Former Alabama offensive linemen D.J. Fluker was interviewed on Tuesday and said that Alabama practices were actually harder then his NFL practices.
Per AL.com quote:
In a Tuesday interview with Tide 99.1-FM in Tuscaloosa, he explained part of the reason for his success.
"Playing at Alabama, practice-wise, is probably a lot harder than playing in the NFL," Fluker said.. Being under coach (Nick) Saban and the practices he makes each and every day was like an NFL game. That prepared me the most, being in that environment every single day ... Coach made everything organized, just like being in the NFL."
Fluker was the No. 11 overall pick of the San Diego Chargers and finished his first season on the NFL's All-Rookie team.