Even without spring football, the University of Alabama is positioning itself for an opportunity to capture a national championship. The hires of David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea for the sports science department were strong additions, and both guys are already making an impact.
After seeing how his training methods connect with Jeff Allen’s — the Crimson Tide’s head athletic trainer – Rhea is excited about the energy the student-athletes have shown on spring break for the analytics.
The new conditioning program has been whipping players into shape.
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According to close, respectable sources, yours truly of Touchdown Alabama Magazine was told that the team likes the new approach.
The tandem of Ballou and Rhea provide different exercises that max the players at their full potential, without tiring them out.
Seeing how Alabama did not win a national title in the last two years, the program wants to return to the top of college football.
Spring practice has been suspended — due to the coronavirus pandemic — but it does not mean Alabama has not been putting in work. While most teams would use this time to have fun with friends and family, Rhea was awaken by text messages from players that want to review the data from Monday night. For the players, they have been doing their assigned work outs and the coaching staff has been monitoring them.
You know you have some guys chasing greatness when you wake up to numerous texts wanting you to review last nights sleep data and yesterday’s training metrics….over SPRING BREAK! #RollTide
— Matt Rhea, PhD (@MattRheaPhD) March 17, 2020
Guys want to make sure they are getting the proper amount of sleep and that they are taking the training seriously.
This type of motivation has Rhea very excited about what Alabama can do in the fall, especially when it comes to exerting its dominance in the second half of matchups.
As its Director of Performance Science, Rhea wants Nick Saban to have his seventh national title and he’s doing his part.
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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.
