Tide Tidbits – March 12, 2010

Bama begins spring practice today
Five Alabama questions need to be answered The past two months have been a dream for any supporter of Alabama’s football program. What started with confetti falling and coach Nick Saban raising a crystal football in the Rose Bowl continued earlier this week with a trip to the White House as BCS national champions. But now is finally time to wake up. An early, odds-on favorite to repeat as national champs in 2010, Alabama starts spring practice today. “We’ve had a good offseason program with our guys,” Saban said. “It’s been a week shorter than normal, because we just pushed everything back. But we’re anxious. We’ve got lots to evaluate and lots of people to teach. It’s going to be critical how some people develop at certain positions that have an opportunity to be good players, but they need to show they’ve got the right stuff to do it.” [More]

McClain still likely an early NFL pick
When former Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain revealed Wednesday that he has battled Crohn’s disease for the past seven years, the news rippled through the National Football League. Was this Pro Day disclosure a big bombshell, a little bombshell or no bombshell at all? “At least a little one,” said Phil Savage, the former Cleveland Browns general manager who was hired recently by the Philadelphia Eagles as a part-time player personnel consultant for the 2010 draft. “I was not aware of it.” Savage has a connection to Alabama. He just finished his first season as the color commentator on Alabama football radio broadcasts. But Savage was not alarmed by the news. “The good news is that he hasn’t missed any practice time or games,” said Savage, who was one of many representatives of NFL teams who attended Alabama’s Pro Day. “It seems like it has been regulated well. [More]

Tide working toward repeat performance
Ladies and gentlemen, here’s the next potential dynasty in college football. Alabama has gone 26-2 the past two seasons. What will Nick Saban’s defending national champion need to do to keep its engine roaring? Develop the defense. Defensive coordinator Kirby Smart — perhaps the hottest assistant in the nation, a guy who was wooed by Georgia and Tennessee in the offseason — must replace nine fulltime starters, including two who left early for the NFL: linebacker Rolando McClain and cornerback Kareem Jackson. There is talent on defense, but the Tide may have to keep things simple from a scheme standpoint early on and rely on a veteran offense to carry the load. Alabama’s offense will be strong — especially the rushing attack. The Tide welcome back three starters on the line, and Heisman-winning RB Mark Ingram, a junior, also returns. So does fellow RB Trent Richardson, a sophomore who may be every bit as good as Ingram. Then there’s senior QB Greg McElroy and the top three receivers from 2009: juniors Julio Jones and Marquis Maze and senior Darius Hanks. Yes, this is a loaded offense. [More]

Kelly makes switch from receiver to defensive back
The University of Alabama football team opens spring practice today, and with preparation for a new season often comes a few experimental position changes. Apparently, Kendall Kelly will be among those to get a chance at a new position. The redshirt freshman from Gadsden City High is expected to open spring drills at safety after spending his first season on campus working with wide receivers. One of his former high school coaches, Gadsden City defensive coordinator Ali Smith, said he was surprised when Kelly told him of the move. “I was surprised, but at the same time, I know he’s the kind of athlete who can do something like that,” Smith told The Tuscaloosa News. “He’s upbeat about it. He knows it’s an opportunity for him to compete for a position, and he also knows he may be back at receiver at some point.” [More]

Florida-Bama CBS night game
CBS has targeted the Oct. 2 game between Alabama and Florida at newly expanded Bryant-Denny Stadium as its prime-time telecast for the 2010 football season. The Crimson Tide and Gators have not met during the regular season since 2006 but have collided the past two years in the Southeastern Conference championship game. Alabama won last year’s meeting 32-13 and then defeated Texas in the BCS championship game, after Florida won the ’08 encounter 31-20 before beating Oklahoma for the BCS crown. “How do you argue with that?” CBS executive vice president Mike Aresco said Thursday. “It’s developed into the rivalry du jour. It’s clearly now the biggest game, and this is almost like a rubber match, although they may end up playing again in Atlanta.” Alabama will start its fourth spring under Nick Saban today, and Florida is scheduled to begin its sixth under Urban Meyer on Wednesday. [More]

Roll Tide!

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