Nick Saban and his 2009 Alabama Crimson Tide look poised to repeat the 12-0 regular season they had last year.  This past Saturday, the team held its first scrimmage of the offseason.

The big surprise was freshman receiver Kevin Norwood, who had 60 yards on three passes, including a 44-yard touchdown from quarterback Thomas Darrah. 

Marquis Maze will also be responsible for keeping the pressure off of Julio Jones (100 yards receiving in the scrimmage), along with Darius Hanks and Mike McCoy. 

Mark Ingram further embedded himself as the starter at running back, with Roy Upchurch, if healthy, as a contributor and Terry Grant waiting in the wings if Upchurch can't go.  Freshmen Trent Richardson and Eddie Lacy look to get some playing time this year, as well.

The defense, as expected, was very impressive.  The linebackers may be the best in the country.  Hightower and McClain are lightning in a bottle at that position and should have really good 2009 seasons.

On the negative side, the offensive line did not perform well.  It was so bad, in fact, that Nick Saban said that there are "no starters on the offensive line."  I don't know if that's meant to wake them up or if they truly played that bad. 

We'll see in the coming weeks.