Alabama Crimson Tide starts spring football practice
Alabama head coach Nick Saban talks to the media about the first spring practice of 2016. (Meg McKinney/Alabama NewsCenter)
The “national champion Alabama Crimson Tide” is now the “defending national champion Alabama Crimson Tide” as the 2016 season has started with spring practice.
“I saw a lot of improvement in players leading up to today,” head coach Nick Saban said after the first practice on Friday. “I think there is a lot of anxiety anytime you have a lot of new players that have new roles when you have a first practice. But I was pleased with the effort and obviously it tells you where you are and some of the things you need to work on to get where you want to be.”
Three new coaches have joined the staff and participated in their first team practice. Defensive backs coach Derrick Ansley, offensive line coach Brent Key and defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt made their presence known during the two-hour practice.
Eight mid-year enrollees joined their returning teammates on the practice field, including offensive lineman Charles Baldwin, linebacker Christian Bell, tight end Miller Forristall, quarterback Jalen Hurts, defensive back Shawn Jennings, offensive lineman Chris Owens, wide receiver T.J. Simmons and offensive lineman Jonah Williams.
The Tide returns 14 starters, including six on offense, five on defense and three on special teams.
The team takes this week off for spring break before returning March 21 for the second of 15 spring practices. The 2016 Golden Flake A-Day Game is scheduled for Saturday, April 16 at 2 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium. The game will be free to the public.
Photographer Meg McKinney and videographer W.R. Bowen II were there for Alabama NewsCenter. Scott Chramer edited the video.
Alabama Crimson Tide holds first 2016 spring practice from Alabama NewsCenter on Vimeo.
