Alabama Football Opens Fall Practice (PHOTO GALLERY)

The Alabama Crimson Tide took to the practice field for the first time this fall to begin the 2013 season. Despite a 9:30am start time, the heat had already taken over the Mal Moore Athletic Facility.

The media were able to watch three periods of practice, which lasted about 10-15 minutes. During that time, players were grouped by unit with Nick Saban in his familiar position working with defensive backs.

The biggest position change of the morning was sophomore LaMichael Fanning taking reps with the tight ends. The 6'7", 270 pound, Fanning had spent his first two years on campus as a defensive end.

Nick Saban will speak to the media around 11:30am. Later this evening, the first year players will take the field and get acclimated to the practice routine before joining the rest of the team.