Are you ready to get this thing started again? That's right! Spring practice starts today! It is a one day introductory practice and then the team will be off a week for spring break and then return for full speed practice before April 17th for the A-Day game that will be televised by ESPN.

If you thought last year was fun, I have a feeling that we are going to have a lot of fun learning about the 2010 edition of the Crimson Tide. The foundation of the 2010 team will be laid in the spring practice, especially with several freshmen reporting early to dissipate in the spring.

New star blue chip players like defensive back DeMarcus Milliner and John Fulton have a chance to step right into starting roles by undergoing early enrollment. The chance to learn the complex defensive playbook early should be very valuable to the team. Kareem Jackson did the very same thing as a young defensive back and started his freshman year. Coming out early this year for the draft in his junior year, his development early is the blueprint for success for young defensive backs trying to make a break into the Alabama defensive backfield. I look forward to see what those five-star players can do, but it has to be earned on the field... and spring practice is the perfect place to find out what they're "made of."

Other players are coming to the forefront that have been waiting in the wings. One of the redshirt players that has been highly anticipated in the Crimson Tide fan base is DJ Fluker. As if the offensive side of the ball wasn't already loaded enough, here comes the big man coming into play offensive tackle where All-American Mike Johnson left off. Granted, he will have to win it, but look at the tools that he has. Standing 6'7" and weighing at 350 pounds, he is a freak of nature physically. He was one of the crowning jewels of the national championship recruiting class of 2009. He sit out one year to redshirt and to prepare for this year. Look for him to make a big impact on offense. Can you imagine Mark Ingram and Trent Richardson (and possibly Eddie Lacy) running behind the offensive line that we have coming up this year?

The biggest question mark on this team is the defense. The defense loses 9 out of 11 starters. The impact will be tremendous; I do believe that the depth is like it has never been at Alabama since the Bear years. This year's recruiting class was heavy on defensive backs, and it couldn't have come at a better time. Also the players that we've already been playing in games will have valuable game experience. Alabama is stacked with fast physical linebackers in the defensive line rotation looks very strong with a powerful Marcell Dareus & Josh Chapman coming on. Be on the lookout for Kerry Murphy, a back flipping nosetackle. One place to look forward to is the return of Dont'a Hightower, the freshman sensation who hurt his knee this year. He will be back in the ball but will work out but not scrimmage with the team in the spring.

There will be invariably surprises this year in the spring just like every year. Last year it was Robbie Green coming out of obscurity to get regular playing time in the defensive backfield rotation. It will be this year's player to make a name for himself in the same fashion? Who knows? We should all know by the A-Day game.

Many people are picking Alabama to defend their national title this year. I say it all depends on the defense gels and the return of Dont'a Hightower. The offense will be fine as long as everybody stays healthy.

I hope you're looking forward to the 2010 edition of the Crimson Tide... I know I am!

Get a taste fof what it is like for the linebackers in Spring practice with Sal Sunseri:

I'd love to see Alabama get another record crowd like the 92,138 fancy she showed up for Nick Saban's first spring game in 2007. Let's pack The house everybody... and not just sit at home and watch it on TV! We need to show the recruits from around the nation who is back on top!

We have a fan base that can rock the house in Tuscaloosa and it is possible that what you will be able to see the unveiling of the Nick Saban statue! That is it is done on schedule. Spring practice begins next Friday, March 12. Following this first initial orientation day, the team will take a week off during spring break before returning to the field on March 22.

Saban at the national championship celebration, in January, expressed his profound appreciation for the fans who come to the annual A-Day game every year.

“It starts with our fans, the supporters and all the alumni who make the University of Alabama tradition what it is. I can't thank you as fans enough for the great support that you've given this team all year long... I knew, when I walked out that tunnel right over there, three springs ago, and there were 92,000 people in this stadium for a spring game, that your positive energy was going to allow us to exceed the highest expectations and goals that we all need to have.”

I agree Coach Saban! I'm ready to Rock -N- Roll Tide again!

Again... don't forget... April 17, be there or be square!

OK Bama fans...  the A-Day game has been announced.   It is going to be A-Day Game will be at 2 p.m. on April 17 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.   Practice is set to start on March 12 just before spring break. 

Hopefully, Alabama fans will turn out in droves like the biggest A-Day ever when attendance exceeded 92K+ fans with others waiting outside.  The place was electric that day for a spring that began the process which lead to this year's first championship of this century. 

Are you going to come to the game pumped up?  Comment on Facebook!