Alabama's DePriest has surgery on foot

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Alabama middle linebacker Trey DePriest, who was the Crimson Tide's second-leading tackler last season, will miss the rest of spring after undergoing surgery for a broken right foot.

The 6-foot-2, 245-pound junior competed in last Saturday's first scrimmage, and coach Nick Saban said that made the situation worse. DePriest had four tackles, two interceptions and a sack in the scrimmage.

"Rather than trying to get him to continue to go through spring, which was a possibility, we just decided to fix it before it got bad," Saban said.

The Crimson Tide held their 10th spring practice Wednesday, and working in DePriest's absence were outside linebackers Ryan Anderson and Dillon Lee. Anderson was the middle linebacker in base package, while Lee assumed the role in nickel package.

"They've both done some of that before, so it's not new to them," Saban said. "They both responded pretty well."

Anderson, a redshirt freshman, and Lee, a sophomore, made news in January when they were sent home before the BCS championship game for missing curfew. Lee is the younger brother of Georgia guard Dallas Lee.

Saban said he is pleased with the development of his offensive line, which is having to replace three starters from last season, and that his team is getting an early look at some of its opponents.

"A lot of teams in our league are hungry," he said. "A lot of teams are pointing at us."

Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.

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