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football Edit

Stover, Stabler headline Alabamas best

Whereitlacksinsheernumberscomparedtosomestatesforfootballtalent,Alabamamorethanmakesupforitwhenitcomestointensity,enthusiasmandathleticism.
Itcanthankoneofthenation’sfiercestrivalriesforthatasfansofAlabamaandAuburnsquareoffyear-roundintheirsecond-favoritesport,footballrecruiting.
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Mostofthestate’stopprospectslisttheCrimsonTideandTigersprominentlyamongtheirfavorites.Althoughtheysawthetopthreefromlastyear’sclass--ChadJackson,JaysonSwainandJaMarcusRussell--signwithotherSECprograms,thisyearlookslikethehomestateschoolsmaybemoresuccessfulinlockingupthetalent.
Hartsellewidereceiver/defensivebackNikitaStoverheadsthisyear’sclass,whichfeatureseachprimarypositiongroupwiththenotableexceptionofquarterback.
Inthisfeature,Rivals100analystJeffDrummondgiveshisfeedbackonwhohebelievesarethetop10playersinthestatefortheClassof2004:
1. Nikita Stover
Wide Receiver/Defensive Back
6-2, 190, 4.45
Hartselle
2. B.J. Stabler
Offensive Tackle
6-5, 291, 5.1
Clarke County
3. Justin Britt
Defensive Tackle/Tight End
6-4, 250, 4.8
Cullman
4. David Brown
Defensive End/Defensive Tackle
6-3, 255, 4.8
Madison Bob Jones
5. Tony Bell
Outside Linebacker/Safety
6-2, 210, 4.4
Alabaster Thompson
6. Markus Manson
Running Back
6-0, 195, 4.4
Tuscaloosa Hillcrest
7. Travis McCall
Tight End/Defensive End
6-2, 235, 4.78
Prattville
8. Max Martin
Running Back/Outside Linebacker
6-2, 210, 4.5
Madison Bob Jones
9. Marcus Carter
Defensive Back
6-0, 190, 4.5
Fort Payne
10. Simeon Castille
Defensive Back/Athlete
6-1, 185, 4.5
Birmingham Briarwood Christian
Castille is a familiar name to Crimson Tide fans. His father, Jeremiah, was one of the all-time greats at Alabama, and his brother, Tim, signed with the Tide in February. It would come as great surprise to see Simeon buck the family tradition. As a junior, Castille played cornerback, recording 107 tackles, 11 pass break-ups and three interceptions. He also averaged 27.9 yards on kickoff returns and 18.8 yards on punt returns. Safety will likely be his position at the next level where his size and 34-inch vertical will come into play. Castille is also known as a “gamer” who loves to win. "He's very competitive like his father,” Briarwood coach Fred Yancey said. “Simeon has a strong work ethic and he strives to be his best. He is one of the first players on and off the practice field and he give 100% all the time. His desire is outstanding… He has great instincts at cornerback and is very elusive with the ball in his hands. On boths sides of the ball, he is a big-play guy who can change the momentum of a game in one play.”
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