🏈 After 1st spring practice today versus after spring practices first day a year ago...

[TerryP]

Last year after the first spring practice I mentioned this. And, as the summer and fall went on I mentioned it again and again and again.

That statement?

A friend of mine was observing the practices last year and repeatedly told me "it is the best defense I've ever seen on a college football field. And, it rivals a few I've seen at the next level."

We all know how that turned out.

I haven't had a chance to talk to him, but I did get a text message last night that was very short, and VERY much to the point.

"I've never seen a defensive line, physically, like this one before during my time at Alabama."

Guys, not only was he here in '92, he was on the field in '92.

Did he mean in terms of talent, their capabilities, what? We don't know yet. He was simply talking about the athletes we have on our DL for the 2012 season.

A great secondary can make up for not having a dominant line. And, a dominant line can give a younger secondary time to develop.

From one email: "If I didn't know them, I wouldn't be able to tell the difference in our 1's and 2's." :muahaha:

 

[BamaCore]

These are the kinds of things I love hearing! If your friend thinks that this defensive line is better than 92's then that's just plain scary!

 

[TerryP]

Key word, physically.

Consider this. Sheils was 6' 2-3" and weighed 250 or so, Stevenson about the same height but was in the 275lbs range.

Steen is the smallest guy on our offensive line right now; 6' 3" about is in the 300 lbs range.

Two different era's.

BUT, it is saying something when you consider Stinson, Pagan, and Fanning are about the same size and weight as we had on our bookends that season.

I don't hesitate to say Rumph > DuBose.

 

[jdpas29]

ive been salivating just waiting for the day when Alabama has a truly dominant D-line again. it is a game changer.

 

[BamaFan615]

Strength at the point of attack. That's what this defense (and every defense for that matter) depends upon. Terry, who do they have taking most of the reps at the NG position?

 

[TerryP]

Strength at the point of attack. That's what this defense (and every defense for that matter) depends upon. Terry, who do they have taking most of the reps at the NG position?

Right now Jessie...by that I mean he's 1st up in drills. Spring is movement time...like Saturday is in golf.

 

[TerryP]

Check out the video on the press conference thread...Taylor is moving well for someone in the 330-335lbs range.

 

[Mr. Pink]

This is always good to hear. I guess we'll just be badasses again :apthy:

I figured Jesse would get the nod at NG, from what I understand he has all the tools just isnt as consistent as the staff would like. Im sure another Spring in the system will hammer home all the fine points. Pagan, Fanning, and Stinson will be the key this year.... which ones step up and play ball.

Whats the word on Dial and Ryan Anderson? I know Anderson is a workout beast but will he be redshirted or see the field? Also, is Dial taking the 2nd string reps behind jesse?

 

[UAgrad93]

I'm heading down for the clinic in 2 weeks. I can't wait to hit the practice field! Besides the great food, the practice is what I like best!!

 

[TerryP]

I'm heading down for the clinic in 2 weeks. I can't wait to hit the practice field! Besides the great food, the practice is what I like best!!

I noticed you guys are getting beer and brats Thursday night at Coleman.

Be thankful Con isn't still around or it would just be brats.

 

[TerryP]

This is always good to hear. I guess we'll just be badasses again :apthy:

I figured Jesse would get the nod at NG, from what I understand he has all the tools just isnt as consistent as the staff would like. Im sure another Spring in the system will hammer home all the fine points. Pagan, Fanning, and Stinson will be the key this year.... which ones step up and play ball.

Whats the word on Dial and Ryan Anderson? I know Anderson is a workout beast but will he be redshirted or see the field? Also, is Dial taking the 2nd string reps behind jesse?

We didn't even talk about those two guys.

The only ones we specifically discussed were Alphonso and Dillon Lee. I do expect Lee to see the field this season; early.

Quinton should be on the field early as well. The chances definitely improved when Undra decided to pursue a career based on his education. It's amusing to think we are looking at our 2's with names like Dial, Fanning, Pagan, and Stinson. I know rivals would consider our opinions arrogant. It would be hard to convince me those guys wouldn't be getting the starting nods, or at least strong considerations, at other teams in the SEC. Hell, out of those four you'd probably find the starting lineup at Missouri considering they are replacing their entire DL.