Alabama opened spring football practice Friday, with coach Nick Saban calling it a “snapshot” of where Crimson Tide players stand individually and collectively.
“This is where we are,” Saban said in a news conference after the two-hour workout in helmets and shorts. “We know where we want to go. Let’s focus on how to get there.”
Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson (34) is team tackled by Alabama linebackers C.J. Mosley (32) and Denzel Devall (30) during the second half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, in Starkville, Miss.
Alabama’s Cyrus Jones (5) looks for room during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Mississippi in Oxford, Miss., Saturday, Oct. 4, 2014. No. 11 Mississippi won 23-17.It will be a while before the Crimson Tide hold their second of 15 spring workouts. Alabama is now off for spring break and will resume practicing March 23.
Saban announced Friday evening that senior linebacker Denzel Devall and senior cornerback Cyrus Jones would not be participating this spring. Devall had a foot operation to deal with an injury he sustained at Ole Miss last October, while Jones had cartilage in his hip that needed repair.
One player making strides coming off a season-ending setback is senior tailback Kenyan Drake, who fractured his leg at Ole Miss.