Alabama Football Commences: Day One Off to a Fast Start

Alabama is off to a fast start on the first day of fall camp. In the scorching heat, players lined up for stretching and warm-ups to the familiar cadence of Coach Cochran, then broke into smaller units for skills and drills.

There were no players in black non-contact jerseys. 

The familiarity of the coaching staff and players makes life a little easier to get things off on the right foot. Saban, in his fourth year as head coach, has brought back pride, enthusiasm, continuity, and a keen sense of urgency to the Alabama Football program.

DeQuan Menzie attended practice, and as expected, was at full speed, showing great agility and leaping ability. Coming off a torn Achilles tendon, it looks like he has made a full recovery. He will be a welcome addition to the Alabama secondary.

Menzie will compete for the open corner position, opposite Dre Kirkpatrick, while talented freshman John Fulton and DeMarcus Miliner, with much to learn, will press the upper classmen for playing time. If Menzie's recovery is permanent, his experience and fearless approach to tackling will give him an edge over the true freshmen.

And not to forget B.J. Scott. The talented corner will share playing time with the starters and be a key addition to nickle and dime cover packages, along with Phelon Jones. Jones may see playing time at safety, corner or in nickle/dime cover packages as the season progresses.

Robert Lester and Mark Barron are set to be leaders in the secondary from the safety positions, Kendall Kelly will work his way onto the field at the safety spot, as well.

Seeing Donta' Hightower run with no restrictions and no guarding was a sight for the coaching staff to behold. His friend Damien Square (also coming off rehabilitation from a torn ACL) was just as agile and quick from his position at defensive end.

The front seven for this defense is as good—or better—than the 2009 squad, you can take that to the bank.

Chapman and Murphy will indeed draw double teams, allowing Davis, Dareus, Square, and Billingsley to pressure the QB. Sentimore and Ming, Lewis, and Bonds will rotate in frequently and keep the front line fresh.

These men are strong and lean for their height, considering the mountain of a man who plugged the middle last year, Terrence Cody. They are in better shape than ever before at the start of camp.

Linebacker speed and prowess is at an all time high at the Capstone. Jerrell Harris, Chris Jordan, Nico Johnson, Courtney Upshaw, Jalston Fuller, Ed Stinson, Alex Watkins, Petey Smith, and Glen Harbin along side Hightower round out the strongest corp and deepest pool of talent on the field.

Depth and strength at the linebacker position has never been better for the Tide in the 32 years I have followed the program. The talent is phenomenal. Any one of these players has the ability to start for Alabama or any other team in the country. The competition is intense.

Offensively, Alabama has never generated so much excitement and enthusiasm. With eight returning starters, experience at every skill position, and the ability to challenge any opposing defensive secondary, the mantra is simply; "let's get this party started."

Second year starter, Greg McElroy will lead a team that has the potential to break every past offensive record for this storied program. The offense is familiar with his cadence and respects his leadership. He demands their focus.

While Julio Jones is the most talked about wide receiver in school history, he is not the only threat. He is in great shape and injury free. He is fast and powerful, his routes are crisp and timely.

Marquis Maze, Darius Hanks, Brandon Gibson, Earl Alexander, and Michael Bowman have each shown the ability to make big plays. They are ready to put it all together as a unit. Add Kevin Norwood and Kenny Bell into the mix and the opposition defenses will be spread thin. These men are weapons that must be accounted for on every play.

Brad Smelley, Michael Williams, Mike Marrow, and Preston Dial will be called on to run block and open up the passing game for McElroy. Checking down to an open tight end will help to move the chains and sustain drives on crucial third downs.

The best tandem of running backs in the country will lineup behind McElroy and will be the heart of the offense. Add to the mix, Eddie Lacy and Demetrius Goode, with pass blocking and receiving skills as good as the starters, and this team can grind it out or explode for high totals on any given opponent.

A.J McCarron and Philip Sims are way ahead of previous backup quarterbacks in years past. Plain and simple, there is talent and depth at the quarterback position. It is a refreshing change from years past.

The offensive line is strong, experienced, and will be determined to continue the success of the line from the 2009 season. Returning center William Vlachos will compete for the Remmington Award in his junior year. He is the captain of the offensive line.

Left tackle James Carpenter will protect the blind side of McElroy and has the potential to become an All American in his senior year. The much anticipated first start for right tackle D.J. Fluker will take place in 2010. His agility and foot speed is phenomenal. He is slimmer and faster as a redshirt freshman. He has bought into the conditioning program and it has paid off.

Backups Tyler Love, Alfred McCullough, and Austin Shepherd stand at an average height of 6'4" and weight of 306 pounds They are able and willing to take over the starting roles if called on during the season.

Guards Chance Warmack and Barrett Jones round out the starting offensive line. They are challenged to perform at their best or be taken over by Anthony Steen or John Michael Boswell.

Watching these giants move nimbly over the barriers and around the cones is a scary sight. When they run together as a unit, it sounds like a freight train coming at you, full speed ahead. Some of these men will need to shed at least 10 to 15 pounds over the next three weeks in order to toughen their bodies for the season ahead.

This is a highly anticipated season. Camp is underway. The hot Alabama sun will fire these young men into warriors by the end of August and the 2010 campaign will begin shortly thereafter. Prepare yourself for a season to remember.