Saban addresses injuries, coaching roles and suspensions
The football team took the field for the beginning of spring practice Friday afternoon with a light drizzle falling from an overcast sky as Alabama underwent the first of 15 practices/scrimmages outside on the practice fields.
There was much to see and many new faces as the team worked for two hours in helmets and shorts.
The big news came in the form of who wasn’t at full strength. Three starters from a season ago will likely miss all of spring practice while they recover from various injuries.
Senior defensive end Jonathan Allen wore a black jersey as he heals from an offseason shoulder surgery. Two-year starter at left tackle Cam Robinson also wore a black jersey and is recovering from a shoulder surgery. Starting safety Eddie Jackson, who led the team with six interceptions a season ago, rode the exercise bike in a black jersey as he recovers from what UA head coach Nick Saban called a “leg issue.”
Back-up wide receiver Raheem Falkins and tight end Dakota Ball will also be out, Saban said.
“Those guys will have a difficult time to probably have a chance to participate at all in the spring,” Saban said.
Saban also explained a couple of new roles for his coaching staff. Burton Burns, who coaches the running backs, has added special teams to his duties, and Bobby Williams, a former UA tight ends/special teams coach, now serves as a “special assistant” to Saban.
Defensive back Tony Brown was at practice, but Saban said he still faces internal discipline after being sent home from the Cotton Bowl in December.
“He is facing some suspensions,” Saban said. “When I get the final data on that I’ll definitely let you know.”
Saban also addressed the issue of complacency, something former teams have dealt with after championship seasons. The problem could be expounded in when you add in the loss leaders like Derrick Henry, Ryan Kelly, Reggie Ragland and Jake Coker, all permanent team captains last season.
“I think we want everybody that has a get-it-done type of attitude,” Saban said. “I think that everybody not only has to have a get-it-done type of attitude but they also have to take ownership for people who aren’t getting it done because they’re unable to do things to the standard that we want to do it.
“I do think this is a work in progress and I do think that players have to accept roles. So far, these are things that need to continue to develop. This is kind of a work in progress. This is not something that just happens. The team chemistry last year happened over time. I think we’ll see how this team develops over time.
Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.