According to Saban, that position is still "wide open".
In Johns' absence, Saban noted the performance of several running backs, including sophomore Glen Coffee (81 yards, two touchdowns on 15 carries), redshirt freshman Grant (12-53, TD) and true freshman Jamar Taylor (10-32, TD).
"All those guys got lots of turns today and all of them did a decent job," Saban said. "That's one of the areas that we've got to continue to develop in. Offensively, we're pretty solid, but we don't have a guy that's proven at that position.
"Dependability's part of it. A guy can't do what he's supposed to do to get to practice, it's not saying much for him in terms of where he's at."
I think Johns will have to prove he's the man for the job both on and off the field if he expects to be the starter. That's what I love about coach Saban. If a player doesn't meet his criteria, he'll find someone who will.
