After its first practice on Monday for bowl season, Nick Saban held his press conference inside the Mal Moore Athletic Facility and previewed the Michigan Wolverines.
Both Alabama and Michigan are trying to end their seasons on a high note.
While he was proud to see 15 scholarship student-athletes graduate on last week, Saban said two players have chosen not to participate in the Citrus Bowl. Terrell Lewis (outside linebacker) and Trevon Diggs (cornerback) will not play in the matchup.
Lewis projects as a potential top-15 pick for the 2020 NFL Draft and Diggs projects as a first-rounder.
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As for DJ Dale, Saban said the freshman defensive lineman is ‘doubtful’ for the game.
When it comes to Trey Sanders (foot), Saban said the five-star running back is cleared for work in practice yet the team may still hold him out of the Citrus Bowl. Sanders sustained a foot injury in August camp and missed the regular season.
Miller Forristall, a redshirt junior, was another player Saban updated an injury on. He suffered a throat injury (voice box) versus Arkansas and missed the remainder of the regular season. He practiced with tight ends on Monday and per Saban, he does stand a good chance to play against the Wolverines. Despite him being out on the recruiting trail, Saban said the energy he saw from the team in its first practice was good.
The Crimson Tide will continue with practice on Tuesday at 1:50 p.m.
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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.
