Friday, March 13, 2009
Saban Brings In Spring Practice
It is not surprise that Coach Saban is not the best when it comes to communicating with the media in a nice manner, but today he seemed a little more irritable. Maybe it's because Prince Hall and Brandon Fanney are suspended for an indefinite period of time.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Countdown To A-Day (Running Backs)
This is the first of a seven part series I will be doing on position battles taking place throughout the spring.
Today I am focusing on the running backs. The fact that Saban runs a "running back by committee", instead of a "single work horse" offense, and that the running backs outperformed expectations last year, this is not going to be a very exciting battle. Surprising, seeming that The Crimson Tide's leading rusher left a year early for the NFL.
Returning are No. 2 and No. 3 rushers Sophomore Mark Ingram and Senior Roy Upchurch. Upchurch broke out of his shell last year by rushing for 350 yards on 58 carries and played a crucial role in defeating the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Upchurch's future is very much in question after having neck surgery and being held out of contact for the beginning of spring practice.
Upchurch is a great change of pace for Alabama's bruisers, but if he is unable to perform this year, expect to see Terry Grant step into the role of being the speedster to replace between the tackle runners Mark Ingram and highly regarded incoming freshman Trent Richardson.
Because of Richardson, I do not anticipate Ingram's role to change much as far as carries go, but I do expect him to start the season as the No. 1 running back. Whether he is in front of Richardson or behind him, they will both probably have the same amount of carries.
Other players battling for playing time will be Jeramie Griffin, Demetrius Goode, Ivan Matchett and Jermaine Preyear. With Richardson not arriving to the Capstone until June 1st, it is important that each one of these players to make a strong impression this spring.
Today I am focusing on the running backs. The fact that Saban runs a "running back by committee", instead of a "single work horse" offense, and that the running backs outperformed expectations last year, this is not going to be a very exciting battle. Surprising, seeming that The Crimson Tide's leading rusher left a year early for the NFL.
Returning are No. 2 and No. 3 rushers Sophomore Mark Ingram and Senior Roy Upchurch. Upchurch broke out of his shell last year by rushing for 350 yards on 58 carries and played a crucial role in defeating the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Upchurch's future is very much in question after having neck surgery and being held out of contact for the beginning of spring practice.
Upchurch is a great change of pace for Alabama's bruisers, but if he is unable to perform this year, expect to see Terry Grant step into the role of being the speedster to replace between the tackle runners Mark Ingram and highly regarded incoming freshman Trent Richardson.
Because of Richardson, I do not anticipate Ingram's role to change much as far as carries go, but I do expect him to start the season as the No. 1 running back. Whether he is in front of Richardson or behind him, they will both probably have the same amount of carries.
Other players battling for playing time will be Jeramie Griffin, Demetrius Goode, Ivan Matchett and Jermaine Preyear. With Richardson not arriving to the Capstone until June 1st, it is important that each one of these players to make a strong impression this spring.
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