Alabama opened spring practice Friday afternoon without a key offensive lineman and receiver because of injuries, but coach Nick Saban was nonetheless optimistic about the team and its additions.
The Crimson Tide, who won the SEC but lost to Georgia in the national championship game, will be without center Darrian Dalcourt and receiver Ja'Corey Brooks for all of spring practice as they recover from injuries. Dalcourt started 11 games last season while Brooks emerged as a weapon late in the year as a freshman, catching two touchdowns in the final four games.