Christian Barmore
FILE - Alabama quarterback Mac Jones passes against Ohio State during the second half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game in Miami Gardens, Fla., in this Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, file photo. Patrick Surtain II and Mac Jones had the spotlight at Alabama's Pro Day, Tuesday, March 23, 2021. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)
Jones, Smith, Harris reconnect at Alabama's pro day No. 2

By John Zenor Mar. 30, 2021 06:10 PM EDT

FILE - Alabama defensive back Patrick Surtain II (2) makes an interception that he returned for a touchdown against Mississippi State during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Tuscaloosa, Ala., in this Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, file photo. Surtain used Alabama's first pro day on Tuesday, March 23, 2021, to show he deserves to be considered at the top of a very competitive class of draft picks. Surtain, rated as the top cornerback in the draft, posted unofficial times of 4.42 and 4.44 seconds in the 40-yard dash before NFL scouts and coaches at Alabama's indoor practice facility. (Gary Cosby Jr.//The Tuscaloosa News via AP, File)
Surtain shows off speed on Alabama's competitive pro day

By Charles Odum Mar. 23, 2021 03:57 PM EDT

Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore celebrates after a tackle against Ohio State during the first half of an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Jones among 4 Alabama underclassmen declaring for NFL draft

By John Zenor Jan. 14, 2021 04:18 PM EST

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and offensive lineman Alex Leatherwood hold the trophy after their win against Ohio State in an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Alabama won 52-24. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)
Alabama's Nick Saban already working on chasing title No. 8

By John Zenor Jan. 12, 2021 11:25 AM EST

Ohio State players sit on the bench after their loss to Alabama in an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game, Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. Alabama won 52-24. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
Fields, prolific Ohio State attack stifled by Tide defense

By Mitch Stacy Jan. 11, 2021 07:15 PM EST

A security officer checks as fans arrive for an NCAA College Football Playoff national championship game between Alabama and Ohio State Monday, Jan. 11, 2021, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)
Ohio State at Alabama 1/11/2021

Jan. 11, 2021 06:51 PM EST

Alabama head coach Nick Saban applauds as he watches his team play Notre Dame late in the second half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
No. 1 Alabama faces No. 3 Ohio State for CFP championship

By The Associated Press Jan. 10, 2021 10:08 AM EST

Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence is tackled by Ohio State defensive end Tyreke Smith during the second half of the Sugar Bowl NCAA college football game Friday, Jan. 1, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)
NFL prospects everywhere in Alabama-Ohio State title game

By Ralph D. Russo Jan. 07, 2021 02:28 AM EST

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly, center, talks to officials in the first half of the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Alabama in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Notre Dame better in Texas, but loses again in semifinals

By Schuyler Dixon Jan. 01, 2021 07:50 PM EST

Alabama fans tailgate outside AT&T Stadium before the Rose Bowl NCAA college football game against Notre Dame in Arlington, Texas, Friday, Jan. 1, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Notre Dame at Alabama 1/1/2021

Jan. 01, 2021 01:47 PM EST

FILE - Brigham Young offensive lineman Brady Christensen (67) is shown in action in the first half during an NCAA college football game against Arizona in Tucson, Ariz., in this Saturday, Sept. 1, 2018, file photo. Christensen was selected to The Associated Press All-America first-team offense, Monday, Dec. 28, 2020. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Alabama's Jones, Smith, Harris lead 6 Tide AP All-Americans

By Ralph D. Russo Dec. 28, 2020 12:00 PM EST

Alabama head coach Nick Saban, center, watches play against Florida during the first half of the Southeastern Conference championship NCAA college football game, Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)
AP All-SEC: No. 1 Alabama leads the way for top awards

By Pete Iacobelli Dec. 23, 2020 01:18 PM EST

Alabama punt returner DeVonta Smith (6) returns a punt for a touchdown against Arkansas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020, in Fayetteville, Ark. (AP Photo/Michael Woods)
Alabama at Arkansas 12/12/2020

Dec. 12, 2020 02:01 PM EST

Mississippi quarterback John Rhys Plumlee stretches toward the goal line, but is stopped short, as Alabama defensive back Jordan Battle (9) defends during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 10, 2020. Alabama won 63-48. (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)
Saban thinks Alabama's defense now has something to build on

By John Zenor Oct. 23, 2020 01:02 PM EDT

FILE - In this Dec. 28, 2019, file photo, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields throws a pass against Clemson during the first half of the Fiesta Bowl NCAA college football playoff semifinal in Glendale, Ariz. When Fields got together with some of his teammates last Saturday to watch college football on TV, the mood was dark. “Distraught,” Fields said. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri, File)
AP Top 25 Reality Check: Who's eligible? Who's playing?

By Ralph D. Russo Sep. 21, 2020 01:49 AM EDT