Saban sees improvement during second scrimmage

TUSCALOOSA | If there was one, overwhelming theme from the University of Alabama’s football scrimmage Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, it was this: “Better.”

Coach Nick Saban used that word after the Crimson Tide wrapped up the 10th of 15 spring practices, especially after last week’s scrimmage was filled with turnovers, sacks and dropped balls.

Senior tight end Nick Walker had eight receptions for 57 yards and one touchdown, junior running back Roy Upchurch made 11 carries for 80 yards including touchdowns of 46 and 16 yards, and redshirt freshman Darius Hanks had a 35-yard touchdown on a slant route.

Senior quarterback John Parker Wilson competed 17 of 33 passes for 216 yards, and one touchdown. His lone interception was on a tipped ball. Greg McElroy was 7-for-19 and 48 yards, Nick Fanuzzi went 9-for-15 and 140 yards, and Thomas Darrah was 5 of 8 for 73 yards.

Junior fullback Baron Huber, who is getting a look at linebacker, had a sack. Saban indicated that he might try a few more experiments this coming week, including possibly senior Jimmy Johns at an outside linebacker spot. He moved from running back to inside weakside linebacker during practices for the Independence Bowl.

The team will have Sunday off and return to the practice field Monday.