Notebook: Tide continues to move players around
TUSCALOOSA _ Without a gameplan to install yet, the University of Alabama football team continued to play musical positions at a number of spots during Wednesday's practice.
For the second straight day junior Alfred McCullough worked right guard with sophomore Barrett Jones sliding over to right tackle. The second group of linemen had true freshman Arie Kouandijo at left tackle and redshirt freshman D.J. Fluker at right tackle.
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However, there were changes at linebacker and among the defensive backs.
While junior Jerrell Harris again worked with the interior linebackers so did sophomore Nico Johnson, who lined up Tuesday at strongside linebacker.
In the secondary, true freshman DeMarcus Milliner (ankle) returned to practice and was working at right cornerback, paired with true freshman John Fulton.
During the nickel package, sophomore Dre Kirkpatrick, who was held out of drills Tuesday, was back at left cornerback with B.J. Scott on the right side. Junior DeQuan Menzie, who is coming off an Achilles tear, appeared to be getting a break after working with the first unit the day before.
Alongside Dont'a Hightower was Harris at money, with junior Chris Jordan and true freshman C.J. Mosley in those roles on the second unit. True freshman Jarrick Williams was at money in the dime.
Ingram named to Doak Walker list
Junior running back Mark Ingram was named to the watch list for the Doak Walker Award, which goes to the best running back. However, notably absent was sophomore Trent Richardson.
Ingram was a finalist for the award last year, which instead went to Stanford's Toby Gerhart, whom Ingram edged for the Heisman Trophy.
The final two watch lists are expected to be announced Friday, the Rotary Lombardi (lineman) and Rimington (center). Meanwhile, a new award was announced this week, the Burlsworth Trophy, in honor of former Arkansas offensive lineman Brandon Burlsworth, which will annually go to the best walk-on player.
Here's the rundown of watch lists:
Bednarik Award (defensive player): Mark Barron, Marcell Dareus and Dont'a Hightower named to watch list. Semifinalists named Nov. 8.
Fred Biletnikoff Award (wide receiver): Julio Jones named to watch list. Semifinalists named Nov. 15
Butkus Award (linebacker): Dont'a Hightower and Nico Johnson named to watch list. Semifinalists announced Oct. 21 (Rolando McClain reigning winner).
Walter Camp Award (Player of the year): Mark Ingram named to watch list. Semifinalists announced Nov. 16.
William Campbell Trophy (scholar-athlete, formerly known as the Draddy Trophy): Semifinalists announced Sept. 30.
Heisman Trophy: Finalists announced Dec. 6 (Mark Ingram reigning winner).
Ted Hendricks Award (defensive end): Marcell Dareus was named to the watch list. Midseason list to be announced in November.
Rotary Lombardi Award (lineman): Watch list announced Aug. 27.
Lott Trophy (defensive impact player): Mark Barron on watch list. Quarterfinalists expected to be announced in October.
Manning Award (quarterback, includes bowls): Greg McElroy on watch list. Finalists named Nov. 29.
Maxwell Award (outstanding player): Mark Ingram, Julio Jones and Greg McElroy on watch list. Semifinalists named Nov. 8.
Bronko Nagurski Award (defensive player): Mark Barron, Marcell Dareus and Dont'a Hightower on watch list. Finalists announced Nov. 18.
Davey O'Brien Award (quarterback): Greg McElroy on watch list. Semifinalists announced Oct. 25.
Outland Trophy (interior lineman): James Carpenter and Barrett Jones on watch list. Finalists announced Nov. 22.
Rimington Trophy (center): Watch list announced Aug. 27.
Jim Thorpe Award (defensive back): Mark Barron on watch list. Semifinalists announced Nov. 1.
Unitas Golden Arm (senior quarterback): Greg McElroy on watch list. Semifinalists expected to be announced in November.
Doak Walker Award (running back): Mark Ingram named to watch list. Semifinalists announced Nov. 11.
Burlsworth Trophy (walk-on): Nominees announced Nov. 17.
No one from Alabama on watch list
John Mackey Award (tight end): Semifinalists announced Nov. 15.
Lou Groza Award (kicker): Semifinalists announced Oct. 29.
Ray Guy Award (punter): Semifinalists announced Nov. 12.
Paul Hornung Award (most versatile): Finalists announced in early December.
Tide-bits
Sophomore nose guard Kerry Murphy was still working with the first unit, although junior Josh Chapman has been limited by a thigh injury.
Redshirt freshman Ed Stinson continues to work behind junior Courtney Upshaw at Jack, while with Harris in another drill senior Chavis Williams led the strongside linebackers ahead of junior Alex Watkins.
The first NFL scouts were seen at practice. Coach Nick Saban had threatened to close his doors until the league took a stronger stance against rogue agents, but later said he didn't want them in attendance until players had been through the toughest part of camp.
The temperature was 93 degrees at the start of practice, a 93 heat index, 62 dew point and 36 percent humidity. The team will practice again Thursday at 3:30 p.m. All practices are closed to the public.