Freshman

In Tuscaloosa classes began today, while this past Monday the annual Bama Blast welcoming incoming freshman (non-football players) to what will hopefully be the best four years of their lives. As Taylor Townsend once said "They say there's no one older than a high school senior, but no one younger than a college freshman" Haha, how true this is. Late August (early Sept in Canada) marks a time when thousands of wide eyed freshman embark on journey through the lovely world of post secondary education. For most this will be the first time away from home, as well as the first time introduced to what will be their new best friend for the next four years. For a literary account on freshman corruption I recommend the poorly reviewed "I Am Charlotte Simmons", by Tom Wolfe. Who else but a 74 year old man, could tell the tale of an innocent keener, country girl losing her virginity at a frat party. Anyways this got me thinking of my own freshman from my 1st recruiting class in NCAA 07. Here's the progress of some notables from the 2007 class(year 2)so far.

Derek Green FS#5 Meadowbrook, AL (4*)
Namath's first commit In 1st year, he split time at FS with ATH Maurice Ward. Ward has since transferred to Louisiana Tech and Green remains a starter at FS

Tommy Jones G#2 Prichard, AL (5*)
Only 5 star recruit from class, was a backup Guard as a FR, now in 2008 as a SO starts at LG along side LT star Andre Smith. Prime reason why J.P. Wilson has an easy time throwing TDs this year

Jimmy Fernandez CB#10 Boca Raton, FL (4*)
I love this wealthy Dominican. Made key plays from the nickel in 2007, was the D MVP in the Spring Game and is now the impact player on D and one of the top DBs in the SEC as a sophmore. Viva Dominicana. Fernandez is also the main reason why Tego Calderon is all thats heard from the Tide locker room.

Quentin Rawls DE#5 London, ON CANADA (4*)
Started as a FR, was suspended two games for cheating on an exam, but in 2008 he is top rated player on the DL with a 90 rating. And he's Canadian so he kicks arse! He listens to Soca and Dancehall reggae, big ups.

Michael Poppinga OLB#1 Warner Robbins, GA (4*)
Started as FR, solid, nothing flashy. Yup he's white.

Greg Robertson SS#7 Fairhope, AL (4*)
Back up SS as a FR, but is now a force in the secondary. Made key tackles in the ASU and Kentucky games. Along with Derek Green, Bama looks to have one of the best safety tandems in the SEC