A guy asked me today at work about the #12 at Alabama and whether or not a player must be "given" this number. I know we have had some outstanding players who have donned this number, but I did not know the requirements for having this number. If this has been a recent topic of discussion (or if it is so widely known by everyone except for me), I apologize.
The #12
- Thread starter bamaboze
- Start date
This has been discussed, but I'm not certain if there has ever been an answer given as to how the number is awarded.
I may be totally off, but I do believe that the number is awarded based upon a few factors. The first is how big a recruit is (again I would assume) and how likely he is to play early and often. I know that McElroy intially wanted it, as did Earl Alexander and the number wasn't given out. It wouldn't surprise me to see McElroy come out and wear it this year unless the coaches have a #12 on their radar and want to be able to use it as an incentive in the near future...which may be the case since both McElroy and Alexander already have numbers.
I may be totally off, but I do believe that the number is awarded based upon a few factors. The first is how big a recruit is (again I would assume) and how likely he is to play early and often. I know that McElroy intially wanted it, as did Earl Alexander and the number wasn't given out. It wouldn't surprise me to see McElroy come out and wear it this year unless the coaches have a #12 on their radar and want to be able to use it as an incentive in the near future...which may be the case since both McElroy and Alexander already have numbers.
I can't remember #12 being that big of a deal before Coach Bryant came. Pat Trammell who Bryant adored wore #12 then Namath. Stabler wore #12 after Namath left for the Jets. After that it seemed like #12 was the number we associated with Alabama quarterbacks.
No matter where you go, no matter what other football helmets there are - if you see a Red helmet with a White center band and the #12 you know that is a BAMA helmet - no questions asked. Now as to whether the # has ato be earned or what - I have no idea.
Though it now seems like #12 is a sacred #. Could it be possible for it to be given out for a WR, DB, or even Kicker??? Or does it seem like it will just stay with QBs.
With my 40+ years following the Tide, I would personally find #12 on any player except a QB to be a little bizarre. It could happen, I suppose. But since Coach hit town in '58, it hasn't.
If any player other than a qb were to get it there would be an uproar...
Side #1 - CNS is ruining tradition!!
Side #2 - We need change!! :biggrin2::biggrin2:
If any player other than a qb were to get it there would be an uproar...
Side #1 - CNS is ruining tradition!!
Side #2 - We need change!! :biggrin2::biggrin2:
That dichotomy will always rear up when a change of the traditional is brought up. So it probably would be the case here.
ps Re your sig, add verse 6 and you have my lifeverse.
I was thinking about that. With Brodie's connections and his hype coming out of high school, he could have probably had any number he wanted, quite honestly. But looking back on a few players preceeding him...
John Wells is on record as having #12 in 2000 as a wide receiver. I'm pretty sure he didn't live up to the #12 legacy. :cool2:
John David Phillips had the #12 for a few years as a QB before Wells (although I think I remember him playing special teams more).
Thanks for everyone's input!
Doubt Mcelroy is too obsessed at this or any point regarding #12, why should he be? He created his own identity in a league of champions....and will continue to do so. He wears the #17 he wore on 3 TX5A (big boy league) and 2 National Championship teams. TX POY, he led one and in the process setting all-time Southlake Carroll and TX5A QB records. SLC coach says his number will most likely be retired. Imagine the #12 thing was dangled like a carrot during recruitment process…not unusual or a first.
I remember that in 1992 and I thought at the time it was a big ironic because the #12 usually goes to our biggest weapon. And as good as Diehl was he was a big time weapon on that team. It was the only team I have seen that could have won games with a defense and a punter.
yeah, the # was probably used in recruiting brodie. He grew up a bama fan so it was a really big deal to him that he got that number.
Very true, friend, but he did mention once that he wanted the number 12..
Who knows, eh?
It's an important number with historical significance and all but personally I'd rather get a big time QB this year (like S. Jackson) than worry about a jersey..
Heck, maybe some of these guys are afraid of wearing that number here at Bama... couldn't blame them!
RTR
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