The Alabama Crimson Tide opened up spring practice Friday.

Following practice, Nick Saban spoke to the media, and he announced that TE Kedrick James is suspended for the first four games of the season. If you’ll remember, three Alabama players were suspended for the College Football Playoff, with James being one of them.

Due to James’ suspension to start the season and some depth concerns, Tide LB Cameron Latu is working with the TEs during spring practice. Saban said that Latu is a player who could best make the transition and that he’s encouraged with his progress so far.

“These were NCAA violations,” Nick Saban announced in late December regarding James and the two other suspended Alabama players. “With those things carry certain consequences. And those players knew the situation. They made poor choices and decisions. We will support the players every way that we can, but they will not be available to play for the rest of this season and maybe beyond.”

James signed with Alabama in the class of 2017. He was rated a 4-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 12 overall TE, per 247Sports Composite Rankings.

Latu signed with Alabama in the class of 2018, and he was rated a 4-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 7 WDE. He’s plenty athletic enough to make the transition.

You can watch Saban’s full press conference below: