When Alabama Football Defensive Coordinator Kane Wommack calls, Nick Saban answers

After Alabama Football practice No. 5, Crimson Tide DC, Kane Wommack met with reporters. In this new, more open era of Alabama Football, Wommack and other assistants are often available for questions. One reason the change is so refreshing is the mostly new Crimson Tide staff feel free to offer their insights. No longer is there 'one voice' for Alabama Football.

Kane Wommack has been surprised by some other openness, as he explained on Tuesday. "I’ve been really appreciative of how open Coach Saban has been...To have that relationship, to be able to draw things from his experience, it’s really lessened the learning curve for me." A media headline for the week comes from one Wommack line.

"When I call, he (Saban) answers"

- Kane Wommack

Apparently, Wommack has been in frequent communication with Saban, by phone and face-to-face. It is no surprise Saban is willing to help the new staff in any way he can. Wommack relying on Saban as a resource says something about the Crimson Tide's new DC. He is smart to consult with one of college football's best-ever defensive minds and Wommack is not wary of being in Saban's shadow.

More Kane Wommack Alabama Football Fall Camp comments

• Wommack is enthusiastic about the rapid progress made by freshmen defensive backs, Zabien Brown, Jaylen Mbalwe, and Red Morgan. About Morgan, Wommack said, "I think he’s probably made a huge jump." Morgan is pushing DeVonta Smith hard at the Husky position. Talking about Mbakwe, Wommack said, "I have been so impressed with his level of confidence... the strides he's made from spring ball to now, I would argue he's made as many as anybody in our defense"

• More evidence that Wommack values the input of other defensive minds is how he answered a question on Tuesday about Chuck Morrell. "He is an absolute pro. A brilliant defensive mind. Does a tremendous job with those linebackers." Morrell and Kalen DeBoer go way back. Morrell's title is Special Assistant to the Head Coach. More accurately Morrell is a highly respected defensive coach. He will make the Tide's defense better and unlike Kane Wommack, many DCs would be uncomfortable with the arrangement.

Next up for the Crimson Tide is a Wednesday practice, that will possibly feature the players in full pads for the first time in Fall Camp.