Alabama junior tight end Hale Hentges was asked this week in a news conference to name the toughest Crimson Tide defender to block in practice.
"Is there an 'all' option?" Hentges replied with a smile. "I have a ton of hard matchups every day."
The 6-foot-5, 249-pounder from Jefferson City, Mo., has gone against the likes of defensive end DaShawn Hand and outside linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Christian Miller in camp, but he realizes that even the toughest days can provide a silver lining.
"It's such a blessing to go up against our defense every single day, because it's going to help us in the long run," Hentges said. "It will prepare us for any defense we see. We've always had great outside linebackers, and I don't think this group is any different. I don't think we'll miss a beat."
The Crimson Tide practiced Tuesday afternoon for two hours, which was their final workout before this morning's start to classes at the university.
Hentges is competing with sophomore Miller Forristall and redshirt freshman Irv Smith at a position left vacant by O.J. Howard, who was Tampa Bay's first-round pick earlier this year. Howard accounted for 45 of the 54 receptions last season by Tide tight ends.
"We have a couple of players there who have some experience," coach Nick Saban said in a recent news conference. "I think all of them have improved. I think they've all gotten bigger, and I think they've all gotten stronger. I think they've all done really well."
Hentges was a consensus top-200 national prospect in the 2015 signing class and played in all 15 games two years ago as a freshman for the national champions. He started in a 56-6 rout of Charleston Southern and got a second start in the 38-0 blanking of Michigan State in the Cotton Bowl national semifinal.
Last season, Hentges played in all 15 games again and made three starts, but his two-year totals consist of just four catches for 15 yards.
Alabama's offense had been under the guidance of Lane Kiffin, but now it's Brian Daboll calling the shots. Daboll was the tight ends coach of the New England Patriots before coming to Tuscaloosa and has spent his share of time with Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski.
"It's definitely a complicated offense, but that's a good thing," Hentges said. "You don't want your offense being simple. He's definitelty brought in an explosive, intricate offense that is tough to learn, but at the same time it's going to be really good."
Tide tidbits
Junior tailback Bo Scarbrough returned to practice Monday after missing the past two practices with an illness. ... Sophomore tailback Josh Jacobs remains out with a hamstring injury.
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.