Well, it doesn't start until Thursday, but we're finally getting to talk some football. How sad is it that the biggest news story in Alabama on Thursday will be the start of spring practice, as opposed to Alabama first game in the SEC Basketball tourney? I guess not sad at all down here. Doesn't bother me one bit.
Before we get on that note, let's talk about Coach Saban finally having other people speak up about the fact that coaches can no longer visit high schools in the spring, because other coaches started complaining that it gave other schools an unfair advantage. Coach Saban has disagreed with this ruling, saying that it's not his fault that other coaches don't get out there and do it when it's not against any NCAA rules. Now, Pete Carroll is siding with Nick Saban, claiming "other coaches are lazy."
Scout.com has a 2008 Spring Preview, and they singled out Alabama, saying that we should be contenders in the West this year, and a candidate to win 10 games, which would lead to a (and I quote) "monstrous 2009 season." Read more about what they say here.
Chris Walsh points out the 10 things to look for once spring practice starts. I like his list, especially noting that the linebacker position is #1 on his list. We're more than likely losing four players with experience at that position, with the only returner being Rolando McClain. Jimmy Johns made the switch, and we've still got Cory Reamer and Brandon Fanney that could earn some playing time. The biggest contributers should be Jerrell Harris and Dont'a Hightower, in my opinion. I think both of them could be starting in the Clemson game. This defense is going to look wildly different as opposed to last season. And for those still banking on a 3-4 defense...get that thought out of your head right now. Watch what we did last season and now tell me this isn't a 4-3 scheme with a more athletic defensive end on one side. It is what it is.
We'll start previewing more as we roll along. Have a good rest of the day!
¶ 9:46 AM
