Saban addresses media

TUSCALOOSA | With his first recruiting class being fitted for pads and tested for strength a floor below, University of Alabama coach Nick Saban addressed the media Thursday afternoon on the eve of the Crimson Tide's first scrimmage.

"Obviously, we are excited about opening camp and working with players," Saban said. "We will look to improve daily and finding out about our team."

Saban and UA released its "105-man roster" Thursday afternoon -- a list that actually contains 110 players. Along them, senior wide receiver Tyrone Prothro -- who has not played since breaking his leg against Florida in October 2005

Saban indicated that Prothro is among four players who start the season under medical scholarships. The other three are Jake Jones (leg), Byron Walton (heat-related issues) and Aaron McDaniel (knee). All four will miss the season, and could be able to appeal for a medical redshirt if necessary.

"[Prothro] is not medically ready to play football this season," Saban said. "We do have a plan for him medically, and we are hopeful he can come back and play someday."

Defensive end Ezekial Knight is listed as a junior after gaining an extra year of eligibility. Knight missed all of last season with concussion-related injuries.

Quarterback Ross Applegate was a surprise. The 6-foot-5, 197-pound freshman transferred from Boston College.

Saban said that two players from the signing class did not report. Kerry Murphy will attend a prep school, and Michael Ricks did not achieve his necessary grades.

Even with Darren Mustin being awarded a scholarship, Saban said the Tide still starts the season under 85 scholarships. Nick Gentry starts fall practice still rehabilitating a shoulder injury.

Saban and the Tide start practice with split workouts Friday, with the "varsity" working at 3 p.m., and the freshmen going at 7:30 p.m. Alabama holds an free, open workout at 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, with "Fan Day" following at approximately 4:45 p.m.

More coverage of the start of Alabama's fall football practice all weekend at www.tidesports.com.

Reach David Wasson at david.wasson@tuscaloosanews.com or at 205-722-0229.

http://services.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/294377112" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1127690716&playerId=294377112&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://services.brightcove.com/services/amfgateway&servicesURL=http://services.brightcove.com/services&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&domain=embed&autoStart=false&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="300" height="250" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash">

http://services.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/294377112" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1125972381&playerId=294377112&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://services.brightcove.com/services/amfgateway&servicesURL=http://services.brightcove.com/services&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&domain=embed&autoStart=false&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="300" height="250" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash">

http://services.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f8/294377112" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" flashVars="videoId=1126042497&playerId=294377112&viewerSecureGatewayURL=https://services.brightcove.com/services/amfgateway&servicesURL=http://services.brightcove.com/services&cdnURL=http://admin.brightcove.com&domain=embed&autoStart=false&" base="http://admin.brightcove.com" name="flashObj" width="300" height="250" seamlesstabbing="false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" swLiveConnect="true" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/index.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash">