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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.
Saban: Today was the first day in pads and it makes you realize how much work we have to do.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 25, 2015
Saban: We're still teaching the guys how to practice.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 25, 2015
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.
Saban: Mel Tucker is a really good coach. It's always helpful when a guy has coached with you before.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 25, 2015
Saban: Eddie Jackson has to improve. We gave up too many big plays last year.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 25, 2015
Saban on secondary: What I want is competition. I want to see energy, intensity and enthusiasm.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 25, 2015
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: Cam Robinson sprained his ankle. Nothing serious. Should be back Friday.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) March 25, 2015
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: "I love Derrick Henry. He's one of the hardest workers on our team."
Said Henry is the MVP of offseason training. Always finishes.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) March 25, 2015
Saban said he trusts both Derrick Henry and Kenyan Drake in pass protection.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) March 25, 2015
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: I don't want Alabama to be just a football school. I want us to be good in everything.
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 25, 2015
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.
On NFL evaluations for underclassmen, Saban said he'd like for players to receive grades after their seasons. Said it's a distraction.
— Marq Burnett (@Marq_Burnett) March 25, 2015
Saban: I'd like to move back the date for college players to be moved back. We've moved the season back two weeks (CFP).
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) March 25, 2015
A former freelance journalist from Philadelphia, Brett has made the trek down to SEC country to cover the greatest conference in college football.
