Alabama Football: First Practices Completed, Freshman Night Session

The highly anticipated No. 105 turns out to be none other than Blake Sims. The NCAA clearinghouse cleared the freshman for play in the 2010 season. Out until further notice is Deion Blue, 6'0" cornerback out of Tuscumbia, Alabama.

Both players had difficulty with academic qualifications following their senior year and had to take additional course work over the summer. Sims was the first to get the nod from the NCAA clearinghouse and was one of the first to take the field.

The talented athlete from Gainsville, Georgia practiced with the safeties during the evening workout. Sims wore No. 18, the number of recently departed Ron Woodson.

Also practicing at safety were Kendall Kelly, along with true freshmen Nick Perry and Jarrick Williams. Mark Barron and Robert Lester are likely to start at the safety position unless Saban sees promise in one of the other future stars.

Mike Marrow, placed with the tight ends earlier in the day, practiced with the running backs in the evening session. As usual, Saban was moving many players around during the practice to allow the individuals to get a good feel for the demands at complimentary positions. 

Arie Kouandijo was wearing No. 59, previously donned by All-American Antoine Caldwell. He practiced at right tackle while another true freshman, Austin Shepherd worked with the left tackle group.

Kewione Malone and DeAndrew White worked with the wide receivers and are on pace to compete. TE recruit, Brian Volger (6'7", 248 lb) ran his share of drills and routes with Smelley, Williams and Preston Dial. Volger is cut out of the mold of the recent one year phenom, Colin Peek.

DeMarcus Milliner and John Fulton were competing together and both got special attention from head coach, Nick Saban. They will learn quickly to take criticism and move on to the next play.

Freshmen Alfy Hill and C. J. Moseley worked with the linebackers. Hill lined up on the outside while Moseley worked in the middle. Glenn Harbin and Petey Smith were on hand to take extra reps during the evening workout.

The excitement is palpable. The expectations are high. Alabama football is rolling.