Fan Day set for Bryant-Denny Stadium

Alabama fans who can’t wait for the season opener against Virginia Tech will get an early chance to see the Crimson Tide at Fan Day, which is next Sunday.

The team’s only open practice of the season is scheduled from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Players and coaches will be available for autographs on the field after practice. That session will last for 45 minutes.

The lower bowl of the stadium will be open at 1:30 p.m. via the northeast gates (37-38). Fans who don’t wish to see practice and want to start lining up for autographs can enter through gate 16, also beginning at 1:30. The line will wrap around to the west side.

“We appreciate our fans,” Alabama coach Nick Saban said at SEC Media Days. “They certainly give a lot of positive self-gratification to our players, which is the most important thing. ... We certainly want to do our part to satisfy the passion of our fans and give them some time when we have an opportunity.”

Soft drinks, water and food items will be available for half-off the regular gameday prices.

If there are weather problems next Sunday, the autograph session will be moved to the indoor practice facility and fans will enter through the double gate next to the Mal Moore Athletic Facility.

Alabama reports for training camp on Wednesday and the first practice is scheduled for Thursday morning. The Crimson Tide is expected to scrimmage twice at Bryant-Denny during camp — on Aug. 15 and Aug. 22 — before the Sept. 5 opener in prime time against Virginia Tech in Atlanta.

“Virginia Tech is a great team. Great coaching staff, great players,” Alabama linebacker Rolando McClain said at Media Days. “Even though they’re going to be a top 10 team, we’re going to be a pretty good team. We’re going to be ready for the game when that time comes.
“But right now, we’re working on finishing these offseason workouts and getting ready for camp.”

Alabama’s focus throughout the preseason will be on replacing seven offensive starters — including All-Americans Andre Smith at left tackle and Antoine Caldwell at center, and three-year starter at quarterback John Parker Wilson.

Greg McElroy came out of spring practice far ahead in the quarterback battle.

McClain and guard Mike Johnson both used the word “surprise” when asked about McElroy’s progress this summer.

“I think a lot of people will be surprised to see Greg’s athletic ability,” Johnson said. “I think overall, people will be surprised at how he does in gameday situations.”

McClain said McElroy and his offensive teammates have all been underrated by people who see the losses in personnel.

“He’s great,” McClain said flatly. “But it’s hard not to be good when you’ve got a good receiver to throw the ball to. Julio Jones doesn’t hurt, you know? It’s hard for us (defense), cause he has so many weapons. He has a good O-line. In the spring it was tough.

“I think he he’ll be surprisingly good this year. Not surprising to us, but maybe (to) some other people. He has a good offensive line. It doesn’t hurt to have Mark Ingram behind you to hand the ball off to.”