Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Earlier this month, UA's Board of Trustees' executive committee implemented a post-tenure review process and a five-year academic program review (ensuring that the faculty senate remains advisory for UA, UAB, and UAH) that lets faculty set tailored benchmarks.

Stewart D. McLaurin gave the keynote at the Blackburn Institute academic symposium on Friday, Aug.

28 — discussing America’s 250th anniversary and UA’s future. The UA alumnus, newly named chair of the UA System’s Capitol Scholars Leadership Council, urged students to lead with knowledge and commitment.

A preseason ranking of SEC football coaches shows Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer faces high expectations after recent playoff struggles, while coaches like South Carolina’s Shane Beamer and Mississippi State’s Jeff Lebby confront pressure ahead of fall games.

The ranking lists 16 coaches in order of urgency.

Former Alabama star Evan Neal was released by the New York Giants during NFL cutdown day as he finished three seasons with the team, leaving the Tuscaloosa product available for a new opportunity this season.

The Tuscaloosa News holds a reader poll to name the Girls Athlete of the Week covering the period August 22 through 28 (voting is open until noon Sept.

3). Nominees include athletes from flag football and volleyball with last week's winner being Brookwood’s Lizzy Graham.

Alabama football has named Conor Talty as its starting kicker with Lorcan Quinn set to handle kickoffs; Talty, returning from last season, beat out the Marshall transfer in the team's kicking battle.

The Tuscaloosa News holds vote to crown Boys Athlete of the Week for performances from Aug.

22-28, with readers casting ballots until noon on Sept. 3 to select a top performer. Nominees include Jamarcus Jackson, Jake Rickman, Bennett Green, Mark Norris and Mason McCoy.

NFL rosters will be finalized by 5 p.m. CT today as teams adjust cuts for players with Alabama roots; the moves include cutting athletes like offensive lineman Izavion Miller (Auburn) and quarterback Nick Mullens (Spain Park).