http://www.decaturdaily.com/decaturdaily/sports/040817/bama.shtml
Ryans defends collision after Croyle interception By Gentry Estes TUSCALOOSA — It was only funny because Brodie Croyle got up. Yellow jerseys mean hands-off, and linebacker DeMeco Ryans pled his case later after plowing a gold-crested Croyle while returning an interception during the Alabama football team's scrimmage Monday. "I had my arm out," Ryans said smiling. "He just ran into it." Ryans' play meant immediate whistles on his interception return and a scattering of laughter in the stands at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Decatur native Juwan Garth picked Croyle up immediately, checking to see if the Tide's starting quarterback, who underwent offseason shoulder surgery, was OK. He was, and the Crimson Tide could chuckle about it later, even coach Mike Shula. "We need to get (quarterbacks) coach (Dave) Rader work on tackling drills," Shula joked, "because I know 20 years ago, we worked on tackling drills. ... The only way you can handle that is don't throw interceptions." Early injuries: While most of Alabama's squad began Monday's scrimmage, 11 of them were busy running stadium steps in full pads. In all, the Crimson Tide held 13 players out of action, including linebacker Freddie Roach, who's still recovering from minor knee surgery that he underwent before the start of preseason practice. Starting safety Charlie Peprah also missed the scrimmage after spraining his hamstring during Friday's practice. "That's a little bit of a concern," Shula said. "We've got to get those guys back, and most of them should be back fairly soon." Carlos Andrews filled Peprah's spot on the first-team defense, while Simeon Castille filled in as the fifth defensive back on long-yardage downs. First-team defensive end Todd Bates left the scrimmage holding his shoulder. Shula later described Bates' injury as a "stinger" that shouldn't cause much trouble. Brother, where you bound?: Short-yardage tailback Tim Castille had room to run around his younger brother, but he didn't. Instead, the elder Castille plowed into Simeon Castille, a younger, smaller cornerback on an island between his brother and the end zone. Simeon wound up on his back and Tim scored for the third straight play during goal line drills. In four goal line attempts between Alabama's first-string offense and second-string defense, the offense scored on all four. The Castille brothers' meeting prompted defensive coordinator Joe Kines to chastise the other defenders: "Somebody get over here and help him!" Special teams: Several different players saw opportunities during Alabama's special teams drills Monday. Brandon Brooks, Tyrone Prothro and Matt Caddell all broke long punt returns, but tailbacks Brandon McAway and Theo Townsend weren't as successful fielding kickoffs. On the plus side, freshman kicker Jamie Christensen boomed the day's first kickoff inside the 5-yard-line, and punter Bo Freeland's second effort traveled 51 yards in the air. Freeland added kicks of 41, 34 and 34 yards. Place-kicker Brian Bostick attempted four field goals, connecting from 46 and 31 yards, but missing from 48 (wide right) and 49 yards (short). Quotable: "The thing we did by design was throw it more." — Shula on his gameplan for Monday's scrimmage. ______________________________________________________ RollTideFan - The University of Alabama Athletics Discussion List "Welcome to RollTideFan! Wear a cup!" To join or leave the list or to make changes to your subscription visit http://listinfo.rolltidefan.net
