Jimmy Johns works at fullback, too

TUSCALOOSA | Jimmy Johns, the University of Alabama’s second-leading rusher from a season ago, is taking snaps at running back and fullback, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban said Tuesday after practice.

“We’ve been practicing him at both [positions]," Saban said. “He seems like he’s been able to handle that. Fullback is a position that is a tough match-up position. If you look back at the Bill Walsh 49er days, their fullback always had a lot of catches. Maybe not for a lot of yards, but it was always for positive gains."

Saban said Johns has several traits that make him a good candidate for the position, but the other fullbacks are making strides also.

“Jimmy can certainly [catch the ball], and he’s got the ability to run after the catch. He’s got some size, so it may be difficult for smaller people to tackle him. That doesn’t mean that Baron Huber can’t do that. He’s made some improvement in that area, as well. Jeramie Griffin is showing some pretty good athleticism at that position, and we’re also working him as a runner."

Johns had 66 carries for 293 yards and one touchdown as the back behind Kenneth Darby in 2006. Johns caught one pass for 16 yards.

Stover better, Lett out

Junior wide receiver Nikita Stover was back at practice Tuesday afternoon, but the Hartselle native was not at full speed. Stover sustained a hip pointer during Sunday’s practice and was held out of Monday’s practice.

“Nikita Stover did practice some today," Saban said. “He was not full speed, but he pushed and worked and did what he could do. He has a hip pointer, and it will take him a few more days to get back to full speed."

Stover came on strong at the end of last season by hauling in touchdown passes against LSU and Auburn. He finished his first year at Alabama with 12 catches for 192 yards.

Freshman defensive back Chris Lett did not practice again on Tuesday, and Saban said it’s not clear when he will be able to get back on the practice field.

“Chris Lett, who had a medical condition when he came here, has not been on the field for several days, and we don’t know for sure what his status is and what his future might be. I’d rather not get specific about it, because it’s kind of personal, but he does have a medical condition that does affect his physical ability to perform."

First two-a-days today

Alabama practiced two hours for the first time in full pads Tuesday at the Thomas-Drew practice facility.

The Tide will be back on the field this morning at 9:30 and will re-convene for the second practice of the day at 7:30 p.m. Alabama will hold a single practice Thursday and two practices on Friday before the first scrimmage on Saturday.