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By Alex Byington Sports
Three practices in and Alabama’s new assistant coaches already seem to be fitting in nicely.
First-year defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who takes over for Kirby Smart, has already brought a different element to his new responsibilities, especially when it comes to directly coaching the inside linebackers.
“I mean, he brings a different kind of energy. He’s definitely more of a players’ coach,” Tide senior outside linebacker Ryan Anderson said of Pruitt. “A lot of the guys are more willing to sell out for the guy because he’s willing to do it for us. It’s a different style.
“He puts his players first. We all appreciate that.”
Pruitt returned after three years cutting his teeth as a defensive coordinator at both Florida State and Georgia following a six-year stint with the Tide in both an on-field and off-field capacity, including as defensive backs coach from 2010-12.
This is his first season working with linebackers, having previously spent much of his time with defensive backs. So far, the transition to the middle of the defense has been smooth.
“It’s great working with him,” senior middle linebacker Reuben Foster said.
Meanwhile, another of the new coaches, co-offensive line coach Brent Key, is creating a rep as being “very hands on,” especially in his work with the interior members of the line.
Key was hired in mid-February after serving as Central Florida’s offensive coordinator in 2015, prompting a couple of other moves, including former offensive line coach Mario Cristobal who now coaches tackles and tight ends.
“They are both great coaches. Coach Key is very hands-on and does a great job with us,” redshirt sophomore guard Ross Pierschbacher said Wednesday. “He’s very relatable. Having both those guys out there watching over the tight ends and offensive line now is only a benefit to us. We are excited and I think it can only help having those two guys out there.”
Decatur Daily—Continue reading...
First-year defensive coordinator Jeremy Pruitt, who takes over for Kirby Smart, has already brought a different element to his new responsibilities, especially when it comes to directly coaching the inside linebackers.
“I mean, he brings a different kind of energy. He’s definitely more of a players’ coach,” Tide senior outside linebacker Ryan Anderson said of Pruitt. “A lot of the guys are more willing to sell out for the guy because he’s willing to do it for us. It’s a different style.
“He puts his players first. We all appreciate that.”
Pruitt returned after three years cutting his teeth as a defensive coordinator at both Florida State and Georgia following a six-year stint with the Tide in both an on-field and off-field capacity, including as defensive backs coach from 2010-12.
This is his first season working with linebackers, having previously spent much of his time with defensive backs. So far, the transition to the middle of the defense has been smooth.
“It’s great working with him,” senior middle linebacker Reuben Foster said.
Meanwhile, another of the new coaches, co-offensive line coach Brent Key, is creating a rep as being “very hands on,” especially in his work with the interior members of the line.
Key was hired in mid-February after serving as Central Florida’s offensive coordinator in 2015, prompting a couple of other moves, including former offensive line coach Mario Cristobal who now coaches tackles and tight ends.
“They are both great coaches. Coach Key is very hands-on and does a great job with us,” redshirt sophomore guard Ross Pierschbacher said Wednesday. “He’s very relatable. Having both those guys out there watching over the tight ends and offensive line now is only a benefit to us. We are excited and I think it can only help having those two guys out there.”
Decatur Daily—Continue reading...
