Following Alabama's first spring football practice on March 13, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban expressed a confidence that his players would behave as they headed their different directions for spring break.
It wasn't until after workouts resumed when a problem arose.
Senior defensive back Geno Smith was arrested early Saturday morning and charged with driving under the influence. It is Smith's second DUI arrest since signing with the Crimson Tide, and bond was set at $1,000 according to the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office web site.
Smith remained in jail Saturday afternoon as his teammates went through a two-hour practice, which was the Tide's fifth spring workout.
Alabama players resumed practicing this past Monday, and Saban spoke after Wednesday's third spring workout. There was no media availability following practices Friday and Saturday, and Saban isn't scheduled to speak again until Monday night.
A 6-foot, 197-pounder from Atlanta, Smith has played both safety and cornerback during his Crimson Tide career and is the favorite for the starting spot at free safety. That role was occupied Saturday by fellow senior Jabriel Washington, according to reporters who attended the allowed portion of practice.
Last season, Smith played in all 14 games and had 56 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and one forced fumble. Only senior inside linebacker Reggie Ragland had more tackles among returning Tide players.
Smith's first arrest for DUI occurred in August 2013, and Saban suspended him for that season's opener against Virginia Tech in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Classic. Alabama will open its 2015 season against Wisconsin in the Dallas suburb of Arlington.
Tide tidbits
Sophomore tackle Cam Robinson returned to practice Saturday after missing Friday's workout with a mild ankle injury. ... Sophomore Shaun Dion Hamilton was working next to Ragland, with senior Dillon Lee and junior Reuben Foster comprising the second-team group at inside linebacker.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.