Alabama Spring Practice Report: April 17th

In the final practice before A-Day, the Tide came out in helmets and jerseys, avoiding full contact drills as to be physically rested for the big day.  After practice, Saban spoke with the media about the importance of A-Day, the new NCAA rules concerning athlete meals, and other issues concerning the team.  WR Christion Jones and LB Denzel Devall were also made available to the media following practice.

Here are some quick notes from the press conferences:

-Altee Tenpenny and Kenyan Drake were absent from practice. According to Saban, they "did not do what they needed to do in school" and had been sent to a study hall, where they were required to spend four hours studying or risk not participating in A-Day.  The RB race appears to be solely between TJ Yeldon and Derrick Henry at this point.

-Saban said he is in favor of the new NCAA rules allowing unlimited meals for athletes.  He says he is always in favor of doing whatever helps the players.  He even went on to compliment the nutrition staff.

-Darren Lake, Eddie Jackson and DeAndrew White will miss A-Day due to injury.

-Saban commented the LT Cam Robinson is a "work in progress". However, Robinson appears to be starting at LT and continues to impress in practice.

-Both Saban and the players continue to comment on the improvement in attitude the team has shown since the Sugar Bowl.

-Christion Jones has been working more out wide instead of in the slot. He also commented on how OC Lane Kiffin is using more speed in the running game.

-Saban emphasized the importance of fan participation in A-Day, and how the game is special for both former players and recruits.

-The rosters for the Crimson and White teams were realeased. We will publish those in another post.

-Denzel Devall is playing more Sam LB as opposed to Jack, and has been dropping into coverage more often.

-Amari Cooper is the fastest player on the team, and demonstrated this by defating freshman DB Tony Brown in a race.

-Peyton Manning and his offensive coordinator Adam Gase were visitors in Tuscaloosa recently with the football team.  Saban said that he and Manning are good friends and that the reigning NFL MVP was in town to study and become a better player.

Keep tuned to Tide 99.1 for full coverage of A-Day. Baron Huber and Ben George will be live from Rounders On the Strip from 10:30am to 12:30pm with the pregame show!