Tide Tidbits – April 9, 2009

Tide defense looks to improve against no-huddle offenses
It’s an en­during image, one that hasn’t left Nick Saban’s mind. Alabama, ranked No. 1 na­tionally with a 12-0 record, dropped its final two games as its defense struggled with no-huddle and quick-passing at­tacks from Florida and Utah. Alabama can expect to see more of that this fall against Vir­ginia Tech, Arkansas and Mis­sissippi State, just to name a few, and from everyone else who saw the success of the Gators and the Utes last season. “If we can improve (Cody’s) mobility a little bit, he might be­come a little better pass rusher for us and push the pocket in the middle, which to me is the most important thing about pass rush,” Saban said.

Slimmed-down Terrence Cody aims to improve on debut season
The shoes senior nose tackle Terrence Cody has to fill at Alabama this year are some of the biggest on the team. He knows because he wears them every day. “We didn’t do what we were supposed to do last year,” Cody said. “That’s what made me hungry to come back next year is that right there. I just want to win.” Other similar articles:

• Cody shedding pounds
• Cody hopes to mount another big campaign

Super 6 football coming to Bryant-Denny
The Alabama High School Athletic Association’s Central Board unanimously passed a resolution Wednesday afternoon to move the Super 6 prep football championships to the University of Alabama and Auburn University on a rotating basis, starting this fall. The 2009 AHSAA football championships are expected to be played in Tuscaloosa, with Auburn hosting in 2010. Each year thereafter the games will alternate through 2014. Other similar articles:

• T-town, Auburn get Super 6
• Super 6 Championships coming to Bryant-Denny…

Crimson Tide Stress Situational Work in Wednesday Practice
“Today we practiced in shells and did a lot of situational type stuff, a lot of team stuff,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “Not like our normal practice, not a lot of individual stuff. We need to have more players respond to those kinds of things. It’s a lot more game-like; knowing the situation you’re in when there is either two minutes at the end of the game or two minutes at the end of the half, third-down period or red area.” Alabama’s spring practice schedule will conclude with the annual A-Day Game on Saturday, April 18, at Bryant-Denny Stadium. ESPN will also be in town televise the A-Day Game, which is slated to kickoff at 2 p.m.

Alabama receivers put in extra work, look for their day in the sun
To ease the acclimation process with a new quarterback, the Alabama receivers have put in extra work in the offseason. But that’s not what makes Mike McCoy optimistic. “Everybody was doing their own thing, not really focused, last year,” said McCoy, the team’s second-leading receiver with 16 catches for 324 yards. “But this year, there’s a lot of closeness, togetherness. Everybody has each other’s back.”

Players competing for larger roles
The biggest change fans will probably see in the University of Alabama football team next season may not be with a single position or starter. Instead, it’ll be on the other end of the depth chart, among players competing for playing time. A good example is at wide receiver, where Alabama wants to be known for more than Julio Jones. “I played my role last year, but this year I want to have a much bigger role and play a lot,” said third-year player Darius Hanks, who meant bigger in more than one way.

Wednesday practice report
Guard Mike Johnson (ankle) was wearing a protective boot on his right foot and running back Mark Ingram (hamstring) was also held out of practice. Brian Motley continued to work in Johnson’s spot at right guard. Also wearing black signaling no contact were wide receiver Earl Alexander (shoulder) and running back Roy Upchurch (neck). Alabama will hold its second scrimmage of spring Friday, giving players Easter weekend off.

Dinner’s on Alabama QB Greg McElroy… and other stuff!
When I was talking to Alabama receiver Mike McCoy the other day for this article, he mentioned a whole bunch of stuff that quarterback Greg McElroy was doing off the field. He talked of “unity” and how McElroy was assuming the role of leader when it came time to put the pads away.

Roll Tide!

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