The Alabama Crimson Tide reported to its first fall camp of the 2013-14 season Friday morning at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields. Veteran players were present for the 9:30 a.m. practice, with most of the newcomers and younger players set to practice in helmets and shorts at the 7:30 p.m. session.
Head coach Nick Saban said he favors the split format to begin fall camp and wishes the division of players took place more than the first day.
“Young guys are always in the back of the line, they’re the last guys to get in, and we don’t get a chance to just teach them,” Saban said. “We use this split format to be able to really focus on trying to teach them the drills, the fundamentals, the flexibility program, all the individuals drills that we try to do that help them improve their technique.”
The biggest change from the spring was LaMichael Fanning working with the tight ends, which Saban said was just an experiment.
The reason for this personnel change is because sophomore tight end Malcolm Faciane has been suspended for violating team rules, Saban announced on Friday. Faciane can return to the team if he complies in the future.
Saban also announced freshman defensive end Darius Paige has been medically disqualified after the Alabama medical staff labeled him medically unsafe to play.
“[Paige] is here, and we are helping to support him,” Saban said. “He will be on scholarship, and he will get an education. But our medical staff is working with him right now to help improve his condition.”
The Crimson Tide filled Paige’s absence by bringing 2013 signee Bradley Bozeman onto campus instead of grayshirting him this fall. Bozeman, who suffered an ACL tear during his senior season, will provide depth to the offensive line.
The starting five from the spring along the offensive front remained the same on Friday, with Cyrus Kouandjio, Arie Kouandjio, Ryan Kelly, Anthony Steen and Austin Shepherd working together. But junior tackle Leon Brown was among the veterans at the 9:30 a.m. practice and could see some time at right tackle.
The two players that saw position changes during the spring, Dee Hart and Cyrus Jones, look to have settled into more permanent roles for the fall. Hart was practicing alongside T.J. Yeldon and Kenyan Drake at running back, while Jones rotated in with the defensive backs.
Jones, who originally played wide receiver a season ago, received praise from Saban after making the transition from offense to defense.
“We see a lot of ability there, and we really like the development,” Saban said. “I can’t say anything is permanent, but for right now that’s where we’re going to try to develop Cyrus.”
The USA Today Sports preseason coaches poll was released on Thursday Aug. 1, and Alabama will enter the 2013 season as the No. 1 team in the country. The Crimson Tide received 58-of-62 first place votes.
But Saban and his players are not letting the preseason hype affect them as they prepare for the start of the season.
“Any preseason poll … really doesn’t mean a lot relative to the season,” Saban said. “We appreciate the recognition.”
Left tackle Cyrus Kouandjio mimicked the words of his head coach. He said he tries to block all of the distractions out and focus on football.
“I try not to listen to any of that stuff,” Kouandjio said. “I don’t want to watch ESPN. We need to have the same the attitude that we’ve been having for years, that we haven’t accomplished anything. It’s a brand new team, a brand new year.”
