. I hope you'll join us. A stolen vehicle ended up in the Dog River in Mobile on Tuesday afternoon. Mobile police were pursuing the stolen vehicle with two men inside. They ended up driving that vehicle into the waters. The two men were taken from the waters into police custody. The stolen vehicle was completely submerged. The board of directors for the Mobile Chamber of Commerce have now chosen their next president who will step into the position when the current president of the chamber, Bradley Byrne, retires in about a year.

The board chose David Rogers to step into that new role in July of 2027. I'm Andrea Theis. For more news affecting Alabamians, go to 1819news.com. And while you're there, subscribe to the daily newsletter. All sports, all the time. Sports Radio 93.9. The score. The score. The score. Everybody, Bill King, Bill King Show. Listen to me. Nine until noon. 93.9. The score. Monday through Friday as we talk college football like nobody else does. Because he listens in Florence. Our show's, Charlie, our show's on down there. Bill King Show.

Monday through Friday. Nine until noon. Every league, every big topic is covered. 93.9. The score. Evan, Canty, and Michelle are unsportsmanlike. I have a really, really, really, really hard time going to an X Factor that is not a quarterback. Because when I think about X Factor this year in the NFL, the number one person I go to is CJ Strap. That's a great answer. The number one person. And yes, he's a quarterback. Because I think about what if he's good? Not even great. It can be a wrap.

What if he's just good? Unsportsmanlike. Weekday mornings starting at 6 Eastern on ESPN Radio and on ESPN2. Life's most precious moments are the ones we share with the people we love. Your health should never stand in the way. If you can't afford important health screenings because you don't have insurance, the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program is here for you. If you are uninsured and low income, you may be eligible for free breast and cervical cancer screenings, including mammograms and HPV pap tests, and necessary follow-up care.

If cancer is found, you may be eligible for free treatment. Call today to see if you qualify. The number is 1-877-252-3324. Again, the phone number is 1-877-252-3324. Or look for the Alabama Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program online. Don't let costs keep you from the care you need. Sponsored by the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Broadcasters Association, and this station. High school football is back, and for the 23rd consecutive year, 93-9 The Score is proud to be your home for Florence Falcons football.

Head coach Kenny Morrison and his staff are excited about the 2026 season, and the Falcons are ready to fly high as they face a top-notch schedule. Join me, Kevin Johnson, along with Mike Everson, Jeff Jones, and John McDaniel, as we bring you Florence Falcons football all season long, right here, on your home for Falcons football, 93-9 The Score. Sunday Night Baseball, on ESPN Radio. It's an interleague showdown at Petco Park. Toward the bullpen, it is gone. Jordan Alvarez. Jordan Alvarez and the AL West leading Houston Astros are in San Diego to face Fernando Tatis Jr. in the Padres.

[57:54] Unbelievable! Fernando Tatis Jr. The Astros at the Padres on Sunday Night Baseball. Coverage begins at 7.30 Eastern, with first pitch at 8.20 Eastern on ESPN Radio and on the ESPN app. Valley Broadcasting Corporation, WITK-FM, Rogersville, Athens, Decatur, The Shores, Sports Radio 93.9 The Score. This is Jerome from Birmingham, previously from Paul Feinbaum's show. We're proud of our institution, but apparently you are not proud of anything to do west of the Mississippi River or anything north of the Mississippi River. That makes it, what is it, May, May, May. John, do you have your medical alert button on in case something happens here?

The Paul Feinbaum Show, weekdays at 3 Eastern, on the ESPN app, and on the SEC Network. Evan Canty and Michelle are Unsportsmanlike. Jalen Hurts just wins all the time. I don't care what his numbers are. I don't care who's the reason for it. He's just the guy that plays quarterback for the team that wins a lot and was once second in the MVP voting. I don't understand why he's just continuously dropped down when all of the stuff we are begging these quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Justin Herbert to do, Jalen Hurts has done.

Unsportsmanlike. Weekday mornings starting at 6 Eastern, on ESPN Radio and on ESPN2. 93.9 The Score weather. Day, a 20% chance of afternoon showers and thunderstorms with a high around 95. Tonight, partly cloudy with a low near 70. Tomorrow, sunny and hot with a high around 95. More night, mostly clear with a low near 75. And for your Friday, mostly sunny with a high around 95. Your weather from 93.9 The Score. Now, get ready to roll, Shoals, Decatur, Athens, and all of northwest Alabama and southern Tennessee. It's time for the Valley's exclusive FM Sports Voice.

The Boomo Bugg Show. The Boomo Bugg Show. Your exclusive inside track to the Tide. Tigers, Tennessee, and the rest of the SEC. Now, your host, Harold Bugg on 93.9 The Score. Welcome back in. Our tour to the jam. The Boomo Bugg Show. We appreciate free ride around the Tennessee Valley. And I guarantee you, baby, no one is busier than one. Daryl Higgins, would you agree? I would agree with that, yes. Head coach. Now, coach, I'm going to be careful here. If I mess this up, please be understanding.

Daryl Higgins, head coach at Russellville High School. I think you know where I'm going with that. Welcome in, coach. How are you? Oh, I'm doing good. Glad to be here. How y'all doing? I'm proud I got through that, coach, because it would have been easy after all those years to saying it's just the other place. Coach, obviously, very successful run at Mars Hill Bible. Now, a brand new rodeo down at Russell High. How are things going for you? Oh, outstanding. It's been a great transition. I've came in here, and these kids are ready to work.

The coaches are outstanding. And this community is like nothing I've ever seen for their passion and love of football and sports. Coach, I remember the joke back in the day was, how many high school teams in the state of Alabama have a jumbotron? And the answer was right there, do people realize if they're just moving in here, this is not the first time they've been excited. This is one of those, if Hollywood was going to go and script a town, I know they got Texas and Friday night lights, but is there, and there's a lot of great towns.

I'm not saying it's the only one, but talk to us about the uniqueness of Friday nights at Russell High in the fall. It's amazing, this great tradition, the amount of love put into this community with the school has been amazing. The outpouring of anybody willing to help out and do whatever they can has been just so much fun to be a part of. I can't wait to get started. Darrell, let me ask you about the schedule. It is challenging. I know that's one of the things you've told us, and we've been blessed to talk with you for about four of the 10 years at Morris Hill.

You love challenges. You love competition, and I know reclassification has added to this, but you have got some competition this year. I think you've got an inter-squad game this Friday, a jamboree at Winfield, and then you begin the season hosting Dassler. That is the 100th meeting between Russellville and Dassler, and then a school you know pretty well the following week, Morris Hill at Hartzell, Florence East Limestone, and I'm just going down the list. It is a challenging schedule this fall. Absolutely, and when I was at Morris Hill, I always tried to play at one of those bigger schools like that, but now we're getting them every single week.

[1:03:05] That's right. It's going to be no off weeks right here every week, and we love the competition. Our kids are excited about it. I know our coaches are looking forward to it. Coach, obviously, Brent is joking here about Morris Hill. That's going to be an emotional game, I would assume, but talk to us. It's not easy making those decisions. Any time someone moves from job A to job B, it's not that easy. Talk to us just about the thought process of moving from Morris Hill to Russellville.

This has started my 33rd season in my third school. Right. So, I'm not wanting to jump around and move around. I love my time at Morris Hill. All three of my kids graduated there. My son, Peyton, met his wife there. It was an unbelievable 10 years to be there, but at the same time, this Russellville opportunity presented itself at the perfect time when they took the private schools and put them in their own league. My last kid had graduated. We'd won as much as we could win right there last season.

And so, it was a great way to finish up and move on and getting here. It's been just everything I'd ever hoped for and more as far as what I was looking for to getting into the kids and the coaches. Coach, we're going to talk more about that in a second, but talk to the folks who now, that the challenges that all this reclassification is presenting, what does that mean for private schools like Morris Hill and for that matter, all private schools now that basically they've redone the rule book, so to speak?

Well, I'm at heart. I mean, I'm a public school person my whole life before I went to Morris Hill, and so I love to play in everybody, and to me, to win a state championship means you beat everybody in the state. Now they've got it where they've got two more leagues. They've got a large school private league and a small school private league, which they'll still be a champion. It'll still be good, but for me personally, I just knew if they did, that would help make my decision.

Yeah, it's one. We talked to you earlier this year, and your number one goal was to develop relationships. You're very smart to do that. Summer now has turned into install, and particularly of the wing tee. It is an incredible offense. I know, again, the spread, some of the other ones gets a lot of attention. I have always been going through the 70s watching the wishbone, but the wing tee, you can do so many things with it. What is the toughest or most challenging part of installing a wing tee for the first time at a school?

Well, it's very different from what they did here before. So it's a total different mindset, the way the kids come off the ball, the stances, everything, the way they're positioned. And for the wing tee offense to be successful, it takes 11 people doing exactly what they're supposed to do on every play. And sometimes we'll have eight people do the right thing or nine people, but one or two people don't do the right thing, and it doesn't work. And so it's based on timing, precision, execution, and 11 people are doing their job, and they've got to be almost like machines or robots that they do their job so fast and with such precision that it's really confusing to a defense.

But right now, we're just getting started, and we're a long way away from being at a high level of execution. That's what I was about to say, Coach. Obviously, it sounded like a lot of practice in there. Coach Daryl Higgins in the huddle with us from Russell High. Coach, talk to us about some of the names on this team. I know you've got everybody. I can't get to, obviously, all of them. But it all starts with, I love this name, correct me if I'm wrong, quarterback Tripp Cleveland.

Is that not a great name for a quarterback? I love it, and I love him. This guy is outstanding. He didn't even play football last year. He played basketball, and he played baseball. When I got here, I'd already heard about him. I knew he was potentially a good quarterback. And so I kind of chased him around like trying to get a girl out on a date. I tried to move in slow, and I tried to slow play a little bit. And as soon as baseball was over, I went all in.

And fortunately, he decided to play, and he has been everything I could ever hope for. And he's a great leader. He's a good teammate. He can really throw the football. I called Dr. Hanson the other day, he coached with me. I said, he kind of reminds me of some of your boys, you know, Griffin and Joseph Williams. I talked to John Passerell, as you know, he's a good friend of ours. A little bit about the team today, and he mentioned you've got a big offensive line.

Sam Graham, maybe close to 300. Drew Canfield, Rodgers. I think he mentioned you've got a tight end. Willis, who's about 6'7", 220. All of this begins, no matter what offense you run, but particularly with the wing T, you win games at the line of scrimmage. You know that more than anybody else, and you've got to have a good offensive line working, cohesion. Talk about winning the line of scrimmage. It's huge, and it's been a big adjustment. Right now, when we're scrimmaging our defense, they are killing us out there.

[1:08:34] So, we either got a great defense, or our offense is really bad, or somewhere in between. But we are getting there. We're getting better every day. These kids are working hard. And for the wing T offense to go, our guards really have to do the job. And we've got Adolfo Lopez, who's a senior, doing a great job. And he's really been coming off the ball hard and getting better. And Romario Francisco, and both of those guys are kind of the heart and soul of the wing T offense.

And our center, Andrew Holtz, he's getting better, doing a good job. So, we've just got to keep developing these guys and build their confidence. Coach, Brett talked about those big guys, 300 pounds. I don't think he is 300 pounds. Am I saying this right? Receiver Darren Jones runs a 4-3-40. Wow. You've got size and speed, have you not? Oh, Darren Jones, he can fly. He reminds me of a receiver last year. We had Isaiah Owens or Damian Thompson, the guy we had a few years ago, that we can just get the ball in his hands and use speed and talent and go.

And so, fortunately, we've got some really good players. And hopefully we can coach them up and get everything out of their ability and talent that they have. Listen, you have got an incredible coaching staff. John and I were talking about that this morning. He's one of them. Mentioned Ethan Truitt, Will Kilpatrick. Talk about your staff, offense and defensive staff. Well, we actually have a general manager, Chris Valentine. I never thought I knew that. That's good. He's what I call, we call him part-time, full-time. He's retired and he's supposed to be part-time, but he works full-time.

And so, he's kind of the brains behind everything and makes it all go. And then we were fortunate to have 10 of the guys that coach with us at Morris Seal to come over here and be on part of this staff. And, you know, Coach Pasarello has been with me all the way since 2000 and we've been together. So, we just got a lot of really neat parts. We had some great coaches that were already here at Russellville that have joined in with us and are doing a great job.

And Justin Sapping is the guy. He coached with us back at Deschler a long time ago. And we're back together over here. So, it's really been fun. We've got some young guys that played for us at Morris Seal. And we've got some older guys that have been around. So, we've got a very outstanding staff. They're all great people, though. We have some tremendous people. Dr. Scott Doran is with us at Morris Seal. He's one of the top eye surgeons in the country. And he comes over here every single day to practice.

How about that? Doc Hanson, you know, is a skin doctor. He comes over here. And so, we just have a lot of unique people. But they all love kids and they love coaching. I don't need to come see practice. I need to come see your doctor, Coach. Yeah, anybody's got a problem, they'll always try. Absolutely. Dr. Doran's giving shots in my dad's eyeball trying to get me. Oh, my gosh. That hurts me thinking about it. My toes just curled. Coach, listen, you've got everybody fired up.

Talk to us about that. We talked about the season. But as far as jamborees and all that stuff, people can't wait to come out and see you. We've got a scrimmage here Friday night. Middle school goes 6 to 7. We'll go 7 to 8. We'll have officials, chain crew. The band here is one of the most unbelievable things I've seen. It's nearly 200 kids. Yeah, that's right. Just working like crazy. And at Marseille, we had maybe 12 to 15 in the band just because of a numbers problem. So I'm so excited about having the band going on Friday night and looking forward to the atmosphere and environment of getting out here and playing.

Oh, listen, it's absolutely incredible. Well, listen, again, we're certainly delighted to hear the transition has been smooth. Wish you, the coaches, the players, nothing but success this season. Listen, have a great summer. We certainly look forward to seeing some of the games. Hopefully we can talk with you again soon. I appreciate it. Thank you. Thank you. Coach Daryl Higgins, Russellville High School. It still takes a while to get used to that. Coming up, speaking of top programs, they say they are the best in the country.

To Ohio State, we go next with Steve Hellwagon. Stay with us for the Boomo Bugg Show. You got a craving that won't quit? Lost Pizza Company Shoals just dropped something new, and it's only around for a limited time. Say hello to our jalapeno mac and cheese bites. Crispy, cheesy, packed with a little kick, and serve with our house-made ranch for dipping. Paired with the fillet, y'all, our loaded fillet cheesesteak pizza that's quickly becoming a fan favorite. This is for a limited time only, so don't wait.

Come dine in or call ahead for To Go. Lost Pizza Company Shoals, 201 North Seminary Street in Florence. Dine in or To Go. This is the story of the one. As a maintenance engineer at a beverage manufacturing plant, he starts his day knowing every line is ready to run. Because Grainger delivers the industrial-grade products he needs to keep mixers, conveyors, and packaging equipment moving. With Grainger's vast selection of bearings, belts, and motors, he keeps operations running smoothly, so nothing grinds to a halt. Call 1-800-GRAINGER, click grainger.com, or just stop by Grainger, for the ones who get it done.

[1:14:01] And David Ortiz, when I lost my mom, she was only 46, and I lost my dad to cancer. It was the worst pain I ever felt. It made me think, what will happen with the people I love when my time is up? That's why I have life insurance. Ethos makes it easy. It's all online, take about 10 minutes, and you can get up to $3 million and cover it. Get your free quote at ethos.com slash game. That's ethos.com slash game. Pay testimonial. Time spent on application may vary.

Online health questions required. All sports, all the time. Sports Radio 93.9, The Score. Okay, all signed up. Easy. Now let's run payroll. What the? Hey girl, I'm you with more gusto. Nice. Who's that? New social media manager, hired and onboarded with gusto. And spoiler, we're kind of famous now. Wait, we're famous? Oh, well, I'm famous. Payroll benefits and HR. Designed and built for small businesses. Choose a future with gusto. Rich Eisen here. Rich Eisen here. Running a small business means every hire matters. A bad hire costs time and money, but the right one helps your business grow.

The challenge? Finding that person without sorting through resumes. That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro comes in. It screens candidates so you can focus on conversations with qualified talent. With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence and build the team you need. Join the 2.7 million small businesses using LinkedIn to hire. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com slash Eisen. Terms and conditions apply. From the first pitch to the last out, this Atlanta Braves club plays with an intensity that has the rest of the National League on notice.

And he lets it fly. Job Pals bound. 3-0 Braves. Tonight, the division battle continues at Truist Park as Austin Riley and the Braves take on the Miami Marlins in another key NL East matchup in Atlanta. Braves Radio is on the air at 6 p.m. Central on the Braves Radio Network. Brought to you locally by The Law Firm of Johnson Pasture, Medley & Virtual J.C. Hammond Sons First Metro Bank Nationwide Insurance Agents Michael Doe and Bill Cochran Champy's Famous Fried Chicken Mefford Jewelers Valley Credit Union Mugshots Grill & Bar Certified Alarm Southern Pride Pest Control Lost Pizza Cypress Creek Indoor Range and Alabama Health Guidance Atlanta Braves Baseball Tonight, versus the Miami Marlins on 93.9 The Score The Score Now, back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score Welcome back in Why don't you say we head not west but north, young man all the way up to Ohio State Country and say hello to Steve Hellwagon He is the man at Buck Nuts Media Network part of the 247 Sports.com family Steve, welcome in, long time How are you?

I'm doing good, guys What's going on? Hey, bud Well, we know it's close to the season when we hear your voice and we see the poll Ohio State I don't know if you've seen this news or not, Steve but you're supposed to be pretty good this year Your thoughts about the big target on Ohio State's back again as the number one team in the country according to the coaches Yeah, coach's poll came out yesterday and Ohio State was number one You know, all the different magazines that are out there I think there's four different national champions between the magazines I've never seen any kind of diversity like that You got, what is it?

Indiana, Oregon, Ohio State and I think Phil Steele may have picked Notre Dame So, you got, you know, four different champions and, you know, you could probably put about eight or ten teams in a hat and draw a name and they'll be in the hunt because the top teams have really kind of set themselves apart One, with how they're paying their players and two, with how they're developing them and getting that production on the field So, Ohio State's been in the run in the last few years They won it in 2024 and trying to get back up there in 2026 Steve, the one thing we hear you talking about there is a heavy Big Ten influence No SEC influence You know which side of the line we're on A few years ago, that would have been unheard of your thoughts just about the obvious argument between the two powerhouses and did you ever think that we of those in the conversation that Indiana football would be in that conversation?

Yeah, it's absurd, isn't it? I mean, think about it I mean, that a program that's among the worst in winning percentage all time is FBS won a national championship is just kind of crazy but, you know, Kurt Cignetti went in there and caught lightning in a bottle and brought a lot of people with him from James Madison and they maintained their culture and they found just the right transfers I mean, they get Fernando Mendoza in there and wins the national championship and wins the Heisman so, kind of crazy the way it all shook out but, yeah, they're going to try and keep it going They've added, you know Josh Hoover from TCU to be their quarterback and we'll see how that works out now they've got the target on their back they're no longer the hunter they're the hunted so they're going to find out how the Ohio State and Michigan and all these other teams have lived over these years but we'll see if they can handle the prosperity of winning it and certainly Ohio State that's the first time Ohio State has lost to Indiana since 1988 Wow You know, that's going to be on their mind when the Buckeyes go over to play the Hoosiers in October over in Bloomington that's going to be quite a game so, yeah they've got some big games to look forward to and the Big Ten Ohio State also hosts Oregon and they're going on the road to Texas Wow They're going to play three of the top five or six teams and two of them away tough schedule Absolutely Let me ask you I know a lot of people want to talk about Jeremiah Smith the incredible receiver Julian Sand who was a former Alabama commitment but the defense has been incredible they led the nation in three categories last year finished number one in total defense only giving up 219 yards a game they're only quote returning three starters from last year which we know how much talent Jackson and Matthews and McLean but they have got three former Alabama players James Smith defensive tackle Quay Russo defensive end Earl Little left Alabama went to Florida State now is with Ohio State Steve how are the Bama boys going to be doing?

[1:20:59] That's a great question I think James Smith is definitely in the running at defensive tackle I don't know that he's going to start he could he's kind of neck and neck with another guy the son of Will Smith who played the NFL Will Smith Jr. is his name those couple guys are going to be fighting it out Edric Houston is one of the returning starters on defense for Ohio State and he had a pretty good year last year Caden McDonald was a guy started there last year All-American he was drafted I believe first pick of the second round by the Houston Texans and they're going to miss him because he took up a lot of space but I definitely think that James Smith in the running I think Clay Rousaw really showed some things in the spring in terms of his pass rusher and that they need that obviously the other player Earl Little he is a guy that I think they're counting on to help fill the void from Caleb Downs another former Alabama player who went to All-American status at Ohio State first round pick I mean he was a safety taken in the top I think it was number 11 is where he went to Dallas so yeah just a great gift for the Buckeyes and they're hoping Earl can live up to just some of what Caleb Downs had and you're right the defense was great I mean last year they lose to Indiana 13 to 10 and here's Indiana you know a team that just obliterated people last year offensively what they scored 38 on Alabama 56 on Oregon so you know here Ohio State held them to 13 and lost the game so you know they lose seven or eight starters off that team but Matt Patricia former Detroit Lions head coach New England Patriots defensive coordinator coordinator he did a great job first year at Ohio State and Coach Chase counting on him to load him up and put him out there so we'll see Steve Hellwagon with us Buck Nuts Media Network Steve when you Nick Saban could recruit we just didn't know he was going to do it for Ohio State so your thoughts speaking to coaches Ryan Day obviously he's suffering some of Nick's syndrome if you don't win a national championship you're a bomb never mind you're there in a hunt every year and Alabama fans are now saying don't take anything for granted but your thoughts about Ryan Day entering this season as far as the intangibles yeah I think he's got this program in as good a spot as it can be they've got a machinery of people behind the scenes identifying talent all over the country both high school and potential portal players at other colleges that have some eligibility left so I think that they're scouting you know players both levels and working real hard they've still landed top 10 high school classes and then I don't think it's out of the realm to say that this year that they could have maybe four or five transfers starting and particularly on defense Wisconsin was a starter you mentioned Earl Moore coming in Earl Little Terry Moore is another one that could play quite a bit so yeah they've added a few guys Clay Russo as well so they could have four or five transfers starting and really you know again it's when you lose guys you've got to replace them and they lost four guys in the first round plus the first pick of the second round that's five of the top 33 players in the draft you've got to replace that talent somewhere either high school or with you know college portal and that's that's what they've done Steve every time I read a preseason prognostication for Ohio State they get to the offensive line and say well they gave up ten sacks in two postseason losses and my answer to that is yeah they were playing two of the best defensive lines in the nation and I'm sure they probably had some guys banged up your thoughts and again every game's won at the line of scrimmage and of the Buckeye's look on the line this year yeah you guys make a great point the offensive line really fell apart there against Indiana and Miami ten sacks and say and committed three turnovers including the pick six against Miami that really kind of swung that game so they've got three of those rather they've got four of those starters back and several of those guys were actually playing in the playoffs the year before when they won the national championship so we know they're capable players but things just for whatever reason maybe they got worn down by the end of the year or whatever but they did not play up to their capability at the end of the season and they're going to get those guys going again Austin Sereveld at left tackle Carson Hensman at center they're two of the better offensive linemen in the Big Ten Luke Montgomery at guard the right tackles Phillip Daniels he'd come over from Minnesota so those four guys are back and they just need to figure out who the fifth guy is going to be but yeah they'll get it figured out they better because they're going down to Texas and Texas will chew them up and spit them out if they aren't so yeah it should be definitely something to keep an eye on Steve I mentioned you in saying earlier of course he was a commitment to Alabama before transfer going to Ohio State and I heard this critique at one after another toward the end of the season he ends up completing 77% of his passes which is the third highest in FBS history and I know he's got Jeremiah Smith and some other talented receivers Bo Jackson ran for over a thousand yards but he's a pretty good quarterback too as far as leader maturity will he run a little bit more your thoughts on the improvement of Sane going into this year great points those were all three things last week at the Big Ten media days that's three areas leadership maturity and running the football those are three areas that Ryan Day said that Julian Sane really worked hard on during the offseason and they made the quarterbacks in some regards lead the offseason workouts to make them leaders and have them take ownership of the team and he is a stronger player physically as well able to drive the ball perhaps a little better than he did last year he was very accurate as you said third best average in FBS history is pretty amazing I think one of the guys in front of him was Bo Nix and the other maybe I'm drawing a blank on the other one but yeah both of them have been in recent years another really good quarterback and to me his best football if he plays his best football this year then it's going to be hard to beat Ohio State because they're going to put up 25 30 35 points a game and you're going to need to score that many to beat them so yeah I think he's primed he's ready to come out and he's fourth in the Heisman balloting last year if they beat Indiana he could have stolen it you know he may have been the winner of that game as the number one team that could have had the spoils on that Heisman so yeah we'll see if he can get back to New York this year Steve you're right their schedule is brutal road games at Texas at Iowa at Indiana at USC and oh by the way they've got two easy games they host Oregon and Michigan my lord what a schedule Steve where can we get on line to get the best coverage of Ohio State on the planet yeah 24-7 sports obviously we've got a great Alabama site down there great Auburn site as well and we're at Bucknuts.com covering Ohio State and we'll have everything recruiting basketball football everything that's going on we've got it right there Steve as always good to catch up with you thank you so much and as we said when we hear your voice we know it is near stay safe up there let's do it again soon okay Ohio State Alabama is coming up it sure is that's right here we go and at this age you blink you know fire time gets bypassed you'll be here before you know it thanks so much Steve let's do it again yep take care thank you Steve Steve Hale Wagon with us busy there at Buck Net Media Network part of the 24-7 Sports Family coming up Drew DeArmond is on deck stay with us it doesn't matter if you're running drills at the park playing pickup on a Saturday or sinking the final putt when you compete with your friends with Michelob Ultra on the line competition isn't that friendly the trash talk next level and the stakes oh those are crystal clear with only 95 calories and superior smooth taste it's the ultimate trophy superior is worth playing for Michelob Ultra superior light beer enjoy responsibly cover by 2025 and has a push Michelob Ultra light beer St. Louis Missouri do you owe back taxes or have unfiled tax returns the IRS won't quit until they get your money here's great news fresh from those in the know major changes have happened at the IRS if you owe more than $10,000 you may be eligible for a 99% reduction of what you owe haven't filed a return for a while their happy clients are talking the IRS was going to levy my bank account but Guardian was able to prevent that and fix all my IRS issues thanks again Guardian Tax need relief from crushing tax debt the IRS now has special programs Guardian Tax knows all about them personal or business this is the fresh new brick you've been hoping for we aren't the company you call when you need a hug because you're scared of the IRS Guardian Tax is the company that wins when you need it most Guardian Tax Service is really great to work with they really help me out I'd recommend them highly call now for a free confidential consultation 800-505-1608 800-505-1608 800-505-1608 Sports Radio 93.9 The Score Are you ready to make a difference for the environment while helping the visually impaired at the same time?

[1:31:30] Then donate your vehicle to Heritage for the Blind today by calling 1-800-983-6530 Every donated vehicle will either be properly recycled in an eco-friendly manner or given a new life through reuse Donating your vehicle is easy Simply call 1-800-983-6530 and Heritage for the Blind will do the rest They'll even arrange for your vehicle to be picked up at no cost to you and for a limited time when you donate your car you'll receive a $200 restaurant voucher and a two-night three-day hotel stay at one of 50 locations Call 1-800-983-6530 right now to schedule your vehicle donation and make a positive impact on the environment while helping others Heritage for the Blind where every car donation counts and every person makes a difference Call 1-800-983-6530 now This advertisement is paid for by Heritage for the Blind Progressive Insurance presents the Sports Flash on 93.9 The score The Atlanta Falcons reached a deal with two-time Pro Bowl running back B. John Robinson on a three-year extension worth up to $75 million The deal makes Robinson the highest paid running back in NFL history Robinson will receive $51 million in guaranteed money Falcons edge rusher Jalen Walker suffered a leg injury yesterday and was carted off the field The second-year linebacker is feared to have an ACL tear and will get an MRI to confirm the injury The Atlanta Braves were winners yesterday as the Braves beat the Marlins 4-2 The two teams combined for 15 hits Grant Holmes got the victory for the Braves He's now 7-4 The Atlanta Braves are 68-45 on the season The sports update brought to you by Progressive Bundle Auto and Home Renters or Condo and Save with Progressive I'm Tony Dazzieri on 93.9 The Score Big color bigger savings Sherwin-Williams Super Sale is here Get 40% off paints and stains August 7th through the 13th with prices starting at $30.89 Whether you're refreshing your interior or exterior we've got the colors to bring your vision to life and with delivery getting everything to your door is easier than ever Shop online to have it delivered or visit your neighborhood Sherwin-Williams store Retail sales only Some exclusions apply See store for details Delivery available on qualifying orders Joe Fallon did something smart He saved hundreds on auto insurance switching to Progressive With that money he commissioned a portrait of himself Does Joe already know what he looks like?

Yes Do guests know what he looks like? Also yes But not as art It's Joe Savings and if he wants to spend it on a velvet painting of himself with a white tiger at his feet we say Roar Joe Roar Switch and see if you could save with Progressive and treat yourself Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates The Score Now back with Boomo Bugg on 93.9 The Score Welcome back in He's always busy He's DD Drew Jarman host talking ball and us with 97.7 FM The Zone Drew Welcome in Are you ready to go camping?

Yeah Fall camp Hey guys Pretty much everywhere in the NCC football is back Certainly excited for that and of course we heard from Alex Dolish yesterday we heard from Taylor DeBoer today and going to have media day coming up for Alabama this weekend and pretty much media days all over the SEC as well so it's great to have football back no doubt about it Obviously they're going to give you coach speak on day one your takeaway on whatever they might have said that caught your attention but I think a lot of folks are wondering wherever you want to start at Alabama a lot of questions we've been talking with our mutual friend Rodney and others a lot of questions I think that's reflected in the coaches poll outside the top 10 for the first time in a long while but on the optimistic side I think I saw some video that Crowell looks like he was rocking and rolling doing some cutting so from that standpoint a guy that was all of that in a bag of chips coming out of high school that couldn't miss got nicked up in the spring camp but looks like he is back at least right now at this point looks like it's promising for him to get back in the rotation I would guess not necessarily right or the bat they probably won't take it slow but your thoughts about Crowell and any other observations early well I mean it's tough they're not in pads but it is good to see and know and I had heard EJ Crowell was good to go no restrictions or limitations he was flying around out there it sounded like it sounded like he caught the ball well the tale of the tale will be when they go into pads and you know so that's encouraging but I think and of course the offensive line was asked about and you know certainly as Coach Devor said he hasn't been around Coach Clem you know a ton like you know with him in practice but certainly I think they're excited about Jackson Lloyd and the progress he's made I think they're excited about the physical progress strength gains of Dave and James who come over to play right tackle from Mississippi State and I think they like where the offensive line is right now they've got to continue to improve and certainly keep everyone healthy but I think they're optimistic about it and I think certainly there's more questions on offense and defense I think they have a lot of guys talent back on all levels I think the linebacker core is actually flying under the radar really good hands with Luke Mets QB Reeves Caleb Woodson inside and you've got you know Yonsei Pierre who I think is better than a third teamer preseason at the Wolves spot you've got Justin Hill we'll see about you know Matua Henry and we'll see about you know certainly even J.C. Latham and see if some of those guys can create some roles for themselves Desmond Zulu you know we'll see where he lines up but I do think they have a chance to be really good I think they've got the material to be a top 10 to 15 defense and they've been that the first two years under you know Kane Womack I know they've had some struggles in certain areas but again nobody's perfect and they were put in some really difficult spots a year ago because of the offense's inability to sustain drives and of course run the football and that's been a big and that will be a big part of you know fall camp being more physical and I think certainly as Kellen DeBoer said they're very very aware of where they're ranked in the preseason they know a lot of people have written them off already and have them outside of the top 10 and many many have them outside of the college football playoff but many of these same pundits and one of them who I respect a ton Josh Pate picked Alabama to win the national championship last year so and some another one Brandon Marcello who's a very sharp I think he had Penn State either winning it or playing for it and so I think in this time and age of college football and especially when you factor in injuries can and do happen in camp and during early parts of the season with so many new parts and players everywhere I'm not sure you're going to know how good anybody is until they play two or three games then you might have an idea to be honest I know it creates conversation and I know they want people to do it but picking you know a college football playoff field picking a winner to me it's just an absolute crapshoot because I don't know anybody last year that had Indiana winning it and most didn't have Miami even playing for it I think the sport is pretty wide open I think you've got to continue to build I think you've got to have good injury luck and I think continuity really helps and I think that's something from an Alabama perspective that I think the Crimson Tide fan base needs to focus on D2 Alabama has what I think is the best secondary in the SEC won the top two or three in the nation but the third corner Zabian Brown D. John Lee maybe the two best in the nation Carmelo O'Neal the 6'4 freak from Mercer Chuck McDonald Jordan Edmonds and then at safety everybody knows it's Bray Hubbard and Keon Salb but Xavier Mincy Ivan Taylor and then maybe even Jaira Edwards the five star going to be interesting D2 to see who is the third cornerback in third safety well well I mean I think Ivan Taylor is definitely one to watch we'll see how quickly Jaira Edwards learns certainly I think he's a very unique talent we haven't talked about Carmelo O'Neal since the spring a whole lot he is you know a 6'3 6'4 kind of freakazoid athlete he is who I think has really impressed the coaching staff from what I understand I think he is mainly seeing action at corner so we'll see if he can become a nickel or a guy that can play back there with regularity I know you mentioned Chuck McDonald and he red shirted last year you know and Jordan Edmonds is another one to watch he's another guy with a lot of size a lot of talent a lot of ability they have a true two deep in my opinion in the secondary where they're going to be confident they can play a lot of guys back there and they'll hold their own and like I said I think the defensive line the development there is going to be critical one of them looks like he's back from his back injury a guy that nobody's really talked about a lot because we haven't seen him healthy since the Michigan Bowl game after year one and that's Jeremiah Beeman he's back from an ACL too so he I think from Parker High School he's got a lot of talent we'll see kind of where he lines up Kedrick Bingley Jones a lot of times I don't like everybody else I gotta have a roster sheet I gotta try to remember all these guys a lot of times I refer to him as the young man from Mississippi State or I could call him social security because I think he's 25 26 years old so he's an older guy but he's big and physical you know and they also got Terrence Green who I think has made some strides in the weight room since he came over from Oregon who should definitely at least be a rotational piece Devin Tompkins from USC I think he's slated to be first in line to replace LTO and it's a bandit spot and so I think they have a chance to be really good on defense I think they've got all the pieces in place now they have to get some guys ready to play and get them some game experience and there's nothing like that but I think it's more important than that but I think they feel really confident where they are and I think most of the questions and especially when it comes to up front and then of course the running back rotation and then even creating some more depth with the wide receiver room Noah Rogers likely out until maybe late September early October you know there are going to be some guys that need to develop and step up in that regard you mentioned social security board from Mississippi East Carolina from all reports is also going to bring an SSI guy from the Pirates den to Tuscaloosa for the opening game of the season there at East Carolina your thoughts just about the intangibles I don't think anybody needs to remind the staff of what happened last year when maybe they took FSU a little too lightly I think they drank too much Kool-Aid according to how that game turned out routed to the preseason hype last year but your thoughts just about taking on a team like East Carolina which obviously they have nothing to lose they're going to pick up a paycheck they got they got literally what a 27 year old quarterback coming in so he's he's very seasoned well they've won full games the last two years they won nine games a year ago there's no question that they have some ability they got Jordy Miles from Grissom who is still there who should be a sophomore who played some for them defensively so he'll be coming back to his home state to you know play against the University of Alabama and so they should be ready to go no doubt about it I mean certainly they've heard enough about the Florida State game which they'll get the rematch with FSU in week three but they've heard enough about how that they certainly understand that they've got to have a sense of urgency Kaelin DeBoer made that readily apparent in SEC media days when we had a chance to speak with him on a digital drive they understand that they've got to that they have a very quality opponent coming in and they have to be ready to play and that's they just got to keep working they got to keep stacking days of good practice and hopefully because again Scott Tyson and I talked about it on Talking Ball this morning we were talking mostly about quarterbacks but it's really any position you're in this portal era you're one or two injuries away from having to play somebody that you never dreamed would have to play a huge role and so the quarterback spot can definitely look like that if you lose your first team guy but I think Alabama's done a good enough job with that position where they feel really good about both but again you need to stay healthy you need to have continuity and if you can then you've got a chance to get in the playoff and make a run and I definitely think Alabama's better than they're being rated top maybe eight team and I think they're a college football playoff roster if they continue to stay healthy and get better and that's what you need to do you don't need to worry about you know I said this morning when they announced when we were talking about the coaches full ranking doesn't mean diddly squat it's great to be mentioned in it but it doesn't mean anything even if you're picked to win it that doesn't mean anything either you got to go out and earn it every year and certainly I think Alabama understands that who wins right tackle Javon James transfer from Mississippi State Nick Brooks Texas maybe even an Ethan Fields who will eventually win right tackle I think it'll be Javon James I think that's why they brought him in I think they feel like he had an NFL type ceiling I know he struggled some at Mississippi State last year I think they feel like with some top notch coaching and then David Ballou's strength program they've been able to reshape him a little bit and he has a lot more upside than no disrespect but then to Wilkin Formby and even Mike Carroll who played the position last year and played well at times but I still think he's a natural guard and so I think if Javon James can settle into that spot I think Mike Carroll is going to be a huge upgrade at right guard and matter of fact I think he has a chance to be a gargantia to an upgrade now he's still got to get used to playing guard when he was playing tackle most of last year but as you guys know they want to be much more athletic along the offensive line I think they've upgraded their offensive line at every spot from a year ago except for maybe center where Parker Brelsford was one of the best in college football I'm going to start for the Cleveland Browns so please pray for Parker we all know the Cleveland Browns are not the greatest organization in professional sports but he's still a starting job in the NFL and he was a great great player I think and great fit and I think Racine Delgatti is cut from the same cloth I think they really like now that he's completely healthy his potential to seamlessly fit in at that spot and then and then like you said William Sanders is back we didn't see him in the spring at all but he was out there today and I think he's a better fit than Cam Dewberry that's why I told some people when this injunction went through or whatever for all the 22 guys when you look at the handful that can come back to Alabama there's two of them that stick out but they're both going to be playing on Sundays and I think that's Jeremy Bernard and L.T. Overton you know the other guys the Jam Millers of the world Jam may make the New England Patriots we'll see no question about it certainly and we'll see what happens you know with the you know the other two guys one of course being with the Green Bay Packers in camp and was a sixth round pick at corner and he had a pretty good run at Alabama and then with Dewberry I just think Dewberry he played hard but I just don't think he was a great fit he's in the camp with the Falcons and I don't think any of those young men and Noah Williamson the football player I don't see or basketball player pardon me the one basketball player mentioned Noah Cunning Noah Williamson pardon me the basketball player from Bucknell I don't think any of those guys will be back at Alabama I think a few of them you may see return to their respective schools around the country but I don't think it's going to be a huge huge factor and I think most of those guys especially when you get draft opportunities in the NFL you want to start your pro career and get that cranked up and I think most of those guys are all going to end up you know in the NFL and hopefully making rosters and I don't think I think Alabama's moved on I think they like where their roster is at this point yeah I think I think you're exactly right D2 a lot of high school camps going on right now we talked to Daryl Higgins a little bit later he is very excited about getting started with Russell well boy they've got a tough schedule this year I know you've got a lot of guys on your side of the river they're excited too and also tell us about where we can get online to listen to you and Scott for three hours in the morning yeah absolutely Scott and I bring you talking ball 7 to 10 a.m.

[1:49:44] Monday through Friday we always look forward to it all our content is posted on our SoundCloud page ESPN 97.7 the zone we also can be heard live at ESPN 97.7 dot com at 977ESPN excuse me dot com if you go to 977ESPN dot com that will take you to our live stream and our website and then certainly we have WCVN TV we're very proud after some knockout coverage at SEC media days that certainly we were able to go over a thousand subscribers to our YouTube channel so getting a lot of people viewing it you know I may not have a face for you know TV I'm a more radio guy but still you can certainly watch our content and maybe watch some of my physical reactions to some of our topics on the show if you like a comedy show but certainly we enjoy the re-interaction we had a lot of fun today on the show we had a lot of great conversation we talked to your good friend Brent Mike Scarborough like Rodney or has now celebrated 30 years in the media business covering LSU and that's significant when you can be relevant for a 30 year you certainly have been doing something right in this media environment and we had a lot of great conversation talking SEC football with Travis Ryer as well and then you need that next time you talk to Travis you should ask him about Ryan Silverfield because a lot of people probably don't know this but Travis has known Ryan Silverfield since he was a ball boy for one Corky Rodgers at the bowl school and so as a matter of fact his older brother played for Corky as well and so he's known that family for a long time and told us today if you had told me 20 years ago I never would have thought that Ryan Silverfield would go from the bowl school to being a head coach in the SEC but we've also got one in Huntsville John Summerall now the head coach of the Gators so it's funny how things kind of play out in that way and you see people grow and branch out and become you know big time college football coaches from places that you might not expect and so we're just really excited and we always enjoy being on with you guys at 93.9 we're also looking forward to the high school football season getting cranked up here in a couple weeks be here before you know thanks Drew so much your time stay safe out there okay thank you guys thank you buddy Silverfield's going from that to Golden Tech does it not BB the Braves trying to protect that seven and a half game lead tonight against the Marlins my friend they've won six games in a row we'll see if they can win six games in a row once again the post season I've got to see that to believe it but you can hear that Marlins game tonight right here on 93.9 the score and a quick reminder again Braxton Garrett used to be with the Marlins at a Florence high school he's now on the north side of Chicago with those Cubs all the best to Braxton going down the post run here in MLB it's going to take care of us for now on behalf of BB Greg James Blair the entire crew here Carol Bug thank you so much for your time today let's do it again tomorrow noon to two with the boom old bug show back here on sports radio 93.9 score