TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- A couple hundred lucky, connected fans got the chance to witness Saturday’s scrimmage first-hand at Bryant-Denny Stadium, the first intersquad battle leading up to the grand finale, A-Day, on April 14.
The stats told some of the story of what transpired -- AJ McCarron airing it out an astounding 43 times, Vinnie Sunseri and Deion Belue turning in a pair of pick-sixes, and the running game failing to find a rhythm with no tailback rushing for more than 35 yards. Coach Nick Saban filled in some of the blanks, saying he was pleased with the overall team effort but added that there was still work to be done and inexperienced players yet to learn the winning formula.
Following practice on Monday -- the 10th of the spring -- players got their chance to chime in on how the team fared in ones versus ones, and on down the depth chart.
McCarron, for all the talk of throwing three touchdowns Saturday, said he wasn’t focused on any highlights from the scrimmage. Even Belue’s interception for a touchdown was summed up simply by saying, “He just picked it off, ran it back, and nobody tackled him.”
The stats told some of the story of what transpired -- AJ McCarron airing it out an astounding 43 times, Vinnie Sunseri and Deion Belue turning in a pair of pick-sixes, and the running game failing to find a rhythm with no tailback rushing for more than 35 yards. Coach Nick Saban filled in some of the blanks, saying he was pleased with the overall team effort but added that there was still work to be done and inexperienced players yet to learn the winning formula.
Following practice on Monday -- the 10th of the spring -- players got their chance to chime in on how the team fared in ones versus ones, and on down the depth chart.
McCarron, for all the talk of throwing three touchdowns Saturday, said he wasn’t focused on any highlights from the scrimmage. Even Belue’s interception for a touchdown was summed up simply by saying, “He just picked it off, ran it back, and nobody tackled him.”
Ga. LB Carter takes in a Tide practice 
April, 2, 2012
4/02/12
6:43
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
With a number of high schools in the Southeast out for Spring Break, the visitors have become more frequent at the University of Alabama’s practices. On Friday, Snellville, Ga./South Gwinnett linebacker Reggie Carter was on hand for practice.
“The visit went good,” Carter said. “I like how practice was run. They got so many reps. I’ve done some of the drills, but there was some I didn’t do, and I like how Kirby Smart runs the linebackers.”
During his visit to Tuscaloosa, Carter got a chance to sit down and talk with Smart, the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator who serves as Carter’s main recruiter and would also be his position coach at UA.
“The visit went good,” Carter said. “I like how practice was run. They got so many reps. I’ve done some of the drills, but there was some I didn’t do, and I like how Kirby Smart runs the linebackers.”
During his visit to Tuscaloosa, Carter got a chance to sit down and talk with Smart, the Crimson Tide’s defensive coordinator who serves as Carter’s main recruiter and would also be his position coach at UA.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- There were a few more players with ankles taped up as the Crimson Tide began their fourth week of spring practice on Monday.
The nicks and bruises were to be expected after Saturday's scrimmage, the first of the spring.
Under a bright sky and mid-80s temperatures, the University of Alabama went back to work with just two weeks remaining before A-Day. Here are a few observations from today's practice:
The nicks and bruises were to be expected after Saturday's scrimmage, the first of the spring.
Under a bright sky and mid-80s temperatures, the University of Alabama went back to work with just two weeks remaining before A-Day. Here are a few observations from today's practice:
- In what has become a normal bit of housecleaning, there was no Duron Carter sighting at practice. The enigmatic receiver has not practiced all spring.
- Also, Arie Kouandjio and Blake Sims were once again on the training bikes as they recover from injuries. Kouandjio is recovering from surgery while Sims is slowly working his way back after injuring his hip over spring break.
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2014 DB Glass loves first visit to Alabama
April, 2, 2012
4/02/12
1:12
PM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
When Geno Smith first visited the University of Alabama, he fell in love with it. That’s the one of the main reasons he signed with the Crimson Tide in February.
The ESPNU 150 defensive back plans to enroll at UA this summer, but his first order of business before that is trying to recruit his high school teammate and 2014 star Nick Glass to Alabama with him. Glass visited Tuscaloosa over the weekend for the first time.
“We’re best friends,” Glass said of Smith. “He really helps me out with this recruiting thing, and he’s always telling me that he knew I would fall in love with Alabama at first sight. I guess I have to give it to him on that one. I loved it.
The ESPNU 150 defensive back plans to enroll at UA this summer, but his first order of business before that is trying to recruit his high school teammate and 2014 star Nick Glass to Alabama with him. Glass visited Tuscaloosa over the weekend for the first time.
“We’re best friends,” Glass said of Smith. “He really helps me out with this recruiting thing, and he’s always telling me that he knew I would fall in love with Alabama at first sight. I guess I have to give it to him on that one. I loved it.
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ATHENS, Ga. -- Last time he was here, the Bulldogs did their best to try and take the lead for Brendan Langley (Marietta, Ga./Kell), but were unsuccessful. Following his first visit to the University of Georgia since getting an offer, the 6-foot-1, 181-pound defensive back named Alabama and Georgia co-leaders. On Saturday, Langley was back on campus at Georgia again and he admits this trip was different. But did it have an effect on his recruitment?
“I was kind of rushed last time because I had things to do later that day, but this time I had the time to sit down in the offensive and defensive meetings really allowed me to see how they would utilize me on both sides of the ball, and special teams too,” Langley said. “Georgia is my current leader.”
On Saturday the news also came out that sophomore Marc Deas planned to transfer, leaving the Bulldogs with only five returning scholarship players in the entire secondary after the 2012 season. While Langley has said early playing time will not be the only factor in his decision, he knows he is a priority for the coaching staff at Georgia.
“I was kind of rushed last time because I had things to do later that day, but this time I had the time to sit down in the offensive and defensive meetings really allowed me to see how they would utilize me on both sides of the ball, and special teams too,” Langley said. “Georgia is my current leader.”
On Saturday the news also came out that sophomore Marc Deas planned to transfer, leaving the Bulldogs with only five returning scholarship players in the entire secondary after the 2012 season. While Langley has said early playing time will not be the only factor in his decision, he knows he is a priority for the coaching staff at Georgia.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala -- It felt a lot more like football on Saturday afternoon as the University of Alabama held its first scrimmage of spring practice inside Bryant-Denny Stadium. The Crimson Tide wore full pads and went offense against defense under partly cloudy skies -- all in all great conditions to get the first taste of full-speed action for the first time since Jan. 9.
Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed the media after the roughly two-hour scrimmage and gave his take on the team's progress with nine days of practice now under their belt. He said he was pleased with the overall effort of his team and focused on the need for the more inexperienced players to learn how to play a winning brand of football.
“With a lot of young players, the thing we need to improve on is getting more players to understand what it takes to play winning football on a consistent basis," Saban said, calling on players to think about the process of getting better and understand they must have a plan to go about doing so.
Saban kept most of his compliments for his quarterback. AJ McCarron was a solid 25-for-43 passing for 290 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. Saban said McCarron played well and was “very commanding” under center.
McCarron’s backup, Phillip Sims, was kept from throwing during the scrimmage because of what Saban called a “sore shoulder” comparable to bursitis. Saban said there was nothing structurally wrong with Sims' throwing shoulder and that he received a shot to “enhance the healing.”
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Tyler Kaufman/Icon SMIJeremy Shelley was 4-for-4 on field goals in Saturday's scrimmage.
Tyler Kaufman/Icon SMIJeremy Shelley was 4-for-4 on field goals in Saturday's scrimmage.
“With a lot of young players, the thing we need to improve on is getting more players to understand what it takes to play winning football on a consistent basis," Saban said, calling on players to think about the process of getting better and understand they must have a plan to go about doing so.
Saban kept most of his compliments for his quarterback. AJ McCarron was a solid 25-for-43 passing for 290 yards, 3 touchdowns and an interception. Saban said McCarron played well and was “very commanding” under center.
McCarron’s backup, Phillip Sims, was kept from throwing during the scrimmage because of what Saban called a “sore shoulder” comparable to bursitis. Saban said there was nothing structurally wrong with Sims' throwing shoulder and that he received a shot to “enhance the healing.”
Spring practice: Moving to Bryant-Denny
March, 31, 2012
3/31/12
2:52
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- The University of Alabama worked in Bryant-Denny Stadium for the first time this spring on Saturday afternoon.
The Tide will hold their first scrimmage which the media is not permitted to watch.
We did, however, get a few minutes to watch the Tide run through drills prior to the start of the scrimmage. Here are a few observations:
The Tide will hold their first scrimmage which the media is not permitted to watch.
We did, however, get a few minutes to watch the Tide run through drills prior to the start of the scrimmage. Here are a few observations:
- Again, Duron Carter was not in attendance. He has not worked out with the team all spring.
- T.J. Yeldon was sporting the same brace/wrap on his left wrist as he went through running back drills.
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Before Friday, there weren’t many top programs that hadn’t offered defensive end Joe Mathis (Upland, Calif./Upland). Friday afternoon saw another college crossed off the list.
Mathis can now add the Crimson Tide to his impressive offer sheet, following a conversation with Alabama coach Nick Saban.
“It’s a great feeling,” Mathis said. “I was able to talk to Coach Saban on the phone, and he said he was real impressed with my film and wanted to offer me.”
Mathis can now add the Crimson Tide to his impressive offer sheet, following a conversation with Alabama coach Nick Saban.
“It’s a great feeling,” Mathis said. “I was able to talk to Coach Saban on the phone, and he said he was real impressed with my film and wanted to offer me.”
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- For the first time this spring, the University of Alabama had to move practice indoors because of rain.
The slight drizzle kept the Tide off the larger outdoor facility but didn't prevent them from moving full steam ahead with the offseason program.
Here are a few notes and observations from today's media viewing period:
The slight drizzle kept the Tide off the larger outdoor facility but didn't prevent them from moving full steam ahead with the offseason program.
Here are a few notes and observations from today's media viewing period:
- Once again, Blake Sims was in a black no-contact jersey while riding a training bicycle. The sophomore running back injured his hip during spring break playing basketball and has not practiced since. He was joined by Arie Kouandjio, who is expected to miss the entirety of spring practice.
- For the second straight practice, Eddie Lacy was nowhere to be seen during the media viewing period. The junior running back is recovering from offseason surgery and is not expected to participate in spring practice. It's important to note that Lacy was at Alabama's second pro day yesterday without the boot that he's worn on his foot for several weeks.
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Lindale, Ga./Pepperell offensive lineman Andy Dodd talks with TideNation about his commitment to the University of Alabama.
Tide focus on O-line prospects for 2013
March, 30, 2012
3/30/12
11:02
AM ET
By
Greg Ostendorf | ESPN.com
The University of Alabama plans to lean heavily on its offensive line in 2012 and for good reason. It’s a group that returns four starters from a year ago and has the talent and cohesiveness to be one of the best units in the country.
With two seniors and two juniors starting, the line won’t be intact forever, though.
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TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- In 2011, the H-back position accounted for less than 10 percent of the Crimson Tide’s offense. It’s a surprising statistic considering AJ McCarron was in his first year under center. Typically, inexperienced quarterbacks use the position as a safety net.
Brad Smelley did finish the season with 34 catches -- a career high -- and four touchdowns while working at H-back. But the senior didn’t have much help. Michael Williams, the taller, faster, more athletic option at H-back, turned in just 16 grabs his junior year. Back-ups Brian Vogler and Harrison Jones accounted for one reception each.
For the Crimson Tide’s offense to progress in the passing game -- as many believe it will with Trent Richardson gone and Doug Nussmeier now at offensive coordinator -- wide receivers and H-backs much become a bigger part of the equation.
Brad Smelley did finish the season with 34 catches -- a career high -- and four touchdowns while working at H-back. But the senior didn’t have much help. Michael Williams, the taller, faster, more athletic option at H-back, turned in just 16 grabs his junior year. Back-ups Brian Vogler and Harrison Jones accounted for one reception each.
For the Crimson Tide’s offense to progress in the passing game -- as many believe it will with Trent Richardson gone and Doug Nussmeier now at offensive coordinator -- wide receivers and H-backs much become a bigger part of the equation.
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Watch: Interview with Courtney Upshaw
March, 29, 2012
3/29/12
6:24
PM ET
By TideNation staff | ESPN.com
Former Alabama linebacker Courtney Upshaw speaks with the media after working out at the Crimson Tide's pro day Thursday.
Former Alabama safety Mark Barron speaks with the media after working out at the Crimson Tide's pro day.
Upshaw, Barron pleased with results
March, 29, 2012
3/29/12
3:57
PM ET
By
Alex Scarborough | ESPN.com
Courtney Upshaw took part in Alabama’s second pro day and participated in every drill but the bench press.
The 6-foot-2, 275-pound hybrid linebacker ran an unofficial 4.77 40-yard dash and looked smooth in agility drills.
“It felt good to be out there with them and going through the whole training process with those guys,” Upshaw said of him and his teammates. “We work hard every day in Arizona. I felt like it paid off today.”
Facing questions concerning Upshaw’s ability to play as a standup linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, Alabama coach Nick Saban said he felt his former linebacker did enough to show his speed in coverage. At Alabama, Upshaw played in a 3-4 defense, a point of concern that Saban feels is unwarranted.
“He weighed 280 pounds today and ran a 4.7-something so I think he probably could,” Saban said of Upshaw playing in either defensive scheme. “He played both here. I know a lot of people say, ‘Hey, you play a 3-4.' But we only play a 3-4 20 percent of the time and the rest we’re in some kind of 4-3 defense and he always played defensive end and did a great job.
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Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireCourtney Upshaw showed his speed at Alabama's pro day.
Derick E. Hingle/US PresswireCourtney Upshaw showed his speed at Alabama's pro day.“It felt good to be out there with them and going through the whole training process with those guys,” Upshaw said of him and his teammates. “We work hard every day in Arizona. I felt like it paid off today.”
Facing questions concerning Upshaw’s ability to play as a standup linebacker in a 4-3 scheme, Alabama coach Nick Saban said he felt his former linebacker did enough to show his speed in coverage. At Alabama, Upshaw played in a 3-4 defense, a point of concern that Saban feels is unwarranted.
“He weighed 280 pounds today and ran a 4.7-something so I think he probably could,” Saban said of Upshaw playing in either defensive scheme. “He played both here. I know a lot of people say, ‘Hey, you play a 3-4.' But we only play a 3-4 20 percent of the time and the rest we’re in some kind of 4-3 defense and he always played defensive end and did a great job.
ABOUT TIDE NATION
Greg Ostendorf
Greg Ostendorf joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama football and basketball recruiting at the Tuscaloosa News and Rivals.com. Ostendorf graduated from the University of Alabama and currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at gsostendorf.espn@gmail.com.
Alex Scarborough
Alex Scarborough joined ESPN.com in 2012 after covering University of Alabama athletics and high school football for The Tuscaloosa News. He currently resides in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Email him at alexscarborough.espn@gmail.com.