Alabama Football: Thursday Nick Saban signaled it’s time to be happy

After Alabama Football’s first fall camp practice, Nick Saban had a positive message for Crimson Tide fans. Saban did not provide a campfire-styled kumbaya ‘be happy’ theme. He used something far more effective. He didn’t talk about happiness – he showed it, with smiles and jokes.

Saban’s Alabama football practice reviews over the years have conveyed many things. As focused and purposeful as Saban is, when he is disappointed, frustrated or angry, it shows.

None of those responses fit Thursday’s media session. Old Saban themes like talent not being enough and the need for humility were part of Thursday’s mix. Praise for hard work and obvious potential was given to several players.

What matters most of all is perhaps symbolized in the image below of Saban exiting the media session.

Nick Perkins is correct we should not read too much into one 16-minute media session. Yet there is no denying when Nick Saban is happy, Alabama football fans should be as well.

Alabama Football Fall Camp Update

• Thursday injury report – Thaiu Jones-Bell is taking a year off with a medical redshirt. Jam Miller has a quad strain and is expected to miss a couple of fall camp sessions.
• Saban praised the depth of the running back group and particularly focused on Justice Haynes and Jam Miller
• Alabama football’s ‘also defensive back coach’ said players in the secondary are being moved around to find the best fit. He mentioned UAB transfer Jaylen Key could play deep or in the box and that he has a great attitude. Saban also complemented Trey Amos, calling the cornerback transfer smart.
• Unsurprisingly Saban gave Deontae Lawson a strong review. In the inside linebacker group, Saban mentioned Jihaad Campbell has made much progress. Saban added the position group has a lot of competition among players.
• Other players awarded with positive comments by Saban included JUCO transfers Malik Benson, Justin Jefferson and tight end Amari Niblack.

As always some practice photos were provided to the media. One will fuel rumors among Crimson Tide fans. It showed Terrence Ferguson II at left guard with first-unit players. It is too soon to know what this might mean for Ferguson, Darrian Dalcourt and Kadyn Proctor.

Saban not interested in Starting QB questions

Nick was very clear as to the current situation in the competition to earn the QB1 job.

"You’re going to ask about the quarterbacks, and I’m going to tell you the same thing. Everybody is getting reps at the position. Somebody is going to take the bull by the horns. Somebody is going to separate themselves. When that happens, we’ll tell you."

The full media session can be seen below.

Alabama football fans will be forced to be patient while the quarterback competition unfolds. There is a good chance no clear QB1 separation occurs until September.