Tides Pharr, Talbert to take medical scholarships

TUSCALOOSA _ Sources tell BamaOnline that offensive tackle Taylor Pharr and linebacker Milton Talbert are expected to go on medical scholarships, ending their football careers at the University of Alabama.

Pharr, who has had concussions problems, plans to serve the Crimson Tide as a student coach, and work in that capacity during summer camps. The 2008 SEC Academic Honor Roll Selection played in five games last season giving him 17 appearances for his career as a reserve offensive lineman and on special teams (field goal and extra-point teams).

Out of Shades Valley High School in Irondale, Pharr was ranked by Rivals as the No. 2 offensive lineman in Alabama and 11th nationally in the Class of 2006. He spent most of this past spring working with the third-unit at left tackle and also filled in at punter.

Talbert, who spent all of spring wearing a black jersey signaling no contact due to a shoulder injury, played nine games over three years as a reserve. He made four tackles sand had one fumble recovery, against Western Carolina in the 2007 season opener.

The converted defensive lineman played in one game last season, against Chattanooga.

Out of Hattiesburg High School, were he recorded 111 tackles, 12 sacks and five fumble recoveries, Talbert was also in the Class of 2006. He was the 20th-rated player in Mississippi and the No. 16 weakside defensive end in the nation.

Combined with the transfer of quarterback Star Jackson to Georgia State, Alabama is believed to be at least one player over the 85-man limit, which has to be set at the beginning of fall camp. Coach Nick Saban confirmed last week that all but two players of the incoming signing class have reported (previously reported to be Deion Belue and Blake Sims).