Apr 20, 2013; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban during the A-Day game at Bryant Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports
The Crimson Tide of Alabama returned to the practice field today following a much-needed two days of rest. They returned to shells (helmets, shoulder pads and shorts) today as well. Much of the media focus was on one player in particular.
Following his arrest this past weekend due to a DUI, Alabama cornerback Geno Smith was at practice today but wasn’t used in his usual spots. When Nick Saban took his usual group – cornerbacks – for some position drills, Smith instead was sent over to work with mostly walk-ons and young players. When Alabama did nickel defense drills, Smith watched Jarrick Williams fill the star position Smith typically runs. Even when Alabama went to the second team for the nickel package, Smith still didn’t play the Star.
Nick Saban addressed the media following practice and confirmed that Geno Smith has been suspended for the opener against Virginia Tech. Saban said Smith was a good kid and has never been in trouble at Alabama before now.
He emphasized that in his mind punishment doesn’t always equal discipline. He said that the only way punishment works for discipline is if it changes the behavior that’s being disciplined in the first place. He said that he doesn’t punish players to hurt anyone nor to make anyone happy, it’s simply done to try and make the player make better decisions in the future.
Other practice notes:
Suspended linebacker Trey DePriest was back with the team and fully participating today after missing a full week due to “violation of team rules.” He wasn’t working with the first unit though, as it looks like he will be forced to earn his spot back. Tana Patrick was ahead of him. In regards to DePriest’s short suspension, Saban said that he did all the necessary things to get back with the team, and now he will be forced to work his way back up the depth chart.
Saban praised senior Jarrick Williams, who will likely be in Geno Smith’s spot at Star in the opener, saying he has had a “fantastic camp” and that he’s very excited about the season Williams can have.
He also had praise for senior cornerback John Fulton for his knowledge of the defense and hard work. He did say that he has to get better at being consistent.
Nose tackle Brandon Ivory was at practice wearing a knee brace but was watching the other defensive linemen rather than taking part in the drills. Ivory twisted his knee in Saturday’s scrimmage. Saban said that he was okay and felt that he would likely be able to fully participate in practice as soon as tomorrow. The Anniston Star’s Marquavius Burnett posted a picture of Ivory at practice with his knee brace on.
Defensive tackle Wilson Love was back at practice this week after missing the last several practices due to an illness. He wore a black, non-contact jersey.
Amari Cooper dropped the black, non-contact jersey and was a full participant today.
Running back Alvin Kamara was back at practice and wearing a black, non-contact jersey along with a bulky brace. He worked with a trainer riding a stationary bike most of the media viewing session.
Alabama continues to shuffle around the offensive line as today Austin Shepherd returned to right tackle with Arie Kouandjio at left guard. Last week Arie was at tackle and Shepherd at guard.
After suffering his second injury of fall camp, defensive end Jeoffrey Pagan didn’t seem to be slowed down much. He wore a brace on his left shoulder but seemed to be a full participant.
Coach Saban was pleased with the energy, enthusiasm and focus the team had following a couple of days off. He said the biggest thing the team has to work on is getting better at communicating, because when this team does that it can be really good.
He said that he was really pleased with the progress of freshman linebacker Reuben Foster and that they were increasing his reps to try and get him ready to possibly contribute to the team.
With classes starting tomorrow, Coach Saban said he felt it was important for the players to get off to the right start in regards to the academics so that is a focus for the team as well.
Scouts from the Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles and Chicago Bears were in attendance at today’s practice.
This morning the Senior Bowl listed ten Tide players on their watch list for the 2014 Senior Bowl. Seniors AJ McCarron, C.J. Mosley, Anthony Steen, Cody Mandell, Deion Belue, John Fulton, Nick Perry, Ed Stinson, Kevin Norwood and Kenny Bell were all named to the watch list. The 2014 Senior Bowl takes place on January 25, 2014 in Mobile, AL.