Carpenter finds home with Crimson Tide
Associated Press
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. --
 James
Carpenter said the drive from his hometown of Augusta,
Ga., to a junior college in Coffeyville, Kan., took 14
long hours. If only he knew where all those roads would
eventually take him.
"I always wanted to play in the SEC," Carpenter said. "I
always loved Alabama, too. I just never had the chance."
When Alabama ran onto the field before a packed stadium
Saturday night against Florida International, it completed a
long quest for its new left tackle, who while talented, was
forced for several reasons to try to build a college
football career from the ground up. Games before hundreds of
fans in high school and at Coffeyville Community College now
are played in front of more than 92,000 in Bryant-Denny
Stadium.
"Crazy," Carpenter said. "I loved it, for real."
His job at Alabama this year is to replace Outland Trophy
winner Andre Smith at left tackle, the most high-profile
position on an offensive line. While some players might shy
away from such pressure, Carpenter is confidently enjoying
every minute in the spotlight.
"That's why I came here," Carpenter said of filling in
for Smith. "I wanted a challenge."
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