In a weird scheduling quirk, Alabama launched the first of its 15 allotted spring practice sessions the day that its players are leaving for spring break.
Following an on-field absence of nearly two-and-a-half months after the Jan. 1 defeat against Ohio State in the College Football Playoff semifinals, the Tide hit reset Friday — then immediately departed on a 10-day respite. (Before you think that coach Nick Saban did this just so he could yell at the players before spring break, he’s on record saying he doesn’t like it.)
On the field, top cornerback Cyrus Jones (hip) and “Sam” linebacker Denzel Devall (foot) wore black no-contact jerseys, apparently out due to injury. Jones rode an exercise bike on the sideline while Devall sported a cast on his left leg, according to AL.com.
Alabama fans also got a first look at five-star freshman quarterback Blake Barnett, who worked behind Jacob Coker, Alec Morris, Cooper Bateman and David Cornwell at practice.
Nick Saban says it’s hard to ascertain Jake Coker’s progress this early but, “He certainly seemed a lot more confident and comfortable.”
— Alex Scarborough (@ByScarborough) March 13, 2015
Saban on the QB situation: “Hopefully we’ll have someone step up for us like Blake Sims did a year ago.”
— Alex Scarborough (@ByScarborough) March 13, 2015
Some other notes:
- Kenyan Drake went through drills as the second running back behind Derrick Henry. His rehab has been in the news for months, and there’s nothing new to report, but it’s great to see him back with the team after such a horrific injury during the 2014 season. Saban told reporters he recently clocked a 4.4 40-yard dash.
Kenyan Drake back running around and going through drills at Alabama's first practice pic.twitter.com/7mDECvThYh
— John Zenor (@jzenor) March 13, 2015
- With Jones hurt, Tony Brown and Eddie Jackson worked with the first team at cornerback. Marlon Humphrey, who recently missed the indoor SEC championship track meet due to an unspecified injury, did practice along with Bradley Sylve in the second group.
- Running back Tyren Jones (indefinite suspension) and offensive tackle Grant Hill (medical leave) did not attend practice.
- Shaun Dion Hamilton practiced with the first-team middle linebackers alongside Reggie Ragland, while Reuben Foster worked with the second group.
An itinerant journalist, Christopher has moved between states 11 times in seven years. Formally an injury-prone Division I 800-meter specialist, he now wanders the Rockies in search of high peaks.
