Freshman Fitzpatrick gets looks at different positions

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It's not too often that a freshman defensive back comes in and is tried at multiple positions at once at Alabama.

That's been the case for five-star cornerback Minkah Fitzpatrick, who has worked with the first defensive group at cornerback and star during the media's viewing periods of practice.

Fitzpatrick enrolled at Alabama this summer, but is already impressing his coaches and teammates with Tide coach Nick Saban stating that Fitzpatrick has done a "a really, really good job."

"He's very instinctive and learns quickly, understands concepts," Saban said of Fitzpatrick. "He's probably going to a be a guy that, if he continues to progress, could make some contribution for us this year."

Added Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland, "You can tell he's focused in. He comes from a great background, family. I know his dad was really, really tough, just making sure he does the right things, and you can just tell, it shows, when he's on the field, you can tell he's mature out there on the field. You can tell he's doing what he has to do on and off the field.

"You know how most freshmen hit that wall when they first get to camp. You can tell he ain't hit that wall yet, and he's still out there focused in, looking good out there, moving around, just like he's been out there for years."

Saban also touched on two other freshman defensive backs in Ronnie Harrison and Kendall Sheffield. Harrison, who enrolled in January, is another young player Saban believes will "make a contribution this year."

As for Sheffield, he'll have to get over the "thinking too much" hurdle that young players often run into.

"I think in Kendall's case he has shown a tremendous amount of ability - a very talented guy, works hard," Saban said. "But I think right now some of these young guys get a little bit of a learning overload. They're thinking about what they have to do rather than just reacting and doing it. And you never know how long it's going to take to exactly come out of that. If Kendall can come out of it he'll probably contribute as well."

<b>Jennings out for 'awhile'</b>

Alabama freshman outside linebacker/defensive end Anfernee Jennings won't participate in any football related activities after failing a physical, Crimson Tide coach Nick Saban announced Wednesday.

Jennings arrived this summer with a "slipped disc in his back" and has since had a procedure.

"He'll be awhile before he's cleared to go," Saban said. "He's cleared for rehab purposes but not really here to participate in camp."

Jennings is still on scholarship and will continue to take classes. He is not a part of the Tide's 105-man fall camp roster. The roster will expand once school starts.

Jennings, a former four-star prospect, had 170 tackles, 14 sacks and nine pass breaks as a senior at Dadeville (Ala.) High School last year.

Injury update

Wide receiver Chris Black (ankle) and cornerback Marlon Humphrey (pulled muscle) are slowly working themselves back from their injuries.

During the media's viewing period of practice on Wednesday, Black ran a few routes, but was limited on others. Humphrey, however, mostly watched drills.

Saban said both are "making progress," but are still listed as "day-to-day" on when they'll be full participants.

Black, who has 267 receiving yards and two touchdowns for his career, is expected to be one of the Tide's top receiving targets. Humphrey, who redshirted last year, is competing for a spot in a crowded secondary.

<b>McElroy to join SEC Nation</b>

With Tim Tebow still pursuing an NFL playing career, a spot opened up on the SEC Network's traveling show, SEC Nation.

Insert former Alabama quarterback Greg McElroy.

McElroy, who led the Crimson Tide to the 2009 national championship, will join host Joe Tessitore, analysts Marcus Spears and Paul Finebaum and reporter Kaylee Hartung on the SEC Network's version of College GameDay.

"Thrilled to be joining #SECNation on Saturday mornings this fall. I'm grateful for the opportunity and look forward getting on campus soon!" McElroy posted to his Twitter account.

The two-hour preview show is scheduled to air every Saturday at 9 a.m. CT, live from different SEC campuses.

Contact Anniston Star Sports Writer Marq Burnett at mburnett@annistonstar.com. On Twitter:@Marq_Burnett.

This story was originally published August 13, 2015 at 2:27 PM with the headline "Freshman Fitzpatrick gets looks at different positions ."