Kalen DeBoer is doing something different with Alabama football in Tuscaloosa, Ala.
Preseason practice starts Wednesday at 9:05 a.m. Nick Saban had players pushing in the heat of the day during his 17-year coaching tenure for the Crimson Tide. He emphasized the hottest part of the day because he wanted the players to have mental toughness in battling through the heat. Saban’s way served a purpose as the Tide captured six national championships and nine Southeastern Conference titles. Coach DeBoer brings a different level of adversity that he hopes the players will push through.
RELATED: WATCH: What to expect as fall camp begins for Alabama football
No one likes the idea of getting up early to run, execute plays, and have coaches barking at you, but it teaches discipline to have athletes understand the importance of being early. DeBoer’s move to morning practices allows the players to get the hard work done quickly, which transitions them to more time recuperating their bodies, studying film, and spending time with teammates.
The Tide does have a couple of 11 a.m. games on its schedule, so the morning practices help with that too.
It is about creating an edge for yourself in any way you can.
DeBoer believes the morning practices will be good. Alabama fans will see what becomes of it.
*Get the BEST Alabama football insider information, message board access, and recruiting coverage today! SIGN UP HERE to unlock our subscriber-only content!*
Stephen M. Smith is the senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
