TUSCALOOSA | It almost has the feeling of a false start in track or swimming.

The University of Alabama football team started spring practice, but then stopped for nine days while students were on spring break, and will begin again today.

This time, however, there will be no stopping until the final practice wraps up April 14, the Monday after A-Day.

“The spring calendar, to have an opportunity to get two spring practices in before spring break, the continuity will not be what it has been,” coach Nick Saban said nearly two weeks ago during his pre-spring press conference. “But at the same time, this is an opportunity for our players to say, ‘Hey, we have a little bit of an adverse circumstance, let’s see how much maturity we have to manage our way through it.’

“When we come back Monday after Easter, we have to be ready to go and continue where we left off. It’s a challenge for all of us.”

Alabama held two workouts in shorts and helmets before the break, and will have one more today out of pads before the hitting begins Wednesday.

Each of the next three weeks will conclude with a scrimmage of some sort, although only A-Day on April 12 at Bryant-Denny Stadium will be open to the public.

In addition to the hitting, new offensive coordinator Jim McElwain will be installing the foundation of the Crimson Tide’s new offense. Just how different it will be from Major Applewhite’s offense last year is something even the players are wondering.

“I don’t know, it’s to be seen when we get out there and start running [plays],” junior quarterback John Parker Wilson said. “There are things in the book that we’ll never run, we’ll see.”

Freshman lineman Patrick Crump and freshman fullback Jeramie Griffin, who both had knee scopes and missed the first two practices, are expected to rejoin their teammates on the field this week.

Freshman wide receiver Marquis Maze (unknown) was also out, while senior cornerback Lionel Mitchell was excused due to the flu.

All weekday practices this spring are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at the Thomas-Drew Practice Fields, but are closed to the public.