Notebook: Scout teams first sign of player roles
TUSCALOOSA _ Like many of his classmates, University of Alabama running back Corey Grant will get to be someone else for the next few days.
Saturday afternoon, during the Crimson Tide's final practice before settling into the game-week routine, the true freshman was wearing the No. 9 jersey of San Jose State all-purpose running back Brandon Rutley, who ironically is a Tuscaloosa native.
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For now it appears that Alabama will primarily use four running backs with Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson, Eddie Lacy and Demetrius Goode, with Grant and others helping out the scout team during practices.
Judging by which players have been wearing their own numbers, scout-team numbers and where players have lined up during the last two days, there appears to be a dozen members of the most recent signing class who coaches are looking to possibly contribute right away.
They are kicker Cade Foster, linebacker Jalston Fowler, cornerback John Fulton, tackle Arie Kouandjio, defensive end Brandon Lewis, cornerback DeQuan Menzie, cornerback DeMarcus Milliner, linebacker C.J. Mosley, safety Nick Perry, tight end Brian Vogler, safety Jarrick Williams and punter Jay Williams.
It should be noted, though, that a lot can change due to both injuries and development. Someone like DeAndrew White could work his way into the wide receiver rotation and Grant is being groomed for returns on special teams.
Alabama will release its first depth chart of the season Monday.
Tide-bits
Although it was relatively cool and windy outside (89 degrees with a 94 heat index and 52 percent humidity), Alabama practiced inside the Hank Crisp Facility.
Although no one was in black during the viewing period, Richardson (shoulder) was being held out of contact during individual drills.
The forecast for Saturday is for sunny with the high in the low 90s and low in the upper 60s that night. The high temperature in San Jose this week will range from 72 to 83.