Obama's gift from Tide forever linked to Reamer

WASHINGTON, D.C. | Javier Arenas may have presented President Barack Obama with a University of Alabama football helmet with the number 13 on it, representing the number of national championships the Crimson Tide has won, but as far as Cory Reamer is concerned, Obama's token was a Cory Reamer special.

“I give everybody a hard time about the No. 13 being all over everything,” said Reamer, who wore the No. 13 for his entire Alabama career. “I tell them it's always going to be there until we win another one.”

With Reamer a graduated senior, however, not everyone on the team is allowing him to stake the claim.

“That ain't his number any more,” joked Arenas.

Said quarterback Greg McElroy, also in jest: “I think it's definitely appropriate, but at the same time it will take some getting used to as an Alabama fan and players, not seeing the No. 12 (McElroy's number) as the storied number any more. … I think (Reamer) definitely left his mark on the number for sure.”

Obama declined to put on the helmet when it was presented by Arenas, a Crimson Tide senior and permanent team captain. The President also received a commemorative football and a jersey with the No. 1 and his name on the back. And with the jersey bearing a different number than the helmet, Reamer didn't have the joke all to himself.

“They gave him Reamer's helmet, but they gave him my jersey,” said senior Chris Rogers, who wears No. 1. “So it's all good. I guess the President will always have a Chris Rogers jersey.”

For most of the team, Monday was a first-time experience. For Reamer, a Hoover native, it was not.

“It's been great. I haven't been up here since the fifth grade,” said Reamer. “So to come up here and see all the new additions, and see everything else again, is great. We were so young when we saw it all the first time. To see it a second time is even more special.”

Arenas won't run at Pro Day

Arenas, who slightly injured his hamstring in Indianapolis at the NFL Scouting Combine, told The Tuscaloosa News he does not plan to run at Wednesday's Pro Day workout, where scouts from every NFL team will gather to watch the Crimson Tide's top pro prospects. Arenas will likely have a personal workout between now and the April NFL Draft once the hamstring fully heals.

“It's feeling a little better,” he said.

The Crimson Tide senior, who was a candidate for the Thorpe Award as the nation's top defensive back, is projected as a 2nd-to-3rd round draft choice.

Gibbs in hiding

Obama opened his remarks by joking that Press Secretary Robert Gibbs, an Auburn native, was none to pleased to have the Crimson Tide's accomplishments being celebrated in the White House.

“I've got to tell you everyone was really excited about this team coming today, except for my press secretary, Robert Gibbs,” Obama said. “He was born and raised in Auburn. He's hiding in his office right now.”

Rolando Saban?

One of the lightest moments of the presidential address came when Obama brought up linebacker Rolando McClain and his accomplishments as one of the team's top players. Even Saban reacted to this quip with a sheepish grin: “I know part of Rolando's talent comes from his intelligence, and his judgment,” Obama said. “In fact, one of his teammates was asked to describe him, he said, ‘Just picture coach Saban being huge and being able to play football.'”

Tidebits

Quarterback Greg McElroy sent a twitter message Monday that illustrated just what a new experience the D.C. trip, in particular the National Mall, was for the team: “I just found out that the mall is not actually a mall. Haha.” The National Mall is a three-mile stretch of landmarks that includes the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian, and several other tourist attractions. … Senior defensive back Chris Rogers was situated on the stage directly behind Obama, and was among the players who shook his hand. Rogers also had one of the more distinguished-looking suits on the team, and drew a comment on it from the President. “I got to shake hands with Obama, he told me I'm Mr. GQ. It was cool,” Rogers said. “I told him it's an Obama jacket, just like him.” … Asked about the hot topic of health care reform, McElroy wasn't biting on Monday: “I'm not going to discuss my political stance by any means,” he said with a smile. “Yeah, I'll just stay out of that, even though I'd like to make a comment.” … Obama relayed some condolences for returning Crimson Tide players, who will begin enduring the grind of spring drills at the end of the week. “I know spring practice starts on Friday — woo, man,” Obama said in closing his remarks. “Next Friday, huh? So enjoy these last few days off. And congratulations to all of you for just an extraordinary season. Roll Tide.”

Reach Chase Goodbread at chase.goodbread@tuscaloosanews.com, or at 205-722-0196.