Despite the threat of rain, the Alabama football team opened up its spring football schedule, practicing outdoors on Friday afternoon. A light drizzle did not stop the Crimson Tide from taking the field for the first time since taking home a Nation Championship title last season.
During the media period, it was business as usual for Alabama as players split up into position groups. Head Coach Nick Saban worked with defensive backs, focusing on covering techniques to sharpen Alabama’s ability to pick a pass out of the air, and new defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt oversaw inside linebacker drills. Pruitt had the Inside linebackers, such as Shaun Dion Hamilton and Rueben Foster, focus on low-contact tackling form.
Notes:
- Outside linebackers, such as Tim Williams and Ryan Anderson, worked on footwork and speed off the edge. The players went over small hurdles and attacked stand-up dummies, running around them as if they were blockers.
- The quarterbacks worked with the core wide receivers, doing many different types of drop backs and throws. Players, such as Cooper Bateman, Blake Barnett and others, threw to a group of receivers that included Robert Foster and ArDarius Stewart. Many of the passes included the quarterbacks having to make throws across their body or on the run.
- Tight ends started out with blocking technique and footwork, but quickly transitioned into catching short, five-yard passes.
- Rashaan Evans, who mostly rushed the passer last year, was working with inside linebackers during the viewing period.
- The new defensive backs coach, Derrick Ansley, worked with safeties on individual coverage drills.
- A group of players sporting the black, non-contact jerseys worked with strength-and-conditioning coach Scott Cochran, doing anything from sit-ups to stationary bikes.
- Quarterback Blake Barnett wore a No. 8 jersey during practice, while Robert Foster sported No. 1. Both Players changed numbers this off season. Wide receiver Cam Sims also wore a different jersey number, switching from No. 7 to No. 17 for the year.
