HOOVER, Ala. — Alabama head coach Nick Saban provided positive news on two previously injured players Wednesday, updating the statuses of linebacker Shaun Dion Hamilton and running back Bo Scarbrough during SEC Media Days.
Hamilton tore his ACL in the SEC Championship Game, while Scarbrough fractured his leg in the national championship game. Both players spent the spring in black, no-contact jerseys. Hamilton spent most of the camp rehabbing by himself, while Scarbrough participated with the rest of the running backs during positional drills.
While both players were held out of Alabama’s A-Day game on April 22, Saban said he expects them to be fully ready by the start of fall camp.
“Bo has done all of the work all summer long, no restrictions. So, you know, he's really fine,” Saban said. “... Shaun Dion Hamilton, who we held out in the spring, but has done everything all summer long, seems to be getting along really, really well and should not have any restrictions going into fall camp.”
Related: SEC Media Days Coverage
Despite missing the last two games of the season, Hamilton finished fifth on the team with 64 tackles, nine for a loss. He also recorded two sacks, a forced fumble and led all linebackers in interceptions with two.
Heading into his senior year, the 6-foot, 235-pound linebacker is projected to start alongside Rashaan Evans at middle linebacker this season.
“I think inside linebacker is the one position that we probably have the most depth at, with Shaun Dion coming back, with Rashaan Evans finishing the season last year for Shaun Dion and playing very well,” Saban said.
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Scarbrough finished third on the team in rushing last season, recording 812 yards on 125 carries while scoring 11 touchdowns. The 6-foot-2, 235-pound back came on strong last season putting up 454 yards and six touchdowns in Alabama’s final four games. Scarbrough had 16 carries for 93 yards and two touchdowns before leaving the national championship game against Clemson in the third quarter.
Entering his junior year, Scarbrough will compete for playing time in a loaded backfield which also returns a 1,000-yard rusher in Damien Harris, Josh Jacobs and B.J. Emmons. The Tide also bring in two top recruits at running back in Najee Harris, the No. 1 player in the 2017 class, and Tuscaloosa, Ala. native Brian Robinson.
“Najee is a young player, who has a lot of talent and a lot of ability,” Saban said. “We're anxious to help him continue to develop an understanding of the offense so that he can make a contribution offensively at the running back position.”
Alabama wide receiver Calvin Ridley also provided an update on teammate Robert Foster, who was involved in an automobile accident last month. Foster was riding a dirt bike when he was struck by a car in the parking lot of the of the Mal M. Moore Athletic Facility and had to receive 27 stitches. Despite the setback, Foster fought through the pain and continued to train with the team.
* Alabama receiver Robert Foster injured in auto accident
“He’s healthy, he’s alright,” Ridley said. “It didn’t look too good, but now he’s alright. That’s the one thing about Rob, he gets injured and he gets right back out there.”
Foster recorded just five receptions for 55 yards last season but is expected to take on a bigger role heading into his senior year this season. During Alabama’s A-Day, Foster caught two passes for 115 yards and a touchdown.
“I’m really excited for Robert,” Ridley said. “He’s becoming more of a leader in the group along with Cam Sims. I’m excited for both of them coming into next season.”
