Tide Tidbits – April 14, 2009

Finebaum: Crimson Tide may roll again in 2009
After a perfect regular season in 2008, what can Nick Saban do for an encore in 2009? Can Alabama win it all? Or will 2009 be more a setup year for a title run in 2010? Even losing some key players on both sides of the ball — including the best offensive lineman in the nation and a serviceable senior quarterback — the Tide should be high again this coming season. Every spring, around A-Day, we take a look at Alabama’s upcoming season. Here is an early look at 2009:

Bama line should be a strength
So it is with any in-house football scrimmage. Any success means equal failure on the other side. The first-string defense allowed essentially no rushing yards. Better yet, all defensive units combined for nine touch sacks, per numbers released by UA sports information from the closed workout. Half-empty view: The offensive line was overwhelmed. Half-full: The pass rush has greatly improved since January. Just who was responsible for that? “The guys up front,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said. “I think we’ve really done a good job improving our pass rush.” See also:

• COOKING UP PRESSURE
• Alabama’s defense this spring: “We’re putting pressure on the quarterback.”

Lettermen flag football game set on A-Day
The University of Alabama will host the first-ever A-Club 7-on-7 Classic flag football game at noon Saturday before the A-Day Game at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The flag football game will feature former Alabama lettermen in both a playing and coaching capacity. Gates will open at 11 a.m., with introducations at 11:30 a.m.

Who is stepping up for Alabama this spring?
It’s one of the most-asked football questions each spring: Which unsung players could be playing themselves into the forefront this fall? Nothing is definite so early, of course. But as we head into Saturday’s A-Day Game, here’s a look at some of the Crimson Tide players who appear to be positioning themselves for a more prominent role in 2009: Robby Green, DB; Marcell Dareus, DL; Darius Hanks, WR; Mark Barron, DB; Courtney Upshaw, LB; Tyrone King, DB and Chance Warmack, OL.

Roll Tide!

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