re: ***Official Practice Thread***

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A couple of interesting things stood out to me:

Fowler as the #2 running back and #1 h back. I am excited to see what Fowler will be able to do when he gets more snaps. There were times last year that I missed Fowler particularly in short yardage situations. I think he will add a new dimension to the running game. Also interesting considering we have heard so many positive things on Dee Hart. I thought based on how Saban has talked Dee up that we would see him as #2.

Have we seen Norwood in the return game? He has great hands, but I wonder if he is shifty enough to get the extra yards.

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Saban on the depth chart:

-- Saban stressing that we shouldn't make much of the depth chart. "The depth chart's for you. It's not for our team."

-- "You made me do a depth chart when I didn't want to do one."

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I love Sabans interaction with the media.

I assume OL is still CK, AK, RK, AS, AShepard.

I guess the Arie to RT thing either didn't work out or no one stepped up at LG.

I think he had to use Grant Hill at backup LT if he was able to put Hill at LG I think he had a great shot at starting there, but his level of competition was needed elsewhere

Also think A'Shawn 2nd string comes as no surprise

Also thinking about the OL, maybe Shepard at RT might be a tip off to how much progression to passing game we will see this yr in Nuss' 2nd yr and a Sr QB

I don't know if I'm more excited to see Fowler at #2 back or Ashawn backing up Stinson.

I'm running out of jergens

I say we start calling him "The Shawn" instead of A'Shawn.

I think we will see quite a bit of "Big 86" in 4 man fronts and in backup so we will see quite a bit of him even on Sat

With Nudie he has great speed and acceleration for his size and is straight downhill runner reminds me a lot of Deuce McAllister who had quicker feet than his size suggested and good acceleration and an absolute bruiser

-- Got a lot of questions today about sophomore RB Kenyan Drake, who was not listed on Alabama's two-deep. He was at practice today, just like he has been every other day this month. As we reported Saturday, Drake has been wearing a scout team jersey over the past few days. The players who landed on the depth chart were not. Looks like freshmen Derrick Henry and Altee Tenpenny have simply had a better camp.

-- CB Geno Smith continued to work with Alabama's sparsely used defensive backs at the start of practice. We'll see if this changes after Virginia Tech week.

-- As promised by Nick Saban at today's press conference, LB Tana Patrick was limited during drills. He was wearing a normal, crimson jersey.

-- Freshman CB Eddie Jackson wasn't listed on the two-deep and was wearing a scout team jersey, but he continues to start practice with Saban's defensive backs. Just a hunch, but he's probably still in line to see the field this season.

-- After being limited a bit Saturday, WR Kevin Norwood was a full participant today.

-- RB Alvin Kamara was wearing a normal jersey and participating with his position group. Saban said earlier today that it would be hard to get Kamara ready to play against Virginia Tech.

-- Thought this was interesting: DeAndrew White was lined up at the Z receiver spot with Norwood and Kenny Bell. Typically, White has been with the same X group that includes Amari Cooper, Raheem Falkins and others. White is listed as Alabama's No. 2 X receiver behind Cooper on the depth chart.

LINK

They're probably looking for a way to have them both on the field at the same time

Drake probably needs to redshirt and switch positions.