UA returns to the gridiron as spring practice begins

On a day where college basketball conference tournament action took center stage, the Alabama Crimson Tide football team was hard at work on the gridiron as the first practice of the spring session commenced.

As is often the case with the first day of spring football, today's initial session featured new faces, noted departures, position shuffles, and new numbers.

News of the day

-Tight end Harrison Jones, center Chad Lindsay, and safety Jai Miller are not on the spring roster. Jones and Lindsay, who have each earned an undergraduate degree, will not return to the program. In respect to Lindsay, his departure from the program will likely be in the form of a transfer. As for Miller, the 29 year old walk-on is currently taking a leave of absence to focus on academics. Per Nick Saban, Miller is not a member of the team "right now," which obviously leaves the door open for a potential return. Prior to his arrival at Alabama, Miller spent a decade playing professional baseball.

VIDEO: 3/15 Coach Saban Press Conference: Alabama head coach Nick Saban spoke to the media following the Crims... http://t.co/Hbgl17Hiod
— Tide Sports (@TideSports) March 15, 2014

-Redshirt freshman wide receiver ArDarius Stewart is "experimenting" at the defensive back position. Nick Saban, during his post-practice media obligation, made it clear that Stewart is simply taking reps in the secondary just in case he should be called upon. Stewart, who was recruited as a wide receiver, played a plethora of positions in high school.

-Brandon Greene, who spent most of the 2013 season at the tight end position, has returned to his more natural position across the offensive line.

Lane Kiffin coaching in his 1st practice at "The University of Alabama" #RollTide pic.twitter.com/ReVMCFRBAy
— The Game (@TheGameWDGM) March 15, 2014

-Jersey numbers of note...

2 - CB Tony Brown (Early enrollee)
3 - CB Bradley Sylve (16)
6 - S Laurence "Hootie" Jones (Early enrollee)
7 - WR Cameron Sims (Early enrollee)
10 - LB Reuben Foster (9)
11 - LB Shaun Dion Hamilton (Early enrollee)
12 - QB David Cornwell (Early enrollee)
19 - LB Reggie Ragland (18)
57 - LB D.J. Pettway (JUCO transfer - early enrollee)
58 - OL Brandon Greene (89 - played tight end in 2013)
74 - OL Cam Robinson (Early enrollee)
90 - DL Jarran Reed (JUCO transfer - early enrollee)