New stars step up in Tide spring practice
Posted: Thur March 18, 1999 at 5:54 p.m. EST
The Crimson White (U. Alabama)
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama (U-WIRE) -- While the quarterback battle has
gotten all of the attention this spring, defense may be the key
to the Alabama football team improving upon last year's 7-5
record.
Wednesday, the team practiced for about three hours in shorts
and helmets, and work in full pads will begin Thursday.
A key to Bama's defensive effort this fall will be middle
linebacker Travis Carroll, who returns as a defensive leader
from last year. Despite a broken shoulder and a sprained ankle,
Carroll started nearly every game in 1998 and finished second on
the team in tackles.
"Last year was an emotionally and physically tough year for me,"
Carroll said. "I just hope I got all my injuries out of the
way."
Carroll said he did not realize his shoulder was actually broken
when it first started hurting. Team doctors thought it was just
a deep bruise.
"I was unable to get off blocks. That's when I turned my ankle.
I was stuck in a block too long and it just rolled over on me,"
Carroll said.
Carroll said he still has a "minor break" in his shoulder, but
he will participate in contact drills Thursday.
Another defensive key to success is replacing four-year starter
Fernando Bryant at left cornerback. Junior college transfer Milo
Lewis is expected to compete for the job with junior Kecalf
Bailey.
Alabama head coach Mike DuBose said Lewis has the potential to
contribute early in his career at the Capstone.
"What I've seen of him (Lewis), I am encouraged," DuBose said.
"He's a little confused, and he should be. Right now what we're
doing coveragewise is a little more complicated."
Finally, the Tide coaching staff must find replacements for
departed outside linebackers Steve Stanley and Trevis Smith.
Sophomores Darius Gilbert and Victor Ellis return with
experience, as well as seniors Miguel Merritt and Canary Knight.
DuBose said defensive tackle Cornelius Griffin continues to
impress him.
"He reminds me a little of John Copeland (defensive end on the
1992 national championship team). (Copeland) had a good junior
year and a great senior year. I think Cornelius (Griffin) is
capable of doing the same thing," DuBose said.
The quarterback battle continues as redshirt freshman Tyler
Watts attempts to dethrone sophomore Andrew Zow, who started the
Tide's last seven games last season. Zow threw for over 1,900
yards, more than any freshman in Alabama history.
But Watts brings his own impressive credentials to the field. As
a high school senior, Watts was voted 6A Player of the Year and
a Parade All-American, and he directed Pelham High School to
three playoff appearances in his four years as a starter. Watts
was redshirted last year, so he still has four years of NCAA
eligibility.
The coaching staff should make a final quarterback decision
later in the spring or early in fall practice.
DuBose said left tackle Chris Samuels remains a clear-cut
starter on the offensive line, but the other line positions are
open to competition.
"I think Chris Samuels will be the best offensive lineman in the
conference next year," DuBose said. "That's a big statement to
make, but I think he's capable of doing that."
Freshmen Ray Marshall and Bart Raulston, and junior college
transfer Kenric Lott are fighting for tackle and guard
positions.
DuBose said he is encouraged because the offensive line has more
depth than it has had the past several years.
"The best thing about it is that we'll be able to play two
groups in the fall," DuBose said.
He said in the past couple of years, there has been no
competition in practice, so starters were not forced to improve.
This spring the staff's main concern has been to improve
strength rather than conditioning.
"I am pleased with the progress we have made. I'm not
satisfied," DuBose said. "We're not in shape to play a 60-minute
football game, but we don't have to be right now."
The Tide will begin working in full pads today, and there will
be a full scrimmage on March 25. The team will postpone the
remainder of its workouts until after Spring Break. The final
scrimmage will be the A-Day game at Bryant-Denny Stadium April
17 at 12:30 p.m.
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