More from spring practice...

10 things to look for as Tide takes field - TUSCALOOSA | One hundred and sixty-one days.
That’s how long it is until the University of Alabama plays its next football game, Sept. 1, when Western Carolina returns to Bryant-Denny Stadium. That’s also how long new head coach Nick Saban has to get the Crimson Tide ready, beginning with the start of spring practice today.

CECIL HURT: Saban says, 'It’s a work in progress’
"If Nick Saban has instantly upgraded Alabama football in any area, it would have to be quotability. Saban showed off that aptitude again at his Thursday pre-spring press conference, dashing off memorable phrases as if they were quick sideline passes, striking his targets efficiently. Asked about team leadership, for instance, he deftly sidestepped the stock answer and made an incisive point. “When we have a really good team here," Saban said, “we won’t need leaders. “Sheep need a leader. Sheep need a sheepdog, right? “Here’s my point. When you have a lot of people who set the right example -- and if I’m a player, that means I don’t need someone else to get me geeked up to play -- if you have a team full of guys like that, we’ll be much better off."