Tide Tidbits – July 31, 2009

Fan Day Details Are Revealed
Alabama Coach Nick Saban is nothing if not organized. Everything about Crimson Tide football is planned to the nth degree. And that includes the annual Fan Day event at Bryant-Denny Stadium. This year’s open practice and autograph session is August 9. Although Alabama practices are ordinarily closed to all but a very few, one day each fall Crimson Tide Coach Nick Saban throws open the doors for a practice. This year’s practice will be 2:30-4:30 p.m. CDT. P

Saban talks McElroy, Atlanta kickoff
Alabama’s time at the podium at last week’s SEC Media Days, however, was just how head coach Nick Saban operates his team — straight to the point with no room for nonsense. “We are excited to be back and looking forward to the challenges of the season,” he said. “We’ve had an outstanding offseason and a very good summer with our team.” Saban addressed one of the biggest question marks heading into the 2009 season — the quarterback position. He seems very optimistic about first-year starter Greg McElroy. “Greg McElroy has done a nice job of developing,” he said. “I think [he] learns very quickly. He’s a good leader, he’s instinctive, players like him and he makes good decisions.” Last year’s shocking blowout of No. 9 Clemson jumpstarted the Crimson Tide’s 12-0 regular season. This season begins with another neutral-site game in the Georgia Dome, and Saban reflected on what that game did for his team last year. Saban explained that one of the toughest challenges he faces as a coach is disciplinary issues within the team, noting that one bad decision can destroy chemistry.

Alabama Football: Five Fall Camp Storylines To Watch
The Alabama Crimson Tide head into the 2009 season with most preseason magazines ranking them in the top 10. Last year, they were ranked in the bottom half of the Top 25 and shocked everyone by winning 12 games in a row and held the No. 1 ranking for the latter part of the season. With exactly one week to go until fall practice starts, here are the storylines to watch out for. 5. Can Alabama generate a consistent pass rush from the defensive line? 4. Will Alabama have a playmaker from the Jack linebacker position? 3. Can Mark Ingram be a featured running back? 2. Will the Tide have a receiver to throw to other than Julio Jones? 1. Who will start on the offensive line?

New leaders, new faces key to ’09 success
Entering his third year as head football coach at the University of Alabama, Nick Saban has seen the high and low tides of his program. From a disastrous four-game November losing streak in 2007, including a defeat at the hands of Louisiana-Monroe and a sixth straight loss to the Auburn Tigers, to a five-week run as the nation’s No. 1 team in 2008, Saban’s goals have always remained the same. Work.  Execute.  Dominate. “I think it’s…important that you establish a work ethic on your team,” Saban said at SEC Media Days Thursday. “That your team understands they’re working to dominate the competition.”

Javier Arenas nominated for Good Works Team
University of Alabama senior cornerback and return specialist Javier Arenas has been nominated for the 2009 Allstate AFCA Good Works Team, which recognizes college football players who make outstanding contributions in volunteerism and civic involvement. Arenas, a native of Tampa, Fla., is one of 52 major-college football players nominated for their efforts. These athletes are being honored for their selfless efforts in the surrounding communities. “I enjoy having the opportunity to brighten up the students’ and teachers’ day,” Arenas said in a press release. “Going to the different schools around Tuscaloosa and visiting the children is a down to earth experience. The visits remind me of myself at that age. I hope the message I have for these kids is something that will make a positive impression in their lives.”

Roll Tide!

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