HOOVER, Ala. (AP) — It’s Nick Saban and Alabama’s turn at Southeastern Conference media days.
The contingent from the Crimson Tide, the popular pick to win a fourth straight SEC title, makes the short trip from Tuscaloosa and typically is greeted by a large group of fans in the hotel lobby.
Alabama must replace four first-round NFL draft picks from a team that lost to Clemson in the national championship game. The Tide does return reigning SEC offensive player of the year Jalen Hurts at quarterback, plus wide receiver Calvin Ridley and tailbacks Damien Harris and Bo Scarbrough. Ridley, defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick and center Bradley Bozeman are scheduled to accompany Saban.
The session will end with Texas A&M coach Kevin Sumlin and three of his players. After three straight 8-5 records, Sumlin is facing a pivotal season. Aggies athletic director Scott Woodward has already publicly said that Sumlin “knows he has to win.”
Gone are No. 1 overall draft pick defensive end Myles Garrett and quarterback Trevor Knight.
Missouri’s Barry Odom and Kentucky’s Mark Stoops also take the podium on Day 3 of the four-day event.
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