[Tuck4Bama]

TUSCALOOSA -- Just when Alabama needs defensive line signee Josh Chapman, he may not be available.

Chapman, a 6-foot-1, 300-pound freshman, could be held out of Saturday's 6 p.m. season opener against Western Carolina because of his reported involvement in the ongoing grade investigation at Hoover High School, according to Tide coach Nick Saban.

"If there's potential for the guy to be ineligible -- which we have to get information from several sources -- the prudent thing for us to do would be not to play him in this game," Saban said Wednesday. "But that decision has not been made. We haven't got all that information.
"We want to do what is best for our team without penalizing the young man."

Starting nose tackle Brian Motley broke a bone in his ankle Tuesday to create potential playing time for several newcomers like Chapman, who was once described by Hoover coach Rush Propst as the best defensive lineman in school history.

Chapman was declared eligible at Alabama after a second transcript was sent from Hoover to UA compliance officials, thus raising his grade from an 89 to a 90, the Birmingham News reported. Former Hoover principal Richard Bishop called the switch "an honest mistake." Chapman has participated in Tide practices this preseason.

Saban considers sitting Chapman- al.com

[Stoney]

So is he eligible or not?

[Tuck4Bama]

Originally Posted by Stoney

So is he eligible or not?

The clearing house said yes but pressure on the principal of Hoover High is taking its toll on the entire program. Rush Probst is also under investigation.

Saban is just covering his butt in case they reverse their earlier decision.

I think it is a smart move on Saban's part.

[Stoney]

Well Probst has needed to be taken down a notch or two for quite some time.