Alabama is back on the field after 10 days away for spring break, holding its third practice of the spring. For the first time since practice started, Nick Saban met with reporters to talk about the Crimson Tide.

The Crimson Tide strapped on the pads for the first time this spring. With a lot of turnover and many young players, Saban and his staff have a lot of work to do.

Last year’s team struggled in the secondary, despite the presence of All-American safety Landon Collins. To help correct that issue, Saban hired former NFL defensive coordinator Mel Tucker as secondary coach. The Tide hope Tucker can help turn around a secondary that gave up a lot of deep passes last year.

Saban said that he needs returning starting cornerback Eddie Jackson to get better. Last year, he was pulled for Tony Brown and Bradley Sylve at times. Both Brown and Sylve, as well as redshirt freshman Marlon Humphrey, are expected to challenge for Jackson’s starting spot. Cyrus Jones returns at the other cornerback spot.

On the injury front, Saban said that star left tackle Cam Robinson has a sprained ankle. The injury isn’t major, as Robinson is expected back in practice on Friday. Robinson dealt with an ankle sprain late in the year last season, although he played through it and started all 14 of Alabama’s games. Robinson is one of just two returning starters along the offensive line for the Crimson Tide.

Saban complimented running back Derrick Henry, expected to take over as the lead ball carrier in a talented backfield. The head coach called Henry the team’s offseason MVP, praising his work ethic off the field and in the weight room.

Saban threw his two cents into the discussion of Alabama’s basketball program. The Crimson Tide recently fired Anthony Grant after the team missed the NCAA tournament. Saban said he’s had good relationships with coaches at all of the schools he’s been at and still has a friendship with Michigan State’s Tom Izzo, who gave him “insider information” on the NCAA tournament.

Saban also shared his thoughts on NFL evaluations and the length of the season. He’d like to see players get their NFL draft grades after the games are done with to avoid distractions while teams are still playing and practicing.