The Alabama Crimson Tide has started its fall camp. Leading up to Alabama's first game against Duke on Aug. 31, our staff at BamaInsider will keep you up to date on the latest inside team news from Tuscaloosa, Ala.
INSIDER REPORT: Alabama's final preseason practice
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama participated in its final preseason practice Saturday before beginning game-week preparations for its season-opener against Duke on Aug. 31. Players were dressed in full pads and worked indoors to escape damp conditions. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— Freshman defensive lineman Justin Eboigbe was absent from the viewing period. Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Stephon Wynn (ankle) was also missing but was seen walking into the weight room in a black jersey before practice.
— Alabama’s first unit on the offensive line remained the same as it was Friday with Alex Leatherwood, Evan Neal, Chris Owens, Landon Dickerson and Jedrick Wills Jr. lining up from left to right.
INSIDER REPORT: Alabama's 19th practice of fall camp
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama participated in its 19th preseason practice Friday as players worked indoors in full pads. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— Because the practice was indoors, we got a good look at the running backs. Jerome Ford, who returned to practice Thursday after missing time with a sprained ankle earlier this week, showed no limitation during drills.
“We’re going to work him in and see what he can do,” Saban said Thursday. “Try to do more and more each day and see if we can get him back to 100 percent. He’s done really well before he was injured, so we plan on him playing in the game. If he’s healthy enough and doctors clear him and we feel like he’s 100 percent, we’ll play him in this game. If not, we’ll have to wait and kind of see how he progresses. It’s going to be more day-to-day at this point.”
— Redshirt freshman defensive lineman Stephon Wynn Jr. (ankle) was not present during the media-viewing period but was seen wearing a black jersey while entering the weight room before practice. His left ankle appeared heavily wrapped, but he was not wearing a boot.
Nick Saban explains why Ray Rice is speaking to Alabama players
Ray Rice will be the latest notable speaker to address the Alabama football team this preseason. The former NFL running back is a Super Bowl champion and was selected to three Pro Bowls during his six-year professional career. However, he’s now better known for a video of him beating his then-fiancé Janay Palmer which led to his eventual release from the Baltimore Ravens in 2014.
Since then, Rice has attempted to turn his life around while also helping young athletes avoid the same mistakes he made.
“Well, he’s obviously going to talk about how to treat the opposite sex and having the proper respect for other people,” Alabama head coach Nick Saban said. “And I think that’s important to relationships. It’s important as a person to be able to do those things in a very respectful manner.
“I think that a lot of players can relate to his circumstance and it’ll be interesting to hear a guy that’s had some issues that now has turned the corner and really doing everything he can to help other people not have the same problem that he has. And I have a tremendous respect for him for doing that. And we’re certainly glad to have him here.”
Alabama has brought in several other speakers this fall, including former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson, motivational speaker Inky Johnson, comedian and radio personality Rickey Smiley and ESPN sports personality Stephen A. Smith.
INSIDER REPORT: Antonio Alfano back at practice...
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Alabama worked outside Thursday as it participated in its 18th preseason practice. Players were dressed in shorts and shells and worked under sunny 89-degree weather. Here are some notes from the media viewing period.
— Freshman Antonio Alfano was back with the defensive linemen after missing the past three practices.
— Freshman Christian Harris shed the brace on his left knee and was fully participating with the rest of the inside linebackers.
— Jerome Ford (ankle) was spotted with the running backs for the first time since injuring himself during last weekend’s scrimmage.
