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LB Daniels withdraws from Alabama Posted: Monday August 04, 2003 7:13 PM
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) -- Alabama linebacker Brooks Daniels has withdrawn from school and will sit out his senior season for undisclosed medical reasons, coach Mike Shula said Monday. Daniels is the first Alabama player to record 100 tackles in back-to-back seasons and was a first-team preseason All-Southeastern Conference pick. Shula said the door will be left open for Daniels to rejoin the team in time for next season, but declined to be more specific on the reasons for his departure. "It's obviously difficult for our football team when you lose a guy who's played as well as Brooks has, but we have to move on under some tough circumstances," said Shula, who met with Brooks Monday morning. "Above everything else, our wish is for him to get healthy." Sophomore DeMeco Ryans will shift to the will linebacker spot and compete with freshman Juwan Garth for the job. Ryans was one of only two true freshmen to see action last season -- along with fullback Greg McLain -- and started in the finale against Hawaii. "I'm excited about him and his talent and speed," Shula said. The linebacking corps was expected to be the strength of Alabama's defense, with starters Freddie Roach and Cornelius Wortham also returning. "Under a tough situation, that's one thing we've got to feel good about is the depth at that position," Shula said. Quarterback Brodie Croyle said the team was more worried about Daniels' well-being than the effect of his departure on the team. "It's going to be tough," Croyle said. "Brooks is a great player. We're going to have to have some guys step up. Our thoughts are with Brooks right now." |
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