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Alabama Football: Tide back to work as Saban looks for more …

By Ronald Evans

TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - SEPTEMBER 30: Head coach Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide looks on during the game against the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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In Tuesday’s Alabama football, post-practice review, Nick Saban was clear he is looking for more in his ’18 team. The more is conviction, toughness, commitment and execution.

When it comes to Alabama football, Nick Saban is almost never satisfied. Now a Granddaddy, Nick is finding new satisfaction off the field. Hunting Easter eggs with his granddaughter was clearly relished. Even such poignant moments have not mellowed Nick on the football field.

Nick is, as he has been for decades, relentless in the pursuit of perfection. Summarizing his post-practice comments from Tuesday, he is encouraged by the new offense while looking for much more from the new defense.

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As is often the case, Saban was specific on what he is seeking. The words are not new ‘conviction,’ ‘commitment,’ ‘discipline’ and ‘execution.’ He said specifically he was looking for defensive leaders, some “people who have an alpha dog personality who are competitors who hate to lose.”

Saban has often said he hates losing more than he loves winning. A defense filled with gifted athletes sharing that same perspective is a Saban trademark.

Shades of last season, another injury review

Jerry Jeudy, Trevon Diggs and Raekwon Davis are injured, None of the injuries appear to be long-lasting although Jeudy had to have surgery on a meniscus. Jeudy hopes to return before the A-Day game. Trevon Diggs hurt an ankle in practice. It is not known how much work Diggs will miss.

Davis also has a twisted ankle. Saban appeared displeased that Kwon hurt the ankle “goofing around off the field.” Tua is still recovering from a broken bone but was throwing some passes on Tuesday.

Scrimmage plans for Saturday

Saban will be looking for player leadership on Saturday. He said it is important to get the coaches off the field and let the players make decisions. First spring scrimmages can be rather ragged. It will be interesting to hear Nick’s assessment of defensive leadership and execution from his less than normally experienced defense.

Next: How will defense fare under Tosh?

Alabama football will practice again Thursday afternoon. The Saturday scrimmage is closed but some invited insiders will be viewing. Sometimes the reviews of insiders carry important, otherwise undisclosed information.

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