Sports Talk Featuring Durty Bo Dean

Earlier today, I got to talk sports with one of the rising stars in Hip Hop and Rap. And I thought, "Who better to shed some light on Crimson Tide football, than the Alabama Outlaw...Durty Bo Dean?" Here's a brief Q & A session.

Rob: Durty, the Crimson Tide appear headed toward another run at the BCS Championship. But, can Alabama roll through the SEC again? And, who will be the Tide's toughest contenders in the conference?

Durty Bo Dean: Oh yeah, I feel even though Florida lost alot of their top players to the draft, that they are still our toughest challenge in the SEC.

Rob: I agree. The Tide will probably face 'em twice. Once on October 2nd in Tuscaloosa and again in December for the SEC title. Your squad looks strong, as Heisman trophy winner, Mark Ingram returns to the Alabama backfield. So does the talented Trent Richardson. This tandem combined to rush for over 2,400 yards and 25 tds in 2009. Does Alabama have the nation's best running back combination?

Durty Bo Dean: I feel with the combination of speed and power that we do have the best RB combination in the SEC, if not the NCAA. I think Richardson will have a breakout season this year.

Rob: That's a good point. The Tide's opposition will be fired up to shut Ingram down. But, Pensacola's Trent Richardson will be a change of pace back, that causes all kinds of issues for opposing defenses. Let's talk about Julio Jones for a minute. In 2009, he only caught 43 passes for 596 yards and 4 scrawny tds. But, senior QB Greg McElroy "Put on a Show" in the SEC Championship Game against Florida. As a result of his maturation, will offensive coordinator, Jim McElwain take more shots to #8 down field in 2010?

Durty Bo Dean: Yeah, alot of people don't know that Jones was injured through half of the season. I think he will come back with something to prove. McElroy definitely proved himself during that Florida game. I think Jim McElwain will definitely open up the offense in 2010.

Rob: That could be scary for Alabama's opponents. Entering his 4th season in Tuscaloosa, Nick Saban has posted a 33-8 record, including a BCS title. And, that's after inheriting a program that nearly passed out under Mike Shula. Is it too early to compare his legacy to that of the legendary coach, Bear Bryant?

Durty Bo Dean: I feel it's a lil' too early. I respect Saban for bringing that power football and defensive intensity back to Alabama, though. I still wanna be sure he's in it for the long haul.

Rob: Well said. Any detractor of Saban's mentions his history of moving on to "greener pastures." In the interest of the SEC, I hope he remains at Alabama for many more years. Moving on, the Georgia Bulldogs decided to "Black Out" the Crimson Tide in 2008. The plan backfired, as Mark Richt's squad went into the half, stunned by a 30 point deficit. What do you think about coaches employing such tactics to motivate their players and fans?

Durty Bo Dean: LOL. I don't think those type of tricks are gonna work against the Tide. Saban has his players too disciplined to fall for that. The best thing for the competition to do is play hard nosed, straight up football, cause we don't back down!

Rob: Alabama is always strong in the trenches. But, former Tide DT Terence Cody is preparing for his rookie season in the NFL. Will Kirby Smart's defense miss his presence in the middle?

Durty Bo Dean: I think we will definitely miss "Mt. Cody." He and Melsin were a very important piece of our championship run. But, Smart and Saban are always prepared and we have alot of talent ready to fill the void.

Rob: I think I know the answer to this question, but I gotta ask it anyway. Will we ever see you rockin' an Auburn Tigers cap in one of your videos? And, what do you dislike most about Alabama's in-state rival?

Durty Bo Dean: Never. I think it's a very good rivalry that does alot for the state of Alabama. No further comment on the Tigers.

Rob: Former Tennessee head coach, Lane Kiffin is facing some serious sanctions at USC. What are your thoughts on the situation?

Durty Bo Dean: Well, I feel that karma is real and he kinda got what he deserved for bailing on Tennessee. Like that, Alabama went through similar sanctions and we bounced back. So, USC just has to build from the situation and take a closer look at their players and staff.

Rob: Well said. Moving on, some of my heroes growing up were Tim Worley, Dominique Wilkins, and Hank Aaron. What athletes did you look up to and who do you admire today?

Durty Bo Dean: Michael Jordan, Emmitt Smith, and Ken Griffey Jr. to name a few. Alot of my heroes were family members who helped raise me. But, sports taught me friendship and teamwork.

Rob: Speaking of MJ, he and I both had alot to say about LeBron's decision to leave Cleveland. We were both critical of his move to South Beach. But, I wonder if we were a bit unfair. What are your thoughts?

Durty Bo Dean: I have mixed feelings. I agree with Jordan and Bird by saying they would never join up, because they wanted to defeat each other. But, it's a different era and I don't think LeBron would have won a ring in Cleveland.

Rob: You're probably right about Cleveland. That city seems to be cursed in the world of sports. Let's get back to football for a minute. What's on your tailgate menu?

Durty Bo Dean: Well, I gotta have some St. Louis style ribs, barbecue shrimp, and a couple of Coronas to wash it all down.

Rob: Sounds good. Whenever you're ready to fire up the grill, let me know. Aside from music and college football, what are some of your other interests?

Durty Bo Dean: Pretty much livin' my life to the fullest, being a good father to my daughter, and trying to see a million dollars before I'm 40 years old.

Rob: Thanks for your time, Durty. I know you're very busy right now. You've got a CD in the works and some promotional opportunities on the horizon. Would you like to share some details with the readers and how can they support Durty Bo Dean?

Durty Bo Dean: Yea I'm wrapping up my album titled "Theme Music" due to release this month. I have a couple of shows booked in Florida to promote the album. For more details, you can go to www.durtybodean.com or just google me.

Rob: Ya'll heard the man. Check him out. You won't regret it.