The Jumbo Package │03.17.14

Spring Practice

Alabama football: Five questions for spring practice | Times Free Press

Alabama had eight early enrollees earlier this year, and none of them -- Cornwell included -- is expected to be more closely monitored than Cameron Robinson. The nation's top tackle prospect out of Louisiana has an opportunity this spring to challenge for one of the tackle spots.

Everyone wants to see the high profile positions like QB, RB and WR practice but I will be watching the offensive line all Spring. It doesn't matter how loaded you are at the skill positions, if your offensive line doesn't play well, your season is likely over before it can even begin. And speaking of Cam Robinson, he is a large man...

Alabama football: Saban stresses patience in QB competition | The Montgomery Advertiser

"I think all of you know that the quarterback competition this spring is going to be something that a lot of people are going to get a lot of opportunity at," coach Nick Saban said. "Jacob is not going to be here in the spring, but he’s certainly going to get an opportunity when he gets here as well."

Sims will likely get a majority of the reps in practice but my guess is Bateman and Cornwell will eventually surpass him once the team scrimmages a few times. With Kiffin installing a new offensive system, all the QB's are on the same learning curve and it will be their throwing and decision making abilities that will set them apart...

Alabama, Kiffin start Phase 1 of QB search - SFGate

"Guys are just a lot more hungry," linebacker Trey DePriest said. "We didn't finish the season like we wanted to. Guys knew that and they just took a different approach to it, and are trying to get back to the standard to how we do stuff."

Hungry is good. I want this team to be starving come September....

Amari Cooper explains why 'player friendly' Lane Kiffin is good fit for Alabama offense | AL.com

Rising junior Amari Cooper likes the early changes the former USC and Tennessee coach brought when hired as the Alabama offensive coordinator. Cooper said Kiffin was "player friendly" while simplifying the playbook terminology. "The way plays are called," Cooper said, "it's easy to recognize what you have to do as a player." "He pays attention to everything, every little thing. I noticed that about him when we were practicing for the bowl game."

Emphasis mine. I really can't wait to see the offense under Kiffin. Maybe I've bought into the hype of Lane as a play caller but I have this feeling the offense will be more explosive while still being able to physically dominate at the point of attack. But it still comes down to the offensive line and quarterback play...

Updated Alabama football roster with new heights and weights | AL.com

Some players have switched numbers and as CB pointed out on Saturday, a few guys are no longer on the roster.

Alabama softball completes sweep at Ole Miss, continues torrid start to SEC play | AL.com

The Crimson Tide belted four home runs in Sunday's 9-2 victory at Ole Miss, capping its second straight three-game sweep to kick off conference play. Alabama sits atop the SEC standings at 6-0 after its seventh straight win and 12th out of its past 13. In its six SEC games, Alabama has outscored the opposition, 54-16.

The team took a few lumps to the head against the better non-con opponents it faced early in the season but has gone on an absolute tear to begin SEC play. Hopefully those few losses humbled the players and motivated them to play each game like it's their last.

Watch Alabama's 10th inning walk-off home run, wild celebration at the plate (video) | AL.com

TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- For a third time this season, Alabama won a game with a final swing. This time it was Mikey White's home run in the 10th that beat Kentucky, 5-3 to take the series. Read about the game here and watch the celebration above.

There is a buzz surrounding the baseball team that hasn't been felt in some time. The Right Field Ragers are a hit and the team's bats seem to heating up. I'm excited to see the team continue to improve and make some noise in SEC play.

Alabama sprinter wins school's second national title at NCAA championship meet | AL.com

Remona Burchell took the 60-meter dash championship in Albuquerque, N.M. She joins Diondre Batson who won the program's first men's title in the 200 meters on Friday.

#NotJustAFootballSchool