Crimson Notes 9/23/10

In order to prepare for the Arkansas offense and quarterback Ryan Mallett, the Alabama defense is working on conditioning.

If the Hogs go “high-tempo” against the Tide, the Alabama defense wants to be prepared to sustain the episode.

Several Alabama linemen took to the treadmill this week to prepare for a possible Arkansas no-huddle or “hurry-up” offense.

The game of “musical chairs” continues at the linebacker position(s) for the defending national champs.

Jerrell Harris played three games at the inside linebacker position, but has spent a large portion of the week with the outside backers.

The move of Harris could signify more playing time for Nico Johnson. The Tide linebacker became a mainstay of/for the ‘Bama defense after Dont'a
Hightower was lost for the majority of the 2009 season with a knee injury.

Although Johnson has seen limited action thus far in 2010, the new “rotation” could very well work in his favor, starting this weekend at Arkansas.

Speaking of linebackers, it appears Jalston Fowler is officially…a former linebacker.

Fowler, who was recruited as a linebacker, was moved to the running back position earlier in the season.

The move (at the time) was said to be experimental and Fowler was used in short yardage and goal line situations in practice.

However, coach Nick Saban is now preparing Fowler as the fifth running back in the Alabama rotation.

Fowler, who looked very impressive in late-game action against Duke, now sits behind Demetrius Goode on the Alabama depth chart.

With so many storylines and key “factors” this weekend, Alabama linebacker Dont’a Hightower will be looking for revenge.

Saturday will mark the anniversary of a knee injury which prematurely ended his 2009 season.

The injury came against…the Arkansas Razorbacks.

Hightower was injured when he received a legal cut block in the first quarter of action. Even without Hightower, Alabama crushed Arkansas…35-7.

The Alabama/Arkansas game is very important, so of course we’ll see a “Humphrey” on the field.

Former Alabama running back Bobby Humphrey will be rooting for Alabama on Saturday…but he’ll also be rooting for his son.

Maudrecus Humphrey (freshman) plays wide receiver for the Razorbacks and will be featured on kickoff returns against the Crimson Tide.