Your long, exhausting wait is over. Alabama hit the practice field for the first time of the fall. The temperature was 87 with a feels-like of 93. They worked outdoors in shorts and jerseys, no pads.
And, of course, your first question is ‘Was Da’Shawn Hand there?’ He was and here is visual evidence.
Da'Shawn Hand was at practice and going through drills. pic.twitter.com/45QioLb10g
— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) August 3, 2017
Here is what I saw during the media viewing period.
Outside linebackers
The outside linebackers worked under the tutelage of Tosh Lupoi. They worked in the following order: Christian Miller, Anfernee Jennings, Jamey Mosley, Terrell Lewis, Mekhi Brown, Ben Davis, Christopher Allen, VanDarius Cowan, Tucker Riddick.
Defensive linemen
The defensive linemen worked in the following order in groups of four: Da’Shawn Hand, Da’Ron Payne, Josh Frazier and Raekwon Davis. Isaiah Buggs, Jamar King, Johnny Dwight, Quinnen Williams. Taylor Wilson, LaBryan Ray, Daniel Powell and Phidarian Mathis. Vohn Keith and Kedrick James.
Inside linebackers
The inside linebackers worked in the following order: Rashaan Evans, Shaun Dion Hamilton (who looks to be in great shape), Keith Holcombe, Dylan Moses, Joshua McMillon, Ryan Burns, Markail Benton and Mack Wilson.
Offensive line
The offensive line worked in pairs from RT to LT: Matt Womack and Lester Cotton; Bradley Bozeman and Richie Petitbon; Ross Pierschbacher and Jonah Williams.
Wide receivers
The wide receiving group had a series of flags set up in what seemed to be every 5 yards for the group to work on the route running and cutting ability.
Quarterbacks
In the few reps I watched the quarterbacks, Jalen Hurts threw behind Miller Forristall on a 5-yard out, hit another wide receiver in stride and threw a perfect pass to Derek Kief. Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa high-fived on one series between reps.
Secondary
Ben Jones watched the secondary and this is what he saw. Minkah Fitzpatrick was with the cornerbacks. First-team safeties were Ronnie Harrison and Hootie Jones. Deionte Thompson and Xavier McKinney. The first-team corners were Fitzpatrick/Tony Brown and Anthony Averett. It was Trevon Diggs and Levi Wallace/Shyheim Carter.
