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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Saban says incoming freshman WR Robert Foster has qualified and is on campus.</p>— John Zenor (@jzenor) <a href="https://twitter.com/jzenor/statuses/363342524598861827">August 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Finally, we have an official statement regarding Robert Foster. I kind of feel like if he doesn't end up being a mutant version of Julio Jones and Amari Cooper we'll all be let down.
Mutant version of Julio Jones and Amari Cooper tho...REC, get on that.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>TE Malcolm Faciane is suspended for violation of team rules. Can return to the team if he does what he needs to do.</p>— Andrew Gribble (@Andrew_Gribble) <a href="https://twitter.com/Andrew_Gribble/statuses/363342584116031488">August 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Not exactly good news concerning Faciane and this certainly explains why Fanning was seen at Y-Back this morning. Faciane, listed as 6-5 267, was expected to take over the similar size void left by Michael Williams. (6-6, 269). Hopefully, Malcolm does the necessary things asked of him to get back in Saban's good graces. Unfortunately, if we base his chances on past experience, he has an up hill battle in front of him. Hope for the best.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Alabama freshman DL Darius Paige has been medically disqualified, Nick Saban says. <a href="http://t.co/HiS0eqeJuI">http://t.co/HiS0eqeJuI</a></p>— Don Kausler Jr. (@Tide_Source) <a href="https://twitter.com/Tide_Source/statuses/363348706860761088">August 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Is everyone else as surprised at this as I am? I wasn't even aware he was injured, let alone hurt bad enough to be put on Medical Scholarship. Add to that his tweet "Being leftout is the worst feeling ever!! :(". My gut tells me this is more than just about a phantom injury.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Saban: Fanning at tight end is an experiment for five day of practice to see if he can do anything to help the team.</p>— Aaron Suttles (@AaronSuttles) <a href="https://twitter.com/AaronSuttles/statuses/363342001514614787">August 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Translation, "We don't know what will come of the Malcom Faciane 'suspension' and we need a wide body at that position just in case". The 5 day trial run lends me to believe Faciane will be back on the practice field soon enough. Still, given the some what lack of depth at D-line, Fanning being moved over is a bit surprising.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Saban "I have never coached a DB that did not give up big plays, the good ones give up fewer big plays"</p>— The Game (@TheGameWDGM) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheGameWDGM/statuses/363343560097009665">August 2, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Is this Saban trying to tell us that we should expect our DB's to give up big plays this year?...Cause, if so, let the hand wringing commence. OH NOES OUR DEFENCE GONNA SUCK PAWWWWL
General quotes
"Any preseason poll really doesn't mean a lot relative to the season."
I'd have to disagree, coach. If you start out at #1 your chances of making the top 2 at seasons end are a lot greater than if you start unranked. Preseason polls unfortunately mean a lot.
Cyrus Jones is "progressing well" at defensive back. Saban indicates he's focusing on defensive back.
I'm sure Coach Saban knows what he's doing, and imma let him finish, but the thought of Jones starting out the season as one of our top corners scares the bajesus out of me.
On H-backs/tight ends: Brian Vogler had a good spring and summer. "Very smart player, good competitor." Jalston Fowler playing at H-back and running back. Past that, Harrison Jones "knows what to do."
I am really excited to see how we use Fowler this season. He's our most versatile player on offense and can line up at three different positions (H-Back, full back in short yardage, and Running Back.) Vogler and OJ Howard add another dimension to the TE group.
Roll Tide
**UPDATE**
Here's the video of the press conference:
And here is some footage from the practice:
And for good measure, let's take a look at that countdown: