Alabama was outside again for its 19th practice of fall camp on a hot day in Tuscaloosa. The team was in full pads (with the exception of walk-ons still being acclimated).

Here are some observations from the open period:

  • The big news: Najee Harris (foot) returned to practicing individual drills during the viewing period. He was not wearing a black noncontact jersey while we were out there. Harris was the last running back in line to go through drills when I looked.
  • Still no Stephon Wynn (leg strain). I only checked on the defensive line once or twice but it looked like Raekwon Davis was a little limited. He was still dressed out, though. Did not see Johnny Dwight there.
  • Walk-on wide receiver Mac Hereford tweeted earlier today that walk-on defensive back D.J. Lewis and long snapper Scott Meyer earned scholarships.

  • Since the team is getting into game prep, we started to see some scout team in drills. Looked like freshman wide receiver Slade Bolden was one of the receivers being used on scout team for the DBs.
  • Took a look at the wide receivers going through drills and caught a look at freshman wide receiver Xavier Williams. Looked like he had really quick feet.
  • The outside linebackers were doing a coverage drill; Ben Davis was the fourth player through in that drill.
  • The secondary was doing some drills today with four players, though I couldn’t quite tell if it was meant to be a regular package or something else. It was set up with two safeties deep and both corners on one side. During this, the safeties were Shyheim Carter and Jared Mayden. The corners were Trevon Diggs with Saivion Smith inside. My best guess is that it was set up for an offensive formation on one hash with both wide receivers on the field side.
  • Saw tight ends Hale Hentges and Irv Smith Jr. lined up together during a running/blocking drill with the offensive line. Hentges was the on-the-line tight end, while Smith was in a two-point stance to his right. That’s similar to what you saw them do last year.
  • Alabama president Stuart Bell and former athletic director Hootie Ingram were both at practice. So was Tuscaloosa County district attorney Hays Webb.

In case you missed it, new contracts for Nick Saban, Greg Byrne, the men’s basketball assistants and several other Alabama staffers were approved today.

Back tomorrow with the last Saturday practice notes of preseason. Then Sunday is off and game schedule kicks in on Monday.

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