A preseason injury isn’t going to slow down neither defensive end Jonathan Allen nor wide receiver Chris Black going into Alabama’s first game against Wisconsin on Saturday.

Allen had a shoulder injury, but feels good.

“I forget what should even hurt sometimes,” Allen said. “So it’s definitely not a problem going into the season.”

Black had a similar response in regards to his ankle. He said he’s feeling great and the ankle is fine.

Also in the off-season, Allen put on some weight and thinks the addition is going to be a positive thing for him. He said he doesn’t feel slower and it has helped with his strength.

It’s been a long off-season, Allen said, but it’s also been a positive one.

“We’re excited to go out on the field and establish a new identity,” he said.

Alabama has been watching films on running back Corey Clement in replace of Melvin Gordon. The team knew about Gordon, Allen said, and although it may not have known much about Clement, it’s not surprised.

“As a rule of thumb, you just learn to never be surprised and expect the unexpected,” Allen said.

Wisconsin also has a good quarterback in senior Joel Stave but the Alabama defense is ready and prepared for every situation Wisconsin throws at them, Allen said. The defensive line is there to read its key and do its technique. Wisconsin can change up whatever it would like, but Allen said the defensive line will do the same things it does week in and week out.

On the flip side, Black has been taking notes on Wisconsin’s defense.

“What I’ve seen from them is a lot of man coverage,” Black said. “We have a great game play for that, so we’ll see how that goes Saturday.”

As a wide receiver, Black takes that man coverage as a challenge.

“It’s me and him,” he said. “Let’s go to work.”

Alabama’s offensive line is very physical, Allen said, and Wisconsin is the same. That’s the game Alabama likes to play though. Allen has confidence in the Crimson Tide’s offensive line, especially since a part of the defense that goes up against it during practices.

“I love going against them,” Allen said. “It definitely challenges us. It’s something that gets us better as well as gets them better.”

Allen said he has fun going up against teammate running back Kenyan Drake.

As Alabama’s first game is just around the corner, Allen said the team loves playing a demanding schedule such as the one it has this year. Getting up for games week in and week out is something the team looks forward to. Instead of looking to far ahead though, Alabama is focusing on just Wisconsin right now.

“We take it one day at a time,” Black said.