First day in pads 'encouraging’

TUSCALOOSA | The third practice brought out yet another first for the Nick Saban era.

The University of Alabama football team practiced in pads Wednesday afternoon for the first time this spring with a two-hour session at the Thomas-Drew Practice Facility.

According to Saban, the Crimson Tide has made progress.

“Today was actually a little better practice," Saban said. “It was a little bit tough yesterday in terms of getting them to focus and getting them going again after two days off, but I was really encouraged today that we had a little better intensity and a little more sense of urgency."

Sophomore defensive end Bobby Greenwood said it felt good to finally strap the pads on again.

“We had a lot of walk-throughs and stuff before today," he said.

“It feels good to get back out there and hit some people."

With contact heating up, injuries always become a concern, but Saban said keeping guys off the ground would prevent some injuries.

“I like to practice safely," he said.

“I like to practice fast, practice hard and stay up. Most guys that get hurt, get hurt on the ground. Thud the running backs, but don’t take them to the ground. We want to practice safely, but we want to be physical, tough and intense in what we do."

Saban said there were no injuries of significance through the first three days of spring camp.

Davis leaves the team

Redshirt freshman safety Andy Davis chose to leave the football team, Saban announced Wednesday after practice. Saban said Davis chose to leave because of “personal reasons."

“I think he plans on staying in school here, at least as I understand it, but just chose not to participate in football," Saban said.

Motley showing promise at DT

Redshirt freshman Brian Motley, who worked primarily at center last season, has made the switch to defensive tackle. Saban said the move was made because of the lack of depth on the defensive line.

“We don’t have any defensive linemen," Saban said. “He was one of the guys that was a little down in the depth chart [at center], so we said we’d try him on defense. Actually, he’s showing some promise and can develop into a guy that can at least add to the depth."

More changes

Freshman Brandon Fanney and junior Ezekial Knight appeared to be working in the hybrid defensive end/outside linebacker role similar to what Keith Saunders has been doing.

“We’re playing in the 3-4, so we play those guys as outside [line]backers," Saban said. “When we slide to the 4-3, one plays [line]backer and the other plays end. They’re starting to get comfortable in those roles, and if that continues to develop, that could be a real positive."

Stabler working at RT

Chris Capps has not been able to work in contact situations, so several guys have gotten work at right tackle.

“We’ve worked Stabler at right tackle, but we’re working three or four guys," Saban said. “We’ve got about five Davis’s on our team, and I’d be afraid I’d tell you the wrong one."

So far, it appears the offensive line hasn’t seen much of a shakeup from the 2006 unit. Andre Smith, B.J. Stabler, Antoine Caldwell, Justin Britt and Marlon Davis have been working with the first unit. Drew Davis, Cody Davis, David Ross, Evan Cardwell and Michael Johnson have been working with the second unit.

Alabama returns to the practice field on Friday afternoon. All practices are closed to the public.