We can finally start watching football.
After dealing with speculation, preseason watch lists and guys sitting around a table discussing the gridiron game, fall practice starts Friday for some programs – including the University of Alabama under Nick Saban.
The 67-year-old enters his 13th season with the school since 2007 and has won five national championships (six overall) and six Southeastern Conference titles.
He returns to restore the “Bama factor” that was lost last year.
Despite going through the regular season undefeated, the Tide suffered an embarrassing 44-16 loss at the hands of Clemson in the College Football Playoff title game. With the Amway Coaches Poll ranking Alabama at No. 2, this gives more motivation to Saban and others.
It lost some experience and talent to the National Football League, but all supporters of the program know Alabama simply reloads. Saban brings back a loaded offense and Steve Sarkisian to coach the group, while his promotion of Pete Golding to defensive coordinator hopes to rejuvenate a unit that wants to reclaim its dominance in being physical and disruptive.
Fall camp is about positional battles and there are some spots up for grabs. As we end this week with our first taste of action, listed below are the five biggest position battles.
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
