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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. _ University of Alabama fans didn’t have to wait to see quarterback Jacob Coker in a Crimson Tide jersey Friday.
The Florida State transfer was on the field for Alabama’s first practice of training camp, working under the direction of new offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Lane Kiffin.
Like usual, Nick Saban split the first day into two workouts, with the veterans practicing in the morning and the newcomers in the evening.
Coker, junior-college transfer Dominick Jackson and early enrollee Tony Brown from the recruiting Class of 2014 were all on the field with the veterans.
Jackson was working on the right side of the offensive line at guard, behind Alphonse Taylor. Leon Brown worked with the first-unit there during the spring, but was not at the morning practice.
Brown, a cornerback, had worn a black no-contact jersey during spring practices after aggravating a shoulder injury. Senior wide receiver DeAndrew White (toe) and junior defensive lineman Darren Lake (pectoral) were back in their usual spots after missing the spring.
Also of note, running back Kenyan Drake, who was suspended following his recent arrest, practiced, but there was no sign of defensive lineman Jarran Reed. Drake was recently charged with obstructing justice after crossing a police line to get to his car following a shooting, while Reed was cited for driving while under the influence.
No one wore a black no-contact jersey, although the team won’t be in pads until next week.
The other two quarterbacks practicing in the morning session were senior Blake Sims and redshirt freshman Cooper Bateman. They’re considered the three frontrunners for the starting job.
The second practice, with younger players on the roster, will start at 7:30 p.m. The two practices are split in a way to make sure there are enough reps to go around at both practices.
Christopher Walsh has covered Alabama football since 2004 and is the author of 19 books. In his free time, he writes about college football.
