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Nick Saban addresses Kendall Sheffield's status

Alabama defensive back Kendall Sheffield (11) runs drills at practice during the University of Alabama Fall Camp at the indoor practice facility in Tuscaloosa, Ala. on Friday, Aug. 12, 2016. (Erin Nelson | The Tuscaloosa News)

For the previous three practices, redshirt freshman Kendall Sheffield has not been with the team.

For a day rumors and innuendo spread about the whereabouts of the 6-foot, 188-pound defensive back and about his status with the team. Following Tuesday’s practice, the last of fall camp (school begins Wednesday), UA head coach Nick Saban addressed the Missouri City, Texas product and his absence from the team.

“Kendall Sheffield has not been here for the last couple of days,” Saban said. “I don’t really know what his status is so there’s no need to ask me. We’re happy to have him back. He’s a fine young man. He’s worked hard, he’s made a lot of improvement here.

“We enjoy having him be a part of the team if that’s what he chooses and continue to work with him in a positive way to help him develop academically and athletically.”

Sheffield has not publicly addressed his absence, and with school beginning Wednesday, the countdown for him to return officially begins. The last day to add or drop a class is Aug. 24.

Sheffield was in competition for a prominent role in this year’s defense. He was competing with Anthony Averrett for the team’s third cornerback spot behind Marlon Humphrey and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Sheffield participated in the team’s scrimmage Saturday before being a no show for the two practice Monday and the one Tuesday.

Saban said there is no timetable for Sheffield to return but he’s welcome back at any time.

“We want what’s best for the people on our team. If there’s something we can do to help resolve this from their family’s standpoint, we’re certainly available to do that,” Saban said.

“There’s no pressure from our standpoint. School starts (today). It’s really important that our players develop the right habits, have success in school, that’s what they’re here for, and hopefully he’ll make a decision so he doesn’t get behind from that standpoint.”

Prior to Saturday’s scrimmage, Saban spoke of the importance of getting Sheffield up to speed as quickly as possible

"Kendall Sheffield, I think we just keep trying to work reps, reps, reps, so that he can play his position with a little more naturally instinctive reactions,” he said. “He certainly has a lot of ability and we're certainly trying to bring it out of him in every way we can.

“Right now it's a work in progress and he is making progress. We certainly would like to be able to enhance that with a little better coaching on our part."

With Sheffield at best temporarily gone and at worst gone for good, it creates a depth issue further complicated by Maurice Smith’s previous departure. But that means young players, like Jared Mayden and Shyheim Carter, will see more repetitions. Saban also said the lack of overall depth defensive backs is why the team moved wide receiver Trevon Diggs and linebacker Keaton Anderson to the secondary.

Reach Aaron Suttles at aaron@tidesports.com or at 205-722-0229.

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