Tide releases official roster By Cecil Hurt Sports Editor August 07, 2004
TUSCALOOSA | The University of Alabama has released its official roster of players who are expected to be a part of the team when practice opens on Tuesday. There are 104 players on the roster. NCAA rules allow a team to bring in as many as 105 players for practices that take place before the start of fall classes. An additional player could be added before the Crimson Tide begins practice. Two players from last year's team who are listed in the Alabama 2004 Media Guide were not part of the 104-man roster: wide receiver Tarry Givens and defensive back Thurman Ward. "Both Tarry and Thurman are on track to graduate this summer," Tide coach Mike Shula said Friday. "They'll move on with their lives outside of football." Givens had not seen action since the 2002 season. Ward played in 12 of Alabama's 13 games last season, and had three tackles against Oklahoma. The roster also included the Tide's incoming class of 20 newcomers who were announced as signees. That group included wide receiver Ezekial Knight of Randolph County. According to Randolph County coach, Pat Prestridge, Knight received a passing score on the Alabama High School Graduation Examination on Friday, and could be on the practice field for Alabama by early next week. The roster also includes 11 freshman walk-ons. Two of last February's signees, quarterback John Parker Wilson and lineman Drew Davis, had planned to enroll next January, although Davis could be the additional player added to the roster. Shula said at SEC Media Days last month that Alabama, which is working under NCAA-imposed scholarship restrictions, would have 74 players on scholarship this season, although that number includes several walk-ons who have been awarded scholarships since coming to Alabama. There are a total of 67 players on the roster who either signed with UA or received a scholarship after signing with another Division I institution. Practices will be closed to the public, although sources close to the UA football program said that the Tide's first two scrimmages would be open to the public. The first scrimmages are tentatively set for Aug. 16 and Aug. 21. Reach Cecil Hurt at [EMAIL PROTECTED] or at (205) 722-0225. ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
