Alabama Football: Spring Practice News & Updates

Alabama football kicked off spring practice yesterday, and there was plenty of news to come out of the first day. First, let’s clear the air regarding Nick Saban’s press conference.

The “viral” headline from the first day of spring ball involved a controversial quote from Saban regarding freshman defensive back Tony Mitchell, who is suspended indefinitely after being arrested in Florida. Saban’s misfortunate wording allowed clickbait-seeking detractors to make the claim that Saban was criticizing the Alabama Basketball program.

Given the climate surrounding both programs and Saban’s history of calculated and purposeful comments, it just doesn’t seem likely that he was intentionally referencing Coach Nate Oats with his comments. It would be very unlike Saban to make a petty comment that appears to serve no real benefit, and could introduce drama and division into the athletic department.

If his intention was to call out Coach Oats, he couldn’t have picked a worse time to do so. The Alabama Basketball team is in the midst of a win-or-go-home NCAA Tournament run; by far the most important part of its season. There is no logical reason that Coach Saban would willfully drum up drama at such a time.

Alabama Football missing two key defenders

The biggest news from Monday that was actually substantial was a brief injury report from Coach Saban. Saban revealed that Alabama would be without two presumed starting linebackers in Deontae Lawson and Dallas Turner for the entirety of the spring.

Lawson, a redshirt sophomore inside linebacker, and Turner, a junior edge rusher, are both recovering from surgeries. Should they be back at full-strength in the fall, both are expected to be leaders and top-performers on the Alabama defense.

The duo arrived in Tuscaloosa as part of the class of 2021, which was ranked no. 1 in the country but hasn’t exactly panned out the way fans might have hoped. Eight members of the class have transferred, and several others have failed to meet expectations.

Turner and Lawson, along with JC Latham, Kool-Aid McKinstry, and Ja’Corey Brooks, are among the players from the class of 2021 that have panned out. Should the group help to bring Alabama Football a championship this fall, they will instantly change the narrative about their class.

Other players listed by Saban as being injured to some degree include senior running back Roydell Williams, senior defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe, redshirt junior defensive lineman Jah-Marien Latham, junior tight end Robbie Ouzts, and junior safety DeVonta Smith.

Stay tuned to Bama Hammer for more updates throughout spring practice.