Clemson prep has begun at the Capstone. With Tom Arnold in attendance (Mal Moore and Arnold have a mutual friend), the Tide had a star-studded practice.

Charlie Higginbotham was the only Alabama player held out of drills today. Nick Saban reported that Higginbotham should be back on the field Monday, and should be good to play next Saturday. The Tide is miraculously healthy at this point in preparation for the season.

Marquis Johnson worked with the nickel defense today as Robby Green appears to have lost the battle for third corner. Alonzo Lawrence needs to make something happen to avoid the redshirt, as he worked with the scout team today.

What was once a weakness has developed into a bit of a strength for the Tide. The defensive line rotation appears to be firming up. The depth has matured to the point that Luther Davis - who was featured in 6 games last season - has been exiled to the scout team. Joining him in those ranks were Milton Talbert, Jonathan Lowe, Ivan Matchett and Nick Fanuzzi.

The post-practice press conference from Coach Saban was entertaining - he was in an especially good mood. He didn’t shout at any reporters and was only testy when discussing "potential" - "speculating about what they might be" is not good for the player and not good for the program. You hear that glen55? Coach is talking to you!

Mike McCoy has had an "outstanding spring and a very productive fall camp". Coach Saban noted that McCoy had some frustrations last year, but he’s overcome those by becoming mentally stronger and played better this year.

Brandon Gibson will not be in the "top 6 or 7 receivers" for this game, despite accumulating the most "conditioning points" in the Fourth Quarter program. Coach Saban indicated he will contribute this season. This is an interesting contrast to what we’ve pointed out before.

Coach Saban confirmed Lorenzo Washington will play defensive end, after a good off-season and good spring. With Washington at end, Bama has three guys with experience at that position (including Bobby Greenwood and Brandon Deaderick).

How did he come to that decision? Fascinating stuff from the head coach:

I couldn’t sleep one night, and my wife got mad at me. So, I just went out and sat in my chair, got a piece of paper out and listed all our players - as to who our best players were. Same thing a linebacker. And I just said, "this is how it’s gotta be". Reamer’s got to go play SAM. Hightower has got to play WILL. Lorenzo should be an end, let these two nose guards battle it out, and let’s go play.

He addressed Alfred McCullough at guard, noting that he could move back to defense if needed. For the time being however, he will continue to work at guard.

There will be a depth chart - released on Monday. We’ll have that as soon as possible.

Saban indicated that the team did more than they normally would on a "Monday". The team treated this as a Monday in terms of game prep. This was designed so the players will understand how to prepare for an actual team. They’ll follow that up with practice Friday and Saturday, with a day off on Sunday. Then, we’ll start the actual game week. It’s nearly here, folks…

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