 The Crimson Tide is tinkering on the top of the SEC. During the 2009 season they are sure to be sitting as one of the top teams of the SEC. Here are the notes from this years spring practice.
- Alabama returns nine starters on its highly-touted defense, which ranked third nationally in total defense (263.5) a year ago and second against the rush (74.14 ypg). The Tide brings back six of their front seven, including all four linebackers. UA also returns 13 of its top 15 tacklers from 2008 with middle linebacker Rolando McClain, who recorded a team-high 95 tackles in 2008, leading the way.
- Alabama once again led the Southeastern Conference in spring game attendance with 84,050 showing up at Bryant-Denny Stadium for the 2009 A-Day Game. A national television audience on ESPN watched as the Crimson Tide showcased Nick Saban's 2009 squad. It was the second-highest A-Day Game attendance mark in school history and the second-highest nationally this spring.
- Alabama's defensive leaders Rolando McClain and Terrence Cody are already showing up on the national radar. McClain and Cody have been named to the watch lists for the Lott Trophy and Rotary Lombardi Award. The Lott Trophy goes to the college football's defensive impact player of the year while the Lombardi Award is given to the nation's top down lineman or linebacker.
- Senior cornerback Javier Arenas has proven to be one of the most dangerous return men in the country. The All-SEC performer is Alabama's career leader in punt returns yards in a game, season and career as well as the school and SEC leader in career touchdowns. Arenas is also the active NCAA leader in career punt returns, punt return yards and punt return touchdowns. Arenas' 13.54 yards per punt return also ranks first on the Alabama career chart, just ahead of Harry Glimer.
- The Crimson Tide had four players selected in the 2009 NFL Draft. Offensive tackle Andre Smith was first off the board, taken with the sixth pick of the first round by the Cincinnati Bengals. Glen Coffee was the first of three UA players taken in the third round, going with the No. 74 overall pick to the San Francisco 49ers. Center Antoine Caldwell followed with the No. 77 overall selection by the Houston Texans. Safety Rashad Johnson followed when the Arizona Cardinals selected the former walk-on with the 95th overall pick.
- Alabama's 2009 recruiting class was once again rated as one of the best in the nation. The class was ranked No. 1 nationally by Rivals.com and No. 2 by ESPNU. The Tide signed five Parade All-Americans, three members of the USA Today All-America team and two members of the EA Sports All-America team. Seven of the Crimson Tide's commitments played in the U.S. Army Prep All-America Game and two others participated in the Under Armour Prep All-Star Game.
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