Alabama Football: Unofficially fall camp is over for the Tide
By Ronald Evans
Alabama football has 20 practice sessions allocated to fall camp. Two of those sessions are left but unofficially fall camp is already over.
How can Alabama football fans know fall camp is over? There are three clues. Classes began on Wednesday and practices were scheduled for later in the afternoon. On Thursday afternoon, Nick Saban said the team began doing some preparation for Louisville. The third clue would be an official depth chart but that is yet to come.
Even before a depth chart is released, fall camp is unofficially over. There are now seven remaining practice sessions leading up to the opening game.
In Nick Saban’s post-practice media review, he explained the practice impact of the new redshirt rule. Before the new rule, the start of game practices meant reps for players outside the two-deep would be reduced. Saban said with the new rule allowing play in four games without losing a season of eligibility, overall player development will stretch out longer.
Saban also said Thursday he is pleased with the progress made this week. He patiently answered media questions, all but one. When asked to state the effective range of placekicker, Austin Jones, Nick declined. An admonished reporter learned Saban will give no tips to opposing coaches.
The best news on Thursday was Nick Saban saying Najee Harris will take part in drills on Friday. He added Najee will continue to be day-to-day in terms of playing against Louisville.
Practice notes from the media viewing period
- No change with the first unit offensive line. From left to right it was Williams, Cotton, Piersbacher, Leatherwood and Wills.
- The second unit had Deonte Brown at right guard. He had been working at left guard. He is pushing hard for playing time and it appears he will have at least the swing-guard role. The swing-tackle position is likely to still be between Scott Lashley, Chris Owens and Richie Petitbone. Backup center remains a mystery with true freshman Emil Ekiyor at that spot Thursday. Alabama football insiders have said Ekiyor needs to drop considerable weight before he sees the field. Until Thursday, Chris Owens was the second-unit center.
- There was some concern Johnny Dwight was not spotted during the media period. Dwight was not mentioned by Saban in the media session.
- That’s it for practice notes. Wait – there were two more things. On the practice field, the University of Alabama Million Dollar band could be heard practicing nearby – and there was no QB news.
Alabama football will practice on Friday and Saturday. After taking Sunday off, Monday will officially be game week.