The Crimson Tide has taken the field for its third spring practice, with just two more remaining before the team gets time off for spring break. Here is the big news from the media viewing period.
– Starting linebacker from 2012 Xzavier Dickson worked out with the defensive linemen on Wednesday. It was not uncommon for Dickson to put a hand on the ground in certain defensive alignments throughout the course of last season, but he generally practiced with the linebackers.
– Linebacker Denzell Devall was working alongside Adrian Hubbard in Dickson’s place.
– As for the interior linebackers, Tana Patrick was working ahead of Reggie Ragland in individual drills. The job is still very much up for grabs, but as it stands right now, Patrick is on top.
– The left guard battle seems to be heating up, as both Chad Lindsay and Arie Kouandjio were working with the first team. The other four starters, Cyrus Kouandjio at left tackle, Ryan Kelly at center, Anthony Steen at right guard and Austin Shepherd at right tackle were in tact as they were before.
– Finally, Alabama lost both players listed as long snappers on last year’s depth chart, Carson Tinker and Kelly Johnson, to exhausted eligibilities. Alabama had two walk-ons at the position in practice, likely waiting it out for the arrival of incoming freshman Cole Mazza.
Return to Dallas set for 2015
Not long after releasing the information of athletic director Mal Moore’s resignation (which you can read more about by clicking here), Alabama released that it has come to an agreement to face the Wisconsin Badgers to open the 2015 season in the Cowboys Classic.
Alabama started the 2012 season with an appearance in the Cowboys Classic, beating Michigan 42-14. Southeastern Conference teams are 2-0 in the Cowboys Classic, as Alabama’s victory followed up a 40-27 win for LSU over Oregon in 2011. LSU is featured in the 2013 Cowboys Classic, meeting the TCU Horned Frogs.
Alabama has not lost to a Big Ten team since its loss in the Music City Bowl after the 2004 season to Minnesota, 20-16.
Dave Hart voices dedication to Vols
Former Alabama assistant athletic director and current Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart went on with a Knoxville sports radio station in the wake of Moore’s resignation and talked about his name popping up as a potential replacement.
Dave Hart on WNML on Mal Moore: “He is the finest human being I’ve ever met, worked with or been associated with in my career.”
— Evan Woodbery (@TennesseeBeat) March 20, 2013
Dave Hart on UA job opening: “My focus is purely here. My total focus is on continuing to be privileged to serve as AD at Tennessee.”
— Evan Woodbery (@TennesseeBeat) March 20, 2013
