The University of Alabama football team practiced outside on Tuesday afternoon, although the oppressive heat of the past week was mitigated somewhat by cloud cover.
On the field, Alabama had a handful of players who were not in the black (non-contact jerseys) that denote injured but who were limited nonetheless in the brief early media viewing period. Prominent among that group were senior defensive end Anfernee Jennings and freshman inside linebacker Christian Harris, who had worked with the first unit in last Saturday’s scrimmage. Another freshman, Shane Lee, occupied the spot next to Dylan Moses in the viewing period.
Freshman defensive lineman Antonio Alfano was not present for the media viewing period. There has been no update on his status at this time. Alabama head coach Nick Saban is scheduled to address the media after Thursday’s practice.
Who’s who
A quick primer on names: Alabama has two freshman linebackers, Christian Harris (from Baton Rouge) and Kevin Harris (from Loganville, Ga.) and both could see playing time, Christian Harris on the inside and Kevin Harris on the outside. Additionally, among its collection of players named Chris or Christian, Alabama also has another linebacker, sophomore Christopher Allen, who is also from Baton Rouge and could also see playing time.
There is also another Christian, defensive lineman Christian Barmore, on the roster, as well as another Chris. Redshirt junior Chris Owens is part of the group competing for the offensive guard/center positions although his name is unlikely to confuse anyone too young to remember the longtime Bourbon Street burlesque queen, also named Chris Owens.
This marks the second season in a row in which Alabama has two players named Harris at the same position. Najee Harris (who is now a junior running back) and Damien Harris (who is now a junior running back.) Also, Chris Harris, no relation to Christian Harris, was a star at Central High School and a defensive end for the Crimson Tide from 2002 until 2006. There have been numerous Harrises who have played for Alabama in the past but the current three should be manageable for fans (and broadcasters) — almost.
The projected starting quarterback for Duke on August 31? Quentin Harris.
Later start
Alabama will start practice slightly later (3:30 p.m.) on Wednesday as classes begin for the UA fall semester.
Reach Cecil Hurt at cecil@tidesports.com or via Twitter @cecilhurt
