Alabama football coach Nick Saban is placing a lot of importance on this weekend's second scrimmage, and he's shedding some light on the first one.
The Crimson Tide practiced for two hours in full pads Wednesday, which was the first day of classes in Tuscaloosa. Alabama will work out again today and Friday in preparation for Saturday's trip inside Bryant-Denny Stadium.
"Our focus this week is to improve," Saban said Wednesday night in a news conference. "How much you improve between the first and second scrimmage goes a long way in saying what your role on this team is going to be, because we've got to make decisions on who we're going to coach and get ready to play.
"We've tried to expose our players to as many things as we can as far as game situations."
Fifth-year senior quarterback Jacob Coker, who transferred from Florida State before last season, continues to be limited by the foot injury he sustained last weekend. Saban listed Coker as "day-to-day" and expected him to miss another day or two.
Saban was asked Wednesday about the quarterback competition, which also includes redshirt junior Alec Morris, redshirt sophomore Cooper Bateman, redshirt freshman David Cornwell and true freshman Blake Barnett.
"We thought the two guys who probably played a little better in the first scrimmage - Alec did a nice job and Cooper Bateman did a nice job," Saban said. "Jake did OK, but he hasn't been able to practice all week, and we feel Blake is a young guy we feel like we need to develop."
Cornwell was not mentioned.
Senior tailback Kenyan Drake and sophomore left tackle Cam Robinson practiced in noncontact jerseys, with Robinson nursing a mild shoulder injury. Sophomore receiver Cam Sims, redshirt freshman offensive lineman Josh Casher and freshman defensive end Anfernee Jennings practiced for the first time this month.
Sims, who suffered an ACL tear in March, had seven catches for 62 yards and a touchdown last season.
"He's got a ways to go," Saban said. "He's not going to be playing any time soon."
Contact David Paschall at dpaschall@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6524.