Another Tide Signee Won’t Report

Alabama’s Football Media Guide, distributed at Southeastern Conference Media Days Wednesday, gives a few hints about the 2009 Crimson Tide roster, but questions regarding the NCAA limit of 85 scholarshipped players remain.

Alabama is missing one signee who might be considered something of a surprise. Anthony Orr, a 6-5, 260-pound defensive lineman from Sparkman in Madison, is not on the roster. As expected, Quinton Dial, a 6-5, 310-pound defensive lineman from Clay-Chalkville in Pinson, was also not on the roster.

Brandon Fanney, a returning starting jack linebacker, has been widely reported in the media as transferring from Alabama, although there has been no official announcement from The University. Fanney is not on the roster.

Wide receiver Chris Jackson, who reportedly has transferred to Georgia Tech; defensive back Alonzo Lawrence, who has announced that he has received a conditional release from Alabama; and Jermaine Preyear, who was speculated as perhaps seeking a release are all on the soter.

Although it can’t be known for sure which players are on the one-year NCAA scholarships, it appears there are approximately 92. The number must be 85 when Alabama reports for fall camp on August 5 for the beginning of practice on August 6.

Alabama Coach Nick Saban will address the 900 or so media members on hand at the SEC kickoff event at the Wynfrey Hotel in Hoover on Thursday.