Alabama’s Greenwood looking for win in final Iron Bowl

Ken Rogers
Media General News Service
Published: November 20, 2008

TUSCALOOSA — Alabama senior defensive end Bobby Greenwood now knows what Kyle Tatum was talking about.

Teammates at Prattville High, Tatum preceded Greenwood to Alabama. He told the youngster to take advantage of every opportunity.

“He told me, ‘Man, you won’t believe how fast this flies by. I’m already out of here,’” Greenwood said after practice Tuesday night. “I’m like, ‘Whatever, old man.’ Now I’m the old guy.”

But what opportunity lies ahead of Greenwood and his Crimson Tide teammates. They will be favored to snap Auburn’s six-game winning streak in the Iron Bowl. If that happens, the unbeaten and top-ranked Tide will face Florida in what equates to a national semifinal showdown, as long as they both keep winning.

Step one is Auburn, and Greenwood again said his relationship with Tatum is a motivator.

“It’s so sad he never got a win against Auburn,” Greenwood said. “That makes me play more. That’s a big motivation for me. I don’t want to get out of here without beating these guys ... It’s huge for me — my last chance against these Tigers.”

Greenwood and the Alabama defensive front will be a big factor in the outcome of the game.

Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban likes his senior defensive end’s “lunch pail” mentality.

“Bobby’s played very well for us,” Saban said. “He’s a very consistent player. Works hard, tries to do everything right, is very productive in the game.”

It’s his production in practice that his teammates talk about. Tight end Nick Walker said when Alabama goes first team vs. first team — which is does several periods each practice — he knows what to expect from Greenwood.

“Bobby plays like he plays in a game. When we go good on good, it’s like a game,” Walker said.

Greenwood said the defensive front has developed a bond this season.

“It’s like a family. We all get along great,” he said. “We’re playing off each other, especially on pass rush. Containing that quarterback and closing the pocket on him. And especially on the run, we fit our gaps right and it frees up the linebackers. We put our big focus on that all the way down to our hand placement and our first step.”

The ends have split time between Greenwood, Brandon Deaderick and Lorenzo Washington. Interior linemen Terrence Cody, Josh Chapman, Nick Gentry and Marcel Dareus have added depth throughout the season.

“Bobby being a senior, he’s the most experienced of all of us,” Washington said. “But I definitely feel good with any of the first two strings on the field. I feel confident about any of the D-linemen that are on the field because the way we practice and the way rotation goes in practice, it’s like a real game.”

Through all the repetitions and practices, suddenly Greenwood is preparing for his final Iron Bowl.

“It’s huge. I said earlier I’ve got family, like second and third cousins I’ve never heard from, calling, giving me the ‘Roll Tide,’” he said. “I’m like, where was that earlier?”

Greenwood knows what’s at stake. He also knows it won’t be easy.

“It’s going to be a great game. Big SEC rivalry. I’m excited about it,” he said. “A lot of guys I used to play with are starting for Auburn.”

He mentioned Gabe McKenzie, Tommy Trott, Jerraud Powers, Antonio Coleman, Tez Doolittle and Sen’Derrick Marks.

“I’ve played with all of them,” Greenwood said. “We always get a little trash-talking. We’re all good friends. It’ll be good to see them again.”

He doesn’t want to just see them. He wants to beat them.

But as the game draws near, Tatum’s words are hitting home. He has passed that message on to another, younger player from Prattville.

“Nick Gentry still doesn’t believe me,” Greenwood said. “But his sophomore season’s already getting over. ... Other than camp, it’s just flown by.”