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.