BamaOnLine.com - Fanney next?

July 16, 2009

Chase Goodbread
BamaOnLine.com Senior Writer

Alabama linebacker Brandon Fanney is exploring the possibility of a transfer, BamaOnLine.com has confirmed, although it is unclear where he might finish his collegiate career.

A Thursday report in the Tuscaloosa News indicated the senior would likely transfer to the University of North Alabama, though attempts to reach both Lions head coach Terry Bowden and UNA Sports Information Director Jeff Hodges were not immediately successful. Fanney has one season of eligibility remaining, and could play at any non-FBS program this fall without sitting out under the NCAA's transfer rule.

Fanney's former coach at Morristown (Tenn.) West High, Don Woods, said he was unaware of any transfer plans for Fanney.

"I hope it's not the case," said Woods, now an assistant coach at Virginia Military Institute. "I don't talk to him all the time ? just a couple of times last year."

Fanney (6-5, 257 pounds) started all 14 games at the 'Jack' linebacker position for the Crimson Tide last season, compiling 66 tackles (third on the team) and nine tackles for loss (second on team). However, he was suspended for the first half of spring drills for a violation of team rules. When UA coach Nick Saban reinstated Fanney, he spent practice time with the first, second and third teams before drills ended on A-Day.

If Fanney does indeed leave the team, one of the key starting positions in Saban's 3-4 defense would come open. Eryk Anders, Courtney Upshaw and Don'ta Hightower ? who started last season at the weakside linebacker spot ? all saw practice time at the 'Jack' position in the spring.

Alabama must be within the 85-man scholarship limit by the start of fall camp, which begins Aug. 6. Several players have chosen not to continue their UA careers for various reasons, most recently Chris Jackson, who has been granted permission to speak with other schools about a transfer. Based on the offseason attrition that has become public to date, Alabama is at approximately 70 scholarship players not including incoming signees. Some 22 signees are enrolled for summer classes at UA.

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