Alabama Crimson Tide Tuesday (08/06) Practice Report

Aug 4, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback AJ McCarron (10) during practice at Bryant Denny Stadium.  Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports

The Alabama Crimson Tide returned to the practice field for the fifth consecutive day on Tuesday for their first session in full pads. Rain forced the Tide inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Practice Facility for the first time this fall.

Starting tailback T.J. Yeldon practiced with his left hand taped up, possibly an injured thumb.

The only player wearing a black no-contact jersey, other than the quarterbacks, was walk-on receiver Jeremy Watson, but no information has been given on his injury.

Following limited action for both cornerback Deion Belue and defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan both were full participants today in all drills. Freshmen linebacker Reuben Foster continues to practice with his left hand wrapped but is fully participating as well.

Sophomore linebacker Dillon Lee was working with the inside linebackers today rather than the outside linebackers he’s worked with so far during fall camp. Cornerback Cyrus Jones continues to impress at his new position and look more comfortable as the days go by.

At Nick Saban’s press conference following practice, he called the first day of practice in full pads “really good” and said he wasn’t disappointed in the team thus far in camp, but that there are some guys at certain positions that have a lot of improvement needed.

Senior receiver Tyler Bass will miss the remainder of camp due to ankle surgery. Saban compared the injury to that which Derrick Henry suffered near the end of the spring.

Saban said that the tight end experiment with LaMichael Fanning will continue for the time being, saying that Fanning has shown some ability at the position but needs to continue to learn what to do “so he can play with confidence and play fast.”

Saban said that tight end Brian Vogler is one of the best conditioned guys on the team and has had a great fall camp so far, after having a really good spring and summer as well. He said Vogler is one of the players on the team that can sustain his consistency.

He mentioned that working inside away from the heat for the first time may have helped out with better “mental intensity” and focus to detail. Saban said that was good but mentioned that the players needed to show they can do that more often in tough situations (like major heat).

Saban called new center Ryan Kelly “tenacious and tough” and said that he has done a “really good job” thus far. He said that Kelly was very similar to Barrett Jones in his intelligence and knowledge of the offense, and that the players and coaches all have a lot of confidence in him already. Saban mentioned that working on better technique in using his hands are the things he needs to improve. Saban also said that new offensive line coach Mario Cristobal has been a great addition to the staff due to his energy and enthusiasm.

Former Baltimore Ravens All-Pro LB Ray Lewis and former NFL coach Herm Edwards both spoke to the team as special speakers the past two days. He said both talked about being a man, but also talked about the regret players will have if they don’t use their gifts to be the best they can be. Saban said that the point of bringing in special speakers is to give the players “life lessons” and trying to educate the players on good and bad behavior. He compared having speakers that the players respect (like a Ray Lewis) talk to them like parents talking to kids and the kids fight the parents on it but then a little league coach tells them something and they do it.

Tide tight end Brian Vogler spoke to the media after practice and mentioned how he’s trying to pull something from each of his predecessor’s games to make himself better. Vogler said that Preston Dial was “in your face,” while Brad Smelley was more of a finesse player and Michael Williams was a great blocker and red zone receiver.

Vogler also put over Fanning’s “motor” and said that he was putting in a lot of effort to learn the position. Vogler also mentioned that freshman OJ Howard “wants to learn” and is constantly asking him questions to try and get better. He also put over Jalston Fowler’s strength and ability to catch the ball with “finesse.”

Senior defensive end Ed Stinson said of the new young defensive linemen:

“I try to help them learn their techniques. They’re some big boys. They’re pretty strong. They can rush the passer.” Stinson also said that both nose tackles Brandon Ivory and Darren Lake were doing a good job thus far in camp with Lake still learning.

Senior linebacker C.J. Mosley said that HaHa Clinton-Dix was becoming a leader for the defense and that fellow linebacker Trey DePriest would become a leader for the defense as well. Mosley mentioned that Ray Lewis’ message to the team was to be accountable for your actions.

In some news regarding Alabama’s first opponent on August 31st, the Virginia Tech Hokies ruled out top cornerback Antone Exum for the season opening match up. Exum suffered a broken bone in his knee and torn ACL earlier this offseason and Virginia Tech trainer Mike Goforth told reporters Monday that he won’t be available for the season opener against Alabama and may be out until October. In 2012 Exum had 48 tackles, 16 pass breakups, and a team leading five interceptions.

Alabama will have its first of four two-a-days on Wednesday.

Here’s video of Saban’s post-practice comments, courtesy of al.com: