Nick Saban 'encouraged' by the production, health of two key veterans

Nick Saban is preparing for a gigantic matchup this weekend, welcoming the No. 12 Ole Miss Rebels to Tuscaloosa. As he prepares, he’s encouraged by the production and health of two key veterans — running back Brian Robinson and defensive lineman LaBryan Ray.

Both players are leaders on their respective side of the football, and it’s important that they’re healthy and playing this weekend. As Saban enters the biggest game of the season thus far, having them both playing to their potential is paramount.

On Wednesday’s SEC coaches teleconference, Saban first updated the world on his veteran running back in Robinson.

“BRob’s been great. He looks good, and he’s practiced well,” stated Saban. “So we’re encouraged that he’ll be able to play in the game on Saturday.”

In Alabama‘s first three games, the veteran Robinson had 208 rushing yards with two touchdowns. Additionally, he added on one receiving touchdown against Florida. 

Last weekend against Southern Miss, Robinson sat out with bruised ribs. In his stead, Roydell Williams and Jace McClellan paced Saban’s backfield.

While the duo played well in the victory over Southern Miss, it’s obvious the Rebels are a different animal. As Alabama attempts to keep Matt Corral off the field as much as possible, Robinson will play a pivotal role on Saturday.

Saban on Ray: ‘We’re very pleased with the progress that he’s making’

Furthermore, Saban is also getting back an impact veteran on the defensive side of the football. Along with his update on Robinson, Saban provided one on veteran defensive lineman LaBryan Ray.

This season’s been an injury-filled one for Ray, as he did not play in the Alabama‘s first two games of the season. However, he saw action against Florida and Southern Miss.

Unfortunately, Ray’s been snakebitten — dealing with many injuries throughout his career. Recently, Ray suffered a groin injury toward the end of the summer that set him back. 

Luckily, Saban stated the Ray is making progress — and he’s on his way to returning to form.

“He’s played in the last two games and played more in each one of those games. We’re very pleased with the progress that he’s making and the way that he’s playing,” stated Saban. “I think the more he plays, the more productive that he’ll be and I think the more confident that he’ll get that he’s physically healthy as well as making the kind of strides to get back to being the kind of player that he’s always been for us.”

Throughout his tough-luck time with the Crimson Tide, Ray has accumulated 10.5 career tackles for loss, adding 5.5 sacks. However, a bigger piece of the pie for him could provide even more talent to an already deep defensive line for the Saban’s Crimson Tide.

If Alabama is to defeat Ole Miss, it’s going to be all hands on deck. Luckily, it looks like Nick Saban has reason to be pleased — the Crimson Tide are looking healthy.