TUSCALOOSA, Alabama — Alabama worked out in shoulder pads, helmets and shorts Monday on a relatively cool evening.
Except for the quarterbacks and freshman receiver Chris Black, nobody wore a black non-contact jersey. Even defensive back John Fulton (turf toe) practiced and ran around without apparently problems. Receivers Kevin Norwood (leg) and Kenny Bell (foot) looked fine. Running back T.J. Yeldon (ankle) didn’t go through most drills, but he looked fine otherwise.
In a sense, it’s amazing how Alabama has avoided those injuries that would slow down an important player but not take him out of the lineup. If you look at the first team, it looks about like everyone thought it would at the start of the year.
But on the other hand, seeing Black out there is a reminder of how much deeper this team could be without the season-ending injuries Alabama has suffered.
Running back Dee Hart (knee) likely would be returning punts. He also was valuable on kick coverage. Jarrick Williams would’ve added depth at safety and special teams.
Running back Jalston Fowler (knee) would’ve given Alabama a weapon at H-back. Walk-on Kelly Johnson has served as an admirable blocker in the position, but Fowler is a much more experienced handling the ball. Also, imagine him at fullback and the flexibility he would’ve added to that position.
At receiver, Black (shoulder) and DeAndrew White (knee) would’ve been part of the top rotation. Again, Alabama lacks some flexibility without them on the field.
But as for Saturday’s game against Auburn, everyone else is expected to be available.
We’ve got video for you of the running backs going through a drill. You’ll see Brent Calloway get told to run the drill again by assistant coach Burton Burns. Also, watch the right side of the video. Strength coach Scott Cochran stalks Yeldon to knock the ball away from the unsuspecting freshman. However, teammate Eddie Lacy beats Cochran to the job and knocks away the ball without much trouble. The video is a little dark at first but improves.
Also find and follow The Daily Bama Blog on:
Twitter: @DailyEdwards
Facebook: Facebook.com/dailybamablog
