re: ***Official Practice Thread***

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Alabama practice report: In first look at many freshmen, Foster stands out, and so does Foster

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What we saw

. This is the No. 1 signing class in the nation in 2013, and it shows. Many of the players in this group look more like juniors than freshmen.

. One of the standouts is Foster. Another is Foster. One is linebacker Reuben Foster. The other is wide receiver Robert Foster. If Alabama had a need at inside linebacker, Reuben Foster physically looks like someone who could start immediately. He looks bigger than 6-foot-1, 244 pounds, which is his listed size on the roster. He moves well.

. Robert Foster is a brand new arrival, but you’d never know. He looks like the second coming of Julio Jones, and not just because of the No. 8 on his jersey. This Foster is 6-foot-3, 187 pounds. Jones was 6-4, 210 as a freshman. Foster is quick and fast. He makes sharp cuts, and he seems to have good hands. What more do you want? He will need time to learn to block the way it’s taught at Alabama, but we’re guessing he will catch on quickly.

. Derrick Henry is a big running back who was impressive in the spring as an early enrollee before he broke his leg and missed the A-Day Game. You’d never know he was injured the way he is running in drills.

. This was a first look at three other prized running backs: Tyren Jones, Alvin Kamara and Altee Tenpenny. Henry towers over all three of them, and if they weren’t wearing numbers, it might be hard to tell them apart. They all have very quick feet.

. Jonathan Allen is working with the defensive linemen. He also is expected to work at linebacker. He and two other freshman defensive linemen – Dee Liner and A’Shawn Robinson – do not look like freshmen. It’s hard to imagine any of the three being redshirted this season.

. At 6-6, 301 pounds, freshman offensive lineman Grant Hill looks big until he stands near Brandon Hill (6-6, 385). It will be easier to judge these linemen when they blend in with the veterans.

. Head coach Nick Saban is giving his new crop of cornerbacks an earful of criticism. Might as well get them used to it right from the start.

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What’s next?

All of the players will practice together for the first time Saturday afternoon. The Tide then will hold its one and only practice that is open to the public at 2:30 p.m. CDT Sunday in Bryant-Denny Stadium. It’s “Fan Day.” After practice, coaches and players will be available for autographs for a limited time on the field.

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