ESPN College Football

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- If you're looking for one of the candidates for Breakout Player of the Year in the SEC, look no further than Alabama's Dont'a Hightower.

He was a first-team Freshman All-American last season. He's poised to be one of the best linebackers, period, in the SEC this season.

Julio Jones got most of the publicity last season when it came to the Crimson Tide's heralded freshman class, but Hightower carved out his own niche in his debut season.

"I think I'll be able to play a lot more on instinct this season than just based on knowing what the call is," said Hightower, who made 12 starts a year ago at will linebacker, one of Alabama's two inside linebacker positions.

"I watch film from last season, and there are a lot more plays I could have made and didn't. It won't be that way this season."

Hightower has worked at several different spots this preseason, including the Crimson Tide's jack linebacker, which is more of a hybrid pass-rushing position. He's also a candidate to play some defensive end on passing downs.

He's a natural to rush the passer, packing 260 pounds with great burst off the edge and the strength to fight off blockers.

"I'm moving a lot better this year at my weight because I was still learning last year," said Hightower, one of 11 true freshmen to start a season opener at Alabama since 1972. "I know what's going on now and have a quicker beat on everything."

He thinks this version of the Alabama defense will be even faster than a year ago and doesn't have a preference on where he plays. He feels "freer" at jack linebacker because he doesn't have to worry about pass coverage.

"But I'll play wherever it's going to help this team win championships," Hightower said. "That's up to coach (Nick) Saban. Whatever it takes for this team to win, I'll do. That's the mindset of this whole team. We don't have selfish players."

And while he'll let everybody else weigh in on where he rates among the Breakout Player of the Year candidates, Hightower does have a promise for the Alabama fans.

"My game has changed tremendously," he said. "I think I'll surprise a few people. I'm not as hesitant. I'm quicker to react. I'm playing a lot more naturally.

"I'll be a lot better player."

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- It's difficult (and would be unwise) to draw too many conclusions after watching 20 minutes of practice.

That said, here goes after checking in Tuesday morning on Alabama's second practice in full pads:

• Boy, does this group of defensive linemen look the part. It's night and day at that position from what it was when Nick Saban arrived at Alabama in 2007. Sophomore Marcell Dareus has NFL written all over him. He can play end and will again be able to slide inside on obvious passing situations. Dareus is pushing 300 pounds, but he moves like a 250-pounder.

• Terrence Cody's weight loss is pretty noticeable. His body looks different, and it's still amazing to watch somebody that big and that agile. Now that he's had the entire offseason to recover from that knee injury he suffered against Ole Miss last season, I think you'll see him start the 2009 season the way he did a year ago. He's still fighting, though, to get on the field on third down. For the record, Cody is right around 350 pounds and is growing pretty tired of the weight questions.

• Everybody wants to know about the freshmen. The guy I think is the best bet to play early is cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick. He just has that "it" factor about him sort of like Julio Jones last year. It's easy to see why he was one of the top cornerback prospects in the country last year with how easily he changes directions and closes on the receiver. Whether it's at the nickel position or somewhere else, here's betting that he's a part of the Alabama secondary rotation.

• It's way too early to tell about freshman running back Trent Richardson. Again, the Tide have been in full pads for all of two practices. But don't write off another freshman at running back -- Eddie Lacy.

• Alabama is taking a look at a number of different guys at different spots on the offensive line. Freshman D.J. Fluker was at right tackle Tuesday morning. Speaking of Fluker, he's listed at 350 pounds, but looks maybe 20 pounds heavier. It's probably a stretch to think he's going to be a factor at left tackle this season. For one, he only played offensive line one year in high school. And while Andre Smith did it as a freshman, how many Andre Smiths are there out there?

• The Crimson Tide's indoor practice facility has been extended to include a full 100-yard field as well as an additional 25 yards behind one of the end zones. The turf is also brand new, making it one of the nicest indoor facilities in the country. Alabama also has an outdoor artificial turf field.

Posted by ESPN.com's Chris Low

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -- Yes, Interstate 59 is still incredibly bumpy (I've still got the shakes), but I've arrived at the home of the defending Western Division champions.

How many of us thought we'd be saying that this time last year? Be honest now.

I'm getting ready to catch the first part of the Crimson Tide's morning practice and plan to sit down with coach Nick Saban sometime in the next two days to get his thoughts on where this program is in Year 3 under him. I'll also have several updates with the players over the next two days.

It sounds like Alabama is doing some experimenting with the offensive line and moving some people around, which you knew would happen, and Jerrell Harris is getting a look at inside linebacker. He's my pick to really come into his own this season.

I'll check back after practice. Anybody know what time Dreamland opens?