University of Alabama quarterback Brodie Croyle has undergone a role reversal the past few months, but all that is about to change.

Croyle was in Selma on Friday night, attending the AISA All-Star Game at Memorial Stadium.

The junior signal-caller from Rainbow City was there with Tide sophomore free safety Justin Ballard. The two came to see Ballard’s younger brother, Wesley, a quarterback/receiver for West Alabama Prep, play for the West team in the All-Star classic.

During his stay, Croyle discussed the knee injury he suffered, his rehabilitation and his future with Alabama.

Croyle’s junior season ended abruptly on Sept. 18 when he sustained a torn ACL in

his right knee against Western Carolina.

Since then, Croyle has undergone painstakingly difficult rehabilitation.

“The knee’s getting better. It’s doing really good now,” Croyle said. “I started jogging this week, so I should be back by spring workouts.”

Following his departure, the Crimson Tide offense struggled under backup quarterbacks Marc Guillon and Spencer Pennington. The Tide also suffered another setback with season-ending injuries to tailback Ray Hudson and fullback Tim Castille.

“It was tough for me to stand on the sidelines and watch them play every week,” Croyle said. “It’s been a tough year, but I’m looking forward to my senior year.”

Although they struggled offensively for much of the season, the Tide became bowl eligible with their sixth victory of the season, a 30-14 win over Mississippi State in Tuscaloosa on Nov. 6.

Croyle did not want to speculate as to which bowl the Crimson Tide may play in this season, but added no matter which one it was, they had a good chance of winning.

Much speculation has recently been centered on the future of Alabama coach Mike Shula. Some people have called for Shula’s ousting after a 6-5 record this season and a losing mark in 2003.

On Friday, Croyle defended his coach, calling Shula “better than most people realize” and said that Shula has not been given an opportunity to fully show his coaching abilities.

“Coach Shula was a more vocal coach this year,” Croyle said. “He’s a more hands-on coach and it started to show this

season, especially during two-a-days.

“I think Coach Shula was eight-balled a little bit after last year,” Croyle added. “People haven’t really given him a chance to show what he can do. I think that’s going to change next season.”

Many have predicted that the 2005 squad will be Shula’s strongest in the coach’s three seasons at Alabama. Some have even predicted that Alabama and Auburn could both be unbeaten headed into next season’s Iron Bowl.

“That’s very possible,” Croyle said. “We’re expecting really big things next year. We’ve got everybody coming back, so it could be a very interesting Iron Bowl. I just wish Auburn the best of luck for the rest of this season.”