Alabama practice report: Tide practices in full pads for first time

The Alabama Crimson Tide football team practiced in full pads for the first time in full pads on Tuesday afternoon. A threat of rain forced practice to be held inside the Hank Crisp Indoor Facility.

• The only players wearing black, no-contact jerseys were the quarterbacks. Eddie Lacy, who wore a black jersey during the viewing session of the Tide’s practice on Fan Day, was wearing his normal jersey and appeared to be just fine.

• Freshman defensive back Landon Collins appeared every bit as physically imposing as he did during his high school career. Collins worked with other safeties on Tuesday and could be in a position to contribute in a major capacity this season. While many freshman enter their first fall camp looking slim and young, the 202-pounder from Geismar, La., could pass for a senior.

• Freshman wide receiver Chris Black was standing off to the side with the wide receivers, but he did not participate in many routes during the media observation period. This occurred during the spring with DeAndrew White, and it was later revealed that White had been nursing a hamstring injury. It is not known if Black is nursing any injury at the moment.

• Eddie Lacy, junior Jalston Fowler, redshirt freshman Dee Hart and true freshman T.J. Yeldon went through drills in that order on Tuesday.

• As he was toward the end of the spring, true freshman Alphonse Taylor was still working with the offensive line on Tuesday. Taylor entered spring practice as an option at nose tackle but was moved to the offensive line towards the end of the spring. He has worked with the offensive line during every practice observed this fall.

• The quarterback position is solidified with A.J. McCarron as the starter, but behind him are a number of players who are competing for the second-string position. None of the Tide’s quarterbacks other than McCarron have any game experience. True Freshman Alex Morris looks confident and sharp, but he may need to add a little bulk to his frame before becoming a viable option. However, A.J. McCarron shared the same type of build when he enrolled for his freshman season.

• Redshirt Freshman Phillip Ely seems like the favorite to backup McCarron, and he looked sharp and consistent during drills. Blake Sims continued to work with the quarterbacks. It was noted recently by the coaching staff that Sims would continue to get looks at both the quarterback and the running back spot, but during every media observation period he has been seen working with the quarterbacks.

• Freshman receiver Eddie Williams is  a massive 6-foot-4 target. The Tide has a number of young options at the receiver position, but Williams’ size could play a major factor in his ability to see the field early. He has the displayed the skill during drills. Today, Williams elevated on an overthrown ball and made a nice grab.

• True freshman running back T.J. Yeldon simply looks like the type of athlete that will find a way to see the field in 2012. He has improved tenfold since he enrolled in January, and his strong showing during the spring seems to only be helping him gain comfort and knowledge of what is expected of him in the Alabama offense.