Crimson Red Sports

Nick Saban allowed reporters through the gates for two periods of today’s Alabama football practice. That’s a total of fewer than 20 minutes that we’re watching. As always, we appreciate the consideration, but realize that any observations I give are based on that small window.

I spent much of my time watching the receivers and tight ends and a little bit of the defensive backs, mostly to watch Saban teach his group. The defensive backs get the lion’s share of his attention during individual position drills.

–Wide receiver DeAndew White can make some amazing catches at times. Last night, I saw him make a one-handed grab of a rare AJ McCarron mis-fire. ...

Freshman Reggie Ragland is back with the inside linebackers, with whom he spent the first five days. He practiced Wednesday morning and evening with the outside linebackers.

Freshman Dillon Lee is back with the outside linebackers, with who he spent the first five days. He practiced Wednesday morning and evening with the inside linebackers.

One big battle for a starting spot is on the defensive line. Jesse Williams is established as the starting nose guard, and Damien Square is established as one of the starting defensive ends. The other defensive end spot seems to be going back and forth between Quinton Dial and Ed Stinson. Both of them probably will play extensively. Stinson, who began his Alabama career as a Jack linebacker, seems to be the better pass rusher. Stinson stopped to have both thighs wrapped during an early drill, but he then jumped right into action....