Alabama adds veteran strength and conditioning coach to staff

Strength and conditioning has gone through a rebuild recently for head coach Nick Saban and the Alabama Crimson Tide. Scott Cochran left Tuscaloosa to team back up with Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs. From there, Matt Rhea and David Ballou took over but the former recently departed in favor of working with the New Orleans Saints.

On Monday, it was revealed who would be replacing Rhea, with Rick Danison announcing he had joined the Alabama program on Twitter. Starting spring practice this week, Danison said he was thankful for the opportunity to work with the Crimson Tide.

“1 week down, got to be apart of finishing off a high level out of season program and cap off with some ball,” Danison said via Twitter. “Thanks to (David Ballou) and Coach Saban for an incredible opportunity Roll Tide.”

Danison has spent the last three years in East Lancing, working with Michigan State as the Assistant Director of Strength and Conditioning. He has previously worked with Indiana and the Cincinnati Bengals in the NFL.

In order to have another successful season, Alabama will have to make sure its key players are able to stay in shape throughout the season. Spring practice and workouts are a great place to start, with Ballou and Danison making sure the Crimson Tide are prepared for a grueling SEC schedule.

Alabama Crimson Tide HC Nick Saban reveals offensive line plan

Alabama head coach Nick Saban recently spoke to reporters, where he revealed the team’s plan on the offensive line. The spring is going to be used to try some guys out at different spots, and there are quite a few players that could grow into bigger roles next season.

“Well we’ve had one practice, so I don’t know how I can assess anybody’s progress from last year to this year. I know they’ve worked hard in the offseason,” Saban said of Alabama’s progress on the offensive line. “I think they’re in better condition, I think they’ve improved their bodies. So, I mean Damieon George had a really good offseason. We’re encouraged by the progress that he makes whether he plays guard or tackle.

“We’re going to see if Javion Cohen should be a guard or a tackle. We’ll see if JC Latham should be a guard or a tackle. Kendall Randolph to be a tackle. Tommy Brockermeyer has got a chance to compete at the position. He was kind of in and out a little bit fighting some injury things in the offseason. But we think that he’ll be able to make progress in the spring.”

On3’s Jonathan Wagner contributed to this report