Alabama fans don’t want to discuss this aspect of fall camp, because no one wants to jinx anything.
For the first time in a while, student-athletes in the Crimson Tide’s football program look healthy as week three of practice cranks up on Tuesday.
After its first scrimmage and eighth practice, no one sustained an injury and the defensive side of the ball looked dominant. On the heels of having untimely medical mishaps in the last few years, Nick Saban is hopeful the problems have been solved in hiring the new strength staff of David Ballou and Dr. Matt Rhea from Indiana University.
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With the Coronavirus pandemic, it has not been a normal fall camp for the Tide.
Despite this, Saban feels like this offseason has taught players how to handle adversity.
“I think the injuries have gone fairly well, knock on wood,” Saban said “I don’t think there is anything to compare fall camp to, because this is an abnormal fall camp. It is not fall camp. We have not practiced every day. We have practiced every other day. It is a little different to try to judge where the team is. The last two days we practiced in pads, Wednesday and today (Saturday), it’s been like 107-degree heat index with 90 percent humidity. So, that is difficult. We acknowledge that it’s difficult for the players.”
It has been a mental challenge for players, but the guys have been focused throughout practices.
“This is a good experience for them,” Saban said. “It helps them develop perseverance. I am not disappointed where the players are at all,” Saban said. “I think they like the new strength and conditioning coaches; I certainly like the sports science aspect of how we implemented things. Hopefully, we get a better idea of how we assess the conditioning of the team when we start practicing more like game weeks.”
Whether it was the voluntary workouts, mandatory workouts or starting fall practice, everyone has adjusted to the style of Ballou and Rhea. The big picture is for this year’s team to remain healthy. Regardless of having a few minor bumps and bruises, Alabama is trying to stay away from season-ending injuries. If it can do that, a national championship is in sight.
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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.
