For the first time, this spring the Alabama Crimson Tide worked in pads on Wednesday. It was the third of 15 spring sessions leading up to the A-Day game on Apr. 16. Afterward, Alabama football coach, Nick Saban gave a media review.
It is another tough spring for Alabama football fans with no reporter eyes getting to see the players; not even in the old norm of short sessions at the start of practice. No doubt, Nick Saban prefers the added level of control over information.
Crimson Tide fans are left to view subsequent photos and videos released by the program and hang on every word uttered by Saban in his reviews. For fans, the ‘hanging on every word’ is not new.
What we learned about Alabama Football on Wednesday
What was learned on Wednesday? In quantity of information, not much, but there was some interesting news.
Thanks to Bama Insider, a video of the ten-minute session with Saban is provided below. We’ll summarize the most important points in bullet format.
- CNS was not completely pleased with the Monday session, after spring break. He said Wednesday was not great but was better.
- He also confirmed the spring work done by Jase McClellan and Roydell Williams will be in black, no-contact jerseys. Both players incurred knee injuries last fall. McClellan was injured in October while the Williams injury occurred in mid-November. As he should be, Saban said McClellan is ahead of Williams in his recovery.
- Saban announced that senior, DJ Dale has been added to the team’s five-member player leadership group. Dale joins Bryce Young, Will Anderson Jr., Henry To’oto’o and Jordan Battle.
- Nick Saban does not praise lavishly and that is especially true with guys who have never donned a Crimson Tide jersey in a game. However, on Wednesday, he spoke highly of Jahmyr Gibbs and Jermaine Burton. Speaking of Gibbs, he said,
"I’m really, really impressed with what he’s been able to do. He’s smart. He picked up things. He’s an experienced player…He’s done a really, really good job."
- Speaking of Burton, Saban said,
"He’s got quickness, he’s got speed, he’s got really good hands, he runs good routes. And again, a little more experience, a little more maturity, really helps these guys learn and understand how to do things… He’s really done an outstanding job in the three practices that we’ve had so far."
- Talking about another wide receiver, Saban said freshman, Kendrick Law has shown good speed and hands, along with good route running. Saban added,
"… he’s made a lot of plays, and I think he’s a guy who might be able to help us if he continues to develop."
Crimson Tide fans are curious about the date for the spring’s first scrimmage. There is nothing official but scrimmages are anticipated on Apr. 2 and Apr. 9.